Metropolitan.

Freemason s work , his memory , and his influence closes with the closing of the tomb . This very silence , coupled with part of the work done to-night , seems to mo to bo a living proof to the contrary . Good work never dies . Our esteemed Brother was ever zealous of the best interests of the Lodge , and most enthusiastic iu introducing good men and true as members . In proof of this I need only remind you that two of the Initiates to-night , together

with the three or four he himself initiated , were of his introduction , not forgetting the many others he introduced since he joined tho Great Northern Lodge twelve years ago . In addition to this he filled— and ably filled—the whole of the minor Offices . By such conscientious work as this time cannot dim his fame , but will rather enhance it , so that anything I can say to his

loving memory cannot be a sufficient mark of the influence he left on all who had tho good fortune to know him . I shall now ask our Treasurer Bro . P . M . Webb—the father of the Lodge—to submit a letter of condolence to the widow and children of our late Brother , after which Bro . Owen ( as Bro . Bastow ' s oldest friend ) and the honoured Chaplain of our Lodge , will each say a few words expressive of our great regret at our Master's death .

Brother Webb P . M . Treasurer followed . He said : Worshipful Master , Officers , and Brethren—I , as tho first Worshipful Master of this Lodge , and consequently tho oldest Past Master , feel it to be my duty to propose a vote of condolence to Mrs . Bastow , on tbe great loss she has sustained in the death of her beloved husband . I therefore beg to move :

" That the members of the Great Northern Lodge do hereby express their sincere regret and sorrow that their highly esteemed and excellent W . M . Brother James Bastow should have been taken from them so suddenly during his year of office as Master , and that every Brother of the Lodge desires to express his heartfelt sympathy with the widow and children in their severe loss , and trusts that the Great Architect of the Universe will comfort and protect them in their sore affliction . "

Bro . Owen P . M . rose to second tbe resolution , and in doing so said he had to add his great regret to that of the other speakers , that such a course should have been necessary . He had known Bro . Bastow for a very long period—twenty-five years back he joined tbe firm he had the honourof being associated with , and although Bro . Bastow had removed to the city , to more extended operations , it had not severed their close friendship , for scarcely a

week passed without their seeing each other . It was his privilege to propose Bro . Bastow as a member of the Great Northern Lodge , and he knew his career therein had been satisfactorily regarded by the members , for all who had known him appreciated him . So much was this the case that the simple words on his memorial card— " Never forgotten "—fully exemplified the facts of the case in regard to their dear departed Brother , who would

certainly never be forgotten by bis fellow workers in that Lodge . i * The Chaplain next addressed the Brethren . He had recently had most singular experiences . Early in the year one of his Churchwardens had died —an occurence that did not frequently happen , for a Churchwarden to die while in office—and he had buried him . Then his Worshipful Master had died—another most unusual event—and be had also buried him . The

highest praise Bro . Bastow could bestow on any man had been to say he was a good Mason . They all knew what a good Mason the late Worshipful Master was . Freemasonry taught them many important lessons , not the least important being how to die , and it did this by teaching its members how to live , for after all it was only by properly living that they could properly die . Their late Brother Bastow was one who all must say looked

thoroughly into himself . Ho was kind and generous to everyone else , although severe towards his own actions . He faithfully fulfilled his alloted task while it was yet day , and he hoped had already reaped the reward of so doing . The arrangements he made prior to his death in regard to his private affairs proved how thoughtful he was for others up to the very last . The lesson they really wanted to take away that day was that they should follow

in his footsteps , in . which case they would have no fear of death , feeling rather that they were going to triumph over it , and at the same time would be doing something towards a realisation of the sentiment oft repeated over the graves of their Brethren . In conclusion he hoped that virtue , like the sprig of acacia , might bloom for ever over the tomb of their decaased Brother and Worshipful Master .

Four candidates were proposed for initiation , so that there is every prospect of a busy future before this popular Lodge , tho members of which also decided to recommend the petition of a former member ' s widow to the Board of Benevolence , themselves proposing to make a grant of five guineas on her behalf at their next meeting .

This concluding the business of the evening , Lodge was closed , and the Brethren repaired to the Crown Room of Freemasons' Tavern , where dinner was served in a very satisfactory style , the menu and service being alike excellent . The usual toasts were subsequently given . In view of their recent loss the Brethren abstained from the customary " firing , " the gloom occasioned by Bro . Bastow ' s death really pervading the whole meeting .

After the Loyal toasts Bro . Webb Treasurer proposed that ot the acting Master . The very peculiar position he wa » placed in in having to do this caused him considerable pleasure , and at the same time great pain . As they knew , the Lodge had lost a dear friend . He was quite certain that had Bro . Bastow been there that night his heart would have been full of love and

regard for the members of the Lodge , while he would have shown his usual rogard for all present ; it was painful to think of their loss , but pleasurable to think how efficient the Immediate Past Master had proved himself when in the chair , and how fully qualified he was to fill the vacancy all so much regretted had arisen .

The acting Master tendered his thanks . He felt he did not deserve half the flattering things that had just been said of him , fearing rather that he was tiring them all , for what with tho work of the Lodge , his duties at the festive board , and his efforts as a Steward for the last Festival of the Boys School , they must have thought that when he was not at work he was dunning

them . He was pleased to say his list for the Festival just referred to had amounted to the handsome total of £ 183 10 s . He was very pleased at the prospect before the Lodge , where he would probably have the opportunity of working several ceremonies , so that as he had been awarded a jewel on his retirement without having earned it , he might now be able to prove he really had a desire to do any work that came before the Lodge .

The toast of the Initiates was next given , the Master offering them a hearty welcome , and hoping they had experienced as much pleasure in joining tho Lod ge as tbe other members had experienced in receiving them . Bro . Lee said his appreciation of the remarks just made , and the reception that had been accorded him , was only exceeded by one thing—the sense of the responsibility he had undertaken that evening . He hoped he should justify the confidence they had shown .

The other Initiates replied , other toasts wero given , and the pro ceedings Were brought to a conclusion in the usual way . o o o

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN LODGE , No . 1507 . WHEN speaking of a corporate body it is the usual custom to guage its power by its weakest member , just as we regard the strength of a chain as the strength of the weakest link , but Freemasons' Lodges often seem to display tho exact reverse , and not infrequently may almost be measured by their best member , tbe example of energy or perseverance set by the leader having a decided influence on the others , and raising them far

above the level they would have reached if left wholly to themselves . The Metropolitan Lodge appears to be an exemplification of this , the general body of its members being apparently thoroughly imbued with the enthusiasm and " go " of its leaders , who not only practice activity in their own endeavours , but seem to keep a watchful eye on all around them , and prevent anything

approaching sluggishness or unconcern among their fellows . Tbe same holds good in regard to the working of the Master and Officers in such Lodges , anything like inefficiency being really resented , and speedily put an end to if within humau power of amendment , the Past Masters and others qualified to give instruction making it their special business to bring the standard of work up , so as to correspond with the past reputation of the Lodge .

The installation meeting of the Metropolitan was held on Wednesday , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet Street , being well attended by Officers , Private Members , and Visitors alike ; indeed tbe gathering was one of the most successful it has been our fortune to participate in at this Lodge ' s Installations , albeit it has been our privilege to attend most of its anniversaries . The following were among those who signed the attendance book as

Visitors- .-Bros . D . W . Sargent S . W . 2305 , H . G . Norris 15 , David Hart 957 , James Speller P . P . G . D . Essex , M . Garrard P . M . 188 , W . L . Dickson 58 , H . Stallard P . M . 1613 , F . A . Baldwin 2168 , John Stanton S . W . 2157 , H . R . Elkin 2157 , T . N . Lloyd J . D . 2501 , V . Simmonds 858 , William Call P . M . 1209 , W . Rogers J . D . 1339 , A . H . Scurrab P . M . 2206 , J . Genese 1540 , T . Renwick 861 , 0 . Hunt 861 , W . Jones 2264 , W . W . Morgan 177 , H . Wakerell

1963 , R . Ross P . M . 1744 , F . Herold P . M . 1050 , R . E . Miles 2424 , M . Sidersee 185 , E . Donaldson W . M . 1953 , G . Emblin W . M . 2432 , M . Siegenberg W . M . 188 , O . H . Worley 2271 , Alfred Laubach 1 ( S . C ) , R . A . Hose P . M . 1314 , James Brand 1706 , Jos . Kirby 1693 , W . A . Bowman 2427 , Will Edwards 1897 . The proceedings were under the direction of Bro . Robert Alaway W . M ., who , after the confirmation of the Minutes , the receipt of tho Audit

Committee ' s report , and other preliminary business , proceeded to instal his successor , Bro . John Francis Saunders , into the chair of the Lodge , with all the customary ceremony , this work being followed by tbe appointment of the Assistant Officers for the year , the collars being conferred on the following Brethren : J . Bate S . W ., J . H . Moggridge J . W ., James Willing jun . P . M . —

the only one of the Founders of the Lodge now left—Treasurer ( his investment being by proxy , in his absence ) , F . J . Perks P . M . Secretary , W . Barry S . D ., E . E . Hawkins J . D ., E . G . Steers I . G ., R . L . Brown D . C , A . 0 . Bradley and R . 0 . Gleed Stewards , A . Jackson Organist , and R . Whiting P . M . Tyler .

The Installing Master then gave the addresses , and immediately afterwards the new Master invested Bro . Alaway with the Past Master ' s jewel of the Lodge , which , he said , was given as a mark of esteem and respect from the members , and in recognition of the great zeal Brother Alaway had

displayed in the conduct ol the work , which had been brought to a satisfactory conclusion by the especial effort just made , with so much success , in the duty of Installing Master . Bro . Alaway acknowledged the presentation . It was indeed a grr . it pleasure to him to receive the jewel , which he should wear with pride , as evidence of having been Worshipful Master of the Metropolitan Lodge .

Four gentlemen were now introduced and regularly initiated , the ballot having been previously taken on their behalf , as also for Brother Samuel Dancyger P . M . 205 , and Bro . E . M . Batters P . M . 1280 who were accepted as Joining Members . The Initiates were Messrs . E . Polak , M . Robinson , 0 . V . Slater , and E . A . Gosnay , after whose admission the Lodge was closed and

the Brethren adjourned to the Banquet Hall , where an excellent banquet was served under the personal supervision of Bro . Arthur Clemow , whose large staff of assistants were most assiduous in their attention to the company , and materially assisted in securing the enjoyment of the good things provided by tbe establishment .

After grace had been said the Master submitted the usual Loyal toasts , making a special feature of that of the Pro Grand Master and the other Officers of Grand Lodge , in view of the fact that Bro . W . M . Stiles , the first initiate of the Lodge , and one of its most active Past Masters , at present

enjoys the distinction of the Grand Treasurersbip . The qualifications and ability of the Grand Officers , said the W . M ., were well-known to all present and he should not expatiate on them . It was an especial pleasure and honour to have among them the Grand Treasurer of England , of whom they were particularly proud , as an initiate and Past Master of the Lodge .

Bro . Stiles felt very few words were needed from him that evening as they were so late . Referring first to the Earl of Lathom he said they had lately seen him consecrating a new Lodge at St , Bartholomew ' s Hospital , with an ability few seemed to expect from a Grand Officer . The same interest was displayed by the Deputy Grand Master , who presided at a recent Festival on behalf of the Institutions , succeeded in attracting more than had

been raised before , and generally acted in a way unexpected from a Grand Officer—the list could be continued , all going to prove that the Grand Officers were really efficient and painstaking in the discharge of the duties of their appointments . Personally he felt a great pleasure in having been an initiate of the Lodge , and very proud of his present position as Grand Treasurer .

During his term of Mastership—some fifteen years ago—he had the privilege of initiating the present Master of the Lodge , who , he could truly say , had been a hard worker , not only in the Lodge , but also in the Lodge of Instruction associated with it . Bro . Stiles concluded by saying how much he appreciated the reception that bad been accorded him as a Grand Officer that day .

The I . P . M . next assumed the gavel . A pleasant task fell to his lot that evening in the proposition of the health of the Worshipful Master of the Lodge . The Brethren had heard the eulogistic words of Bro . Stiles in connection with Brother Saunder ' s past , but he might add thereto by saying that the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction held him in such esteem that

they had presented him with his apron as Master ; while another Lodge of Instruction—the Joppa— entertained such regard towards him that they had presented him with his collar and jewel of office . These were matters that spoke for themselves , far more forcibly than words could do , and clearly showed the appreciation in which the Master of tho Lodge was held by those who had an intimate acquaintance with him .

The Worshipful Master , in his reply , said he need hardly tell them that the present was a very proud moment for himself . He was initiated in that Lodge , as Bro . Stiles had told them , fifteen years ago , and he might say he had taken great interest in the work of Freemasonry ever since . He hoped he should continue to hold the same high character among his fellows as he at present enjoyed .