Ar02800

had had the opportunity of witnessing their excellent work . He had been present a ' the installation meeting for the last io years and was highly pleased at the manner in which the ceremony had been performed . Bro . Thos . W . Gay , I . P . M ., next rose and proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " stating it was the first time he had the honour of proposing it , and to him it wis one of the grandest opportunities in his life . The W . M . was an excellent Mason and worker , and he was confident under his able ree-imc the lodge would flourish .

Bro . Fraser , W . M ., thanked the brethren for such a cordial reception , and pledged that during his year , of office he would do all in his power to perform the duties creditably and emulate the worthy Past Masters of the lodge , so _ well renowned in South London for its wcrking , and to the utmost endeavour to maintain the prestige of the lodge .

The VV . M . next presented the toast of "The I . P . M ., Bro . T . Gay , " who had passed through his year of office successfully , and had pioved himself worthy of being its Master . To mark the appreciation of the brethren , he had the pleasure of presenting the jewel unanimously voted , with the hope that the G . A . O . T . U . would give him health and strength to wear the same for many years in honour to himself and the lodge .

In reply , Bio . Gay said he had arrived at the height of his ambition to wear the Past Master ' s jewel of his mother lodge , of which he had been a member ioor 12 years . He most cordially thanked the brethren for their kind remarks , and hoped to wear it for many years as a souvenir of the verv happy time he had spent in the lodge . The toast of "The Installing Master " was next given by the W . M ., who commented on the excellent manner Bro . Anderson , P . M ., had performed that ceremony at such a shoit notice , and the lodge was greatly indebted to him .

Bro . Arderson , in reply , thanked the VV . M . for his kind remarks , and stated that in Ihe beautiful addresses the Wardens were told they might be called upon to higher duties , as he at 24 hours' notice had been asked to perform the installation ceremony , Ihrrugh the illness of the I . P . M . He hsd performed the ceremony to the best of his ability , and vvas gratified to know it gave satisfaction to all present . Bro . A . H Fraser , W . M ., next gave the toast of "The Visitors" in highly complimentary terms . Bra ** . Seagrave , Thornhill , P . M . ; Channon , P . M . ; Ellinger , P . M . ; Avery , FloodP . M . ; BraikHipgrave . Hartand Stone , P . M ., responded .

, , , lie tcsst of "The Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " the W . M . stated , was ere of Ihe greatest importance , as they were all good men and true and the backtore t f the ledge , and such lhat all would do well to follow . The least was ably responded to by Bros . Gay , Lightfoot , and Anderson , who deeply regretted that Ihe father of the lodge , Bro . Hook , was obliged to leave early .

Bro . Wm . Wills , P . M ., Treas ., stated that during the coming year he would encVavcur , as hitherto , to enhance the pleasure and comfort of the brethren . He trusted they would all assist in maintaining the lodge in the scund financial position in which it steed , ard even leave a larger balance still at the end of the year . He always did his best tcr that , his mother lodge , and wished the VV . M . a most successful year of office .

Bio . J . M . Wimble , P . M ., Sec , thanked the W . M . for the honour of appointing him Sr ciotary , which effice he had filled for several years , and he hoped that he should merit the approbation of the succeeding W . M . The Treasurer and he had worked most heartily together , and would continue to do so to the benefit of the lodge . 1 j * e W . M . next proposed the toast of "The Officers , " congratulating himself and the ledge upon having such willing and capable officers , at the same time regretting the

atserce , through illness , of Bro . Ford , S . D ., and he hoped he would soon recover . _ This was responded to by Bros . Pow , S . W . ; Stevenson , J . W . ; and J . S . Pointon , Stwd . ; each pledging his best to maintain the prestige of the lodge . The Tyler ' s toast closed a most happy and successful meeting . An excellent programme of music was arranged by Bro . H . D . Tredray , 1901 , •fficierlly assisted by Miss Amy Bonnett , Mr . Jack Lightfoot , Mr . John Nester , Bios . W . J . Alford ( reciter ) , and J . S . Pointon . Bro . Sidney Hill very ably presided at the piano .

Lewisham Lodge , No . 2579 . A very successful meeting of this new and prosperous lodge was held on Saturday , tic nih ult ., at Ihe Paiish Hall , Ladywell , when the following brethren were present i Bios . C . Sims , W . M . ; C . Lamb , S . VV . ; J . Ccote . J . W . ; H . Visger , Treas . ; E , Hall , Sec ; j . VV . Drysdale , D . C . ; VV . C . Tjler , I . G . ; C . VV . Wilkes , Org . ; H . Cole and VV . T . Price-Taylor , Stwds . ; J . S . Gregory , Tyler ; A . Reichenheim , VV . T . Feldon , K . Arnold , Rev . VV . J . Salt , J . T . Wise , G . W . Perry , D . Bartlett , M . Lucy ,

J . A . Laing , H . Wayland , J . Lusty , F . W . Inandt . K . Batchelor , W . Clark , J . H . Minsrp , H . B . Brooman , K . Kortlandt , and H . T . Bridges . Visitors : Bros . J . S . Speller , P . P . G . D . Essex . ; VV . G . Simmons , VV . M . 1155 ; M . Brown , P . M . 1997 ; II . C . Reeves , P . M . 13 S 1 ; A . H . Bateman , P . M . 33 , & c . ; VV . Fieldson , P . M . 54 S ; Id . Whitney , S . W . 861 ; E . C . Wise , S . D . C 19 ; W . Robin , S . W . S 90 j H . Ponter , 700 ; J . G . Banker , 1632 ; VV . L . Bayley , D . C . S 90 ; J . H . Kiiby , 1607 ; C . P . Leathetby , 1 CS 1 ; II . A . Turnbull , 749 ; E . H . Oxenham , 929 ; and A . Manners , 33 .

The lodge was opened , and the minutes having been confirmed , Bros . David Bartlett and Geo . Wm . Perry were unanimously elected as joining members , after which Bros . W . T . Feldon , A . Reichenheim , Rev . VV . J . Salt , M . A . ; and A . Yockelson were raised to the Third Degree . Bros . M . Lucy , H . ' Wayland , J . T . Wise , and R . Batchelor were passed to the Second Degree , after vvhich thc W . M ., in a few well-chosen words , invested Bro . the Rev . W . J . Salt , M . A ., as Chaplain . The ballot was then taken for Messrs . Walter Claik , Hy . Bernard Brooman , H . Kortlandt , and j . H . Minson , which proving

unanimcus in their favour , they were then duly initiated into b reemasonry , all the ceremonies being performed in an excellent manner by the W . M . Several candidates were then proposed , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren sat down to dinner . 1 he usual loyal and Masonic leasts were given by the VV . M . and duly honoured . An er joyable programme of music was rendered by Bros . Lamb , Bridges , Bayley , Wilkes , ard Edward Hall , who contributed the "Initiate ' s song , " vvhich was joined in with much enthusiasm by the brethren present .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Pattison Chapter , No . 913 . Three candidates for exaltation and the election of Principals and officers is a very fair night ' s wcrk ; this was successfully accomplished by Comp . C . J . Clapham , M . E . / ., and his officers and companions of the above chapter on Thursday , the 16 th ult . The chapter , which is hold at Freemasons ' . Hall , Mount Pleasant , Plumstead , was opened , snd , after the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed , the ballot was taken for Bros . J . J . Messent and VV . J . Squires , of 913 , and Bro . G . Hull , 1571 , and in each

rase proved unarimcus in their favour , as it was also for Comp . W . H . Turton , 349 , as a joining number . These exaltations were admirably performed by the M . E . Z ., and his Second and Third Principals—Comps . G . F . Taylor , as H ., and C . H . Nichols , as J . — and then Ihe election of officers resulted in the return of Comps . Taylor , as First Principal ; Nichols , as Second Principal ; and Horton , as Third Principal ; the minor t flicers going up one step in rotation . A P . Z . ' s jewel was voted to Comp . Clapham for his services as M . E . Z . during the past year , and then the chapter was closed .

The banquet was partaken of at the Royal Mortar Hotel , Woolwich , and was excellently served under the supervision of Comp . Hall . 'The other compinions present were : Comps . C . Coup ' and , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . ; A . Tenfold , P . Z , P . P . G . 1 st Asst . Soj . ; II . ) . Butter , P . Z , P . P . G . S ... Scribe Ii . ; 11 . Mason , P . Z ., P . P . G . S .. Stwd . ; R . J . Cook , P . Z ., P . P . G . Reg . ; li . B . Hot-sen , P . Z ., P . P . G . Org . ; F . Mom ' s , P . Z . ; W . C . Tayler , P . Z . ; C . Jolly . P . Z . ( Hin . ) , P . Z . 1472 , M . E . Z . 21 S 4 ; Capt .-Surgeon Kidd'c , P . Z . ; J . Turton , S . N . ; J . O . Cook , isl A * st . So . . ; Dr . Ii . Bryceson , G . II . I . cllon , N . SatinJ 1 is , J . Stratton , U . Hammond , A . MocreG . Fro t , and several visitors .

, 'The usual loyal and Grand Chapter toasts having leen honoured , the M . E . Z . gave that uf "Ihe Night lien . Fail Amherst , Grand Superintendent of the Prov nee ot Kent , " and in so doing s ' a ' eil Ilia ' , ther Ccmp . Pinfold had been in correspondence with the Prov . G . Scribe IC , and a-- the iesii ' 1 of that eoinspon . lenci ,-, In- was in a position 10 tell Diem that his lordship , their G . Sujie intendent , bed c nsenled to bold the next Prov . Grand Chapter meeting it Plunutead . Comp . Morris , in responding to the loast . said it wss a most laudab'e ambi i > n for a soldier to try ancl rise above his present porition , and if le knew a soldier wbo iliil not ,

Royal Arch.

he shou'd not think much of him . It was the same in Masonry . He considered it great honour to lake rank amongst the Provincial Grand Officers of Kent , as Kent was perhaps the most fluri hmg province of any of the provinces in thc kinnd ' oiri and he ihankcd them for coup'i-g- his name with so important a t-ast . ° ' Comp . Butter said lie could go back some 17 years ago , when the Prov . Grand Chapter was held at Plumstead ; it was a most enjoyable time they had . Thc mcctin . r was held at a now defunct skating rink , and in a gal ' cry were arrayed a bevy of ladies ' who were placed there , he supposed , to see the lions feed . They were , however not

neglected , but there was one thing that happened there that showed their Grand Super , intendent was a gallant man , fo ** , r-n account of the ladies , he would not allow the com ^ panions present to smoke , and so they had to go without a cigar on that occasion . He trusted the forthcoming meeting would be as enjoyable and successful as the one held under the banner r . f the Pattison Chapter 17 years ago . Comp . Penfold then proposed the toast of "The M . E . Z ., " whom he complimented i" graceful terms for the able and conscientious manner in which he had discharged his duties in the chair he novv occupied . He trusted at their next meeting to be present and place upon Comp . Clapham ' s bosom the jewel he had so well earned .

Comp . Clapham , in returning thanks , said he had tried hard and earnestly to do his duty to the chapter . He had neglected nothing and was proud to say that he had had a very happy and pleasant year of office , and had been well supported by his colleagues the Second and Third Principals , and also by the officers and companions generally . ' The other toasts were " The M . E . Z . elect , " " The Second and Third Principals " "Thc Visitors , " "The Exaltees , " "The P . Z ' s . ofthe Chapter , " and the Janitor ' s toast .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Florence Nightingale Lodge , No . 44 . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held at the Royal Mortar Hotel Woolwich , on Monday , the 13 th ult ., when Bro . C . J . Clapham , S . W ., W . M . elect ' was installed into the chair of A . He appointed and invested his officers as follows •' Bros . A . VV . Orwin , I . P . M . j G . W . Mitchell , S . W . ; Dr . E . Bryceson , J . W . ; [ '

O . Conk , M . O . ; G . R . Nichols , b . O . ; S . Horton . J . O . ; Rev . C . A . Solbe , B . A Chap . ; F . J . Down , P . M ., Treas . ; E . Morris , P . M ., A . G . S ., R . of M . ; F G Nichols , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Sec ; J . Clarke , S . D . ; VV . Sanders , J . D . ; the RiEM Hon . Lord Pirbright , D . C ; and H . Mason , P . P . J . G . O ., Stwd . Bro . F . G . Nichols , P . M ., & c , was the Installing Officer , and did his work splendidly . There was a goodly array of Past Masters , members , and visitors present .

Economic Life Office.

ECONOMIC LIFE OFFICE .

Judging by the report of this office for 1895 , it well deserves the name by vvhich it is distinguished from kindred institutions of every hue and shade . Economy with efficient management—essential and malleable quantities—are distinctly discernible in every paragraph and clause of the last report of the directors , and a better proof of the appreciation of the public could not be given than that furnished by the subjsined figures , the best exponents cf the progressive work accomplished :

Net New Assurances . Net New Premiums . 1 S 9 * £ 304 . 200 £ 9 . 034 1 S 92 373 . 773 12 , 326 iS 93 455 . 757 13 . 247 1594 47 MS 3 14 , ( 5 44 1595 . ... 5 (> 4 . 5 <> 5 15 733 It will thus be seen that in a comparatively few years the business is well on the way to beirg doubled ; at least , it may safely be assumed that long before the 1889

quinquennium this position will be attained—possibly far exceeded . Mr . Todd has been deservedly accredited vvith the considerably improved state of affairs to-day , and it must be gratifying to the adherents , and , in short , to everyone interested , to find that success and strident expansion are the reward of a painstaking and intelligent administration . Tire quinqurnnium period has started favourably , with new assurances exceeding ( for the first time for many years past ) half a-million , an advance , as will be seen by the table , of £ 28 , 000 on the preceding year , and making , with the business of that year , a total not much shcrt of twice as large as the total for the first two years of last

quinquennium . 1 he class of trading favoured by the Economic is specially favourable , as may be concluded by the va ' ue of the policies issued , which run from £ 600 to £ 700 , comparatively few cases exceeding the limit which the society retains at its own risk . Last year the re-assurances amounted to £ 10 , 000 only , and the total aggregate risks given 0 ff in thelast five years do not aggregate £ 100 , 000 . Concurrently with a desirable run of new business , the society waswell favoured in the matter of claims , the sum of £ 271 , 049 having been disbursed , being some £ 7 6 , 500 less than the preceding year . Tre expense ratio , 14 6 per c nt . ( a fraction less than the preceding year ) iswithout

pr c . dent , when there are taken into ace ' 11 it the increase of new business , the annuity business of £ 44 000 edd , and the moderate premiums charged . The multip'icatioi of causes have produced one very dcsVable effect . Tney have brought the fund on the ye : r ' s trading up to £ 3 , 620 , 258 . The management have been much exercised in the course of the year by ihe exigencies of business in the investment department . The repayments on the various mcrtgage assets ( chiefly on the mortgages of property within

tre United Kingdem , and of life interests ) amounted to a total of upwards of half-arr . illicn . A small portion of this sum was applied to the purchases of life intere-ts anl reversions ; but the bulk of it has been utilised in the acquisition of railway and other cYbentu-e stocks , which now stand at , ( . 565 . 810 , and into freehold property or gruun I rents , the item of ^ 25 , 750 under the former he ading being now replaced by upwards u ( a quartei-of-a-inillion under tie joint title .

T he summation cf the entire report is a brillant record of wck well done and of a prosperity whioh , judging from all standpoints , b'tokens development not eas'l y computable , but decidedly the due reward of zeal , and ene gy , and enterprise .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . DR . LONGDEN , P . M 296 . Since thc last meeting of the Royal Brunswick Lodge , the members especially and the brethren of Sheffield have had to mourn the loss of the oldest Mason and senior Past Master of this district . Bro . Wm . Longde-i , who was Master of this lodge in 1844 , died on March 14 th , and was buried at the Genera ! Cemetery , his funeral being attended by the Masters of the Sheffield lodges , accompanied by many of the brethren . He had reached the age of 85 , and up to the closing

years cf his life was one of the best known figures in the Craft , attending its meetings vvith the greatest regularity . Bro . Longden was a great benefactor to the Royal Brunswick Lodge , having , with the late Dr . Bartolome and a few other zealous brethren , kept the lodge in existence , when , by reason of the smallness of its numbers and the poveity of its members , it had been determined to dissolve it , the expenses nece ssary for this purpose , and the annual charges for many years being defrayed by these brethren . It was a matter of sincere gratification to Bro .

Longden that these self-denying efforts were not in vain , and that the Royal Brunswick Lodge more than recovered its former portion , becoming indeed one of the most prosperous lodges of the Province of West Yorkshire . His last act of affection for this lodge was to transfer to it the five shares he held in the Masonic Hall Company . It is a matter of great satisfaction to the brethren of the Royal Brunswick Lodge that , in the year 1880 they presented Bro . Longden

, with his portrait , which novv hangs in the lodge room , where for so m my years he inculcated those great principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , which he so faithfully carried out in his own conduct . Besides being Master of this lodge in 1844 and on subsequent occasions , he was Master of the Britannia Lodge in iSoe . a P . Z . of the Chapterof Loyalty and of the Chapter of Paradise , and a P . P . G . D , of West Yorkshire .