Metropolitan.

The toasts of the Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary followed in due course , and were responded to in an appreciative manner . The Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a termination . An excellent programme of music was arranged by Bro . Walter Perrins who , with the following artistes , added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening and' deserves great credit : Miss Violet Carter , Miss Theresa Kellaway , and Bro . W . Harmer .

DERBY ALLCROFT LODGE , No . 2168 . THE annual installation of this well-known and distinguished Lodge took place on Thursday , 11 th inst ., at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras , when a large number of Brethren and Visitors attended to honour Bro . Robert John Smerdon the W . M .-elect . The Lodge was under the presidency of Bro . R . D . Cummings P . M . P . Z . W . M ., who was supported by Bros . W . Lawrence P . M . I . P . M ., R . J . Smerdon S . W ., J . Nash P . M . J . W .,

W . Thomas P . M . Treasurer , J . W . Dixon P . M . Secretary , W . Mackie P . M . S . D .. R . Gregory J . D ., N . Robinson I . G ., Samuel Garcia P . M . D . C , Dr . J . F . Haskins Prov . G . Organist Herts and P . P . G . Organist Essex Organist , Dr . Wholey P : M . Steward , R . H . Goddard Tyler , J . Corbett P . M ., J . M . Smith P . M ., W . J . Wetenhall , 0 . Coutts Michie , Isaac Crawford McLearn , J . H . Mitchell , A . Ingrain , F . A . Baldwin , William Short , R . Handel Booth , G . M . Phillips , Joseph R . Musto , Edward E . Foley , James H . Moggridge , Thomas Moore , Charles Duval , E . L . Summers , W . T . Hawkin , Arthur

James Shorter , R . Jefferson Doc ; d , Joseph Charles Steiner , and several others . Amongst the Visitors were Bros . J . J . Thomas P . G . Stand . Br ., J . E . Le Feuvre P . G . O ., Richard Eve P . G . Treasurer , James Terry P . G . Swd . Br ., J . M . McLeod P . G . Swd . Br ., I d Stebbing P . A . G . D . C Essex , Kilt P . M ., J . Thommason I . P . M . 2319 , T . ;•' . Bolton I . P . M . 1687 , J . D . Hood S . W . 1668 , J . H . Milton P . M . 2511 , W . W . Lee P . P . G . D . Middx ., J . Jarvis W . M . 862 , H . Gregory W . M . 3 , Rev . Davis , J . Mever W . M . 2040 , J . Whaley P . M . 172 , G . Arnold P . M . 1331 , J . Quoeuley W . M . 538 , J . Wynman , & c , the attendance numbering upwards of seventy Brethren and Visitors .

The Lodge having been opened the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Smerdon S . W . Worshipful Blaster-elect was then presented to the W . M . to receive from his hands the benefit of installation , he first addressing the Brethren and then obligating the W . M .-elect . A large Board of Installed

Masters was formed , and Bro . Robert John Smerdon was installed in the chair of K . S . and proclaimed W . M . of the Derbv Allcroft Lodge , tbe ceremony being rendered in an impressive and faultless manner by Bro . R . D . Cummings P . M ., who also delivered the three addresses , displaying his great ability to the unanimous satisfaction of every Brother present .

The newly installed Master invested his Officers in a most creditable manner , as follow : Bros . John Nash P . M . S . W ., R . Gregory J . W ., 'William Thomas P . M . P Z . Treasurer , J . W . Dixon P . M . Secretary , Nathan Robinson P . M . S . D ., Dr . Wholey P . M . J . D ., F . Paterson I . G ., Sam Garcia P . M . D . C , Dr . Haskins Organist , J . H . Mitchell and Alfred Ingram Stewards , and R . H . Goddard Tyler .

Bro . William Thomas Treasurer proposed that the sum of ten guineas be voted from the Lodge funds to the widow of a late Brother , she being in deep distress . The charitable disposition of the Lodge was fully exemplified , the proposed grant being unanimously agreed'to . After a few letters had been read by the Secretary from Brethren expressing regret for non-attendance , the Lodge was closed , and tho Brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where a superb banquet was provided , and well served under the personal superintendence of the manager , Bro . King .

At the close of the repast the W . M . in most eloquent manner presented the toast of the Queen and the Craft , which was heartily attended to . In giving the M . W . G . M . the Prince of Wales , the W . M . said his Royal Highness was a most ardent worker , and took great and deep interest in the Craft .

The next toast the I . P . M . was very pleased to propose . It was that of the M . W . Pro Grand Master , the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , coupling the names of Bros . Terry , McLeod , Eve , and other Officers of Grand Lodge who were present . Bro . Eve , on behalf of himself and other Grand Officers , expressed the great pleasure they felt in being present in such strong force , to witness the installation ceremony , which was carried through to perfection , and reminded him of the time of the late Bro . Derby Allcroft . He had long known the Installing Master , and was delighted to witness his excellent working .

The next toast the I . P . M . had also very much pleasure to propose , it being that of the W . M . He had had the honour of giving the toast of the Grand Officers , but now he had a still greater pleasure in submitting that of the Worshipful Master of their Lodge , who might truthfully be described as the right man in the right place . He was sure he would be an ornament to tho Lodge , and , without the slightest doubt , one of the best Masters the Derby Allcroft had ever known .

The W . M . was heartily received on rising to respond . He siicerely thanked those present for the kind manner in which they had received the toast . During his year of-office he would do his very best , and he was sure with a body of such able Officers , he should give that satisfaction they all desired .

In proposing the toast of the I . P M . tho W . M . had very much pleasure in presenting his predecessor in . he chair with a Past Master ' s jewel , and ho mi g ht add it was presented with feelings of esteem and high appreciation for good services well rendered , in the hope that it might bo worn in good health for many years to come . Bro . Cummings I . P . M . thanked the W . M . and Brethren for their kindness . He could say he had had a most delightful year of office , and in

one way he was sorry to leave the chair , but of course , according to the usual custom , he must make room for a successor , and he felt sure the Lodge was now in possession of a better Master than ho had proved to be . What he had done for the Lodge he had done for the best . He was one of the last among the Founders of the Lodge who would be chosen to fill the chair , and

he hoped he had done as much as thoso who had been before him to keep up the high reputation of the Lodge , ancl maintain it in the position they aimed at at the outset . The handsome jewel they had presented to him would be an everlasting memento of his term of Mastership . He thanked the Officers for their kindness during the past year , and also thanked Bro . Dixon Secretary in particular for his help .

The next toast was that of the Masonic Charities , which was well received and heartily acknowledged by Bros . Terry and McLeod , who made forcible appeals on behalf of their respective Institutions , and in the cause of Masonic Charity generally . The toast of the Visitors was coupled with the names of , Rev . Bro . Davis , Bro . Moss , Bro . Gregory , and others , and was proposed and received in hearty manner .

Metropolitan.

Rev . Bro . Davis said it was always a great pleasure to visit the Derby Allcroft Lodgo . Many a time he had beon present at its meetings , in fact all the Brethren seemed to know him now . The installation working he had seen that evening was beautiful , and he could but compliment the I . P . M . for his excellent rendering of the ritual . Again he sincerely thanked all for their kind reception .

Bro . Moss said he also considered it a double honour to be present again , as he had been on three or four previous occasions . He was a member of the Acton Lodge , and Bro . Cummings the I . P . M . being also connected with it , the splendid working he was capable of was well-known amongst the members . The next toast was that of the Past Masters . Bro . J . Corbett was one of the Founders , aud the one who put the Derby Allcroft on its legs . It was very gratifying to see him there , and he hoped to have the pleasure of seeing him for many years to come .

Bro . Corbett , in reply , sincerely thanked the W . M . for his very kind remarks , following on with some well chosen observations as to the excellence of Freemasonry and tho kindness towards each other that should govern the actions of the Brethren . It was now twelve months since he was made an Honorary Member of the Lodge , a compliment he should never forget . He finished by wishing the Derby Allcroft every prosperity . Bro . Lawrence and other Past Masters also acknowledged the compliment paid them .

The Treasurer and Secretary's toast came next , and in reply Bro . Treasurer thanked all very heartily for their kindness . He would do his very hast to continue to give satisfaction . Bro . Dixon Secretary also acknowledged the compliment paid him . 'Ihe VV . M . did not forget to propose the toast of the Officers , saying that no W . M . could do without the co-operation of his Officers , which compliment the Senior and Junior Wardens duly acknowledged .

Tue Tyler ' s toast closed a most eventful evening , during which a choice selection of songs was given , the artistes being Bros . Charles Chilley , John S uidbrook , James Kift ( who was deservedly encored ) , and Fred Russell , the latter of whom gave a ventriloquial sketch , which displayed more than ordinary ability .

ROYAL ROSE LODGE , No . 2565 . TI 1 HIS Lodge , which was consecrated two years ago in connection with the JL 3 rd Volunteer Battalion Royal Fusiliers , held its installation meeting on Monday , 8 th inst ., at head-quarters , Edward Street , Hampstead-road , Captain T . S . Carey Bates W . M . presiding .

The Worshipful Master having opened the Lodge , the Rev . Lord Theobald Butler was elected a joining member . Sir John B . Monckton P . G . W . was asked to instal the new Master . To him was thereupon presented Capt . Edward Pugh , who was formally installed in the chair as W . M . for the next twelve months , says the " City Press . "

Before the Lodge was closed Capt . Carey Bates I . P . M . brought before the members the melancholy intelligence of the death of Capt . Gordon Carey Secretary of the Lodge , and stated that , as the Lodge was in vacation when the sorrowful event happened , he had uot tho opportunity of informing tho Brethren at the time ; but ho had by himself taken all the necessary steps

for showing respect to their deceased Brother , and since then he had received a letter from the widow in which she desired him to express to the Brethren her sincere thanks for tho sympathy shown by them through him in her affliction . The Lodge was then closed , aud the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet .

The Loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured in due course , the speeches being interspersed' with some excellent singing . Sir John Monckton responded to the toast of the Grand Officers , with which was incorporated the toast of the Installing Master , and said he was glad to be in a Lodge in which the memb 3 rs were in uniform , as he was a very old volunteer himself , and the new VV . M . was also ono , as well as an

old officer of the Corporation . It had given him great pleasure to attend and instal his old friend , although the day appointed was the day before Lord Mayor's day . He had promised Captain Pugh that he would instal him , but the Captain did not tell him what the date was . Having promised , however , he had kept his word , although the night was inconvenient . He concluded by wishing the W . M . a very happy and prosperous year of office .

Captain Carey Bates I . P . M . proposed the Worshipful Master . Captain Pugh , he declared , would teach the Brethren during his year of office what thev should do . They knew him very well as an officer of the battalion , and were awaro how well . he did his duty on Held days , and how genial he was under very trying circumstances . They would find him equally genial , he was convinced , in the Lodge , and equally up to his duties .

Captain Pugh W . M ., in replying , said that , with regard to his position as W . M ., he thought it was somewhat prematuro to say anything . The Brethren had better wait and see wh it hu could do , and then , ab the end of his year , ho might , perhaps , rise and say something to the toast . Captain Bates had said he attended to his military duties . Well , he always

maintained the principle that what was worth doing at all was worth doing properly . At tho end of his year , he hoped he should receive from all the Brethren the warm thanks that his predecessors , Captain Bates and Captain Beningfield , bad been accorded for the way in which they had performed their duties in tho chair .

He afterwards proposed tho health ot the I . P . M . Captain Carey Bates , whom he spoke of as one of tho most popular officers of the corps . In the name and on behalf of the Lodge , he presented him with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , hoping he would live long to wear it . Captain Carey Bates I . P . M ., in acknowledging the toast and the gift , said that , as it was not a field day , he had scarcely words to say what he would like to say . In the " Red Book " there was one saving clause— " Great discretion must be given to thc captain . " In Masonry they could not use

that discretion , though on a field day tho . y could , and somo of them did . He felt that in his year of office ho had some shortcomings . Before he went into the chair he thought he knew all the work backwards , but when he reached the chair he found he . did not know it so very well after all . He had had a great deal of work to do , and he hoped the new W . M . would have as much . In the first two years twonby-soven members had been initiated , passed , and raised , and he hoped Captain Pugh would have at least half that number .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

ROYAL ATHELSTAN LODGE , No . 19 . rriHERE was a vury good mooting on Sunday , at Bro . C . J . Coornbs ' s , tho 1 Cambrian , Glasshouse Street , Regent Street , W . Bro . A . Carlstrom