Royal Arch.

spoken of their services whilst discharging the duties of their respective offices . "Thc Health of the Officers " having been cordially proposed and received , Comps . Stewart , Davis , ancl Ellborn briefly returned thanks . During the intervals of the toasts Comps . Alaclcan , Davis ,

Lloyd , and others greatly entertained their companions , the first-named in particular affording much amusement by his vocal and dramatic abilities . The Janitor having been called upon to discharge his duty , the proceedings terminated .

LEICESTER . —Fortitude Chapter ( No . 279 ) . — A meeting vvas held on Thursday , April 22 nd , at Freemasons' Hall . Present : Comps . J . T . Thorp , Z . ; Dr . F . Grant , J ., and H . elect ; C . E . Stretton , J . elect ; J . Young , Asst . Soj . ; J . Read , Asst . Soj . ; J . Coltmann , Treas . ; S . Knight , " D . C ; J . R . Pickering , Steward ; Dunn and Tanser , Janitors ; P . Z . ' s VV . KcllyC P . G . Supt .:

G . Toller , jun . ; and S . S . Partridge . Members : Comps . J . H . Hale , J . 3 G 0 , W . Treacfdell , W . Hanger , E . Watson , R . Taylor , J . Harrison , R . Dudgeon . Visitors : Comps . J . C . Duncombe , P . Z ., and J . AL Kew , P . Z . 1130 . The chapter was opened , and Comps . Dr . Grant and C . E . Stretton duly installed into chairs of H . and J . respectively by Comp . Kelly , P . G . Supt ., in his usual impressive style . Comp . J . VV . Smith , Z . elect , was unavoidably

absent , and his installation into thc 'Third Chair was postponed until his return home . The other companions having been admitted , the minutes were duly confirmed . A very satisfactory statement of the Treasurer ' s accounts for the past year was received and passed with thanks . Bro . R . Dudgeon , of Lodge 279 , vvas exalted to the H . R . A ., the duties of Z . and P . S . being faultlessly executed by Comps . Thorp and J . Young , P . S . elect . The chapter vvas then closed .

MARYPORT . —Nicholson Chapter ( No . 371 ) . —The first anniversary of this young but flourishing chapter was held on Wednesday , the 21 st ult ., in the Freemasons' Hall , Eagleslield-strcet . Shortly after twelve o'clock thc chapter was opened by ALE . Comp . John Bowes , P . Z . 14 S and 129 , P . P . G . S . N . Cumberland and Westmorland , P . P . G . St . Br . West Lancashire , and an

honorary member of the chapter , assisted by Comps . P . de E . Collin , Al . E . Z . elect , and T . Mandle , J ., H . elect . Comp . Jos . Nicholson , Al . E . Z ., was not present . The other members were Comps . W . Armstrong , J . elect ; J . R . Banks , S . E . ; Capt . Sewell , S . N . ; J . Gardiner , P . Z . 327 , P . G . St . Br . ; A . Walter , P . S . ; R . " Brown , ist Asst . S . ; E . G . Mitchell , 2 nd Asst . S . ; P . Dodgson , and

J . H . Raven . The visitors were Comps . J . Gate , P . Z . 327 ; H . Bewes , P . Z . 327 , P . G . P . S . ; J . Rothery , S . E . 119 , P . G . St . ; G . Dalrymple , P . S . 119 ; J . W . Allies , 119 ; G . Sparrow , 119 ; G . Fitzgerald , Janitor ; and VV . T . Lamonby , Al . E . Z . 119 , P . P . G . Swd . Br . ( Freemason ) . After the minutes of the previous convocation had been read and approved , ballots were taken for Bros . H .

Peacock , J . W . 1002 ; J . Kendall , 371 ; J . W . Robinson , P . AL 371 ; and J . Wilson , 371 . Bro . John Harrison , who had been previously balloted for , vvas not present ; but the other four named were in attendance , and , on admission , were duly exalted to the Supreme Degree by the M . E . Z . on the throne . The next business vvas the installation of the Principals , viz . : Comps . P . de Collin , Al . E . Z . ; T . Alandle , II . ;

and W . Armstrong , J . Thc ceremony vvas performed by Comp . Bowes in his well-known impressive and eloquent style , and at the close of the proceedings he received a hearty and well-merited vote of thanks . The other officers elected and appointed were Comps . J . R . Banks , S . E . ;

Capt . Sewell , S . N . ; A . Walter , P . S . ; R . Brown , ist . Asst . S . ; E . G . Mitchell , 2 nd Asst . S . ; and J . Nicholson , P . Z .. Treas . After " Hearty good wishes " had been tendered from Chapters 119 and 327 , the chapter vvas closed in solemn form . Subsequentl y the companions partook of an excellent dinner nt the Senhotisc Arms Hotel .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

MACDONALD LODGE ( No . 104 ) . —Tho election meeting of this Alark lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , on Saturday , the 17 th ult ., and was exceedingly well attended . 'The W . AL , Bro . George Ward Verry , opened the lodge at three o'clock . Bro . Alfred Williams , P . AL , in the unavoidable absence of Bro . \ V . P . Collins , officiated as S . W .

There were present amongst others the V . W . Bros , Thomas Aleggy , P . G . AI . O ., and James Stevens , P . G . J . O . ; VV . Bros . VV . Worrell , P . G . Org ., and Robert Berridge , G . D . C ; Bros . F . H . Cozens , J . W . ; N . J . F . Basnett , AI . O . ; George Yaxley , S . O . ; W . C . Hale , J . O . ; W . Johnston , S . D . ; J . K . Pitt , J . D . ; J . Humphrey " , I . G . ; T . " Simmons , Mildred , Alead , T . A . Dc Leliva , . Manning , and

others . Visitors : V . W . Bro . Don . AL Dewar , P . G . AI . O . and Assistant Grand Secretary , and Bro . Captain Berridge . There were several candidates for advancement , but one only ( Bro . 'Thomas Nettleship ) was enabled to attend . 'The ceremony was most ably performed by the W . AL and officers with full musical honours . The election of W . AL for the ensuing year was unanimously in favour of Bro . F . H .

Cozens , the J . W ., the S . W ., Bro . Collins , having , in consequence of ill-health and numerous engagements , requested the brethren to pass him over for the present . 'The W . AL , Bro . Thomas Aleggy , was also unanimously elected Treasurer . In consequence of the decease of Bro . Grant , who had faithfully tyled the lodge from the date of its formation , a vote of condolence with thc widow was

passed , and subsequently practical evidence of the respect entertained for their late brother was given by the contributions after supper on her behalf . Bro . Reinhardt was elected Tyler for the ensuing year . The Past -Master ' s jewel of the lodge was voted to the outgoing Alaster . Bro . T . A . De Leliva was recommended for provincial grand

honours . The date of meeting was changed from Fridays to the third Saturday in the months of June , October , February , and April in each year . Propositions were taken for advances , and business being ended , the brethren adjourned to an early supper , and spent , as is usual with them on all occasions , a most harmonious and agreeable evenincr .

HAMMERSMITH LODGE ( No . 211 ) . —This lodge vvas convened for the regular dispatch of business on Saturday , the 17 th ult ., at the . Windsor Castle Hotel . Among those in attendance were Bros . T . C . Walls , VV . M . ;

Mark Masonry.

Alfred Tisley , S . W . ; Haynes , J . W . ; J . W . Baldwin , I . P . AL , Treasurer , and Secretary ; W . H . ' Goodhall , M . O . ; Game , R . of Atarks ; Lawson , S . D . ; Alillis , J . D . ; John Alason , P . P . G . AI . O . Aliddx . and Surrey ; Potter , Tyler . 'The minutes of the previous meeting haying been read andcontvnwcd , Bro . Read , who had been previously balloted for , was duly advanced to the Honourable Degree of

AI . AI . AI . The P . G . Secretary of Aliddlesex ancl Surrey having sent an intimation to the Secretary desiring to be informed of the name of the brother nominated for provincial Alark honours for 1 S 80 , it was , upon the motion of the W . AL , unanimously resolved that the name of Bro . J . W . Baldwin , I . P . AL . should be submitted to the R . W . P . G . AL for that distinction . Several apologies for

non-attendance having been read , and Bro . Hayes appointed to the vacant oflice of I . G ., the lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , which reflected great credit upon the genial host , Bro . Gilbert . 'The preliminary toasts having received full justice , "The Provincial Grancl Oflicers " were warmly pledged . Bro . Alason responded . In the course of his remarks he dwelt

upon the services of the R . W . P . G . AI . to the cause of Alark Alasonry , and that under his fostering rule the united Province of Aliddlesex and Surrey were progressing very rapidly . With respect to the subordinate officers of the province , present and past , they were actuated , he believed , by the same motives that inspired their chief , namely , to do everything in their power to enhance the prosperity of Mark

Alasonry . " The Health of the VV . M . " vvas then proposed in very complimentary terms by Bro . Baldwin , I . P . AL Thc W . AL having replied , then gave "The Advancee , " who having duly acknowledged thc compliment , "Thc Past Alasters" followed . Bro . Baldwin , in response , expressed bis thanks to the W . AL for the manner in which the toast had been proposed , aud to thc brethren for thc hearty way

m which it bad been received . Having passed the chair in the Hammersmith , he felt that it vvas his duty on all occasions , and in every possible manner , to further its interests . In the coming season he hoped to be in a position to introduce several candidates for admission into their honourable Degree . In concluding his remarks he hoped that the Hammersmith Alark Lodge would continue to

prosper , and that he should live to sec a long array of Past Alasters sitting round that hospitable board . "The Health of the Officers " came next in order , and vvas coupled with the name of the Senior Warden , who made an exhaustive and witty speech in response . 'The Tyler's toast brought the proceedings to a conclusion , which were greatly enhanced by tlie vocal contributions of Bros . Baldwin , Tisley , Goodhall , and others .

COCKERMOUTH . —Faithfull Lodge ( No . 229 ) . — 'The monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held on Wednesday evening , the 21 st ult ., in the Alasonic Hall , Stationstreet . The W . AL , Bro . R . Robinson , P . G . Swd . Br ., presided , supported by Bros . VV . H . Lewthwaite , S . W ., P . G . Org . ; W . F . Lamonlry , P . AL , P . G . Sec , as J . W . ( Freemason ); T . C . Robinson , S . O . ; H . Peacock , J . O . ; and

others . After the minutes had been read and confirmed , Bro . Lamonby intimated his intention to represent Faithfull Lodge as Steward at the annual festival in aid of thc Alark Benevolent Fund , to be held at the Crystal Palace , on July 7 th next . There vvas no other business , and the lodge vvas then closed .

MALTA . —Union of Malta Lodge . —The first meeting of this lodge , under a provisional warrant of the R . W . P . G . AI ., was held at the Alasonic Hall , Valetta , on Saturday , 'he 17 th of April , 1 SS 0 . The progress made in the working of the Degree throughout thc province during the past year has amply justified thc legitimate desire of the brethren to have a Alark lodge working under the

auspices of each of the flourishing Craft lodges in the island . To this end the Alark Alasters—all members of the Union Craft Lodge , No . 407 ( including all its principal officers )—have presented a petition to Alark Grand Lodge asking for a warrant to establish a Alark lodge bearing the same name , which has been strongly recommended by Lodge 248 , and approved bv the P . G . AL ,

who , in accordance with the prayer of the petitioners , has issued a provisional warrant enabling them to meet as a lodge until the receipt of a formal charter . The Broadley Lodge , No . 248 , was opened at 7 . 30 p . m . Present : Bros . Coffey , P . G . Sec , W . AL ; Yeoman , as S . W . ; Alackinnon , J . W . ; Walker , AI . O . ; Colonel Carey , S . O . ; King , J . O . ; Gardner , S . D . ; Mortimer , J . D . ; Ewing ,

Organist ; drier , I . G . ; and Beck , 'T yler . Members : Bros . Freeman , Chapman , Williams , and others . Visitors : W . Bros . Watson , W . M . 107 ; Doherty and Dahn , P . AL ' s 3 S 7 , I . C ; Glenday , W . AL 407 ; 'Taylor , P . AL 407 and 387 ; Abbott , P . AL 17 th Lancers Lodge ; Phillips , Pearce , Connett , AlcCoy , Jones , Kay , Lucy , Stanley , Blanch , . May Grcbbell , West , Woodthorpe , Gibson , and others . 'The

lodge being opened , the P . G . M ., D . P . G . M ., and P . G . S . W . were received with the customary honours . 'The P . G . M . having assumed the gavel at the request of the W . AL , the P . G . Sec . read the summons convoking the meeting , the petition to G . L . and P . G . L ., together with the provisional warrant . The founders having signified their approval of the officers named in the petition , VV . Bro . William Reed ,

P . AL 107 , P . G . S . W . ( . Mark ) , P . AL 407 , P . Z . 349 , and P . D . G . Reg . ( Craft ) , vvas presented to the P . G . AL by Bros . Doherty and Coffey , and duly installed as W . AI . M . of the new lodge . Bro . Read then appointed and invested the following officers , viz ., Bros . Glendav , W . M . 407 , S . W . ; Yeoman , I . W . ; Stanley , M . O . ; Blanch , S . O . ; England , J . O . ; iMay , S . D . ; and WestJ . D . At the

, request of the W . AL , the P . G . AL then advanced the following candidates elected by the founders , viz ., Bro . Shillinglaw , Penketh , Senior , and Fuller . VV . Bro . VVatson then delivered in a faultless manner the Lecture on the Tracing Board . The VV . M ., on resuming the gavel , appointed Bros . Senior , Secretary , and Shillinglaw , I . G . Bro . Woodthorpe was elected and invested as'T reasurer and Bro .

Beck as Tyler . The D . P . G . AL , Bro . Westrup , presented to Bro . Read and his oflicers the congratulations of thc Keystone Lodge ; Bro . Coffey those of the Broadley Lodge ; Bro . Doherty those of the Irish Lodge , No . 3 S 7 , and the P . G . AL those of Lodges 222 and 254 . ' 'The W . M .

expressed his thanks to the P . G . M . for the manner in which he had complied with the wishes of the petitioners , and said he hoped the new lodge would work in perfect harmony with the other Mark lodges , and eventually become an important element in the united strength of the province . The Union Lodge was then closed , after which

Mark Masonry.

W . Bro . Coffey closed the labours of Lodge No . 24 S . There is now a Mark lodge corresponding to each Craft lodge in thc province , and each of these lodges is in as flourishing a condition as the most ardent admirer of the honourable Degree could desire . A frugal repast brought this agreeable and numerously attended gathering to " an end .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

LEEDS . —Leodiensis Chapter ( No . 77 ) . —The regular meeting of the above chapter vvas held on Tuesday , the 20 th ult ., at the Alasonic Hall , Great George-street . The chapter was opened in due form in the presence of 111 . Bros . John Baikcr , 30 ° , M . W . S . ; W . Paley , Prelate ; P . R . Tomlinson , ist General ; John Scott , 2 nd General ; J . J . Boswell , as Raphael ; R . Wilson , Treas . and Recorder ; Chas . Eastwood , D . of C , as Capt . of the Guard ; C . J .

Bannister , 33 *** , Grand Inspector Gen . of the Northern Division ; Ed . Heffernan , 30 ° , P . M . W . S . ; and other illustrious brethren . After the minutes of last regular meeting had been read and confirmed , the ballot was " taken for Bro . Thos . Scholficld , P . AL , P . P . G . D . 30 G , and Bro . James Freweck , P . M . St . Eleth Lodge , No . 14 SS , P . G . Steward North Wales , ancl vvas proved to bc unanimous . Thc ballot was also taken for 111 . Bro . Adam ' Winlaw , 30 , Royal Kent Chapter , No .

8 , Newcastle-on-Tyne , as a joining member ; this was also unanimous . Bro . Frewcek being present he vvas perfected in due form . 'The sum of £ 2 2 s . vvas voted to the "Shadr well Clerke" Testimonial Fnnd , and a P . M . W . S . jewel ( which had been subscribed for by the brethren ) vvas presented by thc M . W . S . to III . Bro ., Ed . Heffernan , 30 , P . ALW . S ., as a token of their esteem , and vvas suitably acknowledged . Several brethren were proposed for perfection , and the chapter vvas closed in due form , after which the brethren adjourned to refreshment .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

SOUTHPORT . —De Lacy Preceptory ( No . 05 ) ; —The above preceptory , under the command of Sir Knight J . TL T . Cottier , held its ordinary encampment in the new Freemasons' Hall , Bank Buildings , East Bankstreet , on the 21 st ult ., at eight o ' clock p . m . The roll being called over , those answering to their names included Sir Knights J . TL T . Cottier , E . G . ; Lever R . Rovvbottom , P . E . C , P . G . Alar ., J . VV . J . Fowler , P . E . C , P . P . G . Mar . ;

John Sutton , Constable ; VV . H . Johnson , Registrar ; G . Benson Baker , Sub-Alar . ; T . S . " Cory , Capt . of Guard : I . IL Welsby , 1 st Purst . ; P . M . Hunter ; and Geo . Rock-Iiff , Equerry . 'This being the last encampment prior to the annual installation of officers , the ballot was taken for the election of an E . C for the ensuing year , when it vvas found that Sir Knight John Sutton , Constable , vvas chosen unanimousl y E . C . elect . Sir Kt . W . Dodd was re-appointed

Treasurer ; Sir Kt . G Rockliffwas re-elected Eqerry ; the Auditors being Sir Knights J . Sutton and J . H . Welsby . Letters were then read from Sir Knights Ralph Heap , 2 nd Standard Bearer , and Rev . C . H . Knovvly , expressing regret at their inability to attend the duties of the encampment , in consequence of having made prior engagements . The Sir Knights adjourned to the banqueting room to a pleasant and harmonious " reunion , " which was marked throughout with characteristic good fellowship , and vvas finally closed in peace and harmony .

South Africa.

South Africa .

PIETERMARITZBERG . — Natalia Chapter ( No . 1 GG 5 ) . —A meeting of this prosperous chapter for the installation of Principals ( owing to the resignation of M . E . Comp . Joyce , P . Z . ) was held at the Alasonic Temple , on Wednesday , the 17 th ult ., ajt 7 . 30 p . m . There were present ALE . Comps . Wesley Francis ( P . F-. Z . ) , in the chair of Z . ; R . I . Finnemore , H . ; G . O . Alatterson , J . ; E . S . T . Stantial , P . S . ; J . Smith , ist Asst .

Soj . ; VV . F . Stanton , Scribe E . ; E . Homersham Wiltshier , D . C , acting as S . N ., in the absence of T . J . E . Scoones ; S . Ford , Treas . ; Capt . J . N . Tew , G . E . Thame , B . Ireland , T . E . Harding , VV . A . Smith , T . Joyce , P . P . Z . ; A . T . Ford , J . Roseveare , J . R . lvvine , Tyler ; and others . 'The chapter having been opened in solemn form by thc 'Three Principals , the companions of the Order were admitted . The chief business of the evening vvas the

installation of the I hree Principals unanimously elected by the chapter . All companions below the rank of an installed Principal having been requested to retire , a conclave of installed Principals of the first , second , and third chairs was successively formed , and the Principals elect were regularly installed in ancient form as follows : ALE . Comps . R . I . Finnemore , Z . ; G . O . Alatterson , H . ; and J . Roseveare , J . The duty of installation devolved principally uoon

Comps . W . Francis , P . P . Z ., and T . Joyce , P . P . 2 ., and having been satisfactorily concluded , the companions of the chapter were re-admitted , and saluted the newly-installed Principals , who then proceeded to exalt two candidates , Bros . T . Bodley and W . Henwood , unanimously elected by the chapter , and found to be qualified for the Degree of the H . R . A . The ceremony of exaltation being finished , it vvas unanimousl y resolved that the Committee of Alanaeement

be authorised to arrange for a suitable presentation to Comp . T . Joyce , in recognition of past services to the chapter . 'The chapter was then closed in due form . It is satisfactory to learn that Royal Arch Masonry is making rapid progress in the colony , and that the Port Natal Royal Arch Chapter , No . 738 , lately established at the seaport of Durban , the opening of which was noticed at the time in our columns , has been equally successful .

Il is not generall y known that Dr . Tobias Smollett , the historian and novelist , was a Alason . This appears from a letter of his in Notes and Queries , P . S ., vol . I ., page 331 , April 24 th , 1 SS 0 . In this letter , dated from Bologne 3 rd August , 1763 , he writes : "I understand there is a lodge of French Freemasons at Boulogne , but I am not well enough to visit them . "