R EPORTS or MASONIC M EETINGS :—Craft Masonry ¦*• •!Instruction 2°Royal Arc h =S

Royal Masonic Institution for Gills 29Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 29Masonic Ball in Liverpool 3°Public Amusements 3°The late King of Italy 3°Frccmasonry in Ireland 3°Obituary 31The Order of High Priesthood 3iRoyal Masonic Institution for Boys—Old Scholars' Reunion ... 31Notes on Art , &c 31The Last Quarterl y Conrt of the Girls' School 3'Charitable Administration 32One of the Greatest Hindrances to Masonic Literature 33Time's Revolution „ 33CORRESPONDENCE :—

lobbery in our Masonic and Charitable Insti tutions 33The Order of St. lohn 34The Grand Orient of France 34Temple Bar Lodge 35The Girls 'School 35Roslin Castle 35The Masonic Schools 35

Consecration of the Cholmeley Lotlge 35Reviews 35Masonic and General Tidings .'. 3&Centenary of the Mount Lebanon Lodge 36Masonic Ball at Blackburn and Presentation to Bro. Le Gendre

N. Starkie 3*Presentation to Bro. E. J. Morris 40Lodge Meetings for Next Week 40Advertisements i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii.

C O N T E N T S ,

REPORT S OF MASONIC MEETINGS.&xnlt Btosflmrj).

ECLECTIC LODGE. (No. 1201).—This lodge,¦which , since thc establishment of its new reg ime of hospi-tality, has commenced a brighter career, inauguratedthe second year of its new life on Friday, 1 ith inst., by theinstallation of its new Worshipful Master, Bro. A. E.Taylor. There was a large gathering of members andfriends , the visitors including Bros. Thomas Fenn, PastGrand Deacon of England ; G. Kell y King, P.G.S., P.M. ofthe Alexandra Palace and other lodges, Yardey, 201 ;G. G. Barber , 441; Kni ght Smith , 1441; J. Mason ,A.G.D.C. Middlesex , P.M. 1567 ; Blaik?, James Stevens,Charles Tay lor, of The Great City Lotl ge; Woodcock , 12061Hamilton , of the St. James's Union; J. Cowa n, W.M.of the Carnarvon Lodge, Johnson (of No. 1 -j j, who hidpassed thc chair in thc Eclectic) ; J. While , P.M. of IheUnite 1 Strength (Freemason); F. G. Pochin , G.S. Leicesterand Rutland ; Aldworth , Golden Rule; P. Robinson ,201; E. A. W. Taylor, ,-502; W. J. Tay lor , 2 7 1 ; Dr.Payne, 12O1 ; C. Walker , 862; J. J . Wade, C. PullmanS. T. Williams , C. Walker, antl others. The retiring W.M.,Bro. Harty, opened the lotl ge, antl finished his ycat 's workby passing brothers whom he had initiated , antl then pro-ceeded with thc installation ceremony, giving the chargeto the brethren on the solemnity of the occasion , andcalling upon the W.M. elect to assent to the responsibili-ties undertaken by all candidates for thc Master 's chair.The Board of Installed Masters having been formed indue and customary form the new Master was invested , en-trusted , and placed in the highest position to which themembers of a lodge can raise any brother member. Theusual greetings having been given the W.M. appointedhis officers , and invested those whom he had re-elected aswell as those elected by the lotl ge, the whol e being asfollows :—Bros. Saul , S.W.; Lee, J.W.; Mander , P.M., a?Treasurer; W. H. Barber , Secretary ; Moss, S.D. ; Pochin ,J.D. ; Dr. Lloyd, I.G. ; Watts, P.M., as D. C. ; Davis ,"W. S. (and the W.M. in investing this brother raised alaugh by telling the officer that the lotlge looked to seeefficiency combined with economy), and Bro. Pace madehis debut "in collar " by being investetl as A. W.S. Bro.P. M. Mander assisted Bro. Harty in thc installa'ionwork, by giving the address to the W.M., and after Bro.Harty hatl delivered the charge to the Wardens, Bro.Mander took up the thread of the ceremony by the lastcharge, " oltl style," therein conducting the listeners overthe "bleak mountains " with very pleasant elocution.The W.M. then decoratetl the I.P.M., Bro. Harty, with thePast Master's jewel voted by the lodge, and referring to thechange made by thc majority of the lotlge, a year ago,from a non-banqueting to a banqueting lodge, saitl thelodge during the preceding year had passed through acrisis, and hatl come out of it most satisfactori ly, antl thefact that it had come out of it thus satisfactoril y wasmainly due to the immense energy of Bro. Harty. (Cheers.)Bro. Harty, before election to thc chair, passed throug hthe other offices of the lodge, working in all of them withskill antl assiduity, and he had disch?rged the tluties ofW.M.—always a difficult ant' responsible post, but of in-creased difficulty last year in the Eclectic—in a mannerwhich hatl won the entire approbation of all who had seenthe working of the lodge. (Cheers.) That day the I.P.M.had cappctl his work by discharging the tluties of InstallingMaster, and the jewel which the lodge hatl bestowed coultlbe accepted with honour , antl worn as having beenworthily earnetl. (A pplause.) Bro. Harty , in responding,said he could not allow that moment to pass away with-out thankin g his friend and brother , whom he had hadthe pleasure of installing that night , for the words justheard , and the lotl ge for that which in his eyes was ajewel of inestimable value. To be the W.M. of his motherlodge was to a Mason a crowning point to his Masoniccareer, and it was a matter of deli ght to himself that he hadpassetl throug h this honourable distinction , to the honour-able position of a P.M. of the lodge. (Cheers.) When heentered the Eclectic all was dark and dreary with regardto hospitality, and there was no happy meeting, no friendl yintroduction of thc newly made brother to his brother Ma-sons after the ceremony. He felt this lack of union , for henever saw the Worshipful Master who initiated him after

thc ceremony, but he knocked against Bro. Mander onthat eventful evening of his initiation , and asked that bro-ther to come with him and drink " success to Freemasonry."It was after coming to know what Freemasonry was inother lod ges and in other respects , that he resol ved to en-deavour to work a change in the constitution of the lodge bywhich the brothers of the Eclectic could receive and givehospitality, and they coultl not exchange such friendl y visitsunder the old system of the Eclectic,f or no brother would careabout accepting hospitality if he could not offer it in return.(Cheers.) The lotlge had now tried the change for a year,and he hoped they liked it. (Cheers.) He was bound tosay the members seemed to enjoy the new regime, antlunder it thc lodge would flourish. (Cheers.) Letterswere read by thc Secretary fro m the Grantl Secretary andAssistant Grand Secretary expressing regret at inabilityto be present. Bro. Mander dre w the attention of thelotl ge to the fact that Bro. Harty hatl undertaken theoffice of Stewird for the forthcoming festival of thc RoyalMasonic Benevolent Institution , on behalf of the " OldPeople," and moved that the lodge vote £10 to be placedon Bro. Harty 's list. Bro. Bostobel sccondetl the motion ,which was carried unanimously. The lodge was thenclosed , antl the [brethre n disappeared from the Temple ofMasonry to re-appear in thc Temple of Restauration , theHolborn Restaurant , where a feast which woultl haveastonished the Masons of a generation or two back wisserved for the delectation of those who love dinners " A IaRusse." The W.M., after the dinner, gave the usua l loyaltoasts , with an expression of the combined loyal sentimentstowards the Queen and the Craft and the head of ourOrder which arc ever heard in Masonic circles. TheW.M. then proposed "The Grand Officers , Past andPresent ," and congratulated the Eclectic Lodge upon thefact that there vvas present a distinguished Past GrandOfficer , who was, moreover, a member of the lodge, andwho wculd , no doubt , respond to the toast —Bro. ThomasFenn , Past Grand Deacon. (Cheers.) Bro. ThomasFenn , who was received with warm cheers, said he had tothank the lodge for connecting his name with the leastof "The Grantl Officers ," for hc regarded it as a vcry greathonour to a Past Grand Officer to have his name coupledin a toast with noblemen so distinguished as the Earl ofCarnarvon and Lord Skelmersdale. (Cheers.) Everybrother who attended Grand Lotlge on a recent occasion ,and heard Lord Carnarvon speak upon a very weightysubject , could not but have felt that His Royal Hi ghnessthe Most Worshi pful Grand Master could not have fountla more fitting representative of himsel f than the Earl ofCarnarvon. (Cheers.) Notwithstanding the noble Earl'sconnection with state affairs, antl thc great demands uponhis time throug h his holding a most important positionin the Government of the vast British Emp ire, hislordshi p never faile 1 to conic to Grand Lodgewhen any important question affecting the Cra ft was to bediscussed, antl the manner'in which the Pro Grantl Masterbroug ht such questions before Grantl Lodge was such ,that by his eloquence , his tact, antl Masonic good feelinghe carrietl Grand Lotlge with him on all points. (Cheers.)It was deeply to be regretled that Lord Skelmersdale wasnot so frequently in Grantl Lodge as the brethren wouldlike, and those who knew his lordshi p were sure that hewould be a great favourite—but his lordshi p's absence wasto be accountetl for by the fact that his health did notadmit of his taking so great a part in Grand Lotlge af-fairs as the brethren desired , antl this all brethren wouldregret. (Hear, hear.) With respect to thc other GrantlOfficers , the manner in which the toast had been receivedtestified to the respect the Craft generally bore to thoseselected by His Royal Highness for office , antl on behalfof his brother Grand Officers ami himself , Bro. Fenn re-turned warm thanks. He proceeded to atltl that on thelast occasion when he had the honour to respond to thetoast in the Eclectic Lotlge (on the last installation night),he ventured , with some harmless pleasantries, to allude tohis first visit to the lodge, when he performed the duty ofconsecrating it. Bro. Harty, had that night describedhis own feelings of isolation upon initiation , and Bro.Harty's experience of the first introduction to the EclecticLodge was more genial than his (Bro. Fenn's), for whileBro. Harty did find a friend and brother to go and drink" Success to Freemasonry " with him, he himself , on hisfirst night with the Eclectic, got no more than a glass ofcold water. (A laugh.) Last year he did contrast thath ydropathic reception—(a laug h)—with the gathering atthe changed constitution of the lodge, and congratulated themembers of the Eclectic Lodge upon the change ; but indoing so he hatl not the slightest idea that he was wound-ing the susceptibilities of a kind and good brother, onewho however much one might differ with him uponpoints, must be declared to act conscientiously up to hisidea of Freemasonry. (Hear, hear.) At the. time that he(Brother Fenn) spoke last year, he was ignorant of anydifference having arisen in consequence of the changehaving been made by the majority of the members, andhc hatl then really expected to see present the kind andgood brother to whom hc referred , and to hearfrom him the confession of a mistake in the originalconstitution of thc lodge. (A laugh.) Bro. Fenn thusfelt constrainetl to make some sort of apology for sayinganything, however unintentional , calculated to woundany one's feelings. Still , however, " may difference ofopinion never alter friendshi p," antl Bro. Fenn still heldhis own opinion that labour and refreshment shoultl neverbe sundered. (Cheers.) If the social aspect of Freema-sonry were cut out from Freemasonry there would be abod y without a soul. (Cheers.) Especially would this bethe case in London , where an ordinary inhabitant in a" road ," a " crescent ," a " terrace," and a " park ," mi ghtlive for twenty years without knowing his opposite neigh-bour, and, therefore, social gatherings were necessary toassist men in forming those friendshi ps which Freema-sonry was so famous for forming and cementing. (Cheers.)In the country, where people know each other, the social

element was kept with a glass of whisky and water, anda pipe. (Hear.) Hc ventured to say, however, that wesomewhat overdo banqueting in London. (Hear.) Informer timrs Misonie banquet c insisted of fish and ajoint , and a tankard of ale—and he was not sure that itwould not be better for us to follow our forefathers' ex-ample to som; extent. (Hear.) In these times of hi ghpressure we could go in for French dishes and cham-pagne—he was not finding fault with the Eclectic fordoing so, as he had that evening much enjoyed himself ,(a laugh), but looking over the minutes ofthe Prince of Wales's Lodge he found itsolemnl y laid doivn that members were onlyt<*. have wine when a prince of royal blood dined withthc lotlge, and this showed that moderation and economywere practised in former times. (Hear.) But it did n>,tmatter whether members of lodges bad win**, or whetherthey had ale—it would be weil for the Craft if fromtime to time the brothers dined together. (Cneers.) With-out thc institutio n of dining, a proper sociil element wouldbe lost to the Craft , antl the high moral princi ples therebyinculcated woultl be lost, and Masonic charity as well.(Hear.) By " Masonic charity," he ditl not mean thatwhich was dinned into Masonic ears on all Decisions , asto the duty to put our hands into our pocketsto support the Masonic Charities. To do thiswas all very well , yet this was only the out-come of our teaching; but to tlo that was not aloneMasonic charity. (Cheers.) We were taught not onl y torelieve the distressed , and to extend the liberal hand tothose in want, but to render kind offices to each other ; tosoothe the unhappy, and to sympathise in their mis-fortunes ; to restore peace to troubled min is ; to forgivethe injuries of men to endeavour to blot wrongs and thesense of wrongs from the recollection , and to foster thoseprinci ples of universal friendshi p and benevolence whichthe colour of blue teaches us should be as expensi ve as theblue vault of heaven itself. ( Loud cheers.) He concludedby thanking them most cordiall y for the manner in whichthey had received the toast of the Grand Officers , and inreturn trusted that the lod ge might flourish. Brother Harty,in an eloquent speech, then toasted the W.M., whose day ofinstallation was also his natal day. Bro. James Stevenschanted " Many happy returns cf the day," amid thcplaudits of thc brethren. The W.M. responded in a speechwhich was alike a credit to his heart and head , and thenproceeded to give " The Health of the Visitors," and havingread the long Ii t , was greatly cheered when he stated thathis own father and uncle were present on that, to him,great occasion. Response was made to the toast by Bro.J. Stevens, Bro. Cowan, Bro, Woodcock , Bro. Taylor, andseveral ether brethren ; and then the W.M. proposed thetoast of the Past Masters, antl dwelt upon the hi gh honourthe lodge felt in having as its W.M. an artist of thecelebrity of Bro. Harty, whose name was so closely associa-ted with the Craft as the artist of the picture of the Princeof Wales's installation at the Albert Hall. Bro. Harty res-ponded in a speech worthy of the occasion and of the tra-ditional eloquence of the Sister Isle. It was late before theproceedings were entirely over.

EARL OF CARNARVON LODGE (No.1642).—Thc brethren of this \oti re held their regularmeeting on Thursday, the 10th January, at the LadbrokeHall , Notting-hill. Bro. Penn , W.M., presided for thefirst time. Bros. Parkhouse, S.W. ; Smout , sen., as J.W.jSavage, P.M. as S.D.; Lander, J.D. j Oldery, Organist ;and Smout , jun., D.C. Amongst the brethre n present wealso noticed Bros. Lichtwitz , Whittaker , Collet, Newland ,F.ye, Wootl , Barte, and other. After reading and con-firming the minutes of the last meeting, Bro. Olderypassed the Second Degree, and Bro. King was duly raisedto the Third Degree, and here we must observe that theceremony peiformed by the W.M., might be a pattern tomany old Masons, and it was generally acknowledgedamongst the brethren , that they never heard it done withmore perfection , the dignified appearance of the W.M.,naturally adtls of course to the solemnity of the ceremony.Messrs. C. Rowland , Dewynter, John Roberts, and JamesWhittaker , were then admitted to the Order. Before clos-ing the lodge it was proposed and carried to hold anotherball on thc 2 2nd of February, at the Ladbroke Hall, similarto that of last year, for the benef t of the Masonic Institu-tion for Girls, which Bro. Stephens, P.M. represents at thenext festival , antl as may be justl y antici pated , his listwill be nearly equal to that of Bro. Murlis, P.M., lastyear, which amounted to over ^200. After closing thelodge, the brethren adjourned to the banquet, provided ad-mirably by Bro. Linscott, the usual loyal and Masonictoasts being proposed. The Earl of Carnarvon is always inthis lod ge a special toast as a mark of gratitude, not onlyfor giving permission to name the lod ge after him , butalso to use his coat-of-arms. " The Visitors " were thenhonoured ; there were present Bros. Dyer, 790 ; Harvey,1196 ; Hendover , Morgan , Little, Game, P.M. 511;Adkins , T. Sivage, P.M.; and Spiegel, 188, and itwas re-sponded to by each separately. The P.M.'s toast wasrespontled to in the usual humorous style by Bro. Murlis,P.M. " The Initiate " also responded to the toast pro-posed ; then followed " The Officers ," here especially, theVV.M. was pleased to see Bro. Parkhouse , the S.W., inhis place who, through his own illness and illness in hisfamily, was for some time prevented from being amongstthem. The S.W., on rising to respond , (who seemsto be a great favourite amongst the brethren) , wasgreeted with great app lause, and was so overcome withemotion , that he could hardly express morethan a few words. The other officers thenresponded in suitable terms. The next toast was " TheMasonic Charities,." to which Bro. Stevens, P.M., asSteward for the next festival, responded , thanking thebrethren for the liberal manner in which the lodge hadtreated him , by heading his list with ten guineas, and thesupport he had from the brethren in adding to it alreadymore than 100 guineas, led him to expect that his list

would be second to none in thc Craft , and hc further ap-pealed lo those brethren who have not already done so, tosubscribe as soon as possible, he is always ready to re-ceive. Hc no sooner sat down than several brethrencalled out to put down their names ; Brother Whitakersubscribed ten guineas, as a first instalment , antl promisedmore if he saw that other brethren will take a similar in-terest. The Tyler's toast closed a very enjoyable and in-teresting Masonic gatherine.

COWES.—Medina L̂odge (No. *-.**).—The Mas-ter of this lodge for the ensuing year was installed onThursday, ioth inst , in thc presence of a good attendancefrom the neighbouring lodges. Bro. Wyatt having beenre-elected , the ceremony was much shortened , but theancient charges, &c, were given , at the request of theW.M., by Bro. Parkes, I.P.M. of the Albany Lotl ge, New-port, in a very impressive manner. Thc following breth-ren were appointed by the W.M. as his officers for theyear :—Bros. Airs, I.P.M. ; Barfield , S.W. ; the Rev. W.Barker, M.A., J.W. and Chaplain ; Mursell , S.D.;Wheeler, J.D. ; Fellowes, I.G. ; Luter , Tyler ; J. G.Wheeler, P.M., Treasurer ; T. Giles, P.M., Secretary ; J.G. Jones, Organist ; Munt , D.C. At six o'clock , the breth-ren sat down to a most excellent banquet at the GlostcrHotel , served a la Russc, and the way in which Mr. Jonescatered was heartil y appreciated by all. After the ban-quet , thc loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and ahappy antl pleasant evening was passetl.

BOLTON.—f\nchor and Hopo Lodge (No.37).—The installation meeting of this ancient lotl ge washeld in thc Freemasons' Hall , Church Institute , Bolton , onMonday, the 7th January. There was a numerousattendance of brethren , amongst whom werc Bros. R. K.Freeman, W.M.; James Brown , S.W. ; Saml. Crowther ,J.W. ; Saml. Isherwood , P. Prov. G. Treas. ; John Tunnah ,Prov. G. Secretary ; G. P. Brockbank , P. Prov. G. Deacon;Wm. Slater , P. Prov. G. Deacon ; Robt. Harwood , P.Prov. G. Supt. of Works ; Reuben Mitchell , P. Prov. G.Sword Bearer ; Pilkinton , P.M.; Jas. Walker , P.M. ; JamesNewton , P.M. ; Jas. Horrocks , P.M. ; James McAd.-im ,P.M. ; J. M. Rutter , P.M. ; I. D. Porteous , P.M. ; RichardHough , W.M. 146 ; John Wild , P.M. 146 ; W. A. Byron ,P.M. 178 ; R. Brown , P.M. 241, Liverpool , Hon Sec. WestLancashire Masonic Educational Institution ; CharlesWilliams, W.M. 384; and others. The lotl ge was openedin the First Degree by Bro . R. K. Freeman , W.M., assistedby his officers. The mixutes of the preceding regularmeeting were reatl antl confirmed. The lodge was thenopened on the Second Degree, when Bro. James Newton ,P.M., the Installing Master , took thc chair. Thc W.M.elect (Bro. James Brown , S.W.), was presentetl to thcInsL-illing Master by Bro. Samuel Isherwood , P.M., P. Prov.G. Treas., and thc ceremony of installation was procecdctlwith , there being present at the Boanl of Installed Mastersno fewer than eighteen brethren who had ntt -rined to thatdegree. The Master elect having been placed in the chairof K.S., and proclaimed and saluted in thc three degrees ,the officers for the ensuing year were invested by Bro. R.Brown , P.M. 24 1, viz., Bros. Saml. Crowther , S.W.;Johnson Mills, J.W.; Rev. J. H. Gibbon , Chap. ; Wm.Slater, P. Prov. G. Deacon , Treasurer ; J . D. Porteous ,Sec. ; G. M. Garslnng, .S.D. ; Jno. Booth , J.D.; Robt.Harwood , P. Prov. G. Sunt , of Works , Master ofCeremonies ; F. W. Pacey, Mus. Bac. Oxon., Organist;Jas. Robinson , 2nd Inner Guard ; J. W. Roiley , Ty ler.Bro. R. Brown then delivered the usual addresses to theMaster, Warden , anil brethren. On the proposition of Bro.John Tunnah , Prov. G. Secretary, seconded by Bro. G.P. Brockbank , P. Prov. Deacon , the Secretary was instructedto write to the family cf the late P. Prov. G. W. H.Wright., V. Prov. G. Wartlen. expressing the sym-path y antl condolence of the members of Ibis , his MotherLodge, with them on their sad bereavement , and of thc highesteem antl regard entertained by the bretheren for hismemory. Hearty good-wishes werc expressed by thevisiting brethren , and the lotlge was then closet) , and thebrethre n adjourned to the banquet , after which , the usualloyal and Masonic toasts were dul y given antl responded to ,the proceedings of the evening being enlivened by theservices of an efficient glee paity, coiisistingof Bros. Slater,Garstang and Pacey (members of the Lodge.) Duringthe course of the evening, a subscri ption was entered into inaid of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educationaland Benevolent Institution , which resulted in nearly £20being raised for the Institution. The Tyle- 's toast havingbeen given , the brethren separated at an earl y hour in theevening.

SOUTHAMPTON. — Royal GloucesterLodge (No. 1 30).—The festiva l of St. John , and instal-lation of W.M. of this lotlge for the year ensuing, tookplace on Thursday, thc ioth inst., the attendance beingvery good. Thc W.M., Bro. It. Sharpe , having raised twoParsee brethren , who have been study ing medicine nt theVictoria hospital, at Netley, proceeded to instal his successor,Bro. C. John Philli ps, the Boanl of Installed Masters num-bering fifteen. The new W.M. subsequently invested hisofliccrs as follows : Bros. C. Jellicoe, S.W.; James Cole ,I.W.-, R. Sharpe, Treas.; J. R. Weston , Sec. '; Rev. E. Y.Ncpean , Past Prov. Grand Chap., Chap. ; S. Myer , S.D. ;J. Robertson , J.D. ; Pike, Org. ; J. F. Obree, I.G. ; Baird ,and Marshall , Stewards -, and Biggs antl Varc, Tyler antlAssistant Ty ltr. Before thc lotl ge closed , a cortlial vote ofthanks was proposed to the retiring Master for his efficientperformance of thc installation ceremony, and in responsehe embraced the opportunity of presenting to the lotl ge ahandsomely bound antl gilt copy of the Book of Constitu-tions, and a similarly bound antl gilt manuscri pt copy ofthe byc-Iaws , beautifull y written , with illuminated initialletters, by Mr. Clarke , of the Hi gh-street , Southampton.Subsequentl y thanks were tendered to Bro. Sharpe for hisable contluct of thc lodge during thc past year, and a PastMastei's jewel voted him , in recognition of his services.The installation banquet was provided by Bro. Durtnal l,

and gave every satisfaction to an excellent attendance ofthe brethren. In proposing the respective customary toasts,thc W.M. called the attention of the brethrento the connection of the Pro Grantl Master ,the Earl of Carnarvon , with Hampshire , antlpointed to some of his public services in that county,as at one time judicial chairman of its quarter sessions,and then chairman of the visiting justices , under whomthe gaol discipline of the county was revised . His lord -shi p's career and that of the Prov. Grand Master ofHampshire and the Isle of Wight , (Bro. W. W. B. Beach ,M.P.) , testified to the truth of the remark otten heard inthat hall , that most distinguished Masons were also re-markable for their public services outside thc Craft. ThcDeputy Pro /. Grand Master , (Bro. W. Hickman), and theProv. Grand Secretary, (Bro. Lc Feuvre), owned theRoyal Gloucester as their mother lodge ,and it was some-what remarkable that for the whole period during whichHampshire had hatl a Grand Master , cither the Ri ghtWorshi pful brother or his deputy , and sometimes both ,either claimed the Gloucester as thei r mother lodge, or wercjoining members of it , the last three or four Deputy Prov.Grand Masters living in Southampton. The lotl ge wasalso congratulated on thc gratifying contributions bothfrom the province and from England at large, to theBoys' School festival , presided over during the past ytarby the R.W. the Prov. Grantl Master. P.M. Morris Miles,Prov. Grantl Director of Ceremonies , responded to thetoast on behalf of "'I he Grand Cheers." In proposing"Sister Lodges and thc Visitors," the W.M. remarked thatthe five lodges in Southampton antl the immediatel y att-juining neighbourhood being presided over by comparativel yyoung men , ought to prove an incentive to young Ma-sons, as showing that the elder biethren hadno desire to monopolise thc deservedly covetedposition of W.M. The t- .ast was acknowled ged bythe W.M.'s of Peace antl Harmony, Shirley, and Clausen-tium Lod ges, Bros. J. Claik , G. M. Passenger, jun., J.E. Tucker, and G. Tilling. The toasts of the W.M., and theP.M.'s having been given and acknowled ged, the healthsof Bros. Kariman and Koyaji were given from thc chair ,wilh special expressions of good-will towards them intheir home ia India , to which they are about to proceed ,antl both brethren replied in eloquent terms. " TheOfficers " were dul y remembere d before the pariing toastwas eriven ,-iud an evening closet! which was characterizedby much gootl feeling, the sp -colics being relieved by sev-eral capital songs, contr ibuted tob y P.M.'s Payne, Keane ,Tilling, the W.M., antl others , antl some admirable scltc-tions on the harmoni um by P.M. Sharpe.

TRURO.-Lodgo of Fortitude (No. 131).—The festival of St. John thc Evangelist was celebratedhy the Centenary Lod ge Fortitude , with great eclaton Wednesday, the t/ .h inst. Thc members assembledin their hall in Quay-street for thc insinuation at 2 p.m.,when a large number of the Craft attended. W. Bro.Edward Edwards , W.M.,111 the chair. Bro. Col. Sir JamesMcGarel-Hogg, Bart., K.C.B., M.P., antl three otherjoining members , were elected , antl two candidates wereinitiated , the latter ceremony being conducted by the W.M.Thc ll.W. Bro. William James Hug han , P.M.. P.S.G.D. ofEng land , P. Senior Grantl Warden of Egypt , &c, waspresented for installation to t' .c W. Bro. Thos. Chirgwin ,P.M., P. Prov. S.G.W., Installing Master; the usual ques-tions being asked by thc Secretary of thc lotl ge, Bro. Wm.Poittr , antl the presentation being made by W. Bro.William Lake, P.M., P. Prov. G. Reg. The InstallingMaster having entrusted the new Master , according toancient custom , that brother was placed iu the chair ,amid the plaudits of the numerous Past Masters presentin honour of the occasion , forming qui-.e a lodge of them-selves. Bro. Hughan , on the brethren being admitted ,slated that the first offi.ial act of his woultl be to order theSecretary to insert in the minutes thc fact of the installa-tion that tlay having been conducted by his valued friendantl brother , P.M. Chirgwin , who hatl installed him intothc same position in the year 186S, just ten years ago. Thepresent occasion , however , he felt it was a special compli-ment to him , for the installing Master was not only distin-guished as a Mason , but also the first Mayor of the City olTruro , honoured and trusted by his fellow citizens , antl es-teemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.The W.M. appointed anil invested the following brethrenas his officers for the year ensuing :—Edward Edwards ,I.P.M. ; John I) . Sampson , S.W. ; J. Cooper I'urniss,J.W. ; William Porter , Secretary ; Richard Lean , S.D. ;S. Richards , J.D.; John A. Mackenzie , M.C ; HenryToope, Organist ; William B. Moriiss , I.G. ; W. Bro. T.Chirgwin having been re-elected Treasurer , was investedaccording ly, anil John Lang don was again re-elected asTvler. W. Bro. Stephen Holloway, P.M., P. Prov. G.D.,who was Steward for the Cornwall Masonic AnnuityFuntl in iSuS , when Bro. Hughan was W.M., was againre-elected in that capacity. The W.M. explained the sadcause which prevented the attendance of Rro. Hollowaythat tlay, and felt assuretl that the sympathy ofhis brethren and their appointment of him tooffice woultl be much appreciated by him.Then followed a uni que expression of esteem for thc newMaster, Bro. Hughan , by deputations from various lodgesrising lime after time to offer thc congratulations of theirmembers to the W.M., including representatives from 75,Falmouth ; 330, Bodmin ; 331 , Truro ; *-8u , Redruth; 699,Chaccwnter; 1529, St. Columb ; 32 3, Leicester (per Bro.Rev. W. T. Fry, P. Prov. G. Chap lain , Leicestershire), theroll being added to at thc banquet by 121 , Penzance ; 1550 ,Pl ymouth , and others. Letters were also received from thcRi ght Hon. the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , Prov. GrantlMaster ; Sir Frederick M. Williams , Bait., M.P., DeputyProvincial Grantl Master; James H. Neilson , P.M. 620,Dublin , P.S.G.W. of Egypt , &c, and many other breth-ren , expressing regret at their unavoidable absence andbest wishes for thc ancient lodge of " Fortitude ,"

Truro , which has not ceasetl to work at regu-lar intervals from 1772 to the present year.The annual banquet was served tit the Ret! Lion Hotel ,Truro, by Bro. John Bray, P.M., P. Prov. G.D.C, anilgave great satisfaction to the crowded guests, who weresomehow or other all comfortabl y seated and entertainedin Ihe large room of the hotel. Bro. Hughan was inthc chair , and was supported by Col. Sir James McGarel-Hogg, Bart., K.C.B., M.P. -, W. Bros. William Tweedy,J.P., P.M. 331 , Prov. G. Treasurer ; EJwartl Trcwbod yCarlyon (City Treasurer) , P.M. 331, Prov. G.Secretary, Thomas Chirgwin, J .P., P.M., P.Prov. S.G.W. (Mayor of Truro) ; WilliamLake, P.M. 131 , P. Prov. G. Reg. ; John R. Collins, P.M.330, P. Prov. G.S.B.; (William James Johns, P.M. I -JI ,P. Prov. G. Reg. ; William H. Jenkins , P.M. itj i , P. Prov.S.G.W.; Frederick William Dabb, P.M. 588, P. Prov.G.W. ; William Middleton , P.M. ir- i , P. prov. S.G.D. -,Richard John , P.M. 131 , P. Prov. G.D.C ; T. L. Dorring-ton , P.M. 1*5 1 , P. Prov. J.G.D. ; Nathaniel B. Bullen , P.M.131, P. Prov. G.C ; James C. R. Crews, P.M. i-j i , Prov.G. Std. ; Lieut . W. F. Sharp, W.M. 231 ; John Jeffery,J-W. 33 1-John Thomas , W.M. 589; John F. Hooper, W.M.elect of 699 ; It. G. Bird , P.M. 1550; W. Rooks , P. Prov.G.P.; Edward Edwards , I.P.M. i -j'i ; John T. Tillman , P.M,131 ;J. Wallace , J.W. 7-5 ; W.D. Rogers, S.D. 75 ; JamesLovell , jun., Sec. 121 ; the Wardens , officers , and manymrmhtTl.

An interesting feature of the evening was an able sketchof the Metropolitan Board of Works anil its gigantic opera-tions by its respected chairman , Col. Sir James McGarelHogg, ami the speeches generally were much above theordinary, those ot the VV.M. containing many valuabledetails respecting the position of the order , and the pro-gress of Freemasonry in Cornwall . Thc musical arrange-ments were entrusted to Bio. N. B. Bullen , who did hiswork well as usual .

BOLTON.—Lodge of Antiquity (No. 146).—The annual festival and installation meeting of this lodgewere held on Wednesday, 9H1 January, at the Bull' s HeadInn , Bradshawgate , Bolton. Amongst the members ofthc lotlge present were Bros. Richard Hough , W.M.; Jno.Duxbury, S.W.; Robt. Hornd ge, J.W.; Thos. Glaister ,P.M., P. Prov. S.G. Warden *, Hy. Ainsworth , P.M. ; Wm.Nich olson , P.M. ; Joh n Morris , P.M. ; John Wild , P.M.;Thos. Collins , P.M.; anil others. The visitors includedBros. Saml. Isherwood , P.M. 37, P. Prov. G. Treasurer;Wm. Slater, P.M. 37, P. Prov. G. Deacon ; Thos. Entwisle,P.M. 221 , S.W. 1723, P. Prov. G. Supt. of Works; Robt.Whittaker , P.M. 678, P. Piov. G. Dir. of Ceremonies ; J..W. Taylor , P.M. 221 , J.W. 1723, P. Prov. G. Org. ; JamesBrown , W.M. 37; James Newto n , P.M. 37; and others. Thcceremony of installing the W.M. elect (Bro. John Duxbury,S.W.) was performed by Bro. Joh n Wild , P.M., who alsoinvested the officers for the ensuing year , viz : Bros. Robt.Horritlge , S.VV.; J .imt-s Dooley, J.W.; Wm. Nicholson ,P.M ., Treas. ; M. Burgess , Se-c. ; William Cooper, S.D. ;George Taylor, J.D. ;'Richd. Duxbury, I .G. Bro. Wildthen delivered thc usual addresses to the W.M., Wardens ,antl brethren. Hearty gootl wishes were expressetl by thevisiting brethren , and the lodge was then closed , and thebrethre n adjourned to banquet.

LANG ASTER.—Lodge of Fortitude (No. 281),—Thc monthl y meeting of this lotl ge was held on the 9thinst., in the Masonic Rooms , Atlienreum. Bro. Jowettoccupied the chair, but there was not a vcry large attend-ance of numbers. The lotl ge having been opened in thcFirs t Degree with solemn prayer , the minutes of the pre-vious meeting were reatl and con firmed , Bro. Shepherdwas then examined , antl proving efficient , was entrustedand retired. The lodge was then opened in thc SecondDegree, antl on Bro. Shepherd being re-admitted , he waspissed to the tlegree of F.C. by the W.M., the workingtools bring presented by the S.W. Thc usual proclama-tions were afterward s matle , clieiling "heart y gootl wishes"fro m thc visiting brethren , antl the lod ge was closed inp-ace, love, antl harmony.

FAREHAM.—Lodge of Harmony (No. 309).—The inslnilnlion of Bro. Thomas Robinson as Worshi p-ful Master of this lot lge (No. 309) took place on Thurs-day, Ihe 3rd inst., the lotl ge being opened at thc TownHall , in consequence of thc large attendance of the brethren.Bro. thc Rev. T. Robinson , P.M. 88 antl 704, P.P.G.C. ofCambrid ge, and P.P.G.S.W. of Kent (father ot the W.M.eleel) was the Installing Master , antl admirably conductedthe sublime ceremony. The newl y elected W.M. having beendul y inducted into office , appointed and invested his officersas follows :—Bro. A. Nance, S.W.; Bro. Edgar Goble,J .W.; Bro. the Rev. Dr. White, L.L.D.( Vicar of Hambledon) ,Chaplain ; Bro. J. B. Goldsmith , Treasurer ; Bros. E. G.Holbrook and W. Gilbert Heath , Secretaries ; Bro. A. R.Holbrook , S.D. ; Bro. II . Jeans, J.D. ; Bro. Osborne,Org. ; Bro. N. H. Matthews , D.C.; Bro. Rev. A. Headley,I.G. ; Bros. J. Andrews an 1 J. Holbrook , Stewards ; andBro. Pannell , Tyler. The lotlge having been closed in dueform , the brethren adjourned to the " Red Lion " Hotel,where an elaborate banquet was servetl. The Worshi pfulMaster occup ied the chair. On the removal of the cloth ,"The Queen and the Craft " was proposed fiom thc Chairand dul y honoured , after which thc W.M. proposetl "TheMost Worshi pful Grand Master , His Royal Hi ghness thePrince of Wales, K.G., K.T., etc., and the Most Worship-ful thc Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon."Thc toast having been dul y honoured , the. Worshi jifulMaster proposed " Pile Ri ght Worshi pful Deputy GrantlMaster , Lord Skeltncrstlilc , antl the Officers ofGrantl Lodge." Bro. thc Rev. Dr. White proposed" The Ri ght Worshi pful Provincial Grand Master ,Bro. W. W. 13. Beach , M.P." Bro. W. Edmondsproposetl " Thc Very Worshi pfnl Bro. Hickmanantl the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge."Bro. Taylcr having acknowledged thc compliment, on be-half of Bro. Hickman/proposed " The Visitors," coupling

with the toast the name of Bro. Eastes, the Deputy Pro-vincial Grand Master of Kent , who has forty-three lodgesunder his care. Bro. Eastes responded , and alluded to thegreat importance of interchang ing visits , so thatinformation and experience might be obtained .Bro. Goldsmith proposed " The Health of the WorshipfulMaster," in a neat speech. Whatever honours mighthereafter fall upon Bro. Robinson , he would , he felt sure,always regard that evening as thc proudest evening ofhis life. He had been in office three years. Bro. Robin-son had always attended to his duties, antl gave gicatpromise for the ensuing year. If ever he wanted assistancehe might always call upon the Past Masters, who wouldbe ever ready to afford it. The Worshipful Master re-sponded, fn thanking them for the honour they had donehim , he also thanked them for making it his gootl for-tune to be one of thc youngest Masters in England , if notthe youngest. He hardl y knew how to thank the bre-thren sufficientl y for the honour th ey had done him inelecting him to that important position. In accepting ithe was fully determined to carry out his duties to the verybest of his ability, and endeavour by every means in hispower to enhance thc honour and osefulncss of thatlodge. He should never forget thc ceremony of thatevening. Solemn at all times as vvas the installation ofa Worshipful Master, in his case its solemnity was vcrymuch added to by the fact of its being conducted by hisown father , and he might say, with pardonable pride,that it had been performed in a manner which couldhardly be excelled. He proposed "The Health of thePast Masters of the Lodge," and in doing so particularlythanked Bro. Whale for his valuable services for two yearsin the chair. Bro. Whale suitably returned thanks , andassured the Worshipful Master that thc Past Masters werealways ready to render him every possible as-sistance. " The Officers was given and dul y ac-knowledged, and the Tyler's toast brought the eveningto a close. The musical portion of the proceedings, bothin lodge and at the banquet , was ably carried out by Bro.Robert Osborne, P.P.G. Organist, who was assistctl byBros. Pearman , Kni ght, Stroud , and Grant , as vocalists.

SOUTHEND.—Priory Lodge (No. 1000).—Thc installation meeting of this lod ge was held on thcloth inst., at the Middleton Hotel , Southend , Bro. theRev. Spencer Robert Wigram, P.G.C, W.M., presiding.The Rev. Brother installed his successor, Bro. WilliamChaplain , in the presence of a full lotlge, in which weremany of the Provincial Grantl Officers. A P.M.'s jewelwas presented to Bro. Wigram. After the business of thelodge was concluded , the brethren banquettetl at thcMiddleton Hotel .

LANCASTER.—Rowley Lodge (No. 1051).—An emergency meeting of this lod ge was held on the 5thinst., in the Masonic Rooms, Athenaeum , Leonnrdgate,under the presidency of the W.M., Bro Thomas Jackson,There was not a large attendance. Thc meeting washeld for the purpose of conferring the third degree on Bro.W. H. Chippendale, who has gone abroad to join his regi-ment. The lotlge having been opened in thc First andSecond Degrees, Bro. Chi ppendale gave proficiency of hisknowled ge as a Fellow Craft, was entrusted , and retired.The lod ge was then opened in the Third Degree, and Bro.Chippendale having been admitted , was raised to the Sub-lime Degree of M.M. by the W.M., the degree being care-full y and efficientl y worked. Thc W.M. also presented theworking tools, after which thc lod ge was closed with theusual formalities. The annual meeting for the installa-tion of W.M. of thc above lodge was held on the 7th inst.,in thc before named room. There was a lair musterof members and visiting brethren. Bro. T. Jackson,W.M., occupied the chair of K.S., and was supported byhis respective officers. Thc lodge having been opened inthe first degree, thc ballot was taken for Bro. HenryJames James, (Palestine Lodge No. 97) as a joiningmember, and proved unanimous. Bros. Palmer andWelch next gave proof of their efficiency as E.A., andwere entrusted antl retired , and on being separatelyadmitted were passed to thc degree of F.C, the workingin the former being admirably gone through by BroLongman , P.M., and in the latter by the I.P.M. TheWorshi pful Master then vacated his chair, which wasoccupied by Bro. Dr. Moore, P.G.S.B. of E., as InstallingOfficer , and who proceedetl to install Bro. A. Sheriff asWorshi pful Master of the lodge for the ensuing twe lvemonths, the ceremony being most ably and impressivel ypciformed. The following brethren were also appointedantl invested officers for thc ensuing year:—Bros. T. Jack-son, I.P.M. ; N. W. Hclme, S,W. ; Wm. Taylor, j.W. ;W.J. Sly, Treasurer (re-elected) ; H. Longman, Sec. -, JohnT. Jackson , S.D. ; Thomas Bell , J.D. ; James Vince,I.G. ; J. Aldous, Org. ; and A. K. Allison , Tyler. Thebrethren then adjourned to the King's Arms hotel, andsat down to an excellent dinner , under the presidency ofBro. A. Sheriff , W. M. The usual loyal and Masonic toastswere given and responded to, and a pleasant and enjoy-able evening was spent. The Fortitude and the Dukeof Lancaster Lodges were rcpresentctl by their WorshipfulMasters, Bros. Jowett and B. F. G. Dale, who respondedon behalf of their respective lodges.

KIRKBY LONSDALE. - The UnderleyLodge (No. 1074).—The annual festival of this flou-rishing lodge was held on Fritlay, January nth , at three0 clock in the afternoon , when the members and visitorssssemblfd unusal ly strong. The lodge was opened in dueform by the W.M., Bro. Robert Godfrey, assisted by hisWardens , and Bros. John Bowes, P.M., P.P.J.G.W. ; W.•Dodd, P.M., P.P.J.G.W. ; Rev. Canon Ware , P.M.,f -P .J.G.W. ; Waring, P.M. ; W. James, P.M. ; Atkin-son. P.M.; Greenbanks, Wilkinson , Quinay, Dr.Waller, No. 2, S.C; Pussey, S.W., W.M. elect;Anderson, Tyler, and a number of other brethren,il 1

mmutcs of the last meeting having been confirmed,thc lodge was opened in the Second Degree, when Bro.

Greenbank claimed preferment and having proved hisclaim was entrusted , and in due course raised by theW.M. The lodge having been lowered, Bro. John Bowes,assumed the chair of K.S., and Bro. Pusey having beenpresentetl was installed in ample form as W.M, for theensuing year and saluted, proclaimed and greeted in theseveral degrees. A cordial vote of thanks was carriedby acclamation to Bro. Bowes, the InstallingMaster. After labour , the brethren adjourned tothe Royal Hotel, for the annual banquet , whichditl great credit to the hostess, and a most enjoyable eveningwas spent under the guidance of the genial W.M. Thetoasts were enlivened by recitations and songs from Dr.Waller, Dr. Page, W.James, thc W.M., R. Godfrey, Quinay,Simon , etc. Dr. Page proposed "The Health of the Instat-ing Master," antl referred to his long and intimateacquaintance with that bi other, and his readiness at alltimes "to come to the rescue." We will onl y add that theW.M. lives in the hearts of the brethren and that his yearof office must be a happy and prosperous one.

TREDEGAR.—St. George's Lodge (No. 1098).—On Thursday, January 10, Bro. Rev. Edward Jones wasinstalled as W.M. of this lodge, and the ceremony waamost ably performetl by Bro. N. Bradley, assisted by Bro..G. A. Brown. There was a good attendance, amongstwhom was Bro. Capt. S. Geo. Homfray, P.A.G.D.C. andD.P.G.M., Monmouthshire. The brethren afterwards dinedtogether at the " Castle Hotel ," and amongst those presentwas the son of the late Bro. Brock , who is nowin Jdie Masonic Institution for Boys, and allowedto be present by special request, and the breth-ren were much pleased with his improvementduring the time he has been in the. institution. He re-turned after his holidays on thc following morning, andno doubt woultl ever remember the privilege which hadbeen granted to him.

BARNARD CASTLE. — Barnard Lodge(No. 1230).—The annual installation meeting of thislodge was held on thc 4th inst., in the Masonic Hall ,Newgate. In consequence of the notice on the circular ,that this was the first meeting of the lodge in their newpremises, neighbouring lodges were well represented , aswill be seen by the ^following list of visitors, viz., Bros. R.Richardson , C02 ; G. Stillman , P.M., P.P.G.J.D. ; J.Brown , J.W.; W. Knowles, J. J. Scrafton, J. Robson ,F. Wouldhave , W. J. Mulvey, R. R. Rule, D. Armstrongand C A. Slader, 1121; F. W. Bewsh , I.P.M. 1274 ; W.Waistell, i** **7 ; C. R. Green, 1522; G. C. Lee, 1611 ; J.M. Shepherd , 1. Hartley, R. Peverell , C. J. Spence, J.Hawdon , J. Graham, E. T. Stephenson , W. J. Mulvey, andJ. Fawcett , 1650. Among other business before the lod gewas that of Bro. W. Waistell , Lodge 1337, as joiningmember , who upon the ballot being taken was declaretlunanimously elected. Bro. R. R. Rule , Bishop Auckland ,Lodge 1121 , was proposed by Bro. R. J. Dent, W.M ,as joining (honorary) member. The proposition wasseconded by Bro. Moore, P.M., Bro. the Rev. C.R. Green , Rokeby Lodge 1522 , was then proposed byBro. Moore, P.M., and seconded by Bro. Cooke,P.M. The chair was then taken by Bro.by Bro. Moore, P.M., who proceeded in his customarypainstaking and effective manner, to instal Bro. John W.Batlcock into the chair. The following were the other ap-pointments, viz : Bros. G. C. Lee, S.W.; W. Ward, J.W. ;Rev. J. Brockbank , Chaplain; R. C. M. Cooke, Treas. ;Wm. Sang, Secretary ; J. Kyle, S.D.; B. S. Beckwith ,J.D.; J. M. Moore, D.C. ; Wm. Gardner, I.G. ; J. Kirtley,Tyler ; Wm. Gardner and D. Finlay, Stewards. Bro,Cooke, P.M., then arose, and after asking permissionfrom the W.M., addressed the esteemed I.P.M., saying :" I have to-ni ght a most pleasing duty to perform , Bro.Dent. On behalf and in the name of the brethren of theBarnard Lodge I present you with this P.M.'s jewel, assome token of our respect and esteem towards you as abrother, also in remembrance of the efficient and substan-tial aid you have rendered to the lodge during the erectionof this Masonic Hall, and for the effective and faithfuldischarge of your duties during your year of office asW.M." Bro. Dent vcry feelingly replied. " Hearty GoodWishes " were presented by the visitors fro m the variouslodges they represented. Thc festival of St. John theEvangelist was subsequently celebrated by a banquet atthe King's Hea d Hotel , and was partaken of by aboutforty brethren. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts weregiven and dul y honoured , the Tyler's toast bringing a verypleasant evening to a harmonious termination. The P.M.'sjewel was an emblematic one, containing Bro. R. J. Dent'smonogram in the centre, and at the back the followinginscription :—" Presented to Bro. R. J. Dent, W.M. of theBarnard Lotlge, No. 1230 , on the termination of his yearof office , the 4th of January, 1878."

LANCASTER.—Duke of Lancaster Lodge(No. 1333). — The Festival of St. John the Evangelistwas celebrated by this young but flourishing lodge on the2nd instant , at the King's Arms Hotel , when there werepresent Bros. G. F. Dale, W.M. ; Wolfenden , S.W. ;Elleshaw, J.W.; Parker, S.D.; Hartley, J.D.; Cleminson ,I. G.; Bell, S. S.; Stork , J. S.; Oglethorpe, Org. ;Hartley, P.M. ; Bell , P.M. and Treasurer ; Heald ,P.M. ; Acton , P.M. and Hon. Sec; Coulon, I.P.M.;Stewardson, P.M. 950 ; Taylor, P.M. 1051 ; Bannister,P.S.D.; Scott, Stork, Traccy, Barlow, Beckett , Patterson ,Longmirc, P.S.D. and S.W. 1651; Taylor, Dotson , Sandam ,Hutherwall , Richmond , Jas. Simpson , Jno. Simpson ,Bliasard , Bel l , Hall , (Kirkham Lodge), Wilcox , Wilkinson ,jacobson , Barsby, Mans, Bell , P.S.S. ; Stizaker , Woods ,Beesley, Huntingdon , Jackson , S.D. 105 1, CaptainStorey, and Allison and Sheppard , Tylers.The W.M. was supported on his right and left by thePas* Masters of the lotlge. The toasts then followed.After "The Queen antl the Craft " had been duly hon-oured, the W.M. proposed "The M.W. Grantl Master ofEngland, the Princess of Wales, and the Royal Family ;"

" The Earl of Carnarvon, R.W. Pro G.M. ;" " Lord Skel-mersdale, R.W.D.G. Master, and R.W.G.M. of WestLancashire ;" " H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, S.G.W.;""H.R.H. thc Prince Leopold, J.G.W. ;" "The GrandOfficers , Past and Present ;" "Colonel the Hon. F. A.Stanley, R.W.D.P.G. Master, and the P.G. Officers of WestLancashire." " Thc Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces"was proposed by Bro. Hartley, P.M., and Bro. Coulon,Quarter-Master Sergt. ist Royal Lancashire Militia, re-sponded. "The Bishops and Clergy of all denominations "was given by Bro. Bell, P.M., and briefl y responded to byBro. Parker, S.D. " The Health of the W.M," was thenproposed , in eulogistic terms by Bro. Coulon, I.P.M.,the same time observing that the brethren had seen sixmonths of , Bro. Dale's working as W.M., and hc couldventure to express that every brother of the lodge wasproud of their W.M. It was owing to his exertions thebeautiful choir which adorned the ceremonies in ourlod ge at working hours, no less than their charminginfluences this evening, was established, and there can beno doubt that the Duke of Lancaster Lodge, was thcmost energetic and best worked lodge in the neigh-bourhood , he would therefore call upon every brotherpresent, to drink long lifc and happiness to the W.M.in a full bumper. The toast was drank with the utmostenthusiasm, so was',also that of Mrs. Dale and all the littleDales. The W.M., in responding, thanked the brethrenfor the kind and enthusiastic manner they had drunk hishealth, and that of his wife and children, and expressedthat this moment was the proudest in his life, and he con-sidered no greater honour could be bestowed on him sixmonths ago the W.M. of the Duke of Lancaster Lodge.It was a distinguished honour that any gentleman mightfeel proud of , more particularly, on his part, being so younga ;Mason.' It was just four years ago he was initated amember of the " Duke," when he looked back it seemedlike yesterday, the working of the lodge was arduous, andthe meetings long, generally meeting at six and workingup to eleven , but he was only too much rejoiced tohave such work to perform , but at the sametime he must tender his thanks to the brethrenand his officers for their strenuous assistance in carryingon the work, and from appearances at present, there wasnot going to be a cessation as the precept for next lodgenight, was as full as any yet , which meant another sixand eleven. He must again express his thanks for thevery enthusiastic manner his health, and of his wife andchildren were received,and must say he felt proud to addresshis brethren from the vcry place the Mayors of Lancasterhave done the same to their corporations from time im-morial , and as he was there placed he considered he wasin a exalted position as any one, being the W.M. of theDuke of Lancaster Lodge, 1353. The W.M. proposed"The Health of Bro. Coulon, I.P.M.," which wasdrank with enthusiasm, and Bro. Coulon, I.PM., responded.The W.M. next gave the P. Master of the lodge. Bro.Hartleyjlenr., P.M., responded , and observed that it gavehim the greatest pleasure to be among them that evening,also at the progress the lotlge had made since he was in-installed into the chair of.K.S. As the first Master of thelodge in 1871, he was one of the first who signed thecharter, and he rejoiced that the false prophets who pre-dicted at that day, the speedy downfall of the lodge, havebeen disappointed , hc returned them his sincere thanks onbehalf of the P.M's. for the vcry flatteringmanner they had drank their health. Severalother toasts having been proposed and responded to,the Tyler's toast was given by Bro. Stewardson, P.M.Th is brought the banquet to a close.

SOLIHULL.—St. Alphage Lodge (No. 1431).—The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Wednes-day, the 2nd inst., at the George Hotel, the W.M., Bro.E. A. Webster, in the chair , supported by the followingofficers and brethren : Bro. W. Hillman, P.M. ; B. J,Allsopp, S,W.; A. Horrocks, J.W. (pro tem) ; F. Jones,Hon. Sec. ; J. Jennings, S.D. ; D. Simns, J.D. ; E. C.Weller, I.G.; J. Hillman, S.; A. Hopkins, D.C; J. Chap.man, Tyler. The visiting brethren included the following :Bros. J. L. Kennedy, P.P.G.D.C; J. B. Hall, P.G.D.C.Leicester and Rutland ; S, Davies, sen., 141 ; Buckley1180 ; W. Pringle, P.M. 925 ; J. Luck, 1031. The lodgewas opened punctually at five o'clock, p.m. The minutesof the previous meeting having been read and confirmed,The lodge was opened in the second degree, and Bro.C. H. Evans being present , the W.M., addressed the usualenquiries, which thc candidate answered in a verysatisfactory manner, whereupon he retired, and the lodgebeing opened in the third degree, and he was raised to theSublime Degree of a Master Mason , the whole of theceremony was performed in the manner usual in thisflourishing young lodge, and reflected the greatest creditupon the W.M. and his officers. The lodge was thenclosed, and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room,where a. goodly and plentiful repast was waiting for them,all being carried out under the personal supervision ofBro. J. Hillman who never tires in his endeavour to makeall comfortable, the usual toasts was given from the chair,interspersed with numerous songs and recitations, by theW.M., Bros. Kennedy, Davies, W. Hillman ,} Buckley,Wilkinson , Jones, Evans and Burt. Previous to leavingthe brethren did not forget the Benevolent Fund in con-nection with thc lodge.

NEWPORT.—Albert Edward Prince of"Wales's Lodge (No 1429.)—On Thursday, iothJanuary, Bro. James Horner was installed as W.M. ofthc above lotlge, and the ceremony was most ably per-formed by the I.P.M. Thc brethren adjourned to abanquet at the Westgate Hotel , and were much pleasedto see the worthy D.P.G.M., Bro. Capt. S. Geo. Homfray,P.A.G.D.C, there on his return from Tredegar. Therewas an excellent muster of thc Craft, including severalProvincial Grand Lodge Officers , and many brethren con-nected with neighbouring lodges. The lodge was opened

in due form at 2.30, when the ordinary lodge businesshaving been disposed of , Bro. Frederick Orders, theW.M. for the past year, proceeded with thc installa-tion of Bro. James Horner , P.G.A.D.C, as Worship-ful Master for the ensuing year. These responsibleduties were admirably carried out, and thc retiring W.M.received thc congratulations of the brethren present, asdid also the newly installed W.M. on his having beenplaced in the chair of King Solomon. The W.M. nextproceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year, thelist being composed as follows : Bro. James Horner, W.M.;F. Orders, I.P.M.; W. Walkings, Treasurer; HenryRichards, S.W. ; James Sanders, J.W.; W.M. Locke,Secretary ; W. H. Wheeler, Assistant-Secretary ; A. Taylor,S.D. ; J. E. Thomas, J.D. ; E. Conner , Supt. W.; E. W.Perrin , Organist ; W. Welsford , I.G. ; J. Jenkins andE. W. Evans, Stewards ; H. Fletcher, Tyler; W. Hopton ,Assistant-Tyler. This concluded the business of the lodge,which was closed in due form , thc brethren adjourning tothe " Westgate Hotel,"' where the annual banquet tookplace. Bro. Hallen laid covers for about fifty brethren ,and the viands were of thc choicest and most recherchekind. The W.M. proceeded with the toast list, first giving" The Queen and the Craft," followed by " The M.W.G.M. of England, his Royal Highness Albert EdwardPrince 'of Wales, K.G.;" " The M.W. Pro G.M., theEarl of Carnarvon , the R.W. Deputy G.M. the ViscountSkelmersdale, and the Officers of the G. Lodge of England.''Bro. Dr. W. Morgan then gave " The R.W. the Prov.G.M. for Monmouthshire , Bro. Colonel Charles Lyne; "and in doing so remarked that he had hatl the pleasureof knowing the P.G.M., and had watched his Masoniccareer ever since he entered Newport , and it must be verygratif ying to him to find himself at the highest point inthe province which it was possible to arrive. In the ab-sence of Bro. Colonel Charles Lyne, P.G.M., this toastwas responded to by Bro. Charles Rowe, P.G.S. " ThtW. the Deputy P.G.M. for Monmouthshire, Bro. CaptainS. G. Homfray, and the rest of the Prov. G. L. Officers ,"was given by Bro. Richards, the S.W. The toast of theevening was "The W.M. 1429, Bro. James Horner,P.G.A.D.C., Mon," and was proposed in eulogistic termsby Bro. F. Orders. In the most enthusiastic manner thebrethren acknowled ged the toast , and the W.M. feelinglyresponded. The remaining toasts were the " InstallingMaster " (Bro. Orders) , "The Masonic Charities ," "TheVisiting Brethren," "The W.M., Officers , and the Brethrenof the Silurian Lodge," (to which Bro. Campbell, W.M.,responded) , "The Isca Lodge, and other Lidges of theProvince," and "The Officers of the Albert Edward Princeof Wales Lodge." The Tylers toast brought to a termin-ation a most harmoniously-spent evening.

BARNSLEY.—Friendly Lodge (No. 1513).—The celebration of the festival of St. John the Evange-list, and the installation of the Worshi pful Master of theabove-named lodge was held on Thursday, January 3rd ,at the King's Head Hotel , when in the presence of a num-ber of the Craft , Bro. W. Winsworth was duly installedas Master. The ceremony was very ably performed byBro. G. Sykes, P.M. 290; supported by Bros. Braithwaite,P.M. 151.-1; Wood, P.M. 290 ; Farrar, P.M. 1592 . Beau-land, W.M. 1562; Slack , P.M. 919. The followingbrethren were appointed antl invested as officers of thelodge for the ensuing year, viz. : Bro. Gration , I.P.M. jChambers, S.W. Morris, J.W. ; Watson, Treas. ; Massie,Sec ; Shepherd , S.D. ; Alderson , J.D.; Nelson , I.G. ;Home and Whiteley, Stewards; Rogers, Ty ler. A ban-quet in honour of the festival was afterwards held, aboutforty sitting down, amongst whom were visitors fromLodges, No. 55, 139, Sheffield ; 29 1, Huddersfield; 306,Leeds ; 910, Pontefract ; 149 2, Penistowe. The usualloyal and Masonic toasts were propositi and duly respondedto; the enjoyment of the evening was much enhanced bysome capital songs and music given by several of thebrethren.

LIVERPOOL.— Marlborough Lodge (No.1620).—The first installation meeting in connection withthis suburban lodge, after its consecra tion, was held at theDerby Hall, Tucbrook, near Liverpool , on Wednesd ayafternoon, the 2nd inst. The lodge was duly opened byBro. W. Woods, W.M., and amongst those in the lodgeroom during the afternoon and evening, were Bros. W.Pughe, S.W. j G. Lunt , J.W. ; L. Bagnall , Treasurer ; H.Hindle, Secretary ; C. Tyrer, S.D. ; G. Lunt , 1393, (whokindly undertook to act as Tyler pro tem.), J. A. Barrow ,J. Asbury, C. J. Carr, R. Brown , W. King, A. F. Ingham,N. J. Pitts, T. Fletcher, jun., A. H. Carmichael , J. McFall,G. P. Getterton, W. E. G. Tisdale, H. T. Rourke, T,McCracken, W. Bulcock, P. C. Asbury, J. W. Wood, A.Thomas, J. W. Lightbound, W. Thomason , H. J. Black-burn , D. Gaudin, A. Preston, W. Brown , and A. Ashley,The visitors were Bros. J. W. Turley, P.P.G.J.D.; E. Ford,S.W. 1386 ; J. P. Bryan, 1035 ; J. Boyle, 823 ; R- Har-greaves, 1182; J. C. Salmon, S05 ; J. Barlow, 440 ; T.Carr, 1094 ; R. H. Evans, P.M. 292 ; W. C. Erwin , Sec.1.393 i T- Sammons, W.M. 1391; VV. J. Lunt , P.M. andTreasurer 823; J. Lilly, 1182; W. Wilson . P.M. 823; W.H. Hignett , 1547, and others. The minutes of the pre-vious meeting having been read and confirmed , five breth-ren were passed to the degree of F.C. by the retiring W.M.,(Bro. Woods), who afterwards installed Bro. Wm. Pugheas his successor in the chair of K.S., thc presentation forthat purpose having been made by Bros. P.M. Evans andP.M. Lunt. The following brethren were subsequentl y in-vested officers for the coming year, Bros. W. Woods,I.P.M. ; T. Lunt , S.W. ; H. Hindle, J.W. ; Luke Bagnall ,Treasurer ; Henry Pitts, Secretary ; C. Tyrer, S.D. ; W.Thomason, J.D. ; T. McCracken , I.G. ; Wm. King, S.S. ;H. Barrow, J.S. ; P. C. Asbery, A.S. Several proposi-tions for initiation and joining having been made, thelodge was dul y closed, after the balance sheet had beenpissed , the brethren dined in the evening under thepresidency of Bro. Pughe, W.M. About sixty brethren

sat down , the excellent catering of Bro. Vines, P.G.D.C,giving thc usual satisfaction. Several capital glees, songs,&c, were sung in goo 1 style by Bros. Barlow, 440,(Canada) ; C Waterson . 1035 -, A. C. Forshaw , 1035 ;R. N. Hobart , 1505, and J. P. Bryan , 1035, 203,honorary Organist of the M irlborough. Theusual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured.In responding to thc " Provincial Grand Officers , Bro .W. G. Lunt said that although not a Present or PastProvincial Officer , he full y approved of the custom ofhonouring the Grantl Officers on such occasions, and boretestimony to the urbanity and assiduity of the ProvincialGrand Master, Lord Skelmersdale. "The WorshipfulMaster " was proposed by Bro. W. Woods, I.P.M., whoexpressed his gratifica'ion at thc choice the lodge hadmade, and said that from his long personal observation hecould testif y to the careful attention given by Bro. Pugheto his Masonic duties. He was sure that the lodge wouldprosper under his government , and gave his assurance ofhearty co-operation during the coming year. The W.M.in replying, thanked them for the great kindness whichhe had experienced from every one in the lodge since hisconnection with it, and expressed his determination to tloall in his power to;keep up the prestige of the lodge. The"Installing Master " was proposed by the W.M., whospoke to the hard work undergone by Bro. Woods informing the lodge, and attending to its affairs during hisyear of office. He had much pleasure in presenting tohim , on behalf ot the brethren , a handsome tea antl coffeeservice, as a small token of their estee 11 and gratitude.Bro. Wootls replied in suitable terms, and said that he washeartily glad that the efforts of himself and other brethrenhad been successful in providing a proper house forMasonry in Tuebrook , and expressed his conviction thatthe Marlborough Lodge would go on and prosper. "TheVisitors " was proposed by the W.M., and responded to byBro. Dr. Crawford , 680, and Bro. R. H. Evans , P.M. 292 ,in eloquent terms. " The Officers " followed , and theW.M. congratulated the lodge on possessing such a com-petent staff for the coming twelve months. Bro. GeorgeLunt , S.W., and others acknowledged the toast. " TheCharities " was responded to by Bro. John Jones, P.M.216, who stated that at three meetings lately of Masons noless a sum than ^20,000 had been subscribed by thebrethren . Ths " Musical Brethren " was acknowledged byBro. J. P. Bryan , IO-J S.

HAMPTON WICK.—Wolsey Lodge (No.1656).—An emergency meeting of this new but mostsuccessful provincial lodge was held at the hostelry of Bro.Andrews, of the White Hart , on Saturday, the 5th inst.,and which was, for an " off-ni ght," very fairly attended.Amongst those present were Bros. W. Hammond, P.P.G.D.of Midx., P.M. 201, 2326 , 1512, W.M. ; B. Sharp, P.M.P.G.S. of Midx. S.W.; T. C. Walls, P.G.O. of Midx.,J.W. 1381, and acting J.W. (Freemason) ; the Rev. J.De Crespigny, P.P.G.C. of Midx., Chaplai n ,acting I.P.M.;T. Ockenden , S.D. 15 12 , Secretary ; Forge, acting I.G.;Marvin, D.C. ; and Scott , W.S. The W.M. had con-vened the meeting for the purpose of easing his agenda ofbusiness at the next regular lodge night, but his good in-tentions were partly frustrated by the non-attendance ofseveral brethren and gentlemen who were down for raising,passing antl initiation. Thc ballot having been success-fully taken for the latter, the W.M. proceeded to initiatetwo out of thc five present, namely, Messrs. Humphries,and Bicknell , (serving brother). He then passed Bros.Worthington and Murray, to the degree of M.M., thewhole of the work being most carefully performed. Aproposition for initiation having been taken , the lodge,after sitting upwards of three hours, was adjourred untilthe first Monday in the ensuing month. The visitorswere Bros. Herbert Jones, 1326 , Murp hy, and HenryJones, 1512. During the evening, thc Secretary read thenames of many brethren and others who had forwardedapologies for their non-attendance. There was no banquet ,but the brethren partook of a slight refreshment. Theonly toasts were " The W.M.," and "The Initiates," therest of the evening being devoted to conviviality.

NORTH WOOLWICH. — Henley Lodge(No. 1472).—On Tuesday the 1st inst., the above pleasantand flourishing little lodge held one of its usual monthlymeetings at Bro. West's house, the Three Crowns, Bro.W. Steele, W.M., in the chair, supported by the followingofficers : Bros. Manning, S.W. ; Turner, J.W.; Plume,S.D. ; Dr. Vance, J.D. ; Lloyd, I.G. ; and Thomas, whoofficiated for Bro. Steadman , O.G. The Past Masterspresent were Bros. J. Henderson , who is as well Sec. ; andWest, who is P.M. of lodges 1076, J327, 1437, andP.P.G.S.D. Herts. The business before the lodge con-sisted of balloting for Mr. J. Geller, but althou gh theresult was favourable, unavoidable circu instances kept thecandidate away. Bro. W. Penlney was then raised tothe Sublime Degree by the W.M. most impressively, andas usual , the working of the subordinate offices was per-fect. The lodge was then closed, and the brethren ad-journed to a dinner , served in Bro. West's best style. Atrefreshment the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were givenand responded to in thc usual way among Masons, andthe rest of the evening was spent most enjoyably.

INSTRUCTION.THE EARL OF CARNARVON LODGE

(No. 1643).—A meeting of this lod ge was held on Friday,4th inst., at the Mitre Hotel , Goulborne-road , NottingHill. There were present Bros. Penn , W.M. ; Crabb, S.W.;Smout , sen., J.W. ; Spiegel , S.D. ; Wood , J.D. ; Luhtwitz,I.G. ; Smout , jun., Secretary ; Savage, P.M., Preceptor ;Murles , P.M. ; Tcttenbrun , Woodmason , Whittaker, De-hane, Gabb, Hatton , and oihers. The ceremony of rais-ing was then rehearsed, and Bro. Woodmason being thecandidate , thc lod ge was resumed to the First Degree, andthe Fir-it and Second Sections was then worked by Bro.

Savage, assisted by the brethren. The reply of Bro. Park -house, S.W., of the mother lotlge, to the letter of sym ¦pathy, send to him from this lodge of instruction , wa sthen read, in which hc expresses his grateful thanks to thebrethren. A committee was then appointed to arrangethe bye-laws of this lodge, consisting of Bros. Penn , W.M.;Murlis , P.M. ; Adkins, and Spiegel . The lod ge will meetnext Friday, at half-past seven , when Bro. Spiegel will oc-cupy the chair, and promises not onl y to work the ThreeDegrees, but will also explain the Tracing Boards fin theFirst and Second Degree.

3omi %uiLION AND LAMB CHAPTER (No. 192).

—-The January meeting of this chapter was held at theCannon-street Hotel , on Wednesday last , the 16th inst.The officers and members present were Comps. F. D. R.Copestick, M.E.Z.; H. Birdseye, H.; T. C. Chapman , J. ;George Phythian , P.S. ; R. Pawson Hooton , W. E.Newton , Thomas Cohu , Francis Fel lows, S.E. ; GeorgeKenning, Treas. ; George Newman , P.Z.; James Lorkin , EBenard , W. H. Brand , E. F. Storr, Wilson , Cox, Arkell ,Ewins ,CCann , Perry, and others. The visitors were CompsW. Birdseye, H . Everett , and Forsyth , P.Z. VictoriaChapter. Thc minutes of the last meeting were reatl andconfirmed. The ballot was taken for Bro. William Fran-cis Darnel l, of the Lion antl Lamb Lotlge, No . 192. Itproving unanimous in his favour , he was dul y exalted tothe degree of Royal Arch. The installation of Princi p lis andinduction of officers was then proceeded with , underl ie ableguidance of thc veteran and much esteemed Comp. H. Mug-gerid ge, P.M., P.Z., etc., with the following result : Comps.H. Birdseye, M.E.Z ;T. C. Chapman , H.; R. P. Hooton , J.;George Kenning, Treas.; F. Fellows, S.E.; G. Phythian ,S.N.; E. F. Storr , P.S. ; C. B. Cheese, First A.S. ; J. Lor-kin , Second A.S. A P.Z. jewel was voted to Comp. F.D. R. Copestick. A satisfactory audit was declared forthe year 1877. under the able management of the out-going Z., Bro. F. D. R. Copestick. A banquet followed ,the usual toasts being given and responded to.

BATH.—Tynte Chapter (No. -179).—A regularmeeting was held on Tut-sday, January 15th , at whichthere was no other business than the installation of Prin-cipals, who hatl previousl y been nominated. In the absenceof the First Principal his chair was taken by Ex. Comp.Becket , P.Z. ; that of H. by Ex. Comp. Watts ; and thatof J. by Ex. Comp. Dutton . The chapter was opened bythem at 7.40. There were also present Past First Prin -cipals Reeves and Davis, and as visitors Col. Ford , P.Z.53; Dr. Hopkins, P.Z. 328 , 587, 7 10; Carey, Z. 41. Theminutes of the previous meeting werc read and confirmed.The new officers having been balloted for and unanimouslyelected , Ex Comp. Dr. Hop kins installed Ex. Comps.Watts, as Z.; Dutton , as H.; and Lotler , as J. Comp.Gore was appointed E.; Reeves, N. and Treas. ; Becket ,P. Soj.; and Gazzard , Janitor. A vote of thanks to tbeInstalling Principal , for his assistance, was carried by ac-clamation. A long discussion ensued on matters connectedwith the chapter, and the proceedings were brought to aclose at 9.30.

KIRKBY LONSDALE.— Bective Chapter(No. 1074).—The regular quarterl y convocation of thischapter was held on Friday, the nth inst., at one o'clock.In the unavoidable absence of the M.E.Z., Earl Bective ,M.P., Prov. G. Supt., his chair was occupied by Ex. Comp.John Bowes, P.Z., Prov. G.S.N., supported by Ex. Comps.W. Dodd , P.Z., H. ; Rev. Canon Ware as J,; Comps.Dr. Page, E.; R. (.Godfrey, N., acting P.S.; W. James,Dr. Waller, No. 2, S.C, and a goodly number of othercompanions. Thc chapter was opened by the Princi pals,when the members generally were admitted. Thc minutesof the last meeting having been read and confirmed , theballot was taken lor three candidates, duly proposed , all ofwhom were unanimously accepted , and Bros. Waring,P.M., and Anderson being present were dul y exalted. Thethanks of the lodge having been accorded to the actingM.E.Z., and there being no further business it was closedwith the usual solemnities.

" A Scul ptor's Studio " in our next .H. H.—We omitted the ritual technicalities purposely.

We do not profess to publish them.Owing to the pressure upon our columns this week thc

following reports stand over :—Lodges 13, 151, 209, 237,379. 4*9. 4o9> 477. 586. 597, 663, 732 , 1035, 1044.

The Christmas double number of the " MasonicMagazine " has reached us, and we notice contains, amida mass of generally interesting reading, much that isespecially attractive to members of the Craft. We haveglanced at several of the articles, and note many thatare both curious and pleasant in its well-stocked pages.-—The Southampton Observer.

To meet the demand npon our space, anadtlitional 4 pages has been included in this week's issueof" The Fr eemason," making it a 24-page paper.

Constitutions of the Ancient Fratern ity ofFree and Accepted Masons , containing the Charges,Regulations , E.A. Song, &c. A copy should be in thepossession of every brother. It may be obtained for2S. at the office of the Freemason , or will be sent postfree to any part of the United Kingdom on receipt oftwenty-five penny stamps. Address, Publisher , 198,Fleet-street, London.—A DVT,

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

of the Charitable Reform Association, and inthis strong language, (which we believe heuses sincerel y) is riding one of their many"hobbies " to death, for it but represents hisown view of the grave question of interchange ofvotes, which is one of the alleged grievances,and such a " moot point " cannot be settled byinfallible dogmata, or burning denunciation.At any rate let us keep clear of Masonic popesand Masonic infallibility ; popes and infallibilityhave done enough mischief in the world and wewill not have them imported into Freemasonry.For as we have often said before, we hold theinterchange of votes to be perfectly proper , inevery sense, and shall always be prepared to up-hold it in any fair discussion. But we do objectto have our mouths shut, so to say, ourselves¦'' rolled over" by the assertion of "a petitio prin-cipi," the assumption, the dogmata of an infalli-ble correctness. After an experience of years inour Masonic charitable elections, we are quiteable to say that any charge of " jobbery " asagainst them , is an entire delusion. A corres-pondent calls attention to a case which clearlyproves that the theory which asserts that acommittee necessarily selects candidates betterthan the subscribers, is, as we have always con-tended , not the case. In this case, acting underexternal pressure, the general committee actuall ycommitted a breach of the laws of the Institu-tion. We hold therefore, that the proposals ofthe Charitable Reform Association , are a com-plete mistake in this respect, and will lead in-evitably to greater abuses, to greater jobbery , thehurtfu l pressure of pr ivate influence , than anywe ever know of in our present honest form ofopen voting. We trust that on reconsideration ,Bro. Simpson may be induced to with dra wwords hastil y spoken , and not in our opinion tobe justifie d, especially as regards our MasonicCharities, and that he will prove, that when aMason has made a mistake, the next best thinghe can do, is to own it at once, manfully andstraightforwardl y.

O N E OF THE GREATEST HINDRANGES TO MASONIC LITERATURE.

There are many hindrances just now in theway of Masonic literature, but the greatest ofall, in our humble opinion, is the personality inwhich Masonic writers so often think well to in-dulge themselves. It is quite melancholy indeedoften to note the tone and the temper, withwhich some writers approach things Masonic.It is beyond measure hurtful to us all to realizethe " animus " of some who set up to b-a" Didaskttloi " teachers of their brethren. Eventhe most careless cannot fail to be struck withthe had taste and heartless acerbity with whichsome " anonymous scribblers " set to work toattack some defenceless brother, and to infuseinto the pages of a Masonic paper, the licenseof outrageous personality, or the baneful extra-vagance of hostile vulgarity . We published inour last Freemason a timel y protest againstcowardly Masonic slander in a railway carriageagainst a brother behind his back, what shallwe say of those who seek under cover ofanonymous correspondence, or, in all the glory ofa frothy leader, to vilify and traduce, to backbiteand assail—a brother Mason ? What can we say,we repeat, of such Masons, but that theirs is in-deed a burlesque on all Masonic profession ,a cruel wound alike to the honour, themanliness, the highmindedness of Freemasonry ?When , however, we come to think the matterover carefully and calmly, as we have found oneor two grounds of consolation ourselves, we thinkit well to impart them to our readers. In thefirst place, though a trite and common place ob-servation enough, it is not too much to bear inmind that a large proportion of these noisy pro-fessors of Masonic wordiness, these "factors " oflow personality, are utterl y incompetent to teachanything either to their brethren or to mankind.If it be still true , perhaps , as of old, that "scri-binus docti indocti que," yet it is very try ing tohave to wade through the nonsense, whichmarks their utterances, and above all the dirtwith which such scribes besprinkle everyoneand themselves at the same time. Thev do no

good -to the journal in which their ill-omenedlucubrations appear, they discredit Freemasonry,they disgrace themselves. Life is too short forus all to pore over " conclusions in whichnothing is concluded ," essays in which we haveneither force nor point, the puerilities of the" feeble forcible," the twaddle oi the ignorant or

the discreditable. It is most humiliating for thethoughtfu l and serious mind to realize how manyseem to put pen to paper only for the sake ofgiving personal pain, to " wound ," if " afraid tostrike," to insinuate, if not daring to speak outplainly. Like Bartolo, they live andexult in the great power of jud icious calumny.Such are persons who send anonymous lettersand think they have done something very clever ;such are those to whom if we speak sternl y weshould say " mentiris impudentissime," butwhom we treat rather as vul gar buffoons, inca-pable of one high or sensible thought, whosewritings, like their habits , are redolent of the ginpalace, and as the old say ing runs " smell , " ofthe debased company they associate with. Toall Freemasons who love their Order and wishfor the true progress of Masonic literature , suchhurtful parasites are most objectionable, and theircontributions most unwelcome. They only livefor personality ; without personality the pressitself is useless, for they have no real aims, ornoble imaginings. They have no wish to in-struct , impress, or edif y their brother Masons.On the contrary, the Masonic Press is only valu-able to them as it ministers to a degraded tasteof reckless personality. Their only object in theleader or the letter is to gratify private spleen orpersonal prejudice, and they are onl y happy, andonly satisfied when they can cast a stone at someunoffending and even friendly brother. Nothinghas so kept back Masonry in past times as thoseimmora l " Free Lances," who have onl y used theMasonic Press to further their own views, andpurposes, toenshrine their own likes and dislikes,their senseless animosities , their low-livedanti pathies. Nothing also so influences a largeportion of Masons at this present hour , intheir dislike of the Masonic Press, as their fearor hatred of personality. Unfortunately, if theywant to see violence and virulence, perversityand intolerance, the vulgar taunt , the unseemlysneer, the unbrotherl y inuendos , as they are tobe found in all their glory and luxuriance , theyhave only to open the pages of a professedlyMasonic paper. Most curious anomal y ! Free-masons are glad , apparentl y to proclaimthemselves the most uncharitabl e, the mostmalignant , the most unveracious , the mostslanderous of mortals. These are hard words,my masters, but they are, we believe, bothtimely and seasonable. We have had ourattention recently drawn to words, written by aprofessed brother Mason , which are an outrageon all truth and decency, and good feeling, andhonourable sentiment, and b:otherly goodwillamongst us. The Freemason , happ ily, is indiffer-ent either to insinuation or attack , it has theconfidence of a very large and increasing circleof readers, and ignores and contemns ;the fli p-pancy of the ignorant, just as it treats with silentdignity the vul gar twaddle "of the Slanderer, theGossip and the Goose !

TIME'S REVOLUTIONS

J ust as we were going to press last Thursday,too late for befitting note or comment, therecomes to us the telegraphic account of the deathof Victor Emanuel , King of Italy. Thoughthe Freemason steadily ignores all political eventsand public transactions as such , it yet fromtime to tim*}, feels it to be but right to advert towhat is passing in the world before our eyes,and which has all of influence on the age inwhich our lot is cast. Without alluding tomany thoughts and facts which might lead usspeedil y into the " debateable land " of pure poli-tics, we yet think , we- may fairl y say this asEnglish Masons and citizens, that we fully andheartl y sympathize with the great loss whichItal y has sustained. Whatever the complica-tions of other days may have been, whateverforce may have lain in the " uti possidetis,"and the "statu quo '' for statesmen and thinkingpersons ; whatever irregularities may have oc-curred in bringing about great national changes,

few we think , can deny the right or the claimsof the patriotic sympathies and yearnings of theItalian people. Italy for many reasons has al-ways been both a classic, and familiar, and in-teresting ground to Eng lishmen of all conditions.Whether it be the force or the tradition of rarl yand wise scholastic-, training, there ever haslingered with the inhabitants of Great Britaina deepseated and heartfelt sympath y with I t a l yas Italy. As patriots and free men mirsel ves, in-heriting a mi ghty past , looking on to a great fu-ture, boasting of a goodly present , we have feltthat we had no right after all ,(desp ite di plomaticconsiderations and special ep isode--), to deny toItalians , the same appreciation of constitutionalgovernment and reli gious liberty which we en-joyed ourselves , so full y, and so happ il y, and sopeacefull y, and , we will add , so loyall y al home.In the case of Ital y there was this intenser diffi-culty, that the Italians lived in proximate connec-tion withthe influence of the great cen're of Ro-Catholicism , and that , therefore , undoubtedl y,the struggle would be severer and the conflictgreater. Victor Emanuel , who has ju st left thebusy scene, was undoubtedl y the embodimentof the Italian idea , and as such he must begenerally regarded , and lenientl y jud ged. Hehas lived to see Ital y outwardl y united , hie hasbeen permitted to witness the growth of liberalinstitutions , of a constitutieinal government , ofa free church in a free state. H« has pissedaway at a time when Italy seemedto be " moving on," and to be claim-ing its proper place in the category ofnations. That the death of Victor Emmanuelis a great loss to Ital y, who can doubt ? ['or thatfavoured land has still an untried and doubtfulfuture before it. The strugg le as between Ul-tramontane assumptions and legal enactments isnot yet at an end , and Ital y has perhaps somethorn y ground yet to travtise , before it hasfounded a true constitutional Monarch y,based on the development of individual , andcommunal and national liberry, and thc loyalallegiance of a great and grateful people. Butin this, its onward if arduous career, we can onlysympathize with it as Eng lishmen and Free-masons. And therefore to day, we deep lydeplore the account of the premature death ofVictor Emanuel , and we wish to express aboveall our Mase-nic sympath y for the It alia nGovernment , and the Italian Grand Lod ge. Theaccounts of the interchange of reli gious cuurteseyas between the Pope and the d y ing king aremost touching if true. We rejoice to think , thatas that last hour of mortal strugg le approached ,which removes all earthl y greatness just as itoverthrows all earthl y professions, the unwiseanathemata of the Romish Church were with-drawn , and the King received , as all shouldreceive at such a t ime, the happ ier fulness ofreligious administration suitable to one of hisreligion. His is a very weak and abj tctmind , which at such a solemn moment rejectsreligion in its soothing and beneficent office !Let us hope that the solemn memories ofthe past may serve to soothe the exac-i batedsentiments of the Vatican , and that St. Peter 's, anthe great Cather-ral of Ital y, may witness, ihereligious observances, for the firs t King of Italy.Since we wrote this, it seems that the Pantheonhas been selected for the funeral ceremonies ofthe King. We regret that the Church of Romehas not risen to the prope r level of the occasionand taken the opportunity of making an " entente cordiale " with Italy.

©nfliiwl Comspitimw[We do not hold ourselves responsible for, or even as approviueoftheopinions expressed by ourcorrespondents , but we wish! -£a spiri t of fair play to all, to permit-wi bin certain accessaryimits—free discussion.—Eo.l »-=-.-sMaiy

JOBBERY IN OUR MASONIC AND CHARITABLEINSTITUTIONS .

To the Editor of the •• Freemason."Dear Sir and Brother ,—I sec that iu a speech reported in your columnsBro. 11. J. Simpson has used this offensive word ai re-gards all charitable institutions in EngUn.l , anil by un-mistakeablc imp lication in respect of the elections of ourMasonic Institutions . As one who has Ukcn gri-at inter-est and an active part in such elections fur many yfarspermit me to use the " medium " of your p.ges t > pretestagainst an utter misuse of the English lingurge, fur Iventure to assert, and that most strongly, that in the

proper sense of the word " jobbery," no such term can fairlyor fitl y he applied to our Masonic elections. But it is quiteclear to me, that Brti. Simpson uses the word in a sensepeculiar to himself , namely, in order to carry out certainprecdnceived notions of what he deems a needful reform.He has olten expressed his opinion on the " interchange ofvotes," which he declares to be "jobbery, "and denounces as jobbery, though he has not a shadow ofproof to bring forward in support of his assertion , andthough he has been answered over and over again in yourpages, I contend that the whole of his proposition restsupon an assumption , and that his contention is alike mis-taken and untowartl. Yet on this " dictum " laid downby the " Lord knows who," and certainly not infallible ,I beg to observe that Bro. Simpson denounces our charitableelections as " jobbery," aud does not even spare hisbrethren in Masonry.

Dr. Johnson defines "job " to be a "low, mean, lucra-tive, busy affair," and "jobber " to be "one who sellsstocks in the public funds." In process of time " jobbery "has come to signif y, as it has been well put by some one , accrrupt transaction which is brought about from interestedmotives or personal feeling, without any considerationfor the " fitness of things," or " pro bono publico."

I ask , somewhat indi gnantly, I confess, is this a fittingdescription by a brother Mason of our Masonic elections.I fancy that there will be but one equally indignant replyin the Craft.

As a proof how hollow is the cry for " voting reformand how unwise it is to trust to committees alone, I callattention to a recent case in one of our charities which 1for one should not have been surprised if Bro. Simpson ,takin g the " high moral line," or any other line you like,had eloquently denounced , as approaching the confines of" jobbery,"—for obvious reasons I name no names,though the case is well known now to most of us. Thecase is simply this. The father of the poor orphan , hav-ing subscribed to a colonial lodge for two years, (this wasthe maximum, if even this was obtained), leaves Masonry,and dies out of Masonry seven years later. The orphan'sclaim is recommended by an influential committee,brought forward , strong ly supported at thc General Com-mittee, antl , despite its obvious infraction of the laws ofthe institution , carried persistently by a large ma j ority.

I note in the list of leading Masons who originallysupportctl the ca.se the name of our esteemed Bro. R. J.Simpson himself. I admit , however, that in theOctober circular his name had been withdrawn.Now locking at the case simply as an act ofMasonic law and cejuity, I, for one, feel that if anymat ter might be fairl y deemed more deleterious in itselfor more prejudicial to the charity, or more unfair to thosemany brethren who live and die in Masonry, and whoseorphans cannot get into the School , this is thc case"par excellence ," as the French would say. It is the".weakest case I have ever known ," as was well remarkedin a correspondence which appeared a short time back inthc Freemason , and I hope never to sec another like it.

I quite agree with Bro. Simpson when he says so elo-quently, " I siy it quietl y, dispassionately, and deliberately,and I am quite sure that investigation into the differentclaims of candidates forms one of the first necessities ofour charities being properl y worked ; and secondly, thatthe more we carry our charities out of the happy-go-luckyand haphazard system into the intelligent antl deservingcategory the better it will be." But how does this ad-mirable lesson of administration accord with the recentcase, which was one of the most " haphazard happy-go-lucky " proceedings I ever heartl of , and which convincesme that committees want looking after as much assubscribers r

I am inclined to hope that Beo. Simpson said a littlemore than he meant in the fervour of his eloquence, andthat he may on second thoug hts be willing to withdraw soobjectionable a word as "jobbery." If he has no other excuse,he can make use of the one put forward by a speaker at alarge dinner, in a town wilh which Bro. Simpson is wellacquainted , when having made a signal blunder he excusedhimself thus happ ily, and amid thc loud applause of thecompany. " Gentlemen , I am sorry for what 1 have justsaid , but I have lost , gentlemen , one of my front teeth , andwor s will come out , gentlemen , nolens volens."

I shall be glad to see a disclaimer in your pages fro mour worthy brother , the P.G.C.

I am , dear Sir and Brother, yours most fraternally,A N OLD ST E W A R D FOR THE C H A R I T I E S .

THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.To the Editor if Ihe " Fr eemason."

Dear Sir and Brother ,—Thtre is, it seems, no doubt that the Grand

Orient of France will be excommunicated by the Ang le-Saxon Grand Lodges, and therefore the union of the Craftbe dissolved. This unhappy fact is only to be regretted ,not more to be hindered.

Allow me to ask or.ee more , what has the GrantlOrient of France dene in its last vote ? It has eliminateda. profession of faith from its constitutions which docsnet belong to Masonic law , and which was not in thcFrench Constitutions before. The Grantl Orient has atpresent a similar law as the German Grantl Lodges. Forthtre was never in any German Grand Lotlge a passus orS.(MC) concerning the belief in God , nor is this the case in theGeneral Regu '.ilitin** , the fundamental Masonic princi plesadopted by the German Giand Lodge League. Never hasan) German Grand Lod ge asked a candidate before hewas initiated as to his belief whatever , and , nevertheless ,the Grantl Lodge of Eng land has found faith with Ger-man Masonry.

A hundred ycars ago the great philosopher, J. G. Fichte ,was initialed , notwithstanding he was denounced by hiscontemporaries as an Atheist.

Bro, Fichte was a man of the hi ghest moral worth , a

perfect Mason , and my German brethren are proud ofsuch a member of the Craft. Wc have at present a greatnumber of brethren in our lodges who do not believe in a" personal " God, and are convinced that the question ofa " Creator" of the world is not a religious but only a phy-sical question , a question on the cause of casuality ingeneral . These non-believing brethren belong to our bestand worthiest Masons, and they are loved and veneratedwithout regard to their belief or non-belief , as in Germanythe lodges only ask whether the candidate is a moral andeducated man or not. We consitler the Craft as a purel ymoral institution , and securing freedom of conscience andprofession , and acknowledge each honest and true convic-tion. All this has only reference to the individual brotherMason ; the lodge as such and the Craft as such acknow-ledge thc Great Architect of thc Universe.

If the Grand Orient of France,who has not voted againstthe belief in God , has committed a Masonic crime, thenall continental Masonry is guilty of the same crime. NoMasonic Popery can prevent continental Masons frombeing convinced that absolute freetlom of conscience is thetrue meaning of our Royal Art.

Believe me, dear Brother, most fraternally yours ,J. G. FI N D E L .

THE ORDER OF ST. JOHN.7b the Editor of the " Fr eemason."

Dear Sir and Brother,—I observe that in your issue of the jth inst.

you ask for information respecting the perpetuation andcontinuation of the Order of St John in England.

The following is the account of the same, given bv theexisting Order of St. John of Jerusalem in Auglia, andput forth by them in their brief notice of the Order , &c,in 1874:—

"In the ) ear 1826 the five associated branches of thcOrder projected the revival of the dormant Langue ofEng land , and negociations were entered into with thc Rev.Sir Robert Peat, D.D., G.C.S., Chaplain to King GeorgeIV., and other English gentlemen , who consented to aidin the re-establishment of the Order in England, and ata chapter assembled in Paris, antl representing the greatmajority of five of the then existing divisions of the Order ,the resuscitation of the Order in England was resolved.The Chevalier de Chastelain was tleputed to attend a meet-ing convened at London of Eng lishmen interested in theproject , when he formally revived the Eng lish Langue,and invested the Rev. Sir Rojert Peat with the functionsand authority of Grand Prior of Eng land.

This is the utmost amount of authority claimed by theexisting Order for their assumption of the titles of theKni ghts Hospitaller, whose members were the defenders ofChristendom for so many years.

I should like to call the attention of your readers to afew facts respecting this last-named Order. On the 29thNovember, 1797, the Emperor Paul I. of Russia assumedthe title ot Protector of the Order of Malta. On the 27thOct. 179 8, the same Emperor was proclaimed GrandMaster of the Order , (the last Grand Master of the Order,who was duly elected according to the constitution of theOrder, namely, Ferdinand Von Hampesch , being stillliving).

On the 6th July, 1799, a formal abdication of theGrand Mastership by Ferdinand Von Hampesch in favourof the Emperor Paul was made and forwarded to St.Petersburgh.

On the 20th July, 1801, the Sacred Council of theSovereign Order of St. Joh n of Jerusalem , being thenassembled at St. Petersburgh , published a proclamationsetting forth the mode of election of a Grand Master in theplace of the Emperor Paul , then deceased. On the 27th ofJune, 1802, John de Tommasi was elected Grand Masterin pursuance of the last mentioned proclamation.

De Tommasi was succeeded in 1805 by GuevaraLuardo, who was followed in 1814 by Andre di GiovannjCentclleo , in 1821 by Antoine Busca , and in 1834 byCarlo de Candida. On di Canelida's death , Count Collo-redo was elected , and in 1858 he was slid Grantl Master.Thc further devolution of the office I have not been ableto trace satisfactorily, but I believe it to be vested in thcMarquis de Santa Crccc, who appears to have beenelected in 1872.

The English Order of St. Joh n , although revived in themanner I have before quoted , has never been recognised bythe Sacrctl Council , nor by any of the Giand Mastersbefore mentioned.

In a publication , datctl 1841, and emanating from theChancery of the British Langue (the revived Order), I fuulthe name of M. Carlo tie Candida set down as that of theGrand Master , ad interim. It appears from this lhatwithin 7 ycars from their formation , the Eng lish Languefull y recognised the then Grantl Master of the Order , asdul y appointed, and that it was only on the lefusal of re-cognition by thc General Council that they thoug ht of dis-puting their p*m*er or authority.

I shoultl be the last to disparage the many good work sdone by thc members of the revived Order , but I share thcobjections stated by the correspondent of the time' , whoseletter you quote , to persons sailing under borrowed colours ,antl I hope that Sir Edward E. A. H. Lechmerc , or someother member of the revived Order, will be able to full yprove the title of its members to the names and reputationtbat they claim as their own.

Apolog ising for this trespass on your valuable space, Iam yours fraternall y, PA N A C H E .

[The following is Colonel Porter 's able letter which hasfrequentl y been referred to in the discussion. Ed.]

To the Editor if the " Times."Sir,—May I ask your permission to add a few words to

the controversy between the most noble the Marquis ofCarabas, K.G., and Sir E. Lechmerc on the subject of Pre-tenders .'

It behoves those who bring forward accusations as to thewrongful assumption of titles to be very careful that theydo not fall into a similar error. Our friend the Marquisstates that the Eng lish branch of the Order of St. John ,of which Sir E. Lechmere is the valued Secretary-General ,is not recognised by the Grand Master of the Order. MayI ask the Marquis who is this Grand Master ? I have formany years made the history of the Order of St. John afavourite study, and am naw startled to discover the ex-istence of a dignity which I had deemed extinct. Hitherto,I have been led to believe that the last Grand Master ofthc Order was Ferdinand Hotnpesch, who surrendered theisland of Malta to Napoleon in 1798. Althoug h theEmperor Paul of Russia afterwards assumed the dignity,his right thereto was never recognised, and after his deathI have always imagined that the office fell into abeyance.Perhaps " Carabas, K.G.," can inform me who the presentholder is, and how he was elected.

As regards the dispute between "Carabas, K.G.," andSir E. Lechmere, the real truth seems to be this—Neitherthe fragment of the Order resident at Rome under the pat-ronage of the Pope, nor that other important , but nowextinct , fragment, consisting of thc three French langues,to whom our English branch owes its revival , possessedthe power of exclusive jurisdiction. The English langueclaims its right of affiliation throug h the latter, and theformer is powerless to deny it.

It is a very pretty quarrel , and will not be set at rest bysuch attacks as those of " Carabas, K.G." The Englishbranch has bestirred itself to work in accordance with theintentions of the original founders, and is consequentlyyearly growing in influence and numbers.

Let the Roman branch follow our example. They willby so doing act far better up to thc motto of the Order ," Pro utilitate hominum ," than by useless attacks uponour raison d'etre.

WHITWORTH PORTER ,Colonel Royal Engineers.

To the Editor of thc " Times."Sir,—Colonel Whitworth Porter docs me the honour to

descend into the lists antl challenge my accuracy, because Iusetl the term " Grand Master" in the letter you were sogood as to insert in The Times.

The Colonel raises thereby an entirel y distinct issue fromthat to which I have hithertc addressed myself. Permitme to add a few words on this subject at thc end of thisletter which I hope will give the Colonel a sufficientanswer to his question , " Who is this Grand Master ?"

Our question is a different one—viz., whether the asso»ciation to which the Colonel and Sir E. Lechmere and somany more honourable and excellent men belong is alegitimate branch , or a branch at all , of the historic Orderof St. John of Jerusalem, commonly called the Knights otMalta. If Colonel Porter will turn to page 821 of the"Almanach de Gotha" ft.r the present year, 1878, he willfind , under the heading "Ord re Souvcrain de S. Jean deJerusalem ," the style and name of our present head asfollows—" Lieutenant Grand Matire, le bailli fra Ceschi aSanta Croce (e'lu le 14 Fevrier, 1871)." Then follow thenames of the Council of the Gran-Magistero—viz., thefour Grand Priors of Rome, Bohemia , the Lombard-Venetian , and the Two Sicilies, the Vice-Chancellor of theOrder, &c. After the Italian Priories and tbe German Langu cfollow the Associations de Chevaliers d' Honneur etDevotion—viz., 1. thc Rhenane—Westphalian ; 2, theSilesian ; and 3, the English, whose President is the EarlGranard.

The fact, then, is as I have stated—that though theasscciation calling themselves Knights of St. John may-be a philanthrop ic society doing much good, as Iam glad to hear from Colonel Porter , it is not a recognisedport ion of the Order ot Malta ; in a word , it has made it-self. Now to conclude with a word about my use of theterm " Grand Master." Colonel Porter's historic researchesare accu rate when he tells us that Count Hompesch wasour last Grand Maste r in the strict sense of the words, butthey have led him into eiror if he supposes that the Orderremained in an acephalous condition when the sovereigntyof Malta was wrested from it by the French (to be cededby them in turn to England , in trust for the Order, be itsaid en passant, by the Treaty of Amiens) . On thc con-trary, thc ofiice was, antl is still , filled by LieutenantGrantl Masters, in regular succession , and elected by thestatutable officers of thc Order. 1 he Lieutenant GrandMaster , the Bailli Brother Ceschi a Santa Croce, and hiscouncil and officers , arc, therefore , distinctl y not a " frag-ment," as Colonel Porte r say s, but thc legitimate andsole head and governing botl y of the Order, exercisingalone the soverei gn rights still remaining to them ; such ,for instance , as that cf sending a Minister-Pleni potentiaryand Envoy-Extraordinary, who resides anil is received assuch at the Impt rial and Royal Couit of Vienna. Thereason wh y our Grand Master is sty led " Lieutenant " isthat his dignity as a Soverei gn Prince , recognised by all thecrowned heads of Europe, was such that when deprived ofhis dominions it was felt that a Lieutenancy , or Commis-sion as it would be called if vested in more than one, asthe Lord Lieutenancy of London is held in commission , ifI mistake not , was more suited to his fallen fortunes.

Lit mc add but two more "last words." Colonel Whit-worth Poiter himself embodies the whole question at issue.He signs, Colonel Royal Artillery." I look to the" Army List" and find him in his proper place there. Heand his friends say they are members of the Order of St.John. I look in our ollic'ul list , and lo, they are not !—neither they nor their Secretary- General , nor anythingthat is theirs. I wish them well , I shall be most glad toshow them over our little " good work ," the stately Churchand useful Hospita l of St. John and St. Elizabeth in GreatOrmond-street ; but I must once more, and finally, assertthat it ii only in the sense in which they are Knights of St.John that I am , Sir, your obedient servant ,

CARABAS , K.G.

THE GIRLS' SCHOOL.To the Editor of the " Freemason."

Dear Sir and Brother ,—Some few months ago I addressed you on the

subject of the approach to our School on WandsworthCommon—the only approach fro m Clapham Junction—unless a long round is made. It is over a narrow, mudd y,dirty little foot bridge, that crosses the South WesternRailway shortly after leaving the Junction; the two endsot the brid ge are closed by swinging gates, and the stoneson each side are much worn , so that they form consider-able hollows, where rain collects just where the passersmust place their feet when going to cross the bridge, and,in consequence, must in wet weather—and , as you know ,it is frequently wet now-a-days—get their feet well soaked.I suppose when members of the Committee of the Schoolvisit it they must drive round by the main road , and are,therefore, happ ily ignorant as to foot passengers, the onlymeans of getting to the school. The next time, however,they have to v isit the noble institution, let them come ona wet day, in patent leather boots,' and walk fro m theJunction to the school : then something might be done.

Yours fraternally, A CONSTANT READER .

THE MASONIC SCHOOL.To the Editor of the "Freemason."

Dear Sir and Brother,Your potent and well timed "notes of warning "

in the Freemason cannot fail to convince the Craft thatthe rapid increase in our numbers will naturally causea corresponding increased demand on our central charities ,which cannot at once be met, as regards the schools forwant of space. What cannot be cured must be endured ,yet to prevent heartburnings after the elections, and alsocarry out our noble tenets in their entirety, an educationfund for each province should be at once formed , to educatethe children of deceased and distressed Freemasons atsuitable schools in the neighbourhood of their own homes,until such times as they can be elected into the CentralSchools, thereby constituting them , so to speak , wards ofthe province ; a noble example of which has been set bythe provinces of West Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, andCornwall. It would be an incentive to those brethren whodo not contribute lo the central charities to begin their cha-rity at home and induce them not to end it there, for Freemasonry without Charity is worth nothing.

I am, Sir, yours faithfully and fraternally,A. LINCOLNSHIRE W.M.

TEMPLE BAR LODGE.To the Editor of the " Freemason."

Dear Sir and Brother ,—In your otherwise excellent report of thc conse-

cration of the Temple Bar Lodge there are two or threelittle inaccuracies of omission and commision, which Iwould in justice to the brethren and myself mention andcorrect.

For " I have never done much on behalf of our Ma-sonic Charities," it should have run , " 1 have never beenable to do as much as I wished for our Masonic Chari-ties."

There was a cry of " Question ,"—but from Bro.Binckes—there may have been a seconder—but both werespeedily put down by a storm of " cheers," which havebeen omitted.

Many cries of "Question " were raised during a portionof Beo. Binckes' speech, which were also omitted.

It is also not recorded that after Bro. Binckes spoke Irose in explanation , and said—" No word I said referred tothe administration , but to the elective system of ourchanties.

I strongly hold that truth may be spoken anywhere, solong as it is spoken in a gentlemanly manner and a pro-per spirit, and without personality. Public matters maysurely be discussed in public at any meeting of the breth -ren , especially a matter which concerns not merely thesubscribers to our charities, but the whole fraternity.

Your " note of warning " is very good and seasonable,but be assured we should have much fewer Masons com-ing into the Craft for what they could get if we had ahighminded, impartial , and strict system of investigationbefore any candidate was placed on our charity list, anda better and more discriminating mode of election after.

I am, dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally,R. J. SIMPSON .

ROSLIN CASTLE.To the Editor of the " Freemason:'

Dear Sir and Brother,The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland recently

held their first meeting of the session in Edinburgh , forthe reading of papers. Among the papers read was one,by Mr. Andrew Sker, architect , formerly of Her Majesty'sOffice of Works entitled , "Roslin Castle, its buildings Pastand Present," tracing the history of the building fromthe early part of the 14th century, part 'of which build-ing was erected by Sir William St. Clair.

The castle was added to by his great grandson , Henry,the second of the St. Clair line of the Earls of Orkney.He built the great keep or South-west Tower.

Sir William St. Clair, 3rd Earl of Orkney, (the founderof the Collegiate Church of Roslin), also made largeadditions to the castle.

In i45 <;James H. gave Sir William the earldom ofCaithness in exchange for Nithsdale, and afterwards, inconsideration of the elegant buildings he had erected,conferred upon him the dignity of Grand Master Masonof Scotland, a title which remained in the fa.nily till theyear 1736, when it was given over to the Scottish MasonicCraft.

In 1544. the Castle was burned by the English forces olHenry the Eighth , it was partly restored by Sir WilliamSt. Clair after 1580.

Dear Sir, I have penned these few lines to you think-ing they will throw some new light on Ancient Freemasonry.Perhaps some of our more enli ghtened Masonic Studentswill let us know where and when James the Second wasmade a Mason.

I remain, fraternally yours,GEO. W. CH I R N S I D E .

The following is the oration delivered by the Rev. C. W.Arnold , Grand Chaplain , who acted as Chaplain at theconsecration of the Cholmeley Lodge at the AlexandraPalace on Wednesday, the 9th inst. " At a time when themembers of our ancient Order are so rapidly increasing innumber, and when a false step has been taken by theGrand Orient of France, it seems to me that I cannotbetter occupy your time than by adtlressing a fe w wordsto you on the great landmarks and principles of ourOrder. I say then , without the slightest hesitation , thatthe great basis on which our Order rests is " the belief inGod." Masonry is not religion ; but at the same time itis deeply rooted in religion , and demands of every candi-date for its privileges the belief in thc existence of aPersonal Deity, the One Living and True God. Furtherthan this Craft Masonry does not go, and so it holds thedoor open to all nations, whatever may be their religioussystems, who believe in God. Thus the Christian , theJew, the Mahommcdan , the Hindoo, the inhabitant ofCh'unTand Japan, the American Indian , and the South-SeaIslander[can all unite in this common bond of brotherhood ;but it rigidly excludes thc Atheist. Need I remind you thatMasonry calls for thc rec ignition of God at every step ?Under the names of the Great Architect of the Univers e,the Grand Geometrician , and the Most High , His blessingis invoked in each degree. In the centre of the lodge issituated the sacred symbol , to call attention to Hiseternal existence , His omni potence, and His everlastingwatchfulness, round which each Mason stands on thecircumference of a circle waiting for His commands andsubject to His inspection. Before the W.M. lie the openpages of the volume of the Sacred Law, the revelation ofGod's will to man. It is the standard of Masonic truth ,the guide of our actions, and the rule of our faith. Everyobligation is scaled upon its sacred pages, and the Masonis taught to square his actions according to the dictates ofthat Sacred Volume if he wishes to become a living stonefit to be built into that temple not made with hands,eternal in the heavens. Masonry teaches the immorta-lity of the soul. It invites us to contemplatedeath without terror, assuring us that evennature bears witness that in this perishabl e frame residesa vital and an immortal principle, which inspires -x holy-confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to tramplethe King of Terrors beneath our feet, and l ift our eyes tothat bright morning star, whose rising brings peace andsalvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.And the working tools of a Master Mason teach us to bearin mind and act according to the laws of our DivineCreator, that when we shall be summoned from this sub-lunary abode we may ascend to the Grand Lodge above,where the world's Great Architect lives to reign for ever-more. Our second great landmark is charity or love, andthis divides itself into two heads, brotherly love and re-lief. I call this our second landmark becauseit springs from thc first. It is born outof the loving heart of God himself , bring ingheaven as it were down to earth, and linkingsoul to soul throughout the world. As has well beensaid, " Masonry seeks to bring together men of everypolitical faith and of every religious creed, winning themfrom their isolation , their selfishness, and their sins,and uniting them in their work for the general good."The discussion of religion and politics is strictly forbiddenin our lodges, becanse they are the two most fruitfulsources of dissension and bitterness. What can be agrander exemplification of brotherly love than the fivepoints of fellowship, hand-to-hand , &c. But Masonrynot only teaches us to have charitable feelings, and todrop the tear of sympathy over the failings of a brother,but to perform charitable acts, to feed the hungry, comfortthe afflicted , relieve the oppressed or distressed, to educatethe orphan child , and to provide for the aged widow andbrother who are past work. Need I say more about thesetwo great landmarks ? Well are our princi ples stated tobe Brotherly Love, Relief , and Truth , for Truth dependsupon belief in God ; Relief originates in true brotherlylove ; and Brotherly Love springs from the love of God.fhus the whole current of Masonry rises in and flowsback again to God the centre. Time would fail me wereI to enlarge upon its allegories and symbols, which remindthe Mason every day -and hour of his solemn obligations.I would that all men were truly actuated by its | r nciplcs ;the world wonld then wear a vcry different aspect ; nolonger would our hearts bleed at the horrors of war andstrife , but the song of Heaven would be realised, " Peaceon earth, good-will towards men."

How M UCH WE TALK.—It is well that all wesay is not written down, not only because some of it mightbe rather against us, but because there would not be roomfor it. A curious Frenchman has lately been making acalculation, which is that a man talks on an average th reehours a day, at the rate of about twenty-nine octavo pagesan hour. This would make eighty-seven pages a day,about six huntlred a week, which would amount to fifty-two good-sized volumes every year. And then , multi plyingthis by the number of years in a man's life, what a libraryhe would have should it be all printed I And, too, howvery little of the whole would be worth preserving, and howmuch he would be so glad if it had been left unsaid 1

CONSECRATION OF THE CHOLMELEYLODGE, No. 1731.

Hefiiefo*." The Jouroal of Travels ," No. 1. Ward and Greaves,

. . » Crown-court.This is a new candidate for public approval , and comes

before us with a very striking, not to say startling, " billof fare." The idea is a good one, and is well worked out,and we thin k that the periodical has a successful futurebefore it. We should not , however, be honest reviewers ifwe did not point out that the extreme sensationalism of" Robinson Afloat " can do no possible good, and may beproductive of harm. We cannot see the good of thus re-presenting, especially to the young, scenes of horror andviolence, alike morbid and grotesque.

" Lancaster Masonic Calendar" for 1S78. By Bro. J. D. Dr.MOORE , M.D.

Is most neatly got up, and is a very handy little " vademecum" for those for whom it is mainly intended. It isalso likely to be very useful to " travelling brethren " inthat part of the county desirous of visiting a lod ge andappreciating Masonic work and Masonic hospitality.

" Notes on the History of Freemasonry," By Bro. H E N R YSUTHTIIKRLAND , M.D., P.M. * University Lodge,No. 1118.

We have received this little work, printed apparentl y for" private circulation " only, but we think it well to makeone or two humble " notes " and ",'comments " respectingit. The idea of the writer is a good one, as well as auseful one, and we are glad to welcome Bro. Dr. Suther-land among that phalanx of Masonic students who areseeking to advance the true interests of Masonic history andMasonic archaeology. We cannot , however, concur alto-gether with our esteemed brother student , either as regardshis general or critical view of the present posiiion of Ma-sonic historiography. We cannot concur with him in as-serting that Anderson was the founder, for instance, of themystical school, inasmuch ss all that Anderson really didwas, uncritical ly no doubt , and unscientificall y if you will ,to modernise the guild legends. But in this vcry effort ofhis he preserved consciously or unconsciously it mattersnot now, the true history of Freemasonry. The mysticalschool of Freemasonry is rather to be traced to those whoactually developed the teaching of the old Catechism orLectures. Whether Anderson ever had anything to do withthe Lectures is more than doubtful, and Desagulier's sharein them is more, we apprehend a matter of tradition thananything else. Our mystical school can hardly be placedas early as 1723, and is to our mind much later, found-ing its main profession on Hutchinson , Preston , Calcott,Ashe, and Oliver.

Some of the facts mentioned by Dr. Sutherland are notnow accepted by the " Authentic School ," and it is a mis-take on his part to assume, as he does, that Preston ar-raigned th: " York Ritual in 1744," as it is this confusionof York with the South which is the rock upon which somany Masonic historians have come to grief.

It cannot be too often repeated (as Bro. Hughan willagree), that the Antients had nothing to do with York ; andthough Bro.Preston may have been initiated in an "AntientLodge " (though of this no clear evidence exists), all hisritual work is that of the " Modern Grand Lodge." Wemust not , it appears to us, press too far the evidence ofthe " Masonic Poem." It no doubt represents the customsand teaching ot the operative lodges at the end of the14th century, and carries us back to still earlier teaching,but it is purel y operative, and all that we can derive fromit, in our opinion , is a general accordance of teaching.Many of its provisions as regards freedom of birth andcorporeal blemishes are now given up by our speculativeGrand Lodge. Though we belong to the authentic schoolourselves, we are not such slaves to authenticity as to seekto strike out all " sentiment " from Freemasonry, and wefeel that in Masonic Archaiology, as in everything else, theold a lage is safest and best, " Medio tutissimus ibis."

" Science for All," Illustrated , No. 1. Cassell, Petter, andGalpin.

We have received this well conceived and admirably ex-ecuted illustrated serial , and we are glad to commend it,without any reserve, to the notice of ourmany readers. If the subsequent numbers, aswe doubt not, are as carefully edited , andas strikingly interesting in themselves, we feel surethat not only will they approve themselves to the educa-tional mind of the day, but they will obtain a large amountof public patronage. "Science for All" deserves to be wellstudied and thought over, the names of the writers beingjaguarantee against anything like the mere wordiness ofsome professed teachers of science. We recommend ourreaders to buy the work and judge for themselves.

The policemen of North Cornwall have beenarmed with cutlasses to fortif y them for the raid againststray dogs which has been resolved upon.

Mat/f air states that the rooo nights of " OurBoys " will be reached on the iqth proximo and that Bros.James and Thome propose on that night to double theprices of admission and to hand over the proceeds tosome charitable object, which will be a very graceful andappropriate way of celebrating an unprecedented .run.

A drawing room entertainment by the em-ployes of Messrs. J. C. Boyd and Co. was give'ft onbehalf of the Royal Hospital for incurables at St: GebVge'sHall on Thursday , 17th inst., at 6. 30. Bro. Ockenden,l i izand 1656 was Secretary to the Committee.

Mssoiuc MO general ©brimsThe whole of the clothing and jewels for the

Eai-tcrii Province , Soulh Africa , arc now on view at thcMasonic Show Rooms, I , 2 and 3, Liltle Britain.

At the last meeting of the Grand MastersXot-ge, No. 1,, Bro Ral ph Gooding, M.D., B.A., GrandSteward , was unani-nou -l y elected to the Mastei 's chairfor the cn-uing tw.lve months.

A IS IFT H ORSE .— 'I he Theatre states that eRussian Prit.ee . fanaiico per la Mustca , ordered a splendidnecklace and earr ings of a St. Petersburg jeweller , withthe intent! n of presenting them to a celebrated primad o n n a , t n the occasion of he-r benefi t last month , at theImperial Open. The- prima dciuna , hearing of this , calledupon the j -wel lerand inspected the jewellery . It was notto her t isle, and she r. quired scveial alterations to be matle.Thc jew H r promised to consult his employer. The benefitwas h-. Iii , nut t: e jeweller y was not forthcoming. Theprince hatl r.serned the neekUcc and earrings for some lessej tjctint,' retiuicnt , and the prima d.uma w3s left to medi-tate on thr - homel y wisdom of the proverb, " You shouldnot look a gift horse iu the mouth."

ihe fir;.t annual ball iu connection with theCity t\f W slminstcr Lod ge, No. 15 C13, will take place atWillis's Rooms, King-street , St. James's, on Wednesday,thc 23rd inst. Bro. Dan. Godfrey 's quadrille band will bein ale^irfance. We understand the sanction for wearingCialt cl- -ihing has been obtained. Tickets and further in-formation may be had of the Hon. Secretary, Bro. E. J.S^ott , 34, Bury-strcer , St. J imcs's.

E MIT.UYBRS AND E M P L O Y E E S .—One of thosegatherings marking the interest taken by some of cm-la! g.r -iritis in catering lor the amusement and instructionof th ir cmpl lye'j -, took place on Monday evening, thef/Jlh i.i-t,, at Messrs. Oelz iienn ami Go's., the well-known?uu-e furi' isheis , of Hamp teed-road , in connection withthc M .tua Improvement Society and Library, establishedon tlie picmi-c-i , when a lecture was delivere d to an audienceof ab. ut e,00, in one of their larye show-rooms, by theJRev. Ca 011 McConnel Hus-e-y, entitled " Firesides."Cauun Hussey 's fame as a lecturer is well known , antl thislettur •, wt.ieli , as the title indicates , is peculiarly adaptedto tne prcs.nt season , was heart i ly appreciated by allpresent .

We are asked to state that the London Lodgeof Insiruc inn , No. 201 , meets every Wednesday Evening,al 8 tiVlevek , at the " Devonshire Arms," Devonshire-sUect, Vortla id-ulaec, W.

The Colonel Baker who is reported to havebeen wounded and takm prisoner by the Russians in thcaffair *l TH .skr-.an has been supposetHo be General Valen-tine Baker , but this i< not so ; il is Colonel Baker, V.C.,who is ref rred tn, a moi-t I/H IU M and ab'e soldier , who hasbeen throug hout on the staff e.f his namesake , togetherwith Ci lonel Allix , an-l wlm-e loss is a grave inj ury tothe Turkish cause.—P a n l y Fair

Loitn K i N N A i K D . - By the death of LordKiiinairil , and the •¦ucces>itin in the litle* anil estates of thedeceased p eer 's brother , the Hon. A. Kinnaird , M.P. forPerih, a v .cancy is caused in fit* representation of that city.

The Installation Meeting of ihe Globe Lodge,No. 43, took place at Freemaso n's Hal l , on Thursday last.Bio. R. berc Doug la-, S. W., was insullel into the Chair ofK. S. A icport of the proceedings will be given in ourncxi .

The Ka rl of Rossl yn , M.W .P.G.M. of Scot-land hid the honour of an audience- with the Queen , onMonday last , and kissed hands on his appointment asAmi a.-sadtH-cktiaorriinary 10 the King of Spain.

Capt. G. H. Howard , has been appointed tothe post of Aidc-d.--C.- mp to the Queen , in the room ofCapt. the Hon. H. Glyn , promoted to the rank of Rcar-Adm'ral.

TISMPLB BAR .—The works in connection withthe removal of Temple Bar arc completed, withthe exception of the south arch , abutting upon Messrs .Child's bank , and it is intended that this portion of thestructure .-hall icmain until the bank builelings are shoredU|>. This is to be done in the course of a few days, afterwhich the arch will be rcii.ovtd . when the whole of thcoto stiucture will have been cleared away .

The North China Herald states that " a gi-ganti c c -inp iidium of Cliinese literature , comprisingneatly 6000 volumes, has been purchased by Her Ma-j esty's Chinese Seeretary of Legation at Ptkin. Mr.Mayers , on behalf ol the authorities of the British Museum ,to which institution the collection will be removed assue d.lv as practicable.

Profe.ssor Alexander Gralum Bel l, of the Bos-ton Uniei-rsiiy, had the honour of exhibiting the telep honeto her Maj sty, Princess Beatrice, and the Duke of Con-naught, on Monday evening, in the Council Room at Os-borne.

T HE DUK E OF CO N N A U G H T .—Tuesday 'sGaxcttc announces that Honorary Colonel His Koyal Hi gh-ness tne Duke of Connaught has redgncd his commissionin the Rot,*! East Knit Yeomanry , and is succeeded byMajor-General the Marquis of Conyng ham.

The World, understands that Bro. ArchibaldFor *s intt iids to undertake a short lecturing tour , hissubject being personal experiences of the war, which seemsnow so near its termination. Bro. Foibes will begin atBrighton tui * day (Saturday), and will face a London au-dience 011 the 24th inst., in St. James's Hall. _

The tPorld also has reason to believe that a¦m-ariihge will learra i ged betwicn H.H.H. the Duke ofConn-light and the Princess Louise, daug hter of PrinceFr-dciiik Charles. Thc Princess is seventeen years ofage, and much liked by those who know her.

H.R.H. the Prince of Walss consented toreceive an address on his departure from Hamilton Palacefor Loiieion on Wednesday. Thc Freemasons wished topresent an address , but there was not sufficient time.

Brethren desirous of obtaining a copy of the/•Ycoiiietioit Almanack for 1878 , should apply withouttielay at the office , ig8, Fleet-street , London.

We are once more pleased to note the re-ap -pearance of the " Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar, Diary,and Pocket Book ." The issue for thc coming year leavesnothing to be desired. It is replete with information indis-pensable to every " brother " who desires to be well"posted " in affairs Masonic, antl , in addition , it containsas much diversified intelli gence of a calendar characteras would make the fortune of many a more pretentious andcostly annual. Bro. Kenning deserves to be comp limentedon the very creditable manner in which he has performedhis task.— Civilian.

We extract the following from the Siinday Tiines:" On Wednesday last, the 9th inst., the. boys and girlswho remain in the schools during thc Christmas holidayswerc invited by Mr. 'lalhot Smith , and the other Masonicmembers of thc Gaiety Theatre company to witness theperformances at that theatre, and full y appreciated theentertainment provided for them. Their healthy nndrespectable appearance elicited many inquiries respectingthem , and it would be hard to say whether the excellentperformance on the stage or the pleasing sights presentedby the presence of these interesting little folks thus intro-duced into public view most interested the audience.When it is borne in mind that these were the children vvhn,unhapp ily, had no Christmas home to return to, and norelatives to welcome them , thc kindness of thc brethtenconnected with the Gaiety Theatre deserves the warmestrecognition.

Bro. E. Freeborn has b^en appointed GrandSecretary of ihe Gran d Lodge of all Sottish Freemasonryin India , on the resi gnation of Bro. Rowell.

I HE I N D I A N FA M I N E .—The followinrr letterhas reached thc Chairman of the Mansion-house Com-mittee of tlie Indian Famine Fund :—" 10, Dowuing-street , Jan. 3. Sir,—Lord Beaconsfield de>ires mc tothank you for your letter of the ist inst. informing himthat the amount contributed to the Indian Famine Fundat the Mansion-house has reached half a million sterling.His Lordshi p has great pleasure in learning of the con-tinued success of the appeal. I am , Kir , your obedientservant , J. F. Dal y. To Sir Thomas White." Thc w eekl ystatement ot the Madras Executive Committee, under dateDecember 13, says t hu so successful have many of thedistrict committees proved themselves in the judicious dis-tribution of the large funds intrusted to them that , distressstill continuing to be vcry great , further allotments havebeen made upon occasion being shown for increased aid.The famine is passing awav, crops have ripened and areripening ; but the after effects of such terrible scarcity as thePresidency has experienced during the past year have beenand continue to be very great. The more detailed thc in-quiries matle in famine-stricken regions , the more striouswas the distress found to be ; but side by side with recordsof poignant distress antl terrible suffe ring are to be foundparticulars of the exceeding great good which " thc fund"has wroug ht and the great part it has played in bring ingthe country back to its normal condition and in infusing anew life into the people. The de-ith-r.ite still continuesvery high. The increased deaths above the average ratein October in four districts only was 34,992 , and the de-crease of births in three districts 4607. 1 lie amount sent todistrict committees to date—in many cases nearly thewhole has been alrea dy spent—is 6,093,933 rupees. Thetotal sum received and roughly slated is 7,900,000 rupee s,of which the Mansion-house Fund contributed 3,350,3,2rupees. The Indian Princes had subscribed 55,000 rupees ,the Maharajah of Baroda , the Maharajah Holkar , antl theMaharanee of Cassubazzar giving io .ooor. each. The lateLord Mayor , in acknowledging the rcceijit of £8500 fromSydney, writes,—" Ic affords me thc greatest pleasure toreceive these splendid contributions raised in your colonyin aid of an object which has provoked an outburst ofheartfel t sympathy among Her Majesty 's subjecls in allparts of the world. 1 beg of you to express to the sub-cribcrs the warmest thanks of the Committee and of my-sel f for their great liberality, and to assure them that theirgifts will be much appreciated by the suffering people ofIndia."

PLOUGH M O N D A Y .—Monday week, being whatis called Plou gh Monday, the Lord Mayor, Mr. AldermanOwden , according to custom , entertained a select company,composed of civic di gnitaries, at dinner at the Mansion-house in honour of the occasion. Ploug h Monday wasoriginally the name of a rustic festival , heretofore of greataccount in Eng land , bearing, like St. David's Day, re-ference to the resumption of labour , after the Christmasholidays. In Roman Catholic times the ploug hmen keptlights burning before certain images in churches to obt aina blessing on their labour , ar,d were accustomed on thisday to go about in processions, collecting money for sup-port of these " plough lights," as they were called.Eventually, the Reformation put out the lights, but itcould not extinguish the festival. The peasantry continuedto go about in jorocession collecting money, thoug h only tobe spent in convwiality. It was at no very remote date avery gay and pleasant spectacle. A ploug h was dressedup with ribands , and other decorations, and 30 or 40stalwart swains, with their shoulders and hats flaming withribands, dragged it along from house to house. Timeshave changed , antl these observances have fallen intodisuse. In the City, however , Ploug h Monday is stillmarked in the. calendar. In the afternoon on Monday theLord Mayor went in state from the Mansion-house to theGuildhall , and presided at what is known as a grandcourt of wardmote.

On Tuesday evening this lod ge celebrated its centenaryat the Bridge House Hotel , Bro. Thomas Knott , W.M.,presiding at the fust part of the evening. About 170biethren were present , of whom thc following is a list :—Brof. E* E. Cooper, J. Dixon , P.M. and Treas.; H. Moore,P.M. ; F. H. Ebsworth , P.M. ; T. (. Sabine, P.M.; D.Rose, l'.M. and W.S. ; G. Free, P.M. andSec. ; G. ' J. Grace, P.M. and D.C. ; A . L.Dussek , P.M.; J. J. Hooper Wilkin*- , P.M. ; H. Keeble ,A. J. Ireton , Benj. Isaacs, J. J. Hole, W. Klingenstein ,S. S. Said , S. Huntley, T. Suffield , R. G. Chipperfield , F.r£. Cooper, sen., F* E. Cooper, jun., J. Spindler , H. C.Davies, A. P. Sted.-nan , Geo . Lcc, 11. S. Harvey, G. B.Yatnian , W. E. Rogers, R. J. Newby, A. Sycr, f. Larking,J. W.-.El)iott , J. W. Mash , Coughtrey, J. Harrison . T.Sutton , S. Sutton , E. Buckland , S. Harman , J. Crawley,A. Jacoby, W. j. T. Egglcsfield , G. Muller ,. J. Gale, J.11. Sp-nccr , It. G. Bennett , W. Butlin , J. J. Prince, W.Heritag", E. Coronet , F. R. Hayes-, E. Ki pps, A. Hudson,|. E. btep he is, W. Charlesworth , G. Austin , H, G. Wil-loug hby, C. Rittscher , Erhardt. R. Boy le , W.Groom , W. Gregory, H. Nay lot . Seago- Mcdgett ,VValraven , Frankenberg, G. Chandler , H. ' Stephens.The visitors were:—Bros. Col. Bu rtlctt , P.G.W.,. P.G.M.Middlesex ; J. H. Scott, P.G.M. Sussex ; Gordon ,P. D.G.S. W. Cape of Good Hope: ; Freeman , i'.G. Sec.Sussex ; German , P.P.G.S.D. Sussex ; G. Smith ,P.P.G.P. Sussex ; J. Coutts , P.G.P. &c. ; Terry, Sec.R.B. Inst. ; Binckes , Sec, Boys School; Potter , P.M. 11;Shaw, P.M. 79 ; Doug hncy, P.M. 7g ; F. Garbett , W.M.117 S; Stidolph , W.M. i :*4o ; Rev. l iatc '.i , A. Watkins,P.M. 1475 ; Littcll , P.M. 860 ; Hayes, P.M. 11,70 ; R_ H.William- , 1314 ; Pillin , W.M. J SO ; Mason , P.M,1540 ; L iver , P.M. 117 8; HuUingsworth , P.M.11S5 ; Seex , P.M. 1426 ; Nicholls , P.M. 1050 ;,Simmons. W.M. elect 1559 ; Stevens , P.M;1426 ; Macdonald. P.M. 1158 ; ' Nicholson , W.M. 145,7 .Green , P.M. 153S ; Hcckell , P.M. 1G 9 ; Ash well , P.M.1305 ; Ebcrall , P.M. 315 ; Abbott , P.M. 192 ;,Bolton , P.M,1(19 ; Wells , P.M. 777 ; Knibjs , P.M. 174 ; H. Brett.P.M. 134 ; H. iMassey (Freemason) ; Vickcrton , S.W,1321J ; Jacobs, S.W. 1614 ; Loveti , S.W. 1314 ; Thomas,S.W. 1446; Berry, Sec. 169*; ; Robins, J .W. 2^ ; Thue.J .W. 1622 ; W. Hairis , if i tj ; Lambert , D.C. 1556 'Miles, P.M. 13 10; Richards, J.D. 1329 ; Goldstone, I.G .1329 ; Shcad , J . W. 13.6 O J Barrow, 1357 ; C. Graham ,S74; J. Harris, 657 ; .Ward , 1G22 ; Jud ge, 1178 ; VanDuren , 180 ; Thompson , 55 ; L. Abbott, 1348 ;Axtell , 117 8 ; Plummet, 177 ; Turnham , 548 ;Rossitor , 180; Worstcr , 1540 ; Meygett , 890; Miller , 65;Kicardei, 1540 ; Orchard , 177 ; Smithers , Leslie, Garner,Edell , ic8 ; J.VVilktts , 1178 ; Busby, 701 ; Lawson, 1426 ;McRac, 87; Seymour Smith , Pritchelt , 1527; Simons,1181 *, Thornton , 1706 ; and j. Distin.

After the lodge had been opened and thc minutes con-firmed , Dr. Dixon , the senior P.M. present, delivered thefollowing address : " W.M., Officer? , and brethren of thcMount Lebanon Lod ge, No. 73 -. Wc arc assembled to-dayfor the purpose ot commemorating an event of deep in-terest in the history of a Masonic lotl ge, its existence foea period of more than a hundred years. This lodgewas originally a lodge of Antient Masons, antl was consti-tuted ou the 27th day of February, 17 60, by a warrantfrom thc Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient antl Honour-able Fraternity ot Free and Accepted Mascns ac-cordin g to the old constitutions. It was known as No.81. In consequence of the union ot the two GrandLodge s, and the formation of thc United GrandLodge, on thc 27th day of Dec. 1813, it becameNo. 104. On January 26, 1818, it first assumed thename of Mount Lebanon Lotlge. At the alteration ofthc numbers in 1832 it became No. 87, since which ,owing to the general alteration of numbers in1863, it has become and now stands 011 thc re-gistry as No. 73. Having completed the centenary of itsexistence the members of the lotl ge have petitioned theM.W.G.M. for permission to wear a centenary jewel. OuJune nth , 1877, H.R.H. thc Prince of Walcs,.M.W .G.M.,was pleased to grant a warrant , permitting each of theactual subscribing members of the lodge to wear in allMasonic meetings a jewel of the approved pattern for solong as he shall pay his regular stipulated subscription tothe funds of this lotlge, and be dul y returned as such tathc Grand Ludge of Eng land. As some yeais haveelapsed since this lodge completed the centenary of its ex-istence , it might be supposed that the brethre n have beenindifferent t-j the fact , and careless about the honour olwearing a centenary jewel. 1 shall endeavour to shewyeiu that this has not been the case, by giving a short ac-count of the proceedings which have been taken at var-ious times in relation to this subject. Thc early historyot this lodge, like that of Freeniasoin y itself , andof many other excellent institution;-, is involved ino' scurity. The original warrant is no longer in exist-ence, and the names of tile founders ot the lodgeaie unknown to us. The first minute book ofthe lodge appears to have been lost before the year 1819.It is stated on the table of P.M.'s that this lotlge wasfounded in 1749, under the sanction of Lord Byron ,M. W.G.M. Tnat tabic was constructed by Bro. Turnerin 1824. I have no eloubt the names of ihe Masters weretaken fro m books which were then in the possession of thelodge. I do not know whether there was in 1824 anydocumentary evidence for the statement that the lodge wasfounded in 1749, but if such was really thc case, this lodgemust have been one of those lodges which seceded fiomthe Grand Lodge of Eng land ,and joined the Grand Lodgeof Ancie-nt Masons , for the reasons which 1 shall hereafterexplain. The idea tnat 1749 was the date ofour constitution was supporte l—<f it had not, as 1

CENTENARY OF THE MOUNTLEBANON LODGE, No. 73.

This Institution 's Governors and Subscribers held theirQuarterl y Court on Saturday last, at Freemasons' Hall ,

under thc presidency of Lieut.-Col . Creaton , Vice-Patron.The Court was composed of Bros. Griffiths Smith , Rayn-ham W. Stewart , A. H. Tattershal l , James Morrell , JohnFaulkner, H. A. Dubois, W. F. C. Moutne, Z. D. Berry,S. Rawson , Frederick Binckes, H Massey ((•Ycemttson),fohn W. Denn i son , J. A. Rucker , William Roebuck , theRev. A. F. A. Wootlford , James Terry, Peter de LandeLong, W. Nicol , Dr. F. W. Ramsay, John Boy d, E. J.Barrow, Leopol d Ruf , and Louis Hirsch . Bro. Robert W.Little (Secretary ) was too unwell to be permitted by hismedical adviser to leave home, and his place was filled byBro. F. R. VV. Hed ges.

After the reading and confirmation of the minutes, thebrethren declared ei ght vacancies in the School for thcApril election ; antl as the House Committee recommended ,consequent upon the comp letion of the new buildings ,the admission of ten extra children at thc A pril election ,a resolution was come to that the number to be eligible atthe next Quarterl y Court be eighteen. The number ofchildren then in the Institution will be , including threeadmitted by purchase, 198.

One petition was deferred at the last meeting of theGenera l Committee for further information. Several lettershad since been received in answer to enquiries , and thebrethren the relore put Ore case on the list.

Col. Creaton , upon the recommen dation of the BuildingConimillce.tben moved , pursuant to notice, "Thatauthoritybe ^iven for thc purchase of a slip of land adjeiining theschool." He said the object of the purchase was to givefreer space, thc grountl at that .south-east corner of thepremises b ei-. g very much contracted . He believed therevvas a chance nf l in ing a larger piece of ground thanthat referred to in this motion , as h-; had seen one of theproprietors a few day s ago, who promised that he woultlspeak to his brother and see if the piece to be boughtcould not be increased. At present the piece was thirty-three yard s, hut hc hoped they woultl be able to get doublethat. Thc price hc v.t.uld name in his motion was, notexceeding £100.

Bro. J. A. Rucker saitl , in seconding thc motion , that thcpiece of land to be acquired would get rid of a vcry dis-agreeable elbow.

Col. Creaton added thai the cost of the thirty-tliree yardswould be a'-out £35, but it was a most important tilingfor the Institution that they should gel it.

The mt-tion was carried .Col. Creaton also moved, " That a wall be built from

the new laundry to the end of the new grounds." Thcnew piece of land just authorised to be purchased was anextension fro m ihe wa 1! now standing beyond the newlaundry. That wall went on to the end of the piece ofland just referred to. The wall would cost about £250.It was very important they should have this wall , and theBuildin g Committee having thought the matter over veryseriousl y resolved to recommend to the Quarterl y Court ,that the wall shoultl be built. Iu fact , it was a necessity.

Bto. Griffiths Smith seconded the motion.Bro John Symonds a-ked whether the wal l wa* thf par-

tition from the surrounding grounds.Col. Creaton said il was.Thc motion wa? then put and carried.Bro. Raynh -im VV. Stewart next moved , according to

notice , " That a commitiee be appointed to consider thesystem of edu.ation which is pu rsued in the School, with aview of ascertaining whether any improvement can beeffected." He said that in bring ing this motion forwardhe was not casting any reflection on thc House Committee,but he had heart numerous observations from manybrethren thai they were neglecting a very important dutyto thc children by not having sufficient attention paid totheir domestic education , and too much to the elementarypart of it. The brethren all knew that the poor girls- inthe Institution came from all classes, and they were edu-cated in the school for a position far above that whichmany of them coultl expect or hope to be in at home. ThcInstitution should educate them all for a position whichthey might all occupy—a domestic position. But in thisschool too much regard was paid to teaching the childrengeometry, Latin , French , German , dancing. By doing sothey were unfitting them for domestic lite , an educationfor which should be part of the system of thc establish-ment. Hc simply asked for a committee of enquiry, ashe was sure it woultl satisf y many brethre n , and even if itdid no gootl it could tlo no harm. He was satiificd ofthis, that if they attended more to the domestic educationof the girls than to the higher education they would beable to take many more children into the school .

Bro. Dr. Ram-ay seconded the motion , because hethoug ht it mi ght be advisable to have a discussion onthc subject. It was quite clear that observations weremade out of doors with reference to the system of educa-tion pursued al Ibis Institution ; and he gathered thatthose observations referred to the hi gher branches of educa-tion being g iven in preference to an education in domesticdutie?. Whether the fact was so or not , he did not know,but if it was, and there were observations to that effect , itwas quite proper that the House Committee should armthemselves with the means to defend it; if it was not ,then they should have the power to refute it; and citherway put themselves forwartl as worthy of the hearty sup-port of the Craft.

Bro. John Faulkner said he failed to see that the ele-mentary part of the education was over-estimated at theschool, or that it unfitted children for thc performance cfdomestic duties. For his part , he thought the highereducation children received , the more thoroug hly it fittedthem for domestic duties. He was of opinion that the

KOYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FORGIRLS.

brethren would find that those women who attended totheir domestic duties the best were the women of the besteducated classes. It was only the uneducated classses thatdid not attend to their domestic duties. Partial educationprevented attention to domestic work. When he went tothe Girls ' School one week, he fountl some of the childrencleaning their boots. This was not like what it was atsome orp han asylums, where the childre n were less re-fined. He would like to see the girls taug ht laundrywork , which hc thought was very useful , antl would notdetract from any of the children 's other education.

Col. Creaton said he could answer the question as towhat elome-stic duties the childre n performed. In the firs tplace, there werc a certain numtocr told off every week togo into the kitchen ; a certain number were told off togo round with the matron every morning ; and in additionto that , the girl s made every stitch of their clothing; infact , they did everything in the establishment except clean-ing floors , carry ing coals , and washing. They assistedin thc household work , attended in the kitchen , and to thecooking. Of course they had no one to wait upon themin lay ing the tables ; that they did themselves. I'hey as-sisted at folding in thc laundry, but they did not do thewashhouse work.

Bro. John Symonds would only like to atld his protest toBro. Faulkner 's against the idea that there was anythingantagonistic in hi gh education to attention to domestictluties. His own experience among peoiile he knew wasprecisely the reverse. He found genciall y that if hc visiteda heme presided over hy a lady who was vcry well educatedshe attended to her domestic eludes ; but if he happened tovisit a home where the lad y was not well educated ,domestic duties werc not attended to. Bro. Stewarthail laiel down thc principle that high educationwas antagonistic to domestic economy, and thatr was pal pable th it thos e who werc taug ht trench andGerman , and Latin and geometry, would not attend todomestic duties. He heard him distinctl y say so. Hethought that was a motion which all He breihren shouldprotest against. He was about to go further antl say thatif he went into a house where there w is a lady at the httatl ,educated in lhat style which prevailed when m iny of thebrethre n were younger , some years ago—that was, if shewas imperfectl y educated—he fountl her absorbetl innotions about dress or how she should improve her ownjiersonal charm s, or she was reading frivolou s novels.The more highly educated a woman was the more shewoultl attend to domestic duties. Hc would no more ex-pect a daughter who was hi ghl y educated to neg lect herdomestic duties than he woul d expect a son who had re-ceived a hi gh education to neg lect his duiii , if he broughthim up as a merchant. The idea that girls coultl be over-educated was exp loded ; we heard over and over againthat with women it was so, but it was a lallacy, and thesooner it was thrown overboard the be ter.

The Rev. A. F. A. Woodford took up the same course ofargument. He entirel y disagreed wilh Bro. RaynhamStewart. His experience of the MasOi.ic Girls' Scho olwas that there was no other school iu England conductedon the same princi ple that met with the same success.The Freemasons in their schools had to dea l with variousclasses of childre n ; antl the House Committee very wiselypreferred to give them a maximum of education fitteelto all the giils in the school. Whenever there was ava riety of classes of girl s got together it was a very sig-nal proof of success if those girls were lurnel out capable0! filling such situations as the girls from the MasonicGirls' School fille 1. Hc , for one , protested against a state-ment going foith lhat such an education as that given iu thisschool unfitted the girls for domestic tluties. Some of thebrethren mig ht remember a meeting held some years agoin a houM -t on the other side of the street , when the lateGrand M ister , the Earl of Zetland , presided , and proposedthe same thing- that Bro. .Stewart now proposed. Not-withstanding the views of thc then Gra n el Master , thcwhole of the brethren present unanimousl y refused toatlopt them , and they resolved to let thc Girls ' School goon 111 thc way it was going on, giving satisfaction as it•still tlitl to thc great body of the Craft.

Bro. Griffiths Smith said that Bro. Stewart had remarkedthat if they gave the girls a less educat ion they wouldbe able to lake in more. Already the building - had beenincreased , antl they were now filling it up.

Bro. Stewart : We shall increase again , I suppose.Bro. Griffith s Smith -. That is a q uestion of funds.Bro. Stewart 's motion was th en put and lost.Col. Creaton saitl he thou ght it bette r to state now than

to have a meeting for the purpose of selling out fundsthat at the end of last year the funds at the banke-s ' wereso low as to require accommodation from those gentle-men. It was only temporary. He hatl also to report thatthe new buildings were -*ompleted , the laundry also, antlthat work woultl commence on Monday. He also saitlthat at the last Quarterly Court and election the room inwhich it was held was not nearl y large enoug h , and thatthe next court would require to be held in a larger room.

Afte r some conversation it was resolved to ask theBoard of General Purposes to allow Ihe use of the greathall for thc purpose.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to theChairman.

The Quarterly Meeting of this Institution 's Govemoisand subscribers was held on Monday, in the Board Room ,Freemasons' Hall. Bro. John Symonds, V.P. and Trustee,presided , and there were also present Bros, S. Rawson , S.B. Wilson , F. Adlard , the Rev. A. F. A. Woodford , Col,Creaton , Wm. Roebuck, H. Massey I f reemason) , J. J.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FORBOYS.

Berry, R. B. Webster, John Mason , and F. Binckes, (Sec-retary).

After the reading and confirmation of the minutes, twocases which stood over for further information since lastGeneral Committee were taken , and the information hav-ing been obtained , one case was declared ineli gible, andthe other was placed on the list for next election.

Thc settlement of the list of candidates for that electionwas then taken , and on the subject being broug ht for-ward ,

The Rev. A. F. A. Woodford , P.G.C, adverted to thepoint he mentioned at a former meeting, antl read the fol-lowing Law 56 of the Institution—" At the meetings ctthe General Committe e in January and Jul y thc numbeiof vacancies shall be ascertained and stated , due enquirieshaving been previously made by the Secretary of the sev-eral parties who have children on the list of candidates asto their own circumstances, and thc eli gibility of such can-didates , the replies to such enquiries being officiall y re-ported to the General Committee."

Thc Chairman sa:d that as this matter hail been raised,and the Rev Bro. Woodford had referred to the fact ofthe recommendation being requited , this would be a con-venient time to allude to what took place at aformer Quarterl y Court. It woultl be remembered that Bro.Woodford gave notice of a motion to confer upon theQuarterly Court thc power < < f approving or rejecting candi -dates recommended by the General Committee, and wasunder the impr. sswn that Bro. Clabon had ruled thatsuch power did not exist in the Quarterl y Court. He(Bro. Symonds) at the time stated that he believed thatBro. Woodfortl was under sonic error , that he urtoondektc communicate with Bro. Clabon. This he had done,and he asked Bro. Clabon to be present at this meeting,if he coultl , and take the chair, in order that he migh t givehis own explanation. Bro . Clabon had written to himthat he woultl endeavour to do so, but as he had netcome it was evident that business prevented him. He(Bro. Symonds) did not know that he need go into thematter fully, but Bro. Clabon's letter called attention toLaw 57, which stated , " The names of candidates shall beapproved and declared at thc Quarterl y General Courtimmediatel y preceding each ele . tion , and no candidateunless so approved shall be placed on the list for suchelection." He did not know how any of the brethrencoultl say alter such a law that it was imperative on aQuarterl y Court to place candidates on the list for electionif recommended , without laking thc recommendation ofthe Committee. That , he thoug ht was, what Bro. Clabonmeant , and that must set the matter at rest. It did notonly rest on thc mere fact of the preceding law as readby Bro. Woodford just now that they recommended thecases ; but here was a distinct statement of the law thatthc names of candidates should be approved at theQuarterl y Court. " No candidates unless so approved 1'—that really could not mean that the functions of thiscourt were merely ministerial , and that it was bound toput the candidates on.

The Rev. A. F. A. Wootlford said he thought it verysatisfactory that this had been matle clear on the highauthority of Bro. Clabon , because he hatl understood thatBro. Clabon , an old member , stated the rule of the Boys'School had been to accept the recommendation of the Com-mittee as final , antl thc Quarterl y Court had no power toVUPKC it.

Bro. W. Roebuck said it was so understood , but th athad been shown to be wrong.

Bro. the Rev. A. F. A. Woodford—No w, however , it isclearl y understood that there is a power in the Quarterl yCourt of rejection if they think fit.

On thc motion of Pro. W. Roebuck , sccontlcd by Bro.Col. Creaton , it was tleclared that thirty bovs should beelected in April out of a list of seventy-ei ghr .

The Chairman saitl there was one point hc should liketo refe r to, and hc thoug ht thc Committee would do well togive it some consideration. The point was whether afterthe improvements and addition s to the Boys' School hadbeen completed they could not endeavour to arrive at arule to admit as nearly as possible the same number ofcandidates each half year. That was a rule at the St.Ann's and the London Orphan Asy lum. They seldomvaried more than one or two each I alf year, antl the friendsof thc candidates coultl form some idea of the number ofvotes required. The difficulty in the Masonic Boys' Schoolexperienced by thc friends of candidates when five or ninewere to be elected was that a very large quantity of voteswere required , ant! now they saw the result , for nine or tenboys who were among the candidates at last election weretaken off the list on account of their being over age. Ifthis Institution hatl a similar rule to the two institutions hehad named probably these boys would now be enjoyingthe benefits cf this school If thc brethre n desired to admittwenty or twenty-five , or even fifte-cn at each election , theelections would be vcry much simp lified , and it appeared tohim that there would be really less disappointment. Theymi ght , perhaps , not always fill up the whole number ofvacancies, and sometimes, perhaps , they might put in oneor two more boys beyond thc number of vacancies.By this means they woultl equalise thc number tobe admitted each time. It seemed to himto be for the interest of thc candidates. Someten boys were taken off last time , and at the nextelection there would be some who would not requireto poll any at all. He did not wish to make a motion onthe subject , but hc merel y threw it out as a suggestion forthe brethren to consider whether after the alterations werecomp leted they coultl not endeavour to get into a certaingroove, to admit as far as possible a certain numberat each election , and prevent those tremendous struggleswhich occasionally occurred at the elections.

The Rev, A. F. A. Wootlfortl wished to know what theChairman meant by saying that some cp-ndtdates at nextelection woultl nit require to poll any votes.

The Chairman said that so many candidates were to beadmitted next time that some of those who werc unsu cccss-ful at last election polled a larger number than the min imumvotes which would secure election next time, and thereforethey woultl not require to add to what they got last time.

Col. Creaton could not see how a certain number ofcandidates were to be admitted each time. Suppose therewere only six vacancies, and it was wanted to put intwenty candidates.

Bro. Binckes said that the age ot sixteen was quite lateenough to keep boys in the Institution.

The Rev. A. F. A. Woodford was afraid sqi subscri-bers wou'd not like to be restricted.

The Chairman said what he recommended was, thatthe General Committee, or some members on behal f ofthe General Committee, should ascertain the practice withegard to St. Ann's, the London Orphan, and the Idiot

Asylum, and see how it worked in those institutions. Theobjection raised by Bro. Woodford of how the subscriberswould like the restriction , was one deserving of very seriousconsideration. Stil l the subscribers to the institutions hehad mentioned took no objection to it.

Col. Creaton said he observed by his voting papers inthe London Orphan Asylum that there were about thesame number—forty out of seventy-three.

The Chairman thought it would be desirable to venti-late this subject , and that Bro . Binckes should bring it be-fore the General Committee to ascertain the practice ofother institutions, and see whether some means might notbe adoptetl whereby the number to be elected on each oc-casion might not be made more nearly equal than it wasat present. When the number to be admitted was five outof sixty or seventy candidates the struggle was somethingfearful.

The Rev. A. F. A. Woodford said it was a most im-portant question for our Institutions whether the term ofsubscription to a lodge was at present sufficient for breth-ren in and out of London. Masonry had got to such aposition now that they might increase the maximum cfsubscription to a lotl ge. At jiresent the time was fiveyears, and that might be matle up of portions of yearsspread over a great many years. Men in that positionconstantly got their children into the Schools, whilst otherswho had lived and died in Masonry could not get theirchildren in. Five ycars were hardl y a sufficient qualifica-tion.

Col. Creaton was very glad that Bro. Woodford hatlbroached this subject. It was one that was worthy ofgrave consideration.

The Chairman said that these points when consideredmight be consideretl conjointl y by committees of bothSchools, that thc same law might be applicable to both.

The subject then dropped.On the motion of Bro. Roebuck , seconded by Bro. Col.

Creaton , £1500 was voted for the new playground, the oldone having been built upon in the formation of the newportion of the school.

The Chairman suggested that the Committee mighttake into consideration the advisability of having a swim-ming bath.

Bro. Binckes s lid this was a question again of money ;but he though t that with the magnificent swimmingbaths at the Alexandra Palace the proprietors of that es-tablishment would be happy to make terms with the Insti-tution for the use cf them. He thought that for £100 ayear this could be done.

Col. Creaton referred to the subject of the abolitionof the effix of Collector, and wished to know whetherthere were not still large sums ol money in annual sub-scriptions outstanding from 1877. He wished to knowwhether the change had answered.

Bro. Binckes had not gone thoroughly into the statistics.There was money still outstanding ; but the annual sub-scriptions were much larger than hitherto ; and the aboli-tion of the office of Collector had proved a success.

The meeting then concluded with a vote of thanks tothe Chairman.

The Freemasons of " the good old town " of Liverpoolheld high festival on Tuesday evening, the Sth inst., atthe Town Hall , when and where the 29th annual GrandMasonic Ball took place. The gathering had again thecharm of charity to recommend it to the patronage of ourfraternity, as assistance to the funds of West LancashireMasonic Educational Institution was once more the pri-mary object of the " festive throng." Thc brotherhood inthis division of the county are justly proud of the nameand fame which their excellent Charitable Institution hasgained throughout the length and breadth of the land ,and the hel p given by its aid during thc past year has beenmore valuable than ever. The value of the institution isclearly shown by the fact that at present nearly 100 chil-dren are on the foundation , educated entirely from itsfunds ; and this number is steadily increasing from yearto year, as the natural result of the marvellous progresswhich the Craft is making in this division of the county.The current expenses of education , amounting to about£1100 per annum, are now covered by the subscriptions ofthe brethren , thc interest fro m the invested capital , theproceeds of the annual ball , and donations ; and so liber-ally has the " West Lancashire " been supported by thebreth ren that there is now an accumulated capital of about£i %, too, being a large increase as compared with listyear. The special feature of this charity is that the wholeof the scheme in connection with its working is carriedout without a single farthing of expenditure , as all thej fficeis gratuitously give their services in carrying out its>bjects, and they personally superintend the progress madeby the children at the different schools in which they areplaced, these schools being selected by their mothers or

THK ANNUAL MASONIC BALL ATLIVERPOOL.

guardians. It is in contemplation to increase the benefitsconferred by this excellent charity, in the direction of giv-ing a helping band to children when about to start in theworld after leaving school ; and there is little doubt thatthe enthusiastic support of the brethren will enable thecommittee to carry this scheme into effect when it has beensanctioned by the proper authority.

Tbe ball was under the patronage of His Worship theMayor and Mayoress of Liverpool , Lord antl Lady Skel-mersdale, Earl and Countess Bective, Major Starkie, Lordcle Tabley, Hon. F. A. Stanley , Sir Gilbert and LadyGreenall, Lieut-Colonel N. Bousfield , M.P.; CaptainGarnett , Sir James Ramsden , Lieut-Colonel Birchall , W.Rathbone , Esq., M.P. ; Right Hon. Viscount Sandon ,M.P. ; J. Torr, Esq., M.P. ; Colonel Ireland Blackburne ,M.P. ; and others. The executive committee consisted ofBros. G. Broadbrid ge, P.P.G.D. of C. (chairman) ; W. J.Lunt , P.Z., P.M. 823 (vice-chairman) ; J. M'Kune , P.Z.,P.M. 216 (treasurer) ; and H. M. Molyneux , P.M. 823(who again acted as M.C). Thc important duties ofhonorary secretary were admirably fulfilled by Bro R.Martin , jun., I.P.M. 1182, who was indefatigable inhis exertions to make the '78 ball a certain success.There were about 500 persons present , and thc variednature of the Masonic clothing worn by the brethrennearly every Older in Masonry being represented , gave astriking effect to the bal lrooms. The great and smallrooms were utilised for the purposes of dancing, whichwas carried on to thc stiains of Bro. G. W. Philli pps' band.Supper was served in the luncheon and dining rooms ofthe Town Hall , the excellent catering of Bro. Fairhurst(Fisk and Fairhurst) giving great satisfaction ; andamongst the " creature comforts " was a splendid baronof beef , which was the " observed of all observers."

ivctanir.The Provincial Grantl Lodge, Sauth-Eastcrn District ,

met at Clonmcl on the 9th inst. Thc attendance of bre-thren from various lodges was very large. The Ht.Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Stephen Moore,D.L., M.P., occupied the chair. The routine businesshaving been transacted , the officers for the year were dulyinstalled. Bro. Milward, being absent , was not installedas Senior Grand Warden , but tbe Very Worshi pful W. G. D.Golf , Deputy Provincial Granc Master, acted in his place.Bro. W. H. Constable was installed as Junior Grand War-den , Bros. Waugh and Sunderland , No. 32, being GrandSenior Deacon and Grand Inner Guard ; Bro. J. E. Mur-phy, 5, Prov. Grand Treas. ; antl Bro. DeRenzy, 297, asProv. Grand Sec. The Grand Master then proceeded , ac-coreling to resolution , to present thtir late honoured Prov.Grand Master, Bro. Sir Joh n Kcane, Bart., D.L., with agold P.G.M. jewel and a beautifull y illuminated address(the work ot Mr. Mullaby, of Watcrford), handsomelyframed the design embracing many Masonic insignia ,having Corinthian and Doric pillars upon each side,wreathed with a ribbon bearing thc names of the variousLodges in the Province, the "All-seeing Eye " being at thetop. Underneath are fully emblazoned the arms of Bro.Sir John Keane (taken from a wonderfully preservedold parchment, with a genealogy of the family written inIrish antl English), also the open Bible, with compass,square, &c.—all being richly encircled with wreaths offlowers , scrolls, &c. The address, which was prefaced bythe Provincial Grand Master with some appropriateremarks, in his usual graceful and happy style, was in thefollowing terms :—

" At the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge,South-Eastern District, held in Carlow, April , 1877, it wasunanimously resolved that the lodge, having learned withgreat regret that Bro. Sir John H. Keane, Bart., has re-signed the office of Right Worshi pful Provincial GrandMaster, which he has held since its formation , desires toplace on record its deep sense of the obligation due to himfor the Masonic manner in which he discharged the dutiesof this office , ever faithfully attending, and generally pre-siding, at its meetings, often at much personal incon-venience—thus evincing his interest in our Order, and al-ways endeavouring to promote its prosperity and har-mony.—Signed on behalf ot tbe Provincial GrandLodge,

" STEPHEN MOORE, P.G.M."Bro. Sir John Keane, who was saluted with warm ap-

plause, then replied as follows :—Right Worshi pful Sir and Brethren ,—I ask you to accept

my deep and sincere thanks for the resolution so kindlypassed at the Provincial Quaitcil y Meeting held in Carlowin April , expressing " its sense of the obligation due tome for the Masonic manncr in which I have dischargedthe duties of Past Grand Master, in faithfully attendingand generally presiding at its meetings." I feel , brethren ,that this expression of the P.G. Lodge is over indul genttowards myself , conscious as I am of the many short-comings in the manner of my carrying out the duties ofthe high office entrusted to my careb, our late Most Wor-shi pful Grand Master more than ten yeais back, and con-tinued by his successor. Still I have endeavoured to carryout those duties according to the gifts and lights that Ihave received ; but imperfect l y performed even asthey were, they could not have been gone throug h with-out the hearty and frankly tendered co-operation of thebrethren of the district—brethren , in many instances, offar more Masonic knowledge, zeal , and experience thanmyself. In bidding you an official farewell , I feel a con-solation in being succeeded by a brother whose private andMasonic character is "without fear and without reproach ,"and in whose judicious hands I pray that this district,which I have had the great honour of forming, may goon and prosper, the brethren thereof never forgetting todwell together in peace, love, and harmony. 1

An address was also read , and is to be presented to Bro.Abraham Denny, Watcrford, at next provincial meetingthere, the lodge expressing regret for his indisposition.

About thirty-six of the brethre n then adjourned to re-freshment , and enjoyed a delightful evening, receivingthe proverbial hospitality of Lodge 44, Bros. Ffennell,Fitzgerald , and Bradley being as indefatigable as ever intheir attention to thei r guests. A large collection wastaken up for the Masonic Orp han Schools—the meeting,-ill through, earring out the old Masonic motto of" Peace,love, and charity."— Clonmcl Chronicle.

mmt %\\mm)u\\t$COVENT GARDEN .—The entertainment provided by Bro.

C. Rice at this house for the especial edification of our littleones far surpasses any other for good songs, excellentdancing, and supeib scenery, that we have witnessed thisseason. The march of the three hundred is in itselfenough to make the piece—" Puss in Boots "—a glorioussuccess. Those who have been to Covent Garden Theatrewill endorse our opinion , and those who have not haveyet to see, if they take our advice, the most finished andgorgeous of all the Christmas spectacles.

N EW R OYALTY .—"La Marjolaine " still runs at thistheatre, and if good houses can testif y to a success, thisplay is undoubtedl y one. Miss Kate Santley has, per-haps, more admirers off the stage than any other lady inher line in the profession. That she has fairly earned thispopularity none but the envious will question, nor thatshe full y sustains, in " La Marjolaine ," her right to popu-lar suffrage. The opera is now preceded by a comediettaby Mr. Rae, entitled " Love's Alarms ," in which Mr.Lionel Brough contrives to keep the majority of the audi-ence in one continuous roar of laughter.

The second edition of the British Medical Journal con-tains the following telegram from its Roman Correspon-dent -.—, " The following is a brief epitome of the course of thelate King 's illness :—The King had been slightl y in-disposed for 14 days, the symptoms at first being, how-ever, omy of an indistinct character. The main symp-toms of which he complaineel at the outset were those ofcold , shivering, antl pains chiefl y located at the right sideof the chest. During the nig ht of Saturday he had ex-posed himself at an open window, and was seized at noonon Sunday with severe shivering and acute and obviouslypleuritic pain , for which he was bled to a slight amount.On the same evening, Dr. Baccelh, a physicianspecially known for recent researches onthe subject of the diagnosis and treatmentof pleuretic effusions and accompany ing inflam-mations, saw him in consultation. He found considerabledulness over the right lung, indicating a complication ofpneumonia. The King was bled again next morning,and hi-* other treatment consisted mainly in the adminis.tration of quinine in small doses and tartarized antimony.On Monday high fever set in , with profuse sweating -, theheart was dilated, and its action weak. On Tuesday thesame symptoms continued in an aggravated form, andon that evening there was a notable exacerbation of fever.together with a military eruption of bad omen. OnWednesday morning His Majesty was obviously sinking,and had become so weak that the pulse could scarcelybe felt. Oxygen inhalations were then employed, anduVse produced a temporary rally; but the effect wasonlp temporary, and the King died in collapse at half-past two."

CAPITULAR F R E E M A S O N R Y .—Ihe next meet-ing of the Prudent Brethren Chapter, No. 145, held atFreemasons' Hall, will take place on Tuesday, February 12,1878, on which occasion, as there will be no exaltation,the work will consist of lectures, sections, and illustrationsappertaining to Royal Arch Masonry. Those companionswho werc present at the former public night given by thischapter will no doubt avail themselves of the privilege ofattending. Those who may have been prevented uponthat occasion, we strongly advise to avail themselves ofthis. The chapter will be open to all R.A. companionsproperly vouched for. We hope to give further particularsin our next.

We have received the following notice of aninstruction meeting which we deem worthy of re-produc-tion : "New Cross to wit.—To all members of our Orderto whom these presents may come. Whereas our trusty andwell-beloved Bro. John Shaw, P.M. 79, Sic, assisted byfifteen well-known and learned members of the Craft, willwork the Fifteen Sections, in thc Star Lodge of Instruc-tion , 1275. These are therefore to command you to ap-pear at our said lodge, on Saturday, the 26th day ofJanuary, 1878, at seven o'clock in the afternoon , at theMarquis of Granby Tavern , New Cross Road , and thenand there to help, aid, and assist in the working of thesaid Fifteen Sections, and herein fail not at your peril.Given under our hands and seal this 29th day of Dec-ember, 1877.—H. Keeble and A. B. Church , HonorarySecretaries."

HOLLOWAY 'S OINTMENT NND P ILLS .—Multitude s suffering undera complication of disorders might obtain relief through thesehealingand purif ying remedies, which should be employed withouta day's delay. When the weather is variable and colds andinfluenzas are prevalent , this Oinjment , well rubbed upon thethroat and chest, eives thc Greatest case, and checks all tendencyto inflammation in the lungs and other organs. The Pills assistthe curative action of the Ointment , inasmuch as they purif y theblood and so quicken the circulation that congestion is renderedalmost impossible, Holloway's treatment deals most successfullytoo, with that very troublesome and often tedious ailment , indiges.tion, which is the bane of thousands from overwork and fast livingin the oresent dar.—ADIT.

THE LATE KING OF ITALY.

©bitatg*BRO. THE RIGHT HON. GEORGE WM. BARON

KINNAIRD AND ROSSIE, K.T.It is our melancholy duty to record the death of the

Right Hon. Geo. Wm. Baron Kinnaird and Rossie, K.T.,which took place at his residence, Rossie Priory, Perth-shire, on the 7th inst. Bro. Lord Kinnaird held the office ofProvincial Grand Master, Perthshire East , for 50 years,the date ot his appointment being November, 1827. Hewas grand Master Mason of Scotland for two ycars ; andin that capacity laid the foundation stone of a new har-bour at Dundee. In the same capacity his lordship pre-sented to King William IV. the address to His Majestyexpressing the abhorence the Giand Lodge viewed theatrocious attack that had been made upon his sacredMajesty.

The death of Lord Kinnaird, the ninth holder of thepeerage, which dates from 1682 , is an event to be regrettedby temperance reformers ; ior though hc had completedhis "oth year he had not ceased to take a lively intelli-gent interest in public affairs, and in actions of a tempe-rance character. It was he who brought in the ScottishPublic-house Bill of 1853, and whose name, and not Mr.Forbes Mackenzie's, oug ht to have been popularly asso-ciated with it as its author. On several occasions, andvery recently, his lordship warmly descanted on thc evilsof the liquor traffic; and his vote in thc Lord s might havebeen counted upon (as that of his brother , who succeedshim, has been in the Commons) had the Permissive Billreached the Upper House in his lifetime. His fellow peerswho survive him may wisely emulate his usefu l andhonourable career.

Lord Kinnaird was buried in the old churchyard ofRossie, about hal f a mile from the Priory, on Saturdayafternoon , and his remains were followed to the grave bybetween five and six hundred persons of all ranks andconditions. The burial service was conducted by the Bishopof Brechin. Lady Kinnaird with her grandson walkednext the coffin the wliob way. Among those present werethe successors to the title ; the Hon. Miss Kinnaird , sisterof the deceased , the Hon. Ashley Ponsonby, Lady Kin-naird's brother, Lord and Lady De Mauley, Colonel Ogilvy,(son-in-law of the deceased), Admiral Str James Hope(brother-in-law), Admiral Low Lanerton , the Earl ofMansfield , the Hon. Waldegrave Leslie, Sir John Ogilvy,Mr. Baxter, M.P., Mr. Yeaman , M.P., &c. Deputations at-tended from the neighbouring town councils and fromsocieties and associations i.i which his lordship was in-terested.

BRO. C. W. DOYLE.As we briefl y announced last week, Bro. William Doyle,

P.P.G.J.D. of West Lancashire died somewhat unexpect-edly at his residence, 14, Mount Pleasant, early on Satur-day, the 5th inst., and the news of his death gave keengrief to a large circle of Masonic friends , who, knowinghis undoubted worth , valued him very highly. He wastaken suddenly ill on the previous Wednesday night, anddied from the result of erysi pelas in the head. Bro. Doyleheld many distinguished Masonic positions, and was uni-versally admired and valued by all who knew him , bothwithin and without the circle of Masonry. He had beenconnected with Masonry for 16 years, and at the time ofhis death he was P.P.G.J.D. of West Lancashire, P.M.and Treasurer of the Alliance Lodge, No. 667 (havingfilled the latter position for seven years), one of the com-mittee of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational In-stitution , P.Z. of the Mariners' Chapter , No. 249, P.E.C.of the order of Knights Templar, P.S. of the Red CrossOrder, besides holding office in Mark Masonry, Rose Croix,and Rosicrucian order. Bro. Doyle also took a warm in-terest in all the Masonic charities , and did his best to in-crease their usefulness and benefit their position.

The mortal remains of our much lamented brother wereconsigned to their last resting place in the Necropolis ,Liverpool , on Tuesday morning, the Sth inst., and theuniversal feeling of regret for this sudden loss to the fra-ternity in this division oi the county was shown by thelargest attendance of brethren seen in Liverpool since thefuneral of the late Bro. Captain Mott. A " funeral lodge "of the Alliance Lodge, No. 667 (of which the deceased wasan esteemed P.M. and Treasurer), was opened at the Ma-sonic Hall , Hope-street , at half-past nine o'clock , and herethere was the specially solemn Maso: ic ceremonial , whichis usetl on the occasion of the death of members of thefraternity. There were upwards of 153 brethren present,and thc most affecting ceremony created a deep impressionon all who were present. Bro. G. S. Willing, VV.M. of thelodge, was in the chair , antl amongst thc officers of thclodge present were Bros. J. E. Jackson , I.P.M. ; T. Ockle-shaw, P.M. ; G. A. W. Philli ps, P.M. ; J. E. Skillicorn ,P.M.; W. Witter , P.M.; A. Winkup, P.M. ; I. Bolton ,P.M. ; J. Devaynes , P.M. ; VV. C. Hulman , P.M. ; J. Ellis ,S.W., (W .M. elect) ; H. Firth , (.VV. ; |. H. Gregory, Sec:T. Peake, S.D. ; D. Lloy d, J.D. ; A.' Bucknall , I.G. ; T.Yeatman , Oig.; and j. fc. Gtart , J.S. TV-EIE: were alto-gether about 250 Masons present at the funeral , antl thecrowd at thc Necropol is must have numbered upwards of500. Amongst those who thus paid their lasttribute of respect to the deceased wcie Mr. W. Jones(nephew) , Brj . H. S. Al pass, P.G. Sec; Dr. M'George, P.G.Registrar ;J .R. Goepel , P.P .G.D.C. ; W. Vines, P.G.D.C. ;w- Vine s, P.G.D.C. ; G. Turner , P.G. Treas. ; S. E. Ibbs,P.P.G. St. B. ; B. B. Marson , P.G.S.B. ; H. Pearson ,P.G.S.; J. tkeaf , P.G. Org. ; R. Brown, P.M. 241 ;James Skelly, 673 and 505 ; R. Martin , P.M. 1182; H,Nelson, P.M. 673 ; W. T. May, P.M. 673; J. T. Callow,l .M. 1505 ; M. Hart. P.M. 1502 ; W. J. Chapman , W.M.1609 ; the Rev J. R. Jenkins , S.W. 216 ;T. Clark , P.M.f >73 ; H. M. Molyneux, P.M. 823 ; W. J. Lunt, P.M. 853 ;'. Evans, P.M. 1570; A. Morrison , W.M. 1570; M.

Corless, P.M. 1594 ; R. P. France, P.M. 594 ; H. Burro ws,W.M. 673 -, f. Shaw, P.M. 823 ; T. Bond. 667 ; P. B.Gee, P.M. 1264 ; W. Pughe, W.M. 1620 ; C. Campion ,1609 ; H. Eve, 6C 7 ; J. Lecomber, W.M. 594 ; S. Bush-nell, 667 ; W. Gamble, 249 ; J. Milner , 594; P. MaddoxS. Prince, Maccabe, T. Berry, P.M. 155 ; A. Woolrich.J.W. 1356 ; T. Joseph, 249 ; W. Coates, 1609 ; T.Roberts , P.M. 673 ; H. Gill , S.S. 1086 ; R. G.Hudson , Peter Hudson , J. W. Edginton , P.M.11S2; R. Folds, 667; L. Bagnall , Treas., 1620 ; E. O. CRothwell, P.M. 135 6 ;T. Sheen, J.W. 247 ; J. Gallagher,P.M. 1011 (E. L.) ; J. G. Jacob, 292 ; S. Millikin , 823 ; J.0. Rea, I.G. 1182 ; I. Jacob, J. Tabley, 594, &c. Theappropriate anthem in the lodge room in Hope-street wasmost impressively rendered by Bros. Busfield , Yeastman ,Child and Queen. Bro. J. Skeaf , P.G.O., presiding at theorgan. The brethren were conveyed in thirty cabs andprivate vehicles to the late residence of the deceased , andfrom thence the cortege proceeded by "way of London-road ,Moss-street, and Brunswick-road to the Necropolis. Thefuneral service and special Masonic prayers were read inthe chapel and at the side of the grave by Bro. the Rev. J.Rees Jenkins, acting Chaplain ; and the special exhortationto the large assembly of brethren -was delivered with greateffectiveness by Bro. G. S. Willings, W. M. of the deceased'slodge, after which many of the brethren threw sprigs ofacacia into the grave. Bro. W. T. May, P.M., acted asM.C, and all the arrangments were very satisfactorilycarried out under his direction. The coffin was of polishedoak, and bore the simple inscription—"William Doyle, aged50 years ; died Jan. 5, 1878." The funeral was conductedby Mr. D. Busby.

The annual council of the " Tabernacle of Concord ,"in connection with this degree, by order of the VenerablePresident, R. Brown, was held at thc Compton Hotel,Church-street , Liverpool , on Friday, the 4th inst., for theinstallation of Presidents, investiture of officers , and con-secration of all approved candidates whom the brethrenmay introduce. Bro. tht: Rev. C. R. Hyde, D.D., was theninstalled V.P. for the current year, Bro. Joseph Bell, SecondP.P., and Bro. W. J. Thomson, Third P.P., the ceremonybeing performed by thc V.P.P.'s Brown and Clark. Ninecandidates were afterwards admitted into the Order by theV.P,, and other officers. Bro. Bell was afterwards dulyelected V.P. for the ensuing year , Bros. Thomson , SecondP.P. -, J. C. Lunt. Third P.P. *, T. Clark, P.V.P., Treasurer;Brackenbury, Recorder ; and A. Woolrich , Conductor.After the usual business, an excellent banquet was servedunder the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Hyde. It was re-solved to vote a sufficient sum to make the V.P. a lifegovernor of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational In-stitution. Besides those alread y named there were presentBros. J. Wood (Freemason), V. Roberts , W. Monis, J.Keet, E. Carter, J. Buckley, G. D. Fleming, J. Atkinson ,R. E. Milton , J. Armstrong, W. Whiteside, J. Normanton ,R. Black, Archdeacon , T. Hugo, J. Seddon, R. W. Barnes ,A. Bucknall, W. T. May, and H. Burrows.

ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.

Some of the members of this club dined together at theHercules , Leadenhall-street , on the 12th December, thechair being taken by Rev. Dr. Morris (Head Master ofthe School, and President of the Reunion). The chieftoast of thc evening was " Prosperity to the Royal Ma-sonic Institution for Boys, and success to the Reunion."A vote of thanks having oeen passed to Mr. Maidwell ,(proprietor of the Hercules), for the able way in which thedinner was serve 1, the evening concluded with music, reci-tations, &c.

A Copenhagen correspondent of the SundayTimes, writing on the 7th inst., says:—The annual grantlfestival of the Danish Freemasons was celebrated onSaturday, when the Crown Prince was re-elected GrandMaster. In the evening about 400 brethren assembled toa very brilliant banquet in the large hall of the GrandLodge. Thc Crown Prince, who presided , was enthusiasti-cally received by the brethren. He was supported by hisuncle, Prince John of Glucksburg, the Swedish Minister ,Baron Beck-Friis, and all the dignitaries ol the Craft. Aspecial collection was, at the desiie of the Crown Prince ,made in favour of the widow of one of the brethren , who afew days ago lost his lite in the attempt to save anotherperson who had fallen through tbe ice. A very handsomeamount was obtained.

SE A M E N 'S HOSPITAL (D R E A D N O U G H T) , GREEN-WICH .—A quarterly general court of this corporation washeld on Friday last, Captain the Hon. F. Maude, R.N. , inthc chair. Amongst other gentlemen present were thefollowing—Mr. Joseph Moore, Mr. Frederick CIceve, C.B.,Admiral Sir Claude Buckle, K.C.B., Mr. W. Toller , andCaptain Vincent Budd. It was reported that 540 seamenhad been admitted as in-patients to the hospital during thepast quarter from British and foreign ships, of whichnumber 104 come from London , 40 from Liverpool , 25from Glasgow, 17 each from Hull and Newcastle, 16 fromShields, and 179 from the other ports of Great Britain andIreland. From forei gn ships there were admitted 142sailors, of whom 17 came from Germany. From thestatement ot income and expenditure for the year 1877,which was read by the secretary, it appears the societycommenced the new year with a debt of £1,595 6s., andan urgent appeal for increased support was made by thechairman.

R.M.I.B. OLD SCHOLARS' REUNION.

Another Pompeii has been unearthed in South-ern Italy—the ancient Greek colony of Sipuntum, in theneighbourhood of Manfredonia , on the Adriatic coast, about140 miles north-north-west of Brindisi , in the low-lyingground which stretches from the foot of Mount Garganoto the sea. Its disappearance was not due to an overwhel-ming shower of ashes, or to burning streams of lava, butsimply to the sinking of the site on winch the city stoodowing to successive earth quakes, which covered its streetsand buildings in tufa and soft clay for some six centuries.A temple of Diana and a Necropolis are the chief remainsunearthed at present, and a portion of the inscriptions andthe most interesting objects have been deposited in theNaples Museum.

A CENTENARIAN .—Mrs. Mary Burfield , thewidow of an Excise officer , has just died at Colchester,aged 100 years last June. She ha 1 been a widow forS3 years, her husband having died at Hadleigh, Suffolk ,in thc year 1824. Of her 12 children only two survive her.She retained full possession of her faculties to the last.

Herr Wagner 's Musical Academy at Bayreuth,where students were to be trainetl for the interpretation ofthe Music of the Future, will not be opened for the present,as the composer declares " the times are unpropitious forsuch an experiment."

BOSTAL HEATH .—The Metropolitan Board ofWorks have taken formal possession of this newly-acquiredopen space of the metropolis by placing an officer in chargeof the common. It is situated in the extreme south-easternsuburb of London and is one of the most beautiful spotsof Kent.

R O V A L HISTORICAL SOCIETY .—TheBaronessBurdett-Coutts has, on election as an Associate of theRoyal Historical Society, made the library of the institutiona magnificent present of books, including the publicationsof the Camden Society.

THE NEW IMPERIAL ORDER.—The Queenhas created a new Order of Distinction , called " The Im-perial Order of the Crown of India ," for the princesses ofher Royal House, the wives, or other female relatives ofIndian princes and others , to be selected by the Crown.The ist of January is to be its anniversary, and the Kingsand Queens Regnant ot England are to be its Sovereigns,Her Majesty has conferred it upon all her daughters anddaughters -in-law, and twenty-nine other ladies, includingseveral members of the highest nobility.

THE R HINE FISHERIES .—The contract madebetween Alsace, Baden , and Switzerland , for the protectionof thc fisheries in the Rhine and its tributaries, has recentlycome into force. The States mentioned agree to issuesimilar laws with regard to fisheries , and to further in everypossible way the maintenance and increase of the valuablespecies of fish both in the Rhine and in the Lake of Con-stance. The contract has been signed for the space of tenyears, and the participation of the other Rhenish States ismuch desired.—Nature.

THE HARVEST or THE SEA. —The recently is-sued report of the Fishery Board of Scotland is a mostinteresting document. We learn , in spite of the stormyand unfavourable character of the weather, that the herringseason on the whole is a better one than last year's, thoughstill under an average. The entire "tike " of herringsover the whole Scottish seaboard during the year was about7,000,000 barrels; the quantity cured being slightly about598,000 barrels, or about 345,000 barrels under the quantitycured in the previous year. The loss of life this year, not-withstanding the exceptionall y rough weather, his beengreatly under the average, and includes one man on theCaithness coast, one at Hemsdale, two on the Aberdeenshirecoast, and one further south—in all , five. Last year byone storm upwards of 40 men were drowned . The des-t, uction of boats and nets by the storms this year has beengreater than usual. There seems no reason to retractformerly expressed convictions that, with favourableweather , the Scottish herring industry will every year yieldfish to the value of from a million to a million and a halfsterling, antl that the chief drawback to its maintenance isthe want of suitable harbour s in localities where the herringsappcir in enoimous shoals, but where the districts areunable to provide the whole of the funds necessary for therequired harbourage.—Fishing Gazette.

SHELL FISH I N 1675.—We na,/e receivedfrom a correspondent a curious oltl bill rendered in therci ^n of Charles II. to Mr. Walter Tucker , the Mayor ofLyme, in Dorset. It was on the occasion of his entertain-ing the Jud ges on their Assize visit. Tne items are :—Thirty lobsters, £1 101. ; six crabs , 6s. ; 100 scallops , 5s. ;400 oysters, 4s. ; 50 oranges , 2s. This seems rather anodd bill of fare. That thc Judges were supposed to bepariio.1 to shell fish seems evident , but wh y iu name of allthat is indi gestible shou'd oranges go wilh crabs andlobsters ? It might be worthy of note if the sentences couldbe fountl wh ieh thc J udgt s passetl on the culprits after sucha supper.— Meat and Provision Trades Kevitw.

THE I NSTITUTION OF CI V I L E N G I N E E R S .—Mr. John Fre-deric Bateman , the newl y-electcil president ofthis influential body, delivered an inaugural address onTuesday last, the 15th inst. From a recently printed listit appears that the numbers of the several classes now con-stituting thc institution are as follow:—979 members1701 associates, and 16 honora ry members—together2696, while there are 493 students attached. Thirty yearsago, when the institution had been established 30 years, theaggregate number of different classes was only 552.

it is stated that Staff-Captain David N. Welch,of the Royal Yacht " Alberta," is shortly to retire, and thathe will be succeeded by Staff-Captain Alfred Balliston , atpresent in command of the " Elfin."—Broad Arrow.

NOTES ON ART, &c.

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GR I M W A D E .—On the 1 i th inst., at Hadleigh , Suffolk , thewife of C. J. Grimwade , of a daughter.

STEWART .—On thc Sth ult., at Madras , the wife of Col.Shaw Stewart , R.E., of a son.

TIIVN.N -E.—On the 1 2th inst., at Wilsford Lodge, Balham ,the wife of G. II. Thymic , of a daughter.

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water, Shelah Spillcr Allen , of Brid gwater, to ConstanceElizabeth , daughter of J. Leaker.

LEVY — SA M U E L .—On the tjth inst., at West Bromwich ,by thc Rev. B. Hart , Isaac Levy, of the LiverpoolDramatic Lodge, No. 1609, the Alliance Lodge, No.667, Liverpool , to Phoebe, second daughter of P. L,Samuel Esq., West Bromwich.

PETER —FR A M E .—On Nov. 6, 1877, at St. Philli p's,Barbados , William Peter , Esq., of St. Lucia , to ElizabethHoward , daug hter of the late Dr. Frame.

SCOTT.—DO N N E I .L.—On the 3rd inst., in the First Ncw-townstewart Presbyterian Church , by thc Rev. JohnM'Conag hy, M.A., assi.-tcd by the Rev. Robert Dick ,B.A., Charles Scott, Est)., Commander , R.N., J.P.,Strathroy, Omag h , to Wilhelmina , daughter of theRev. R. C. Donncll , M.A., Grayvale , Newtownstewart.

DEATHS.A BBOTT .—On the 14th inst., Thomas Abbott , of U pper

Hamilton-terrace , N.W., aged 43.H ENDERSON .—On thc 11 th inst., at Viewfort h , Edinburg h ,

Henry Ed gar , son of I . F. Henderson , aged 29.SI N C L A I R .—On the 12th inst., at 7, Upper Queen s-terrace,

Southampton , suddenl y, Margaret Anne , the wife of B.W. Sinclair , agzd 32.

WYATT .—On the 12th inst., at Portsea-place , Connaug ht-square , James Wyatt , aged 75 .

THE LAST QUARTERLY COURT OFTHE GIRLS' SCHOOL.

The meeting which took place last Saturdaywas numerousl y and influentially attended , andwe commend our careful report of it elsewhere tothe notice of all our readers. For two pointsin it demand special attention. The one, is thewelcome announcement of the respected Chair-man, Bro. Col. Creaton, that eighteen girls willbeelected at tbe next election , bring ing thenumber in the School up to the total of 198,a very remarkable and interesting fact in itself ,and one likely to prove most welcome and ac-ceptable to the subscribers, though it necessarilycalls for increased exertions , on behalf of thatmost needful and well conducted Institution, theGirls' School . The secon d point is most importantin itself—viz. the, discussion which took placeon Bro. Raynham Stewart 's motion to appo int acommittee to enquire into the present system ofeducation in the Girls School. But though in-spection and investigation as to " results " arealways needfu l and advisable in all scholasticestablishments and work , be they what theymay, it appears to us that Bro. RaynhamStewart prevented any brethren from deliberatel ysupporting his motion , by the aiguments whichhe made use of. We may observe, that Bro. Dr.Ramsay only seconded the motion , pro forma, toallow of discussion on a question so vital in it-self, and so bound up with the best interests ofthe School. Bro. Raynham Stewart argued thatthe present education given " unfitted thegirls for their after du:ies in life, and also thatthis " over education ," as he termed it , ren-dered them unlikely to attend to laborious occu-pations. As regards the first argument, it isquite clear to us, as it was to the meeting, thatit involves both a patent fallacy as well as a" petitio princi pii." So far from the educationalsystem of the Girls ' School unfitt ing ourorphans for the " bat tle of life," having failed ,it is well known, as a fact , to many for whom wewrite, that the girls who come out of our Schoolhave no difficulty in placing themselves, andhow well they fill the situations in which they areplaced, and how very successful as anEducational Institution, our Girls' Schoolhas been, and is, at this very hour.Indeed , it may be fairly said , as it will be con-ceded by all " esperts," that our Girls' School is"uni que" in Eng land , if not in the world , both inits organization , its work, and its outcome. Weknow of none like it, we have yet to be told ofany which surpasses it. For it is bear in mind,"sui generis." It has to deal with children ofcontrasted classes, and different positions in thesocial scale, and it is no little to the credit of theCommittee that it has endeavoured to find astandard of education suitable for all , while itin no way ignores either peculiar claims, or pre-vailing aptitude in the scholars. If there be aneducational institution which seems to be doingits work properl y and thoroug hly, it is our Ma-sonic Girls' School. In the second place, thetheory that education prevents persons doingroug her work is an exp loded fallacy, worthyof the dark ages, and which we did not expectto hear reproduced by Bro. Ray nham Stewart in187S. We had hoped, we had driven away thatold ghost of effete superstition , that bug bear ofcrass ignorance for ever , and we cannot butdeep ly lament to witness its reappearance , evenamong Freemasons. The answer to it is verysimp le. The cry of all departments of industrynow is for skilled labour. Some of the acutestintellects we have ever known, pointed out yearsago, that skilled labour must eventually drive outunskilled labour , inasmuch as work was betterdone by educated than by uneducated workmen.The standard of education has been , happ ily,rising and still is in this country, and as Free-masons, we are ever favourable to li ght andknowledge. Are we then to refuse to girlswhat we give to boys ? Are wc to advance theeducation of the one, and keep back the educa-tion of the other ? Certainl y not ; we cannot doso either in fairness or propriety. And therefore

we also dismiss Bro. Raynham Stewart'ssecond point, as being equall y fallacious withthe former. But as a fact, the theorythat in our Girls' School they do not at-tend to domestic duties is entirely a mistakenone. No doubt great attention is pro-perly paid to their educational acquirements, butthey make their own clothes, they are proficientsin needlework, they make clothes to order, andall the girls successively take part in the kitchenwork, &c. It can therefore in no sense be saidthat the education in our Girl's School is eitherunpractical or too elaborate. We therefore regretthat Bro. Raynham Stewart should before the Crafthave used any words which should seem to saythat a work which has been and is a signalsuccess, should in any way bz supposed to bsa failure. On one noint we wish to sav a wordfurther. We are all probabl y agreed that in theabstract that cookery is a very imp ortant branchof feminine education and ought to be care fullyattended to. We would therefore suggest to theHouse Committee, (a suggestion which we knowthey will take in good part) , that they shouldplace themselves in communicat ion with thedirectors of the School of Cookery at Kensington,and so give our girl s the benefit of instruc-tion by a qualified cook regularl y and systemati-call y. The House Committee of the GirlsSchool are alwavs read y to listen to practicalsuggestions, and we feel sure, that no difficultieswill occur on their part, or indeed of any one elseconnected with the School. In this senseperhaps the recent discussion ma}' have donegood, as it will serve to shew how very un-founded are the complaints made by some, howaversethe Quarterly Court properl y is to needlesschanges, and above all how unanimous a supportthe Honse Committee will receive from thesubscribers in their arduous responsibilities. Forthe Girls' School administration has solved thatmost serious problem , a good , practical , common-sense education , and remembering its p.ist work ,tealising its present efficiency, and looking ontoits future development, its supporters will againdetermine, as of old , to "leave well alone ," andto spare no efforts to augment its benefits, and touphold its prosperity.

CHARITABLE ADM IN ISTRATION

It is always an invidious and unwelcome dutyfor Masonic jo urnalists to find faul t with thewords of their brethren , or to comment upon anyhonest expression of op inion or comphin t , and ,therefore, we feel sure that in what we are nowabout to say, we will be credited by our readerswhen we assert, that we speak w i t h all regretand with all reserve, at the same time, that ourutterancss are marked, we hope, by all ofMasonic honesty, friendliness, and courtesy.We are among those who much regret thewords spoken by our esteemed P.G.C, Bro.R. J . Simpson , at the recent consecration of theTemple Bar Lodge, as we venture to deemthom neither 'given forth at a " convenientseason," nor, to say the t ruth , quite fair to thebrethren of our Order. We are about to cele-brate the first anniversary of our Masonic Chari-ties for 1878, and all of a sudden we are toldin most emphatic words by a PastGrand Chaplain of our Order thatin " all " our charitable associations there is"jo bbery, (without any exception , be it noted),and that there is " great scope for reform in themode of election to the charities." Thus it willbe seen that our worthy Bro. Simpson includeseven our Masonic charities in this most sweepingcharge. We quite agree with Bro Binckes, thatsuch a scene and time were not the proper placeto ventilate such opinions, they ought to bebroug ht forward calmly and dispassionatel y ina proper court. They cannot be seriousl y dis -cussed in the heated sentimentality of a binquet ,they demand the more tranquil and sober treat-ment of a business meeting. But we haveanother "bone to pick " with our good Bro. R. J.Simpson. The fact , if a fact , is a mostalarming one, as regards our many great andnoble charitable institutions, and we beg todoubt it altogether. But as regards our Ma-sonic Institutions , we are in a position to say,that any such allegation is as unwise as it is un-founded. Bro. Simpson is a zealous member

The Freemason ,SATURDAY, JANUARY IO, 1878.

think probable originated—from the number of thislotlge in the register of the United Grand Lodge. Onreferring to the list of lodges in the Freemasons ' Calenda ryou will observe that this lodge is placed after a lodgewhich was constituted in 174*7, and before another whichwas constituted in 1751. For a long time we were underthe impression that the order of the lod ges depended on theorder of the dates of their constitution , but it appears to havebeen taken from the numbers in the registers of the twoGrand Lodges at the time of the Union being t iken altern-ately from each list. In 1849 a Committee of this lodge wasappointed to make arrangements for celebrating its cen-tenary, but the proceedings were subsequently abanelonedon account ol the necessary documentary evidence notbeing forthcoming. On June 4th , 1850 , that Committeereporteel " that the oldest minute book in the possession ofthe lodge was one commencing September 25, 17 64, andending December 27, 1:73, anel that between the lastnamed period and the end of the year 1799 there were nominutes whatever." The book here mentioned has sincebeen lost. It does not appear to have been known to Bro.Hughes when he compiled his abrid gment of the minutesin 1852 , and I can only suppose that it had not beenreturned by one of the P.M.'s who had taken it home forexamination in reference to the centenary, or it may havebeen in one of the boxes which have been lost. In 1856 aCentenary Committee was proposed by mysel f, seconded byBro. Davies, and appointed by the lodge. After severalmeetings and the adoption of a desi gn for a jewel , welearned that the calendar issued by the Grand Lodge andour table of P.M.'s were not to be accepted as sufficientevidence of our anti quity. In 1865, on the motion of Bro.Donkin, it was resolvetl to apply for a dispensationto wear a centenary jewel , but the minutes do not recordany further proceedings. . In 1S76 our present Secretary,Bro. Free, was requested to report on the subject of acentenary jewel. With the kind assistance of Bro. Buss,at the Grand Secretary's office , we have been able to traceour origin to the date of the original warrant , Feb. 27,1760 , as one of the lodges of Ancient Masons under theold Constitutions. A petition to the M.W.G.M. wassigned by all the officers antl P.M.'s and fifty-one mem-bers of the lodge, and forwarded to the Grantl Secretaryin 1877. In due course the warrant I have spoken ofwas received. The lodge appointetl a Centenary Com-mittee, consisting of the W.M., Bro. Knott , the P.M's,Bros. Dixon , Walters , Sabine, Rose, Ebsworth , Free(Secretaryl, Grace (D.C), and Wilkins ; Keeble (J.W.),Isaacs (J.D.), antl Stedman. It has fallen to my lot asthe senior P.M., with the assistance of my colleagues, toexamine all avai'able tlecumcnts , and to endeavour locondenscthe result of our labours into my present address.Although the old minute book from 1 7 64 has be*en lost,another of greater interest lias been found , commencingDec. 30, 1780 , and ending, Dec. 23, 1799. This is theoldest record in our possession , antl foims Ihe fi rst ofseven minute books containing upwards of 2003 pagesof manuscript which' contain the history of this lodge tothe present time. With the exception of three leaves cutfrom the minute book in 1789, and four leaves cut out in1793-4, these books appear to contain brief records of allour lodge meetings during the last 97 ycars. All these Ihave read. They c ontain an immense number of factswhich arc of no interest to us at the present time , beyondthe circumstance of their forming a continuous history.However , a few grains of wheat may be collected fromthe chaff , which will serve to g ive us some idea of themethod of conducting business in a Masonic lotlge duringthe thirty ycars which preceded ihe union in 1813, Forthe information of our young members, who may not haveenjoyed any opportunities of making themselves acquain-ted with the history of our institution , and in order to makemy subsequent remarks more intelligible , I trust it willnot be considered out of place if I occupy your attentionfor a short time by referring to the history of Freemasonryin this country, more especially of that period which pre-ceded and followed the formation of the two Grantl Lodgesand the circumstance of their union , forming our presentUnited Grand Lodge. This subject may be said to form apart of our own history, as I have ascertained at theBritish Museum that the articles of union between the twoGrand Lodges were signed by two brethren , James Agarand James Perry, who were initiated and served the officeof W.M. in this lodge. The early history of Freemasonryis traditional and fragmentary. The accounts of itsorigin are various, and inconsistent with each other. St.Alban is said to have formed the first lodge in Britain ,A.D. 287. Prince Edwin , a brother of Athelstan , is said tohave held the first Grantl Lodge at Yoik, A.D. 926.For some centuries after this period Masoniclodges were princi pally those of operative Crafts-men, patronised and encouraged by great andnoble lovers of art, especially the founders of cathedralsantl colleges, &c. The names of these patrons of theOrder have been handed down to us as Grand Masters,but not on much authority. From the time of InigoJones (G.M. 1607 and 1638) to that of Sir ChristopherWren (G.M. 1685 and 169 8), Masonic lodges becameseminaries of instruction in the liberal arts and sciencesand many eminent men were accepted as members ofthe Order. In consequence of the age and infirmities of,Sir Christopher Wren the annual festivals werc neglectedand the number of Masons diminished. In Feb., 1717,the four lodges then existing in London met at the A pp leTree Tavern , Charles street. Covent Garden , and havingvoted the oldest Master Mason then present into the chair ,constituted themselves into a Grand Lod jje pro tempore.On June 24 following, a general assembly was held ,A. Sayer, Esq., was elected G.M. ; invested by the oldestM,M. present ; installed by the Master of the oldest lodge(that of St. Paul , and now the Lodge of Anti quity) ; andreceived due homage fro m the fraternity. The authorityof this Grand Lodge of England was not universally re-

cognised.- An ancient lod ge at York constituted itselfinto " Grand Lod ge of all England , held at York ," in theyear j 72 **. After a certain time it became inactive, butwas revived in 17(1 1 antl finall y collapsed in 1792. Thcregulations issued by the Grantl Lodge of England werelooked upon as innovations by several lod ges,who renounced their alleg iance, and affiliatedthemselves with the Grantl Lodge at York.In 1738 the seceders were numerous, and beingglorious Masons it was impossible to distinguish them.The parting of the Grand Lodge committe-d the error ofdeviating from the first of the ancient landmarks , themoeles of recognition , in changing thc word of the FirstDegree, The seceders then assumed the title of " AncientMasons," and called their opponents " Modern Masons.'In 17*53 " The Grand Lodge of Ancient Masons accordingto the old constitutions " (saitl to have been granted byPrince Edwin at York , 926) was constituted. It wasrecognised by the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland.Some of its Grand Masters were at the same time GrandMasters of Scotland.

GR A N D M ASTERS OF THE A NCIENT M ASONS .1753 Robert Turner 1 year1754— 3 Edward Vaughan ... ... ... 2 „175 6— 9 The Earl of Blessington ... ... 4 „17(00— 5 The Earl of Nellie 6 „17G6—70 The Hon. Thos. Matthew 3 „177 1— 4 John , 3rd Duke of Atboll 4 „1775—8 1 John , 4th Duke of Alholl 7 „1782—90 William , Earl of Antrim ... ... 9 ,,179 1-̂ -1813, John , 4th Duke of Atholl ... 23 „1813, (Nov. and Dec), H.R.H. Edward , Duke of Kent.

GR A N D M ASTERS or SCOTLAND .17 G3— 4 Earl of Kellie.1773 John r ,-ird Duke of Atholl.1778— 9 John, 4th Duke of Atholl.

U NION or THE GR A N D LODGES .Nov. 25, 1813 Articles of Union signed.Dec. 1, „ Ratified , confirmed , ar.d sealed by G.LDec. 27, „ First United Grand Lod ge.

G R A N D M ASTERS OF THE U NITED IJ R A N D LODGE .1813—4 2 H.R.H. Frederick Augustus , Duke

of Sussex .,. ... ... 30 years,1843—6 9 The. Earl of Zetland 27 „1870—73 The Marquis of Ripon ... ... 4 „1874 H.R.H. Albert Edwartl Prince of Wales (whomGod Preserve) .As the Past Grantl Officers who were not re-appointedwere to retain their former rank , this lotl ge has had thesingular honour of two of its Past Masters sitting at thesame time as Past Deputy Grantl Masters in the presentGrantl Lod ge. Thc Duke of Kenl accepted office with thesole view of co-operating with his illustrious broth .- r inpromoting and cfuienling thc so much-desired Union.Reverting to thc history of our own lodge, I have to regretthat I am unable to give you any account of ils proceed-ings during the first twenty ycars of its existence. In thelatter part of thc year 1780 the lod ge met at the houseof Bro. Kelly, at the King's Head , James's-stre t , CoventGarden. The warrant of the lotl ge was then in the posses-sion of James Oxburg, as W.M. 5 Anthony Conyers,S.W. ; and Edmund Kelly, J.W. Judging from thc namesof the initiates and visitors, we may assume that the Irishelement largely preponderated. This was a period of con-siderable activity, 15 members being admitted in 1781.Lectures were given in the Three Degrees of Craft Ma-sonry, and also in the R.A. and Templar Degrees. TheMaster was elected for a period of 6 months. The War-dens were elected by the members of the lodge, and theyappear to have been obligated and installed. The obli-gation of the Wardens probably referred to their holdingoffice until their successors were elected , as I find it statedat a subsequent period , when no election of officers hadtaken place on account of the absence of members, thatthe Master and S.W. agreed to hold their positions untilthe next day of election " on their oaths of office." Theelections took pi ice in a M.M. Lodge, as in oneplace I find it stated the F.C. were requested to retire be-fore the election. The Secretary and Treasurer wereelected by the lodge. The Master appointed the SeniorDeacon , antl the Junior Warden the J.D. The officerswerc fined for non-attendance or being late, and also fornon-acceptance of office. From the rules and orders ofthe Grand Lodge, printed in 1813, it appears that the finesfor refusal to serve in any office—past officers excepted—were, Master not less than five shillings, Wardens andSecretary two shillings and sixpenc: each ; Deacon oneshilling, the Treasurer at the discretion of the majority.Occasionally two degrees were conferred on one night—abrother being initiated and Crafted , or Crafted and raised.In one instance all the three tlegrees were conferred in oneevening (March , 1797) . The Festivals of St. John theBaptist (June 24), and of St. John the Apostle antl Evan-gelist (Dec. 27), were the days of installation. Masoniclodges were formerly tledicatetl to these two saints, theybeing considered the two grand parallels , which are nowrepresented 111 our lodges by Moses and King Solomon.It was customary for the lod ges to unite with the GrandLod ge to"jcele -brate thc grand Festival on St John Baptist'sDay. Each lodge contributed half-a-guinea , ac-cording to regulation , towards the expenses.The lodges marched in procession , each hav-ing its own standard . It sometimes happenedthat the standard was left behin d as securityfor the payment of the house bill. Of these festivalsI will give an instance from our minutes. "The lodgem:t at 9 o'clock in the morning, there being 29 memberspresent. They proceeded to thc "Black Prince," andattended Grand Lodge agreeable to ortlers. Assisted incelebrating the festival. Attended Divine Service atCamberwell Church , where a Masonic sermon was preachedby Dr. Colin Milne, the Grand Chaplain. Dined with thegeneral body at the Grove House, where we were visited by

several distinguished brothers and spent the day in theutmost conviviali ty and harmony. The Grand Lodge wasclosed at 9 o'clock in the evening." (June j I, 1788.) Atthis period the Earl of Antrim was our G.M Ten yearsbefore this (April 7, 1777), the Grand Lodg cof Englandhad determined that ancient Masons were n t to be coun-tenanced or acknowledged by any regular lodge of Masons :however, they were recognised by the Grand Lodges ofScotland and Ireland. On September 9, 1778 , it vvas re-ported to our Lod ge that "Lord Elcho., G.M. ,of Scotland,having -risked our Grand Master's Lodge, had written aletter in which he expressed his complete satisfaction, atthe conduct of the Grand Master's Lodge, and declaredhis abhorence of that modern system lately established inEngland." Modern Masons desirous of being admitted asmembers of our lodge were iniatiated again , but at thereduced fee of one guinea. At this period of the lodge'shistory (1786-94) I must mention the names of twodistinguished brethren , James Perry, editor and proprietorof The Morning Chronicle , and James Agar, barristerat law of the Inner Temple. James Perry was initiatedin this lodge in 1783 ; was W.M. in 1786 ;appointed J.G.W. in 1787, and was D.G.M. in1788-90. James Agar was initiated in this lodge in1786, was W.M.in 1787; J.G.W. 1788-9 ; S.G.W. 1790 ;D.G.M. 1791-4, or later. They filled these offices inGrand Lodge while they were members cf this lodge.Notwithstanding the social position of many of its mem-bers the lodge got into debt. " The R.W.D.G.M., Bro.Perry, reported that he had paid the debt and costs of anaction of law against the lodge, amounting to £27 2s.6d." Members in arrear were warned that they "wouldbe reported to Grand Lodge, and be no longer consideredmembers of this lod ge." In 178 9 Bro. James Gray, ofthe Grand Master's Lodge (who had joined the year be-fore) , became Master, and in the following year wasthanked for " the exemplary discipline which he had main-tained in thc lodge, and the general attention which hehad paid to every part of his duty in office , and throughwhom the lod ge was happily restored to that har monyantl respect which ought ever to reign among Masons. "" The Good Lodge, No. 6, visited , and received a Masonicwelcome." This lod ge returned the visit in form. Thehappy state just mentioned was not of long duration , forin 1792 wc find thc D.G.M., Bro. Agar, P.M. of this lodge,calling thc brethren together "for the purpose of restoringthe lodge to its former regularity and splendour." Thelod ge removed to a more eligible house, the Sun , inGate-street , Lincoln 's-inn-fieltls. Four initiates wereappointed to office , and a joining member from No. 2,Bro. A. Ecle, was chosen Master. The W.M. appears tohave been unable to attentl on account of illness. Sixmonths after thc lod ge was removed to the Bull , Devon-shire-street , Bishopsgate. Old members in arrear wereexcluded , but the lotl ge did not prosper. On Dec. 7, 1792 ,the lodge alloweel the Tvler five shillings to perform theduties of Secretary, and to pay for an Outer Guard out ofthat sum. On June 4th , 1794, the lodge met at theAngel , City-road. The minutes of this meeting do notcontain any name. There appears to have been no Sec-retary, or a very bad one. At this period we find the lodgereceived a duplicate warrant, dated Dec. 27, 1794, whichis our present warrant. The officers named therein areWilliam Lovel l , W.M.; Stephen Eele, S.W.; and WilliamLcsturgem, J.W. ; all of whom were initiated in this lodgein 1792. The minute book does not give us any infor-mation about this warrant. Three leaves are missingjust before this date. Bro. W. Lovell appears to have in-augurated a second revival , as fifteen lod ge meetings wereheld in the year 1795, eight new members were initiated ,and two brethren joined. Bro. Lovell was a member forseveral years. The lod ge next removed to the CheshireCheese, Spitalfields Market. It met there for three years.On Dec. 15th the lodge proposetl, " to sup on next lodgenight with their sisters, after the ins tallation ," and no doubtthis proposal was carried out , as the house bill on Jan.19th , 179 6, was £10 2s, 41!, being much in excess of theusual amount. In 1796, Nathaniel Bradley, a watchmakerin St. Luke's, was initiated. He was Master in 1797 ,Secretary in 179 8, and filled that office , witha short period of interruption , for thirty-three ycars,when he was made an honorary member. Hediet! in 1840, having been a member for forty-four years.It was he who in 1799 first proposed that this lodgeshould pay an annual subscription of one guinea to theBoys' School . On January 26th , 1818, he proposed thename of " Mount Lebanon Lodge " should be added tothe 104. He is thi connecting link, between the last cen-tury and our tlay, for he was the senior member of .helotlge when Bro. Hughes was initiatetl in 183.5, and Bro.Hug hes filled that position when many of our oldestmembers were admitted into Masonry in this lodge (1855)1800—182*;. For many years this lodge met in the par-ish of St. Luke at various places. The number of mem-bers at this time was from twenty to thirty. They wereprinci pally tradesmen. From the names I imagine thatmany of them were Italians. I am sorry to say that several of the P.M.'s werc under the necessity of making ap-plication to the Grand Lotlge Benevolent Fund. At oneperiod (August 24th , 1807) the lotl ge was so poor that" the brethren agreetl to act as Tyler in rotation , untilthc lod ge was free from debt." In 1812 they were evi-dently in a better position , as thc minutes of December9th state that they ordered " a goose, two fowls, anil asalted leg of pork." Poverty did not induce them toadmit unworthy persons. A " Mr. Richard Lawless (!)was rejected as not being a fit person to be made a Freemason." Let us hope this was not on account of hiname. In 1819 G. W. Turner was Master . He presented the lotl ge with three small boards of thc ThreDegrees, with several Masonic prints , a new minute bookand part of the expense of the P.M. tablet. He visitedthe lotlge within my recollection. In 1825 Bro. R

Carpente-r was Master. During ninetee n ycars he wasan excellent member, and frequentl y delivered the lecturesin thc various degrees. In 1S29 Bro. W. D. Hughes wasMaster. He was an advocate of the cause of charity.For several years he was our Secretary. Hepresented the lodge with a register book of all the membersadmitted since 1812, and an abridgment of the minutesfrom 1780 to 1847. Since the Union this lodge hasmetat six places for periods of one, two, or three years, anel atthe following six houses for periods of more than fouryears.1808—1816 Spread Eagle, Whitecross-street 8 years1818—1825 St. Luke's Head, Old-street ... 7 „1826—1830 Shakespeare's Head, Percival-street 4 ,,1830—1837 Roebuck, Gt. Dover-street ... 7 „1843—1862 Green Man Tavern , Tooley-street 19 „1862—1863 Bridge House Hotel ... ... i j „1863—1867 Green Man Tavern 4 ,,1867—1877 Bridge House Hotel 11 „

In 1841 the lod ge indu l ged in what is known as aSummer Banquet , for they decided " that the memberswho chose and their ladies, dine at the Duchess of YorkTavern , Battersea Fields, on July 19, and that the membersof the Strong Man Lodge be invited to join them." In1848 E. Harris was Master. He was our Secretary forfouiteen years and Treasurer for thirteen years. Hc diedin 1877, respected by every member of this, his motherlodge, of which he had for some ycars been the oldestmember. In 1848 and 1850 , C. R. Dean was Master.He was a worthy brother and represented this lotl ge threetimes as a Steward at the festivals of the Masonic Schools.He presented the lodge with a new ballot box. In 1833W. E. Jackson was Master. He presentetl the lodge witha chair for the W.M., and two pedestals for the Wardens.In 1854 D. Davies was Master. Hc filled the office ofTreasurer for seven and half years, and was preeminentlydistinguished for the warm interest he took in the MasonicCharities. In 18156 H. Gregory was Master. He was amost energetic Mason, but unfortunately his life was ashort one. During his year of office thelodge enjoyed a prosperity which it had neverpreviously attained. The Grantl Lodge dues were £44 7s.,the highest amount up to that time. I was his first ini-tiate. Twenty-two others followed me in the same year,and I regret to state lhat at the end of seven years I wasthe only one who remained a member. In 1859, J. Don-kin was Master. He was our Secretary for seven years.Oa Dec. 20th of this year, the last of our first century, itwas my gootl fortune to be unanimousl y elected W.M. forthe ensuing year. I was installed on the 17II1 January,i860, and as the centenary was not completed until the27th February following, that being the date of our origi-nal warrant (Feb. 27th , 17 60), I had tlie pleasure of pre-siding over the lodge as the last Master during the firstcentury of its existence, and the first Master during itssecond century. During this year (1860) the lotlge gavethirty guineas to the Masonic Charities. Thc Past Mastersof the lodge who are members at the present time are JohnDixon , M.D., i860 ; F. Wal ters, 1863 ; H. Moore, 186*5 ;T. J. Sabine, 1868 ; D. Rose, 1869; E. H. Ebsworth ,1870; G. Free, 1872 ; G. F. Grace, 7873 ; A. L. Dussek,1874 ; I.J. H. Wilkins , 187-5 ; C. Rayner, 1876 ; T.Knott, 1877. The Past Masters who have been foundersand first W.M. of other lodges are, H. Gregory, 763 ; J.Dixon , 871 ; J. Donkin , 1178 ; F. Walters, 1307; D.Rose, 1622; T. J. Sabine, lua. The senior member ofthe lodge is Bro. W. C. Hcndley, who joined April 16th,1850. The eldest son of the lodge is Bro. S. S. Sard,who was initiated May 15th , 1855. The next oldestmember is Bro. F. Walters, who was initiatedthc day that Bro. Sard was passetl , and Iwas proposed for initiation on the day Bro.Sard was raised (Dec. 20, iS-iO- The youngest child ofthe lodge is Bro. Harrison , who was initiated Dec. 18,1877. The number of members is 124. Total membersof the lodge from 1780 to 1877, S44, of whom 678 were in-tiated in the lodge, and 166 joined. The lodge first met at" Bridge House Hotel ," on March 18, 1862 , and remainedhere till June 16, 1863. It met here again on Sept. 17,1868, and has continued to meet here to the present time,During the last 24 years this lodge has sent 20 Stewardsto the festivals of the Boys' School. The personal dona-tions of those Stewards amounted to £194 *js. The lod gedonations during the same period were£197 i os. Theamount of Stewards' lists from 1870 to 1877 was £973,7s. The nett amount of these lists with the donations ofthe lodge and Stewards prior to 1870, is £1046 12s. Bro.M. Eltham, a member, bequeathed £300 ; died 1864.During the last 29 years the lodge has sent 19 Stewards tothe festivals of the Girls' School . Steward s' donations ,£246 ics. Lodge donations , £168, 1860-1877. Stewards'lists, £693 18s.. Nett amount of lists since i860, anddonations before i860, £798 18s. During the last 27years thc lodge has sent 19 Stewards to thc festivals ofthe Masonic Benevolent Institution. The amount ofSteward' lists from 1866 to 1867, ^393 6s. 6d.; thclatter, plus lodge donations (before i866)[ £46 37s. 6tl. Themiscellaneous charities from the lodge funds were £44 is.The most noteworthy of these were :—1854, to the Patri-otic Fund for wives, widows and orphans, of soldiers andsailors fig hting in the East £3 5s. 18*57 f°r relief ofsufferers in India £10. 1867, Turks Island Relief Funtl £2.1868, Masonic Life Boa t Fund £3. 18-54-1876, Variousdonations from the Charity Fund amounted to £163.—Grand Lotlge dues 1814 to 1876, paid to Grantl Lotlge£1166 7s. 6d. 1877, £34 9s. making a grantl total of up-wards of £3700. which this lodge has been the meansof raising lor charitable purposes in some form or other.This amount is exclusive of private subscriptions whichv/err placed on thc Stewards' lists in previous years(when those lists were not preserved) and also of thc don-ations of members of this lotlge which were given on theoccasion ot their serving as Stewards for other lodges. In

conclusion allow mc to observe that on an occasion ofthis kind our joy must necessarily be mingled withserious antl solemn reflection. More than 700 of ourmembers have passetl away, but the gootl deeds of someof them are not forgotten to tlay. Man , as an individual ,is but an atom in the infinity of space. His life whenprotrartetl to its utmost span , is but as the lightningsflash in the infinity of time. Thc material works of hishands, however grand antl noble they may be, inevitabl ydecay. Thc noblest and most age-enduring of them allall are fountl in works of operative Masonry.Time—often called all-destroy ing time—whicii slowly butsurely crumbles into dust thc most solid structures of hu-man art , and spares not thc Masonic rock itself , addslink upon link to the chain of intellectual antl moral pro-gress. Freemasonry is a grand link in the chain of hu-man progress ;—each Masonic lodge is a link in the chainof Masonry ;—each member of a lod ge is a link in thechain of a lodge's existence, or in other words , a fibre ina strand of a rope of many strands;—the excellence, andstrength , antl durability of which ticpend on thc excel-lence and perfection of its component parts. The lodgeto which we hs.ve the honour to belong, though humblein its origin , and humble in the social position of manyof its members, has , upon the whole, played no un-worthy part in thc history and progress of English Free-masonry. If it has done no more, it lias hel ped to addlustre to thc bri ghest jewel in the crown of English Ma-sonry—I mean charity. We have drunk of the cup ofprosperity. We have also tasted the bread of adversity.We have not escaped the leprosy of a few unworthymembers , but we rejoice that their number has been farexccctled by excellent antl worth y Masons. I hope I maysay that we have many members who arc anxious toemulate the gootl deeds of those who have gone before us.One thing more is necessary, and thnt is , we shoultlintroduce as our successors onl y such as are likel y lo tlohonour to the lod ge and Craft. I have pleasure , W.M.,in presenting you with the centenary warrant , whichhas been granted during your year of office , antl of decor-ating you with the centenary jewel. In the name of thelotl ge I express the hope you will be spared to wear itamong.-t us for many years to come. I thank thebrethre n for the kind attention I have received , and I nowconclude this centenary address with thc prayer whichwas doubtless ultere I at its con secration of the lod ge," may peace, prosperitv , and harmony attend thislod ge."

A vole of thanks was nftcrwards insretl to Dr. Dixonfor thc above address , and it was ordered to be printed antlcirculated among its members .

Dr. Dixon afterwards installed Bro. E. E. Cooper , asW.M. ; antl the following brethre n to office : Bros. H.Keeble, S.W. ; Ireton , J.W.; Dr. Dixon , Treas. ; GeorgeFree, Secretary ; Isaacs, S.D. ; Holmes , J.D. ; Wittgen-stein, I.G. ; Grace, D.C; D. Rose, W.'i.; and W. Y.Laing, Tyler.

A vote of thanks was ordered to be recorded on thelotlge minutes to Dr. Dixon for installing the W.M., andten guineas were voted to the list of Bro. Grace, as Stewardfor thc Benevolent Institution festival. Thc brethren thenclosed the lod ge, antl adjourned to a splendid banquet ,anel honoured a long list of toasts, among which were" Thc Pious Memory of the Founders of the Lotlge," "TheMount Lebanon Lodge," and "The Senior Member ,"three special toasts for the occasion.

A charming selection of music was performed by Bros.Seymour Smith , T. W. Simons, W. Pritchett , J. Thornton ,and Theodore Distin.

On Thursday, roth inst., a .Masonic ball of a brilliantdescri ption took place in the Town Hall , the proceeds tobe devoted to the funds of the East Lancashire SystematicMasonic Educational and Benevolent Institution.

Prior to the proceedings in the ball-room , a preliminaryassembly took place in the large police-court , Town Hall ,for the purpose of making a presentation of an illuminatedaddress to Colonel Le Gendre N. Starkie , R.W.P.G.M.,East Lancashire , and P.G.W., Eng land. His Worshipthe Mayor , Kro . Jas. Dickenson , presided ; and amongthose present were Bros. E. Ashworth , P.G.S.W. , EastLancashire ; It. H. Hutchinson , P.P.G.S.W., East Lanca-shire ; T. Cloug h , P.P.G.R., East Lancashire ; E. Halli-well , P.P.G.O., East Lancashire ; Wr. H. Cunliffe , P.P.G.P.,East Lancashire ; R. C. J. Duckworth , P.P.G.A.P., EastLancashire ; T. Taylor, P.P.G.S.B., East Lancashire ;W. Coddington , W. E." L. Game, W. Counsel!, I.G.,343 ; S. L. Buckley, S.D., 269 ; T. S. Ainsworth , P.M.,346 ; W. F. Townley, P.M., 2G9; D. Towers, P.M., D.C,344 ; AU OP Blenkhorn , W.M., 269 ; G. Oornall , 345 ;and N. Jones 569, honorary secretaries of ball com-mittee ; Wm. Almond , 381, P.M., P.P.G.S.W. ; SamuelHowarth , P.M., 345 ; Jas. Bertwistle, P.M., 269; Sam.Tomlinson; S.W., 269; Chas. Aspden , 269; G. Br ooke,J.W., 269; S. Goldstone , S.D., 24- 5 ; R. W. Calterall ,S. W. 13 12 ; P. W. Flinn , 381. Lod ge of Faith , Clapham ;Thomas Cunliffe , 269 ; Thomas Preston , 269 ; RichardKearslty, P.M. 346 ; Wm Pinder , J.W. 343 ; J. T.Hall , J.'D. 15 19; John Booth , J .D. 37 ; Thos. Mercer;A.S. 13 16; John Ki ghy, .345 ; H. A. Spun*, P.M. 939 ;E. Shaw, J.D. 340 ; John Leaver , S.D. 346; J. Mnr-gerison , 344; Thomas Thompson , 13 19; Thomas Long-worth , 269; Daniel Neville , 343 ; Wm. Heaton , 345 ;Thomas Walmsley, P.M. 462; Thos. Parkinson , 269 .William , Isherwood , 343 ; G. T. Underwood , P.M. 424,William Barton , 269 '; J. Troop, P.M. 269; James PyesI.P.M., 345 ; L. D. Blackburn , W.M., 345 ; GeorgeDuerden , P.M., 34s ; Ralph Robertson, 34*5; Charles

MASONIC BALL AT BLACKBURN ANDPRESENTATION TO BRO. LE GEN-DRE N. STARKIE.

Porter, 345 ; James Aspinall , S.W., 345 ; Samuel Fal-lows, 343 ; W, Fletcher, LG., 269; Joseph Potts, 269;W. Holland , 269 ; Obadiah Sagar, J.S., 345 ; J. Pollard ,S.S., 269; H. Underbill , 1519 ; Wm. Forrest, 37 ; J.Barton , P.M., 462; W. H. 'Haworth , I.P.M., 381"; JohnOldfield , 343 ; J. J. Pemberton , 343 ; Amos Armistead,P.M., 346 ; David Schofield , 269 ; Daniel R. Parkinson,343 ; H. W. Graham , 345 ; J. Platts, 345 ; James Heap,J.D., 26 9 ; Thos. Sourbutts , D.M., 346 ; J, J. Blackshaw,J.W., 346 ; Wm. Lamb, J.D., 346 ;* J. D. Hirst, 343 ; W.C. Tiplady, 345; and H. T. Platts, S.S., 343.

The Mayor said they had assembled there on that occa-sion for a purpose which he had no doubt would givegreat satisfaction to all present , and those connected withthe Masonic Craft generally. They should that day cele-brate thc 30th birthday of the Worthy Provincial GrandMaster of East Lancashire. He was sure it would be asource of gratification to all present to see him in such astate of health as they found him that evening. He hadjust completed a space of life which extended over theperiod of half-a-century, and he (the Mayor) was surethey all wished that he might have many happy returnsof the day—(hear , hear),—and that he might be longspared to live amongst them. (Hear, hear.) He wassure no man connected with Masonry so much delightedin that event as he did. His friends and brethren wouldwelcome Col. Starkie as being the Right WorshipfulMaster of the largest district in this country. (Hear, hear.)He was sure they regarded it as an advantage and anhonour to have Col. Starkie as the Grand Master of soimportant a district as East Lancashire. (Cheers.) TheMayor then called upon ,

Bro. Thomas to read the address, which was as fol-lows :—

To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie, D.L., Past Grand War-den of England , anil Grand Master of the Province ofEast Lancashire.—Right Worshipful Sir,—We, the Mas-ters, Past Masters, officers , antl brethren of Lotlges 269,343, and 346, Blackburn , desire most cordially and loyallyto offer you our sinccrest congratulations on the occasionof the fiftieth anniversary of your birthday. We thankThe Great Architect of thc Universe that Hc has grantedto you so abundant a measure of health and strength , andthat he has endowed you with wisdom ard sound ju dg-ment , by which you are enabled to discharge thc oneroustluties of your high office in snch a manner as to promotethc welfa re and happiness of the brethren under yourcharge, antl to further thc highest interests of Freemasonryin this large province. We pray that you may be blessedwilh unimpaired health and energy, long to continue thebeneficent rule under which we have the happiness to carryon the gootl work of the Craft in this province, and mayyou live to sec your children and your children s childrenfollowing in the footsteps of their honoured progenitors inthe gootl paths of Freemasonry.—Signeel on behalf of theirrespective lodges, Allon Blenkhorn , W.M. Lodge of Fidelity,269; Samuel Haworth , Lodge of Perseverance, 345 *,William Williams, United Brethren , 346.

Thc address, artistically speaking, is a splendid pieceof workmanshi p. It is contained in a massive gilt frame,richl y illuminated and tlecoratctl with Masonic emblems.Thc framework is crowned with an emblem of the officeof the P.G.M., initialled around as follows : "R.W.P.G.M., of East Lancashire." Beneath this is a crest ofthe Starkie family in gilt. The names of the three lodgesthat have contributed the testimonial are inscribed on theframe, namel y, " Lotlge of Fidelity, 269 " at the top ; and" Lodge of Perseverance, 345," and " Lodge of UnitedBrethren , 346 " on either side. At the base the HolyBible is carved in gilt, being open with the square andcompasses ly ing on the top of it. The ribbon below con-tains the motto, " Audi Vide Tace." Each corner is filledin with a double triangle, emblematic of Royal Arch Ma-sonry. 1 he letters of the atldrcss are relieved with beauti-fu l colouring. Mr. Cunliffe , tlecorator, Church-street ,and King-street , lias executed thc mounting and frame,antl the adtlress had been prepared by Mr. John Holland ,surveyor.

Bro. R. H. Hutchinson, P.P.S.G.W. of East Lan-cashire, was called upon to present thc address. Hesaid hc thought none of the brethren in that roomcoultl enter it without mingled feelings , nor coultl heundertake the task whicii had been imposed upon himto present lhat address without having those min gledfeelings. When he looked back upon the past hcremembered that Col. Starkie was the son of a mostnoble Mason, antl he presided over the whole provinceof Lancashire with such dignity aud grace thathe gained the goodwill of all the brethren , and whenthe time came that it was necessary, owing to thegrowth of Masonry, that this province should bedivided , he unlike most men, was ready and willingto divide the district into two great parts. He (Bro.Hutchinson) was sure that brethren of East Lanca-shire werc very glad that they werc able to placeCol. Starkie at the head of East Lancashire in Iheirnoble Ortlcr , as the Right Worshipful Grand Master ofthe Province. They were grateful in two ways. Inthe first jilace, he was the son of such a father that byhereditary duty he woultl perform the duties allottedto him with thc same dignity, thc same grace, andthc same generous satisfaction which the example ofhis father had left him lo follow. Hc had also thesatisfaction of believing that Col. Starkie had the in-fluence antl qualification to maintain with dignity andgrace what his ancestors had upheld , and hc had nodoubt that thc hi gh reputation of the Order would bemaintained. His conduct had so far satisfied thebrethren , that they hoped he might be spared many longyears to follow the same course, and that his children wouldhereafter admiring ly imitiate the same example. (Hear,hear.) He (Mr. Hutchinson) knew that to the outsideworld Masonry was very difficult to understand. It seemed

vcry strange that thc highest in the realm should be thepatron of the Order—hc meant Her Most Gracious Majestythe Queen. It seemed equally strange that the Prince ofWales shoultl be at the head of their Order. (Hear , hear.)It was also, to those who did not understand it , still morestrange that the Royal Prince Leopold and theDuke of Connaught should occupy offices in the GrandLodge. (Hear , hear.) He dared say many mightwonder how it was that amongst other noble namesidentified with Masonry so many had devoted , andwere still ready and willing to devote so much timeand attention to Masonry. They could hardl y enlightenthc public in all the sympathies that bound them toone another, because it appeared to him that of allthings in this world it could only be thoroughly appre-ciated by those who knew the inmost secrets of Masonry.Their tenets and princi ples, which hatl caused the worldto advance so much , were founded on everything that wasgood and loyal, because, he need not tell his brethrenpresent that their rule and principle was to submit every-thing to the will of Providence , whom they called theGreat Architect of the Universe. They looked up to Himas the Creator, Preserver , and Benefactor in this life.Whilst Masonry in many other of its degrees and attributeshas made direct advances , they looketl with regartl onvarious systems of religion , and in their broad princi ples,it did not matter whether a man lived in the farthest partsof the globe or whether he were a close neighbour , theycould call him brother and welcome him under thattitle, and with that freedom which characterised theirconduct. (A pplause.) There wos a principle, to uselanguage of St. Paul , " whicii never failtth " intheir order , antl that ruling princi ple was charity.This was not merely a supefluous word with them ,but it induced enc man to help another in need , pro-vided that man werc honourable , uprig ht , and strai ght-forward , and whilst recognising their duty to the poor,whether they lived under a monarchical or republica nGovernment , they recognised still more their duty to theirneighbour by doing unto others as they would that otherstlo to them. (Hear, hear.) Colonel Starkie, by his posi-tion , was elevated , perhaps , above thc necessity of dail ytoil ; he lnhciited a name which hatl been honouredthroug h many generations , and which , they all trusted ,would continue lu be honoured for generations yet tocome. (Applause.) He thoug ht it was their brother 'sgreat privilege, occupy ing so elevated a position in Masonry,lo sail forth upon the ocean of Lifc, endeavouring to helpthose more unfrrtunale than himsel f, antl whilst such con-duct would occupy the minds of men , it would not onlytend to raise their intellects and eleveloy e their meorality, butit would also kindle a warm and kindl y feeling. It wassuch cordial sentiments as these that they wished topermeate society. Whilst voyag ing on the sea of lifc,it was Col. Statkie's object to do as much gootl to every-body with whom he came in contact as possible. Thegreat object of Masonry was to promote a bond of sym-pathy antl unity, which woultl elevate not only them-selves ; but its salutary influence would spreatl like therays of the sun throughout the whole earth. Of all inconnection with their Order he wished it to be said , " Sechow these brethren dwell together in unity." (Hear, hear.)Wherever they met a Mason a fellow feeling was atonce aroused , and the sympathies of a brother were excited.He was sure that so long as their Prov. Grand Masterwas at thc head of the Order in this district, he would re-gartl with sympathy, affection , and esteem, all thebrethren who dwelt under his care. (Applause.) Nobodyknew better than he did how to maintain those feelings ofright anil justice anil charity, in as gentle yet as forciblea manner as possible. He believed there was a cordialityof feeling between Ihe *mos-t distant lod ges and himself , andthc sentiments with which Colonel Starkie was regardedcoultl not be expressed in words. They all rejoiced to ce-lebrate his 50th birthday, antl that he was hale andstrong, and while that presentation came from only threelodges iu the province, Col. Starkie might look upon it as111 fact an expression of the feelings of the whole province.This province was the largest over whicii any ProvincialGrand Master ruled in the country, and all the membersrejoiced in mainta ining the princi ples of Masonry by fi ght-ing under his banner against the flesh and sinews of theworld , against infidelity, antl all kinds of vice and immo-rality, and endeavouring to promote that upright conductwhich Masonry so trul y taught. He thoug ht Masonrywas above all other things calculated to insp ire peace andgoodwill towards men , which should prevail to the endsof thc earth . He had great pleasure in presenting theadtlress. (Loud cheers.)

Bro. W. Coddington , who was received with loudcheers, said that he hatl great pleasure in supporting thepresentation of the adelress to the R.W. Prov. G.M. Hefelt that he coultl add little to the eloquent remaiks ofBro. Hutchinson , but he esteemed it a compliment that hcshoultl have been selected to say a few wortls upon thatmost interestin g occasion. He had had the pleasure ofknowing Bro. Starkie for a numbe r of years, anil whetherhe looked upon him as a Freemason, as a gentleman , asa country squire of thc good old Eng lish type, if , lastthou gh not least as a thorough sportsman ,(loud cheers.)—be felt that they might go far indeeel before they fountlone who could fulfil his multifarious duties in so able, andconscientious a manner. The address which had just beenread , briefly expressed the feelings and sentiments of thethree Blackburn lodges, but he might say that in everytown and district of this important province the name ofn w"C WaS a -wa)'s rece'vcd with honour, antl that their".VV. Prov. G.M. was looked upon with esteem and ven-eration by every Lancashire Freemason. (Cheers.) Hehad very great pleasure in supporting on behalf of him-self , and Lodge 269, and others, the address which hadj ust been presented to Bro.' Starkie, and hoped hc mightlive long and happily to hold the position which he nowfilled . (Loud cheers.)

Bro. Starkie rose to reply, and was rccewetl with loudand prolonged cheers. He said anybod y who was placedin the 'same situation as he was would feel most gratified ,most thankful , and also have sentiments almost similarto those which were in his mintl , that it was hardlypossible to finel wortls adequatel y to express in properlanguage his thanks for that beautiful and touchingtestimony of their esteem and regard for himself on theone hand , and the sentiments vvh ich had flowed from theli ps of Past Grand Officers on the other; for the cordialMasonic friendship which had been cxpressed.by his friendantl brother, Bro. Coddington, or by the high degree ofhonour which had been tlone him by the Mayor of thatgreat and important boroug h by presiding on that occasion.(Cheers.) He knew not why in Blackburn they werealways treating him with heaps of kindness and marks ofattention most unexpectetl—he hoped not undeservedly.(Loud cheers.) It has been from a peculiar circumstancehis gootl fortune of late to reside amongst them, but longere that period , whenever he came to that good old townthc marks of friendshi p, esteem, and regard that wereshown him were such that he always felt their kindness antlbrotherly feeling, not from anything on his part , butfiom their part towards himself. Did they think that aman with any spark of honour, with any spark of feelingwould throw those sentiments aside ? He could not.They had nothing to gain by it; he had nothing to gainby it. It was that mutual liking, peculiar to Englishmen ,which one man entertained for another. (Cheers.) It wasthe custom in ancient times, when his fellow-citizenswisheti-to confer upon a man some high honour , to pre-sent him with a civic crown. It was not the intrinsicworth of the crown that made it valuable , but it was thefeeling it embodied. That address was a civic crown.Those beautiful expressions, so beautifully inscribed anddelineated , were priceless gems, they were mementoes offeeling which were not to be lightly regarded, and theyshould be treasured by him until the day he died. (Cheers.)What a civic crown was to the man who hail deserved wellof his country that address was to him. It should have avery tlistinguished place assigned to it where he livednow, and an equal ly prominent place when he wentelsewhere, as a manifestation of the feeling entertainedfor him by the brethren of the three lod ges of Black-burn. (Cheers.) They hatl taken the auspicious occasionof his fiftieth birthday lo present him with that incalculabl yvaluable mark of their friendship, full as it was of expres-sions of kindness to him. As it was his fiftieth birthda y,he hatl to look back upon life , antl also to look forward ,and in doing so he was reminded of the great anil gloriouslight of the sun, one oi the emblems ol Ihe Masonic botl y.As a boy hc hatl seen the sun rise , antl as a man he hadbasked in its meridian splendour , anil now that it was de-clining, let him hope that his setting sun might have thebeauty and picturesqueness which attended the sun as itset in the West. (Cheers.) „ When the bell tolled for himfor the last time, and when he had put on his last shift ,let him hope that his shortcomings , which hatl been nu-merous, woultl be forgotten ; let them remember that hewas a man of strong passions like themselves, but letthem also remember that he tried to fear God , to love theQueen , to honour his country, and to exalt Freemasonry.(Loud cheers.) It was not every body whohad the gift of orat ory like Bro. Hutchinson.Hc looked upon oratory as he looketl uponthe painter 's art , as a means of pourtray ingsomething in a manner in which they had not thoughtof it before ; and they rand pardon mm if he did not ar-rive at that point of vivid expression , and make them un-derstand how deeply he felt the honour they had conferre dupon him on that occasion. But if wortls were wanting,let him assure them that in his heart he appreciated theirheartfelt kindness >n presenting him with a testimonial onthat occasion. (Cheers.) Bro. Hutchinson had alludctlto the long relationship of his family with Freemasonry.He did not like to be egotistical , but he must say that hcdid feel proutl that for a long series of years his familyhad been intimately connected in a very hi gh position withFreemasonry. (Cheers.) He believed that if the princi-ples of their Order were carried out with strict integritythey woultl add to thc benefits of mankind by softeningasperities, antl to the advancement of social and moralgootl to an incalculable degree. Since he had joined theOrder it had led him to meet many men oi eiifferentopinions, and hc had had the atlvantage of discussingthose op inions in a cal m antl brotherl y manner ,without a wish on the part of either to getthe better of the other. It was a grand andnoble Order; it had no narrow limits , butproud antl noble lines. It had no dogma , but it tookthe grand itlca to benefit mankind on earth , and to fit thembetter for eternity, (cheers.) He might not have in him-self the capabilities entirely to fill all thc duties of theoffices he might take, but since he had had thc honour ofruling over that province, he had met with such kindnessof feeling, such nobleness of sentiment, such kind expres-sions of brotherl y love and affection from those he ruledover, that he had felt how very great were his shortcom-ings. He asketl the three Masters of the lodges at Black-burn , who had drawn the memorial , to accept from him ,as a Past Grantl Officer of England , his testimony to thczeal which he had alway s found to exist in the lodgesof thc province and in Blackburn in particular. Hethoug ht that although he had come amongst them almostas a stranger , he had received more kindness in that townthan in any town in Lancashire ; and hc felt an interestin their welfare and in the borough , which was second tonone in thc county in his feelings. (Cheers.) Whateverhe could do for them in his social life , or elsewhere, hewould be glad to do it. As lis friend upon his right(Bro. Coddington) had said he did like the life ofa country squire. He liked to live amongst hispeople: and after thc marked kindness which he had

received, it would be a vcry strange phase and a veryqueer turn for him to take if he ever forgot it. Theremight be clearer air, bri ghter scenes, nobler rivers , andmore gorgeous scenery than they could boast , but therewere no hearts in the world like the hearts of Lancashiremen. (Cheers.) It was said that no man was a prophetin his own country, but let a man be what he was in anysituation , he would find in Lancashire that he was es-teemed and was reckoned up every day as much as theprice of consols in the papers. (Cheers and laughter.)Never would hc elesert the friends who had clustered roundhim ; never would he give way to feelings of aggrandise-ment against his neighbour. (Hear, hear.) He recipro-cated to them all the kind feeling they had shown to him ,and asking them only to be to his faults a little kind , hcwould fill thc position he held as well as he could until hepassed the great gulf which separates this world fromanother. If they lived another ten years, might theymaintain thc friendshi p that now existed; might henever do a dishonest act ; but might he do honour tohis family, and be faithful to his friends and to his country.(Loud cheers.)

Bro. Ashworth proposed a vote of thanks to the chair.Bro. Blankhorn seconded the motion , which was

supported by Bro. Starkie, and received in the mannersuggested.

The proceedings then terminated , and the companyadjourned to the ball-room.

The ball , which was held in the assembly-room, wasin aid of the funds of the East Lancashire SystematicMasonic Educational Benevolent Institution . It was ex-ceedingly well attended , and passed off with the greatesteclat . The handsome hall and its adjuncts had beenelaborately and tastefully decorated by Mr. F. Thomas,Market-place, whose well known taste in this class ofwork was perhaps more happily displayed on this occa-sion than at any previous time. In front of the entranceof the Town Hall an awning was erected , and the vesti-bule was filled with choice plants from the conservatoriesof Col. Feilden , the whole being lighted by a handsometransparency of the Prince of Wales' plume and motto.The stairs, corridors, and landing were richly carpeted inenmson and relieved with plants; and thc rooms devotedrespectivel y to the ladies and gentlemen as cloak rooms,were replete with everything necessary for comfort antlcon venience. In the ball room a number of cabinets wereplaced in convenient positions, antl each was surmountedwith a large mirror and furnished with a very choice as-sortment of ornaments, which latter, along with a num-ber of vases, &c, on the mantel-pieces, and in other partsof thc room, were kindl y lent by Mr. Pinder , of thc Mar-ket-p lace.

The company was a most brilliant or.e, representing, asit did , most of the leading families in the town and district.The Masonic brethren were dressed in the costumes anddecorated with the jewel s of the Order, in accordancewith their several positions anel rank in the Craft. Atcertain periods during tlie evening, those who weremembers of the higher degrees retired, and re-entered theroom, attiretl in their respective costumes. The RoyalArch degree, we may add , was very strongly represented.Later 011 those belonging to the Kni ght 1 emplar degreeformed in procession , and on reaching the centre of theroom , what is termed the " Arch of Steel " was formed,This was effected by the members passing each other inpairs, underneath their swords. This costume and one ortwo others representing still higher degrees, thoughsomewhat singular to eyes unaccustomed to thiskind of demonstration , was exceedingly pictures-que. One or two quadrilles werc formetl , the gentle-men in which were Knights Templars, and this was perhaps thc happiest effect producetl by the change of attireThe ladies' dresses were, we need hartil y say, rich and diversified , and the result was, as may be supposed , charming. The band was provided by Bro. Goodwin , Prov. GOrg. of East Lancashire. Bros. A. Blenkhorn antl W.Counscll performed the duties of Masters of Ceremonies,and werc assisted by the following gentlemen , who actedas Stewards : Bros. W. Ashburn , J. Bcrtwistle, J. Brieil y,E. Brooks , S. L. Buckley, E. Halliwell , J. Heap, W. Lamb,F. T. Mercer, H. T. Piatt , J. Pye, O. Sugar, !¦'. Thomas,J. Troupe , and J. W. Walsh. Bros. W. H. Cunliffe , antlD. Towers officiated as Directors of the Masonic Cere-monies.

A silver mine, the ore of which is stated to beunusually rich , has according to the Norwegian papers,been discovered in the Nam Valley. The discovere r willprobably receive a Government grant of about 400,000crowns.

The German Parliament has been summonedfor Feb. 6th.

Mr. Henry Dymond , the special correspon-dent of the Morning Advertiser in the Russo-Turkish war,was initiated on Monday last in the Enfield Lodge, No,'2 .-I7-

We are very pleased to learn that the healthof our Royal brother Prince Leopold , has so far improved ,as to permit of his taking a little exercise on the terrace ofthe Palace at Windsor.

CLEOPATRA 'S N E E D L E .—Lloy d's agents atScill y reported to Lloyd's this afternoon that the weatherat Scilly for some days past had been remarkably fine andscttlctl with a smooth sea , very favourable for theCleopatra passing the Bay of Biscay. At the time of thetelegram being despatched from Scill y (afternoon of the17th) the wind was northwest.—Globe.

The following gentlemen have been elected asassociates of the Royal Academy of Arts :—Briton Riviere,painter ; J. E, Coehm, sculptor ; Alfred Watcrhouse,architect.

A MASONIC PRESENTATION TO BRO.E. J. MORRIS.

A complimentary dinner and Masonic presentation toBro. E. J. Morris , Grand Deacon of England , and PastGrand Master of South Wales, Eastern Division , tookplace on Monday, at the Castle Hotel , Neath. Thepresident of the evening was the Dep. Prov. G.M., Bro.Marmaduke Tennant, the vice-chairs being occupied byBros. Walter Whittington , P. Prov. S.G.W., anil JohnJones, Prov. G. Treasurer.

Among those present were Bros. Charles Bath , P.Prov. S.G.W. ; James G. Hall , P. Prov. S.G.W. ; T. G.South , P. Prov. S.G.W., Cardiff -, Philli p H. Rowland, P.Prov . J.G.W.; David Roberts , P. Prov. J.G.W.; E.Jones, Pro. G. Secretary ; Charles Taylor, P. Prov. ;G.D., Merth yr ; Thomas D. Roberts , P. Prov. G.D. ;Brecon , ; W. G. Davies. P. Prov. G. Sup. Works ;H. St. G. Caultlfield , P. Provincial G. SupcrindentWorks, Evan Jones, P. Prov. G.D.C, Aberdare ;Geo. H. White, Prov. G. Pursuivant, and W.M. of theSt. David's Lodge, Aberdare ; Matthew W. Morgan , W.M.of the Merlin Lotlge, Pontypridd ; D. R. David , W.M. ofthe Afan Lodge, Aberavon ; Robert Margrave, Prov.S.G.W", and W.M. of the Prince of Wales Lotlge,Llanelly; John B. Phillips, P. Prov. J.G.W., Llanelly ;W. J. Morgan , P. Prov. S.G.W.; Carmarthen ; Dr. Lewis,Maesteg ; W\ J. Rees, P. ^rov. G. Steward ; ThomasThomas, P. Prov. G. Steward ; E. Sydney Hartland ,W. Little, and other distinguished members of the Craft.

The dinner was provided by Miss Isaacs, and wasadmirably served , the wines being excellent.

The presentation of the highly complimentary resolutionadopted at a recent meeting of the Provincial GrandLodge, beautifully and most artistically illuminated , ele-gantly bound in Russia leather, and enriched with solidsilver monogram and mountings, was made by theDep. Prov. G.M., Bro. Tennant , on behalf of the Province ;and Bro. Charles Bath , P. Prov. S.G.W., on behalf of thesubscribers, and acting as chairman of the committee, pre-sented the testimonial, which comprehended a vice-patron-ship of the Freemasons' Boys School , purchased with its fullvoting privileges at a cost of one hundred guineas ; com-plete and costly suits of the dress antl undress clothing ofa Grand Officer , with jewels; and an exquisitely ca r vedoak book-case, with upwards of 200 volumes of books.

The courtesy of the Dep. Prov. G.M. in presiding,having been suitabl y acknowledged and fitting thanksaccorded to Brother Charles Bath , as chairman of thecommittee, and to Brother Walte r Whittington , thehon. secretary, the brethren separated at an earl y hourso as to avail of the several ni ght trains, many havingtravelled long distances in order to be present.

A full report of the installation meeting ofthe Etonian Lotlge of St. John , No. 209, which was heldon the 5th inst., reached us at 9 o'clock on Thursdayevening, too late for insertion in present number. Wewould impress upon our friends thc great necessity ofsending in their reports at the earliest moment. To insureinsertion in current number copy shoultl reach the Office ,198. Fleet-street, by 12 o'clock noon on Wednesdays.

Miss Anna Eyre , who has been recentl ysinging in Milan , Paris, Naples, etc., with great success,has been engaged by Mr. Map leson for his English operaseason , and will shortly arrive in this country and makeher debut as Leonora in " Trovatore."

Dr. J. Stoppard Taylor has been appointedmetlical officer of health for Liverpool , in room of the lateDr. Trench.

Mr. John Sanders (solicitor) clerk to theWandsworth Boanl of Guardians , was initiated into themysteries of Freemasonry in the Wandsworth Lod ge No.1044, on Wednesday last , the 16th inst.

A notice of " Fatherland," the new melo-drama now being performetl at the Queen 's Theatre withconsiderable success, is unavoidably postponed until nextweek.

M ASONIC SONGS .—A selection of MasonicSongs, set to popular airs, written by Bro. E. P. Phil pots,M.D., F.R.G.S., is now read y, forming a handsomevolume, bound in cloth , with gilt edges, 3s. Sent postfree from the ofiice of this paper on recei pt of stamps or

nost-office order value 3s. 2d.— A DVT.

The Editor will be glad to receive notice fromSecretaries of Craft Lodges, Royal Arch Chap-ters, Mark Lodges, Encampments, ConcWes,&c, of any change in place or day of meeting.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 19.Lodge 715, Panmure, Cannon-si. Hot.

,, 1329, Sphinx , Brid ge House Hr,t., London Brid ge.„ 1364, Earl of Zetland , Old Town Hall , Hackney.

Mark Lotlge 211 , Hammersmith , Windsor Castle Hot.

LODGES OF IN S T R U C T I O N .Lily, Greyhound , Richmond.Manchester, 77, London-st., Fitzroy-sq.Star, Marquis of Granby, New Cross-rtl.Eccleston , Grosvenor Club, Ebury-square, S.W.Percy , 113, Southgate-road, N.

METRO POLITAN MASONIC MEETIN GSFor the Week ending Friday, January, 23, 187S.

MONDAY, JANUARY 21.

Lodge 1, Grand Master 's, F.M.H.„ 21 , Emulation , Albion Tav., Aldersgate-st.„ 38, Felicity, 101, Queen Victoria-st.„ 185, Tranquillity, Cannon-st. Hot.„ 72-0, Panmure, Balham Hot., Balham.„ 862, Whittington , F.M.H.„ 901, City of London, Guildhall Tav., Gresham-st.„ 907, Royal Albert , F.M.H.„ 1159, Marquis of Dalhousie, F.M.H.„ 15 71, Leopold , Woolpack Tav. Bermondsey-st.

Chap. 12 , Prudence, Ship and Turtle, Leadenhall-st.

LODGES OF IN S T R U C T I O N .Prince Leopold , Lord Stanley Tav., Kingsland.Strong Man , Oltl Rodney's Head , Old-st., E.Sincerity, Railway Tav., Fenchurch-st. Station.Camden, Stanhope Arms , Up. James-st., Camden Town.Tredegar , Royal Hot., Mile-end-road.3t. James's Union , Union Tav., Air-st.Wellington , White Swan, Deptford.Perfect Ashlar, Victoria Tav., Lower-rd., Rotherhithe.U pperNorwood , White Hart Hot., Church-rd.Marquis of Ripon , Pembury Tav., Amherst-rd., Hackney.Loughborough , Warrior Hot., Brixton.West Smithfield , New Market Hot., West Smithfield.Leopold , Woolpack Tavern , Bermondsey-st.St. George's, Globe Tav., Greenwich .London Masonic Club, at 101, Queen Victoria-st. E.G.,

2nd and 4th Monday every month, at 6 o'clock.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22.Lod ge 14, Tuscan , F.M.H.

„ 92 , Moira , Mansion House Restaurant.„ 99, Shakespeare, Albion Tav., Aldersgate-st.„ 145, Prudent Brethren , F.M.H.„ 186, Industry, M.H., Basinghall-st.„ 205, Israel , Cannon-st. Hot.,, 259, Prince of Wales's, Willis's Rms., St. James's.„ 1158, Southern Star, Montpellier Tav., Walworth.,, 119 6, Urban , Old Jerusalem Tav., St. John's Gate.„ 1348, Ebury, 12 , Ponsonby-st., Millbank.„ 144 1, Ivy, Surrey M.H.

Chap. 21 , Cyrus , Shi p and Turtle , Leadenhall-st.Rose Croix Chapter , Palestine, 33, Golden-sq.

LODGES OF IN S T R U C T I O N .Metropolitan , 26 9, Pcntonvillc-rtl.Yarborough , Green Dragon , Stepney.Domatic, Surrey M.H., Camberwell New-road.Faith , 2, Westminster Chambers, Victi:ia-st.Prince Fredk. Wm., Lord's Hot., St. John 's Wootl.Dalhousie, King Edward , Triang le, Hackney.Prosperity, Hercules Tav., Leadenhall-st.Florence Ni ghtingale, V.M.H., WiUiam-st., Woolwich.Constitutional , Bedford Hot., Southampton Bd gs., at 7.Israel , Rising Sun Tav., Globe Road.Royal Arthur , Prince's Head , York-roatl , Battersea.Bcacontree, lleti Lion , Leytonstone.Excelsior , Ceimmcrcial Dock Tav., Rotherhithe.St. John of Wapp ing, Gun Hot., Hi gh-st., Wapping.Islington , 23, Gresham-st.Metropolita n Chapter , Jamaica Coffee Ho., Cornhill.Mount Edgcumbe, 19, Jermyn-st., St. James's.

WEDNESDAY , JANUARY 23.Lodge of Benevolence, at 6.

„ 2 , Anti quity, F.M.H.„ 140 , St George's, Trafalgar Mot., Greenwich.,, 212 , Eup hrates , M.H., Basinghall-st.„ 307, United Pil grims , Surrey M.H.1, 754, High Cross, Seven Sisters, Tottenham.„ 101 7, Montefiore , Regent M.H., 68, Regent-st , W.„ 1036, Victoria, Anderton 's Hot., Fleet-st.

Chap, 733, Prince Fredk. William , St. John's Wood.

LODGES OF I N S T R U C T I O N .

Confielencc , Railway Tav., Railway-place, Fenchurch-st.Mt. Lebanon , Windsor Castle Tav., Southwark-bdg.-rd.Pythagorean , Portland Hotel , London-street, Greenwich.New Concortl , Rosemary Branch Tav., Hoxton.La Tolciance, Horse anil Groom, Winsley-st., Oxford-st.Peckham , Maismore Arms, Park-road , Peckham.Stanhope, Thicket Hot., Anerley.Finsbury Park , Finsbury Park Tav., Seven Sisters'-rd.Southwark , Southwark Park Tav., Southwark ParkDuke of Connaught , Havelock Tav., Dalston , E.United Strength , Grafton Arms, Kentish-town.Whittington , Black Bull Tav., Holborn , at 8.Lewis, King's Arms Hot., Wood Green.Royal Jubilee , 81, Long Acre.Langthorne, Swan Hot., Stratford.

THURSDAY , JANUARY 24.House Com. Girl s' School , at 4.Lodge 34, Mount Moriah , F.M.H.

„ (13, Prosperity, Guildhall Tav., Gresham.st.„ 66, Grenadiers', F.M.H.,, 766, William Preston , Cannon-st. Hot.,, 87 1 , Royal Oak , White Swan , High-st., Deptford ,„ 1421 , Langthorne, Swan Hot., Stratford.„ 1658, Skelmersdale, S.M.H.

Chap. s, St. George's, F.M.H.„ 177, Domatic, Anderton 's Hot., Fleet-st.„ 334, Polish National , F.M.H.,, 8-j.i , Andrew , Clarendon Hot., Hammersmith.

LODGES OF IN S T R U C T I O N .Union Waterloo , Chatham Arms, Thomas-st., Woolwich.Egyptian , Hercules Tav., Lcadenhall-st.Fidelity , Yorkshire Grey, London-st., W.Finsbury, Jolly Anglers' Tav., Bath-st., City-road,femperancc in the East , Cathcrine-st., Poplar.

Ebury, 12, Ponsonby-st., Milbank.Highgate, Bull and Gate, Kentish-town.The Great City, M.IL , Masons' Avenue.High Cross, Coach & Horses, High-road, Tottenham.Salisbury, Union Tav., Air-st., Regent-st.Southern Star, Crown Hot., Blackfriars-rd.Great Northern , Berwick Arms, Berners-st., Oxford-st.Prince Frederick William Chapter, St. John's Wood.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23.Lodge 569, Fitzroy, Hd.-qrtrs. Hon. Art. Co., City-rd.

„ 1602, Sir Hug h Myddelton , Agricultural Hall , N.Encamp. 26, Faith and Fidelity, Cannon-st. Hot.

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION.Robert Burns, Union Tav., Air-st., Regent-st.Belgrave, Constitution , Bedford-st., Covent Garden.Unions Emulation (for M.M.'s), F.M.H.Temperance, Victoria Tav., Victoria-road, Deptford.Clapton , White Hart, Claioton.Metropolitan , Portugal Hot., Fleet-st, at 7.St. Marylebone, British Stores Tav., St. John's Wood.Westbourne, Lord's Hotel , St. John's Wood.United Pilgrims, Surrey M.H., Camberwell New-road.St. James's, New Tanners' Arms,Grange-rd., Bermondsey.Duke of Edinburgh , Silver Lion, Penny-fields, Poplar.Doric, Earl Grey Tav., Mile-end-road.Burgoyne, Grafton Arms, Prince of Wales's-road, N.W.St. Luke's, White Hart , King's-rd., Chelsea.Chigwell, Prince's Hall , Buckhurst-hill.Burdett Coutts, Approach Tav., Victoria Park.Royal Standard , The Castle, Holloway-rd.Ranelagh, Bell antl Anchor, Hammersmith-rd.William Preston , Feathers Tav.,Up.George-st.,Edgware-rd.Hervey, 99, Fleet-street , at 8.Earl of Carnarvon , Mitre Ho., Goulborne-rd., Notting-hill;Pythagorean Chapter, Portland Ho., London-st., Greenwich!Sir Hugh Myddelton , 23, King Edward-st., Liverpool-rd.,N.

MASONIC MEETINGS IN WEST LANCASHIRE ANDCHESHIRE.

For the Week ending Saturday, January 26, 1878.

MONDAY, JANUARY 21.Lodge 1502 , Israel, M.H., Liverpool.Chap. 32 , Jerusalem , M.H., Liverpool .

11 99 Si Furness, M.T., Ulverston.Everton L. of I., M.H., Liverpool .

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22.Lodge 178 , Anti quity, Royal Hot., Wigan.

„ 1384, Equity, Commercial Hot., Widnes. -*„ 61C9, Dramatic, M.H., Liverpool .,, 1673, Ancient Briton , M.H., Liverpool.

Chap, 1094, Temple, M.H. Liverpool.1 Merchant's L. of 1., M.ll., Liverpool.I Prince Arthur L. of I., M.R., N. Hill-st., Liverpool.

WEDNESDAY , JA N U A R Y 23.Lotlge 32, St. George's, Adel phi Hot., Liver pool.

„ 220, Harmony, Wellington Hot., Garston.„ 724, Derby, M.H., Liverpool .,, 1061, Triump h, M.H., Lytham.„ 1403, W. Lancashire, Commercial Hot.,Ormskirk .

Chap. 1032 , Callender , Pub. H., Rusholme.Neptune L. of I., M.H., Liverpool.

THURSDAY , JANUARY 24.Lodge 394, Downshire, M.H., Liverpool .

„ i jO.-ii Emulation , M.H., Liverpool .Chap. 292 , Liverpool , M.H., Liverpool.

„ 1086, Walton , Skelmersdale Hall , Kirkdale.Stanley L. of I., M.H., Liverpool .

FRIDAY, JA N U A R Y 23.Lotlge 1393, Hamer, M.H., Liverpool.

For Masonic Meetings throughout Scotland see ScottishFreemason , which can be obtained at the Office of thisjournal , 198, Fleet-street , London.

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