Instruction.

cally received , it was duly responded to by Bro . Abbott , who gave some very interesting details as to the general aims of the Lodge , and its unprecedented success , which had even exceeded the hopes of those who had laboured for suoh an end , adding that the result was gratifying to all concerned . Bro . Geo . Rideal P . M . proposed the health of the Past Preceptors , which toast was responded to by Bros . Godfrey Higham and H . H . Warburton , both speakers adverting to their long connection with the Lodge . The latter also referred to the recent illness which had prostrated Bro . Hebden , and warmly congratulated him upon his return to convalescence .

Bro . Dr . Coutts proposed the Secretary's health , addmg that Bro . Hebden had occupied that position for a period of eleven years , and his indefatigability was well known . Bro . Hebden , in reply , thanked the Brethren sincerely for their warm reception of the toast , proposed in such kindly terms by Bro . Dr . Coutts . ' When he joined the Instruction Lodge , seventeen years ago , he met with such kindness from the then Preceptor ( Bro . Higham ) , who never seemed tired of pointing out little details in the

ritual , that he felt compelled to take an interest in the institution . He hoped to continue in office for a long period of years , but in view of the fact that so many good and efficient members were connected with them and coming prominently forward , it was scarcely possible that his wish could be realised . During his long illness Bro . Lenard had generously taken his place , and he felt deeply indebted to him for what he had done . The tedium of his hours of sickness had been greatly relieved , and his mind comforted

by the kind and sympathetic actions of those many callers who had hoped for his speedy recovery . In conclusion Bro . Hebden stated that exclusive of the seven propositions of that evening , the Lodge books now registered 177 members . He pointed with pride to the fact that from their ranks there had been a large equipment of Worshipful Masters , many of whom had taken important positions in this and other Provinces , and who were deservedly popular among their Brethren in Freemasonry .

Bro . Bamford , in a very trenchant speech , proposed the health of the visitors , according them a very hearty welcome , to which Bros . Vaughan , Higham , and others responded . The latter then proposed the health of the Treasurer , paying a very high tribute to the worth of Bro . Lenard , who said , in response , that he felt grateful to Bro . Higham for his remarks . He reverted to the prosperity of the Lodge , its steady increase in members , and the beneficial results attained , about which there could be no question of

doubt . The subscriptions came in fairly well , and while this was so he would be able to show a good balance sheet . In conclusion he hoped that next year it would be possible to give something substantial to the Masonic Charities , which ought one and all to be well supported . The musical items were contributed by Bros . Robt . Dottie P . M ., A . Hebden P . M ., & c , Edward Roberts P . M ., John Westall , J . T . Trotter , Henry Ramus , J . L . Norris , Henry Norris , and others .

Besides those mentioned above , we noticed Past Masters Bros . R Armitage , G . W . Davies , G . B . Goodfellow , A . Eichholz , T . H . Hall , J . T . C Blackie , and many other well-known members of the Graft .

EOYAL AECH .

SYMPATHY CHAPTER , No . 483 . A REGULAR convocation was held at the Royal Clarendon Hotel , Gravesend , on Tuesday , under the presidency of Comps . William Russell M . E . Z ., Henry Forss H ., J . P . White J ., when the following candidates were exalted to the Supreme Degree as Royal Arch Masons : — Bros . Charles Matthews , Edward Matthews , A . E . Lockhart and Harry White , all of Sympathy Lodge , No . 483 ; A . J . Baldock , St . John , No . 1343 ; and Richard Vivian , Northern Counties , No . 2328 .

The ceremony was ably rendered by the Principals , assisted by Comps . B . J . Beamish S . N ., Orlton Cooper , Frank Hitchens and William Hawker as the Sojourners . The Historical Lecture was delivered by Comp . Arthur Ronaldson S . E ., the Symbolical by Comp . J . P . White , and the Mystical by Comp . Henry Forss . Comp . T . T . Hogg the Treasurer presented his report , and a vote of two guineas was passed for the Fund to restore the Chapter House of Canterbury Cathedral .

There being no other business the Chapter was closed , and adjourned till the fourth Tuesday in November . Among those present besides the above mentioned were Comps . Ernest Ingman , John Fitch , W . S . Bowen , C . P . Bowen , T . A . Mummery , J . Braine , & c .

HORNSEY CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT , No . 890 . A REGULAR meeting was held at Bro . Stevens ' s , Prince of Wales Hotel , Bishop's Road , Paddington , on Friday , 18 th inst . Comp . A . J . Tayler as Z ., 3 . Almond H ., W . Hillier J „ H . Dehane P . Z . S . E ., J . Bailey P . Z . S . N ., J . 0 . Tilt M . E . Z . Treas ., R . T . Godfrey P . Soj ., Percy Day Assist . Soj ., A . Clark , Wynman , and T . 0 . Edmonds P . Z .

The Chapter was opened in ancient form , and the ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . A . Clark J . candidate . A vote of thanks was passed to Comp . Tayler for having gone through the work in such excellent manner for the first time , which compliment was duly acknowledged . Comp . Percy Day was elected a member .

MARK MASONRY

ST . ANDREW LODGE , No . 34 . THE Saint Andrew Lodge of Mark Master Masons , originally No . 22 of the Scottish Constitution , but now No . 34 on the roll of the Grand Lod ge of England , has for many years holden its convocations at the f reemasons' Hall , Manchester , and it has had many great and influential Masters . Harking back to the years 1869 and 1870 we find that the popular Grand Secretarv Bro . Chas F . Matier occupied the chair , the

Worshi pful Brothers who followed being equally worthy of note , viz : 1871 W . Wayne , 1872 W . G . Turner , 1873 W . H . Hopkins , 1874 H . J . Robberas , - } ° 75 W . Rome , 1876 W . 0 . Gilles , 1877 J . Arensberg , 1878 E . C . Milligan , H * W 9 A . Middleton , 1880 and 1881 T . R . Peel , 1882 H . C . Miller , 1883 J . E . Lees , 1884 W . Nicholl , 1885 J . M . Sinclair , 1886 H . L . Rocca , 1887 W . R . faowter , 1888 J . T . Richardson , 1869 G . Hunt , 1890 S . Kelly , 1891 E . L .

Instruction.

Littler , 1892 0 . E . Towell , 1893 G . S . Smith , 1894 G . A . Myers , 1895 A . K . Boothroyd , and 1896 J . M . Veal . The last named worthy and Worshipful Brother , ever on the alert for an opportunity of awarding honour where honour is due , arranged a most pleasing function in connection with the last general meeting of the Lodge , the recognition of the invaluable services of the veteran Brother Joseph Truelove Richardson , who has , is , and ever will be a most zealous worker in

the cause of Freemasonry in all its degrees , and Mark Masonry in particular . He has never been found wanting in work , nor in affording assistance and instruction to the younger Brethren , to the fullest in his power . It will not therefore be a matter of surprise to our readers to learn that this occasion was made auspicious by the presentation of a very handsome Past Master ' s

jewel , manufactured expressly by Kenning , and fastened to the breast Of pur worthy Brother by the Worshipful Master , with a few remarks , excellent in taste and harmonising to the occasion , and acknowledged with deep emotion , rendering the whole scene pathetic and happy . A like honour would have been conferred on Bro . J . M . Sinclair Past Treasurer , but for his unavoidable absence .

Amongst those present were Bros . J . M . Veal , J . T . Richardson , H . L . Rocca , C . E . Towell , W . Nicholl , Walker , Laurisch , Lawrenson , Shaw , Salt , & c . The proceedings terminated with the social hoard , enlivened by reminiscences from Brother—familiarly known as Brother Billy—Nicholl , varied by expressions of regret from the chair at the absence of Bro . Sinclair . After the Tyler ' s toast an adjournment was made until 17 th November .

CHAMPION CONCLAVE , SECRET MONITOR , No . 26 . A MEETING was held at the Palatine Hotel , Hunt's Bank , Manchester , on Tuesday , the 15 th inst ., Bro . Buckley Carr G . G'dr . S . R . A ballot was taken for Bro . Isidore Ernest Augustus Gotz , Engineer , Walley Range , Manchester , Humphrey Chetham Lodge , No . 645 , but as the candidate did not put in an appearance , the ceremony of inducting him was necessarily

postponed . Among those who were present we noticed Bros . Fletcher Armstrong C , R . T . Redman G ., John Marshall G . V ., H . T . Grundy S ., A . C . K . Smith 1 st V . D ., J . A . Kirkland 2 nd V . D ., W . A . Boyer 4 th V . D . G . Std ., Wm . B . Midgley Org ., and T . H . Soholfield P . S . R . Visitors : —Bros . J . Tickle P . G . G ., and W . Cockcroft P . G . G .

COEEESPONDENCE .

We do rot hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents . Ail Letters must bear the name and address of the writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected commuiiications .

EBMOVAL OF THE BOYS SCHOOL .

To the Editor of the FBEEMASON ' S CHEONICLE . DEAB SIB AND BROTHER , —It is unnecessary to reiterate what several of your correspondents have said in reference to the above subject ; except that I , with many other subscribers to the Institution , fully agree with their opinion , as to the necessity of rejecting the proposals of the Managing Committee , which will undoubtedly be the case when the whole of the subscribers have the opportunity of voting aye or nay . My object in writing to you is to suggest another scheme for getting over the difficulty of want of

accomodation , namely , that no boys should be admitted into the School under the age of ten , receiving in lieu thereof , from the age seven to nine years , the sum of £ 25 , and from twelve to fifteen £ 35 per annum , for education , maintenance and clothing . This could all be carried out as suggested , by local Committees . I would also suggest that the option of sending the boy to the School could remain open until he is twelve years of age . Yours , & c , LIFE GOVEBNOB .

Outing At Durham.

OUTING AT DURHAM .

ON thc 16 th inst ., at the invitation of Bro . 3 . 3 . Candlish , of ShottonHall , W . M . of the Fawcett Lodge , Seaham Harbour , the members of tho Lodge , together with their lady friends , had a very enjoyable outing to Durham . Arriving by train early in the afternoon , the party , which numbered nearly forty , had the pleasure of being shown over the Cathedral

and Castle , and were highly gratified with all that was seen . After a pleasant walk through the banks and other pleasing environs of the city , tho party adjourned to the Rose and Grown Hotel , where they sat down to a bountiful and tempting repast , provided in Mr . and Mrs . Macfarlane ' s well-known style , and which received high commendation from the guests . A very enjoyable evening was subsequently spent until the arrival of train time .

system are exceedingly low , and are charged irrespective of distance . Quite a feature of the arrangement , and one that will be welcomed by those participating in it , is that no boxes of a special make are necessary , the Railway Company stipulating only that the packages must be such as will admit of others being placed upon them . It is easy to foresee that this plan for reducing the household expenses will prove most acceptable to householders , ancl is bound to be extensively patronised .

THE system inaugurated some time ago by the Great Northern Railway Company , enabling agriculturists to send their produce direct to the consumers at greatly reduced rates , will be materially helped in its operations by the publication of a list of farmers , market gardeners , and others , wishful to open up business of this nature , the Great Northern Company supplying copies of this handy book free of charge . The rates which have been put into operation experimentally on that Company's