Australia.

English and Scotch Constitutions united to render the ball one of the most imposing ever witnessed in the Antipodes . The spacious hall vvas very tastefully decorated with banners and tropical plants , and one of the best orchestras in Australia occupied the gallery in front of the grand organ . On the entrance of the guest of the evening along vvith Lady Clarke the following address was presented to him : "To the Honourable Sir VV . J . Clarke , Bart ., M . L . C .,

Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , l . C . " Right Worshipful Sir and Brother , — " The Freemasons of Victoria desire most fraternally to tender you a cordial welcome on your return to the colony after your short sojourn in Great Britain and Europe , and avail themselves of this opportunity to offer their warm and hearty congratulations on the hereditary honour conferred upon you by her Most Gracious Majesty , the patroness of

our Order , an honour which they are proud to know is so well deserved if only a recognition of the possession by you to so large an extent of that virtue which is the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart , and of which it is said in our lectures that the Mason who is fully possessed of it has arrived at the summit of his profession . "They also respectfully offer to Lady Clarke and the members of your family the same cordial fraternal welcome ,

and entertain no doubt , indeed they have good reason to know , that her ladyship is a true consort in her wish and desire to assist you in the development of those benevolent actions which all Freemasons are bound by their principles and their obligations to perform . Most heartily and sinserely they therefore unite in welcoming you once more amongst them , and fervently hope that you will apply yourself to the advancement and prosperity of that Order of

which you are one of the chief rulers in Victoria . " Signed on behalf of the Freemasons of Victoria , " G . BAKER , D . P . G . M . ( l . C ) , Chairman . " Reception Committee : "Capt . F . C . STANDISH , R . W . D . G . M . ( E . C . ) " Hon . J . F . CASEY . " Hon . J . H . GRAVES . "J . DODGSHUN ( Mayor ) .

" Alderman MOUBRAY . "Jos . CAH ILL , Sub . D . G . M . ( S . C . ) " Hon . Sees . —A . ELLIS , J . EVANS . ' •' Town Hall , Melbourne , December 20 th , 1 SS 2 . " The supper vvas supplied from Clement's Cafe . Bro . Capt . Standish , R . W . District Grand Master ( E . C ) , presided . The proceeds of the ball were given to the Masonic Almhouses at Melbourne .

West Indies.

West Indies .

TRINIDAD—Hervey Lodge ( No . 178 S ) . —At the installation meeting of the above lodge , held on the 4 th ult ., at the Masonic Rooms , St . Ann ' s-road , Port of Spain , for the purpose of installing Bro . Chas . Henry Phillips , P . M . 405 , and P . S . W . 17 SS . There were present Bros . J . I ) . Gelizean , VV . M . ; VV . D . Grav , S . VV . ; P . A . Inniss , J . VV . ; W . H . Mills , acting S . D . ' ; A . » . Warner , J . D . ; A . R . Inniss , acting I . G . ; Jas . Barclay ,

Tyler ; A . M . Cook , P . D . D . G . M . and P . M . 911 ; C . H , Phillips , P . M . 405 and P . S . VV . 17 SS ; G . B . Gibbs , S , Campbell , and A . Telfer . Visitors : Bros . John Babb , 572 ; H . St . Hilaire , 251 ( S . C ); C . Borel , 572 ; Wm , Warren , guj H . Smith , 572 ; L . Gonzales , P . S . VV . 911 ; VV . Mortlock , 13 ; and others . Bro . J . D . Gelizean , W . M ., presided . Lodge was duly opened and the minutes of the previous meeting read and

confirmed . The Secretary read a document from Bro . W . R . Phizgar , I . P . M ., expressing his regret at not being able to attend the meeting on account of illness , and highly recommending Bro . C . H . Phillips , the VV . M . elect , wishing the lodge all prosperity and congratulating them on securing the invaluable services of that brother .

The Worshipful Master then observed that the business of the lodge was to install the VV . M . for the ensuing year , when after the ancient usages and established customs Bro . C . H . Phillips was duly saluted and proclaimed VV . M . for the ensuing year , after which he proceeded to appoint and invest the following officers : Bros . VV . D . Gray , S . W . ; P . A . Inniss , J . VV . ; W . H . Mills , Treas . ; A . B . Warner ,

S . D . ; J . A . Reid , J . D . ; G . E . Lynch , Sec ; A . R . Inniss , I . G . ; S . Campbell and G . B . Gibbs , Stewards ; and Jas . Barclay . Tyler . Bro . J . J . Johnson who was absent through illness was appointed as D . of C . Bro . Phillips then-thanked the lodge for installing him as W . M . and congratulated the officers on their appointment and installation to their various offices . The business of the lodge being ended a triple plaudit

was awarded to the visiting brethren , which was replied to by Bro . Wm . Boardman , 251 ( S . C ) , on behalf of the other brethren , expressing their entire satisfaction at the working of the lodge and the kind manner in which they had been received . The lodge was then closed in form . 'The brethren afterwards retired into the ante room , where a sumptuous banquet awaited them .

The usual toasts were given and heartily responded to . Bro . Phillips proposed the toast of the " Visiting Brethren , " which was responded to by Bro . Mortlock , who observed that since his short stay in the colony he had visited the Hervey Lodge several times and always felt at home , and as he vvas about shortly to leave the island he would take the opportunity of expressing his gratitude to the Masons generally for the kind manner in which he had

been entertained . Bro . A . M . Cook with his usual distinguished eloquence proposed "The Health of the Ladies , " which was heartily responded to with three cheers . Bro . VV . D . Gray , S . W ., proposed a toast to "The Health of Bro . Phillips , W . M ., " feeling glad that afer a protracted state of health he was then enjoying good health , and hoped that the G . A . O . T . U . might continue in

aiding him so that the year might be a prosperous one to him , his family , and the lodge , to which Bro . Phillips replied in a most touching and heartfelt manner . Bro . Phillips then proposed "'The Newly-Invested Officers , " stating that with their united aid and the blessing of the G . A . O . T . U . he hoped to so work the

Hervey Lodge that at the expiration of his term he will deliver her to his successor second to none . Bro . P . A . Inniss , J . W ., replied for the brethren , assuring them how happy he felt in having Bro . C . H . Phillips as W . M ., and was quite sure from the experience he had had in working under him at the Royal Philanthropic Lodge , No . 405 , that he was the right man in the right place ;

West Indies.

after which he also endorsed what had already been said by Bro . VV . D . Cray , S . W . The brethren then departed in peace and harmony to their respective homes . 'The weather vvas all that could be desired , being cool and fair throughout the evening .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . REV . JOHN DERENZY , B . A . The remains of this highly popular and deeply lamented brother were interred in the New Cemetery , Watetford , Ireland , on the 24 th ult . His death was unexpected ; for although he had been subject to attacks of gout , he vvas always active and busy , and scarcely a day elapsed on which he was not seen at some of the places of business at which he was accustomed to call—especially at his bookseller's and

the shops of other familiar acquaintances on thc Mall and the Quay . The regret that is felt for his death is sincere and general , and taking place , as it did , at a time immediately after he had been engaged in the discharge of ministerial duty , it caused a shock and a surprise for which none of bis many friends and admirers were prepared . He had long been a member of the Masonic Order , to the principles of which he vvas attached with a devotion that

could scarcely be surpassed . The regularity of his attendance at the meetings of the lodges , whether at home in Waterford , or during his visits to Dublin or elsewhere , vvas a striking evidence of the heartiness with which he vvas attached to it as a system of charity and morals veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols . As soon as his death was announced the brethren of the South Eastern district resolved that he who had always

played a prominent part in the furtherance of its principles should be interred with Masonic honours , and accordingly a very large number of the Craft assembled at the funeral A procession vvas formed at eleven o ' clock , when the remains , which were enclosed in an oak coffin covered with black cloth , were placed by eight High Knights Templars in an open hearse . A wreath of immortelles vvas strewed upon the coffin lid , on which were also placed his apron as

a Provincial Grand Secretary and Chaplain , which was subsequently removed , and the pure lamb-skin apron put in its place , which was interred vvith his remains . The members of the Masonic Institution , two and two—representatives being present from all the lodges in the district —each wearing a blue ribbon and a sprig of evergreen in his left button-hole . On arrival at the cemetery a double line of Freemasons was formed and lined the approaches

to the Mortuary Chapel , between which the remains , followed by thc chief mourners , passed through into the building—the body being carried by members of the Young Men ' s Christian Association . Here the funeral service of the Church of Ireland vvas read and concluded by the Rev . Bros . D . Hanan , and Rev . C . Pasley . The - Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master , Stephen Moore , D . L ., came forward , and , at the head

of the coffin , read in a most impressive and feeling manner the beautiful tenets inculcated by the Order . R . W . Bro . Moore then took from the lid of the coffin the Provincial Grand Chaplain and Secretary's apron and placed thereon the lambskin , or white apron , the emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason . Placing his hand upon the emblem , he said , brethren , itis more ancientthan the golden fleece , or Roman eagle : more honourable than the Star

or the Garter when worthily worn . Ivach of the assembled brethren then advanced toward the coffin , and taking the ribbon and sprig of evergreen from his collar , reverently placed it upon the coffin-lid . The remains were then carried out and lowered into their resting place by eight High Knights Templars , and Bro . Moore called on those around to salute the departed in silence . A salute of eleven was then given in due Masonic order over the

grave , which was then closed in , and the brethren retired . 'Thus ended a ceremony which was at once solemn and impressive , and which in the teachings of the principles of Freemasonry has ever inculcated and imbued its members with the doctrine of a resurrection and a future state . The deceased was well known in Masonic circles throughout Ireland and in many parts of England , and the high respect which was entertained for him by all was enthusiastic and

gratifying , and they acceded to his wishes on many occasions on points connected with the Order to which he was so bright an ornament . We believe we are correct in stating that it was at his suggestion at the close of the great Masonic Bazaar in Dublin , by which £ 7000 vvas realised for the Masonic Orphan Schools , instead of electing three from the 13 candidates on the list , they trebled the usual number and gave to every governor in Ireland the

privilege of voting for nine . But the many virtues which adorned his character were known only to those who knew his inner life , and who had opportunities of meeting him in private as well as in public . He vvas an indefatigable worker in the cause of that charity of which Freemasonry is the most beneficent and the most practical exponent in this or any country . He loved Freemasonry for the beauty of its principles , knovvingthatby the love and the cultivation

of its philosophy , its members could arrive at that true nobleness of character at which it aims , and at real distinction in the science . He knew by experience that the process would inform the mind and improve the manners ; turn indolence into activity ; teach the ignorant wisdom ; reclaim the erring and influence the unruly to perform the duties of social obedience . And he knew that if Masonry were thus made subservient to the practice of religion it

would convey peace and comfort in this world , united with the most cheering hopes of happiness in the world to come . But in his practice of Freemasonry , in his illustrations of its principles in his own life and conduct he was utterly unselfish , and therefore truly Masonic . No mark of public favour vvas ever expected or , so far as we are aware , offered beyond those honours which are due to and always conferred upon the worthy of its members ; nor indeed would it have

heen acceptable to one of his noble and independent spirit of disposition . Perhaps it is best as it is . Honours of a substantial character have been lavished on less worthy men . But in the meditations of the night , in the leisure of the day , and , last of all , in that dark shadow through which he has passed , and through which all must one day pass , he had his highest and his best reward for his quiet , his sterling , but his unobtrusive goodness .

BRO . GEORGE SMITH . The funeral of Bro . George Smith , of the Star and Garter Hotel , who died at Brighton on Wednesday morning , the 10 th inst ., took place on Saturday , the 13 th inst .,

Obituary.

at the Parochial Cemetery , when the deceased vvas interred in his last resting place with every token of respect from a large circle of friends . The funeral cortege , which consisted of a hearse and two mourning carriages , left the residence of the deceased in Povvis-villas at half-past eleven o'clock , and was met at the gates of the Parochial Cemetery by a large number of friends , especially the members of Masonic lodges , each of whom carried a small sprig of

acacia . X he first mourning coach contained Mr . Walter Smith ( brother ) , Mr . Thomas Smith ( son ) , Mr . Meads ( brother-in-law ) , and Mr . Tant ( nephew ) . The second coach contained Bro . Sir Walter Burrell , Bart ., M . P ., R . W . P . G . M . Sussex ; Bro . J . Henderson Scott , D . G . D ., D . P . G . M . ; Bro . J . M . Kidd , P . G . S . W . ; and Bros . J . P . Freeman , Prov . Grand Sec . The cortege was led by the brethren of No . 732 , of which deceased ( who

was also P . G . J . W . of Sussex ) vvas a member , Past Master , and Treasurer , including Bros . Soper , VV . M . ; Daniel , l . P . M . ; G . H . Day , J . Capon , jun ., P . M . ; Partridge , S . Solomon , and others . The mourners generally , included the following , although doubtless there were many more than those we enumerate , the pitiable state of the weather , the rain steadily descending preventing careful enumeration : —Bros . H . Davey , J . P ., J . L . Brigden , David Smith

U . A . Uir . ot Cers . ; H . Martin , E . Martin , W . R . Wood , VV I . Nell , Betting , Oliver Weston ' , E . Carpenter , Hawkes , Berry , F . J . Tillstone , J . Terry , C . J . Smith , P . G . S . W . ; James Curtis , P . G . S . B . ; Joseph Dixon , P . G . Organist ; VV . Marchant , P . M . 315 ; W . Roe , Lamette , Gibson , W . M . 315 ; T . Hughes , Provincial G . T . Kent ; J . Pearson , P . M . 15 ; T . Packham , P . M . 315 ; VV Challen , P . M . 315 ; G . de Paris , Billing , Stride , P . M .

315 ; Harrison , W . M . 1 S 29 ; Cheale , Sec . 1 S 29 ; T . Gates , E . Broadbridge , W . M . elect 1636 ; J . Eberall , Nevvsome , W . M . 1 S 21 ; S . Peters , S . VV . 1821 ; B . Burfield , J . W . 1 S 21 ; Nevvsome , jun ., 1 S 21 ; Richard Paige , J . Hughes , H . Hart , R . Allison , Fasola , R . Pearce , J . B . Hannay , Sec . 1 S 21 ; Henry Payne , 315 ; J . Jefferies , Histed , and others . Amongst others present we observed Messrs . Lambert Payne ( Chairman of the Board of

Guardians ) , T . Rose , J . M . Reed , G . R . Lockyer , John Sayers , Betts , H . Fieldus , Macfarlane , Alfred Maddocks , Seymour Burrows , Lomax , T . Tugwell , Rev . J . H . Cross , Cable , Hailey , George White , Benham , Metherill , Chilmaid , C . Vaughan , Williams , G . Osborne , j . Carpenter , A . Carpenter , Warner , Hoadley , G . H . Evershed , Markwell , Grinberg , Devin , F . Cowley , C G . Reed , J . T . WhatfordVV . Beard ,

, Holford , J . J . Murray , E . Hamblin , Chalk , Collins , Frape , and others . Alderman Hudson ( prevented by ill health from attending ) sent his private carriage . The Kev . W . A . Tooth , chaplain of the Industrial Schools and of the Atlingvyprth Lodge , impressively performed the Burial Service . The coffin which was covered with beautiful wreaths vvas borne to the family vault which had been opened for

the reception . It was of polished elm vvith massive brass fittings , add the plate bore the inscription : " George Smith , died January 10 th , 1 SS 3 , aged 62 years . " This inscription was however hidden by the magnificent wreaths and crosses of white flowers which were heaped over the top . After the coffin had been placed inside and the Burial Service concluded each Freemason advanced to the opening and placed his sprig of acacia upon the coffin .

Freemasonry In Birmingham.

FREEMASONRY IN BIRMINGHAM .

"The Masonic Hall presented a gay and festive appearance on Monday last when the members of the premier lodge of the Province of Warwickshire ( St . Paul ' s , No . 43 , ) celebrated its 150 th anniversary , a large and distinguished company being present . Among others we noticed Bro . Dr . Hopkins , of Bath , ' who possesses the unique distinction

of being probably the oldest Mason who ever was entitled to wear three centenary jewels , ' —not that he is 300 years old : 'Do not let me deceive you , ' as Mrs . Gamp says . The ceremony of installing Bro . Sigmund Sinauer was magnificently pei formed by Bro . Montague Davis , the retiring Master , after which members and guests assisted at a splendid exposition of the Fourth Degree . As usual

the musical arrangements were confided to Bro . Robert J . Buckley , Fell . Coll . Org ., " who vvas for the sixth time invested vvith the office of Organist of the lodge . " — From the Dart , January 26 th . Bro . Dr . Hopkins , a constant correspondent of the Freemason and of our predecessor the " Freemasons' Magazine " for the last 25 years , is nowanactive member and P . M . of No .

41 , a lodge which was founded in the same year ( 1733 ) as No . 43 , but a few months earlier . Being anxious to mark his continued interest in the lodge , of which he is still a member , by attending on so important an eventas the sesqui-centennial anniversary of his mother lodge , in which he was initiated on that very day 35 years ago , and 32 years ago was installed as Master , he travelled from Bath with two

members of No . 41 , Bros . Radway , LP . M . and P . P . G . S . W ., and Robinson for the express purpose . Bro . Cater , W . M ! 41 , intended to accompany them , but being prevented by illness sent a congratulatory telegram during the time of meeting which was read in open lodge , and also a similar

one from Bro . Hughan , P . G . VV . The mention of Bro . Hopkins ' s peculiar distinction is given in the exact words used by Bro . Radway in his address on thc occasion . The centenary jewels are those of Craft lodges 41 and 43 and of Royal Arch chapter 41 , the only one to which the privilege has yet been granted . ]

ILLNESS OF THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER . Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M ., Prov . G . M . West Lancashire , was announced to take the chair at the annual public meeting of the Shop Hours' Movement in Liverpool on the 25 th ult ., but was unable to do so in consequence of illness . 'Ihe chairman on the occasion ( Dr Nevins ) in opening the proceedings said it had been

announced that the Earl of Lathom woulel preside , but a letter had been received from the Countess of Lathom stating that her husband vvas confined to his bed by a severe attack of lumbago and was quite unable to write or move , adding that his lordship deeply regretted his inability to attend . Mr . Miller , Secretary , expressedhis regret that

Lord Lathom , who had been a friend to the movement from its commencement , and had promised to come forward at the first opportunity , to show in public the sympathy he had always expressed in private , had been prevented fulfilling his promise on the present occasion . His lordship was expected to preside at a public political meeting in Liverpool on Monday last .