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ancient charges were then delivered to the Wardens . After the transaction of other business the lodge was closed in harmony , the brethren went to refreshment , and the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were honoured . In proposing "The Health of the W . AL , " Bro . John Bollard spoke of his past services in various offices , and of the high estimation in which Bro . Whitaker was held by all the

brethren , and how gratified they all felt at having at their head one possessed of such zeal , courtesy , and kindness of disposition , and he was sure that under his command all the brethren and officers would cheerfully work , and that his year of office woultl be conducted with that love and harmony which at all times oug ht to characterise Freemasons . The Tyler ' s toast was then given .

ROCHFORD . —True Friendship Lodge ( No . lfio ) . —This lodge celebrated its annual festival on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., at the Old Ship Hotel . The lodge was opened at two o'clock by the W . AL , Bro . T . King , Prov . G . P ., in the presence of a good attendance of members , amongst whom were Bros . J . F . Harrington , S . W ., VV . M . elect ; H . Harper , I . W .: H . Wood , P . AL , P . P .

G . O ., Treasurer ; G . Burgess , P . AL , P . P . G . D ., Secre tary ; VV . V . Willson , S . D . ; VV . Kilpin , I . G . ; A . Luck ing , P . AL and P . Z ., Prov . G . D . C , D . C ; J . A . Wardell P . AL and P . Z ., Prov . A . G . D . C ; J . R . Hemmann , P . AI 1000 , P . P . G . D . ; J . Reeve , P . AL ; G . F . Jones , VV . AI 1000 ; T . Shelley , 7 .. Pettitt , VV . Aloore , and J . K Frostick .

Visitors : Bros . A . Durrant , P . M . 276 , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . Treas . ; F . G . Green , P . AL 1024 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . S . Brown , W . AL 276 ; C . Eltham , W . AL 1 S 17 ; G . J . Glasscock , S . W . 1 S 17 ; J . AL Farr , J . VV . 1 S 17 ; J . VV . Harris , P . AL 1000 , P . P . A . G . D . C , Secretary 1 S 17 ; B . Turner , 1 S 17 ; and C . Floyd , 1 S 1 S . After the ordinary proceedings the W . AL vacated the chair in favour of Bro .

A . Lucking , Prov . G . D . C , who proceeded to instal Bro . J . F . Harrington , as W . AL for the ensuing year . The ' following were invested officers : Bros . H . Harper , S . VV . ; W . V . Willson , J . W . ; H . Wood , P . M ., Treasurer ( reelected ); G . Buriress , P . AL , Secretary ( re-appointed ); Rev . H . J . Hatch , P . AL , Chaplain ; A . Harrington , S . D . ; VV . Kilpin , J . D . ; T . Shelley , I . G . ; A . Lucking , P . AL ,

D . C ; J . K . Frostick , Steward ; and A . Alartin , Tyler . A cordial vote of thanks was proposed to Bro . A . Lucking for the able manner in which he had performed the duties of Installing Alaster . Thc lodge was duly closed , and subsequently the brethren sat down to a banquet , presided over by the

newlyinstallcd VV . AI . I he usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were given with thc customary honours . Bro . A . Durrant , P . G . Treas ., returned thanks for " The Officers ofthe Province . " Bro . Rev . H . I . Hatch returned thanks for "The Alasonic Charities . " The result of his appeal was that a good sum was collected . The Tyler's toast concluded one of the most successful meetings of the lodge .

LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No . 281 ) . —The festival of St . John the Baptist , or the "little St . John " generally so termed , was celebrated on the 23 rd ult ., hy the members of the above lodge dining together at the house of Bro . T . Longmire , the West View Hotel . About thirty-four of the brethren ( including a few visitors ) were present , for whom ample provision had been made

by Host Longmire . Bro . Warbrick , the W . AL of the lodge , presided , supported by Bros . IC , Simpson , James Hatch , VV . King ( East-road ) , G . Kelland , John Hatch , IC . Cardwell , J . Jowett . T . Atkinson , VV . Duff , IC . Clark , A . Bell , and others . At the conclusion of the dinner the usual loyal toasts were given from the chair , and received with the customary honours . The toast embracing the officers of Grand anil

Provincial Grand Lodge was given by Bro . James Hatch , and responded to hy Bro . Simpson . Bro . Cardwell , in pithy but complimentary terms , proposed " The Health of the W . AL , " which was most cordially received , and briefly acknowledged by Bro . Warbrick . "The Health of the I . P . AI . " was also given , and replied to by Bro . Cardwell . Bro . Kelland gave "The Wardens , " Bro . Bond "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and Bro . Jowett "The Junior

Officers , " all of which were responded to hy the officers to whom they severally applied . Bro . King gave "Thc Visitors , " which was acknowledged by Bros . Wilde and Bannister , of the Alorecambe Lotlge . The Tyler ' s toast , given by Bro . Simpson , concluded the list . During the evening several of the brethren gave variety to the proceedings by either songs or anecdotes , thc company breaking up shortly after eight o ' clock .

LUTON . —Lodge of St . John the Baptist ( No . 475 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held at thc Town Hall on Friday , the 25 th ult ., and there were present Bros . IC . A . Cumberland , VV . AI . ; VV . C . Haselgrove , S . VV . ; G . H . Chambers , J . VV . ; F . VV . Ilaseltrrove , P . AL Treasurer ; | J . VV . Green , P . AL , Secretary ; ' A . Atkins , S . D . ; A . S . Ewcn , J . D . ; F . ] . Brown

VV . R . Phillips , P . M ., A . Ewen , J . B . Limbic , J . Cumberland , P . AL , IC . F . Green , P . AL ; 'I ' . E . Austen , P . AI . ; W . Higgins , F . VVooley-Ewen , C . Handley , F . II . Humphreys , H . Cumberland , R . P . Chantler , F . J . Coleman , AL A . Rankin , and G . Cox . Visitors : Bros . Crew , J . VV . 1470 ; T . VVatts , 441 ; VV . Lake , P . AL 131 ( Freemason ); G . II . Patmore , S . VV . 22 S ; VV . B . ICasterhay , P . AI . 43 S ;

J . Barton , 933 ; VV . Shcphcard , 7 S 4 ; A . M'Dowcll , 948 ; C . VV . Reynolds , J . VV . 1470 ; J . Gladwell , J . D . 1470 ; II . Willis , 94 S ; J . G . Yolland , 13 S 5 ; S . AI'Lean , 1470 ; S . Spokes , 1470 ; C . Gray , VV . AI . 13 S 5 ; and J . T . Herbert , 16 72 . The lodge was opened by the W . AL , and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes and other business the

installation of the VV . AI ., Bro . VV . Case Haselgrove , was proceeded with . Thi retiring W . AL , Bro . E . A . Cumberland , acted as Installing Alaster , and was assisted by P . M . T . W . Hasclgrove . A lodgeof Installed Alasters wasopened , and that interesting part of the ceremony was carried out in a very satisfactory manner by the Past Alasters of the lodge , who filled the different chairs . The W . AL elect was presented for installation by his father , Bro .

1 . VV . Haselgrove , P . AL and Treas ., and on the re-admission of the members that brother dul y proclaimed the VV . AI as duly installed according to ancient usage . The officers were then appointed as follows ; : Bros . IC , A . Cumberland , I . P . AI . ; £ H . Chambers , S . VV . ; Alfred Atkins , J . VV . ; Hugh Gunn , Chap . ; T . W . Haselgrove , P . AL , Treas . ; J . W . Qreen , P . M ., Sec ; A . S . Ewen , S . D . ; F . J . Brown , J . D . j VV . R . Phillips , P . M ., D . C : Alfred Ewen , I . G . :

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J . B . Lambic , Stewd . ; T . Day , Tyler . The Secretary reported that a petition had been sent to the Grand Lodge praying that the lodges in Bedfordshire might be formed into a province , and that its receipt had been duly acknowledged by the Grand Secretary . A very satisfactory balance-sheet was presented to the lodge , and after " Hearty good wishes" from the visitors , the lodge was adjourned ,

and the brethren sat clown to a most enjoyable banquet , provided at the George Hotel , at which the VV . AI . presided , supported by anumerous company of Past AIasters ,. visitors , and brethren . The customary loyal and Alasonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured , and a most enjoyable evening was spent . The visitors especially will not soon forget the hospitality and cordial welcome extended to

them . The high ' position and social status of Alasonry in Luton is singularly evidenced by the fact that the lodge has now on its roll two Past Masters , whose fathers occupied that honourable position before them , and are still active members . VVe can only express a wish that many more Past Alasters will have the pleasure and privilege of seeing their sons occupy the chair of the lodge .

LIVERPOOL . —Downshire Lodge ( No . 594 . )—The annual installation meeting of the members of this lodge took place on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., at the Alasonic Hall , Hope-street . The attendance of the brethren was requested as early as eight o ' clock in the morning , with the view , after the transaction of business , of journeying into the country for picnic purposes . Even at this unusual

hour there was a large attendance of members and visitors . The chair was occupied by Bro . Thomas Boswell , W . AL , antHie was supported by a full complement of officers . Bro . Adolph Pcderscn was effectively installed W . AL of the lodge by Bro . John L . Houghton , P . AL , and the following officers were subsequently appointed : Bros . T . Boswell , I . P . AI . ; CouncillorS . E . Ibbs , P . AL , P . P . G . S . B .,

AI . C ; J . J . Glitherow , S . VV . ; VV . H . Veevers , J . VV . ; R . P . France , P . AL , Honorary Treasurer ; VV . Evans , Honorary Secretary ; William Heap , S . D . ; C . VV . Ing , J . D . ; A . J . Bolton , I . G . ; VV . R . Robert , S . S . ; and G . Gould , J . S . About 120 ladies and brethren subsequently took the train to Lymm , where a banquet was supplied at the Plough Inn . The Robin Hood band from Chester played

a choice selection of music . During the afternoon , a valuable Past Alaster ' s jewel was presented to Bro . T . Boswell , I . P . AI ., and an exceedingly pleasant day was spent by thc ladies and the brethren . Amongst those present were Bros . R . Aladdox , Kerr , A . J . Bolton , Alartin , R . Williams , IC . Alessham , S . Prince , J . Hayes , P . P . G . S . B . ; P . Barnett , P . M . 249 , and others .

WOOLWICH . — The Florence Nightingale Lodge ( No . 706 ) . —The installation meeting of the above influential , if rather select , lodge took place on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., at the Alasonic Hall , Williamstreet . The lodge was opened at five o'clock sharp by Bro . J . J . Donnelly , W . AL , and there being no other business before the lodge than the reading and passing of

the minutes of the previous meeting , which were speedily got through , Bro . Sydney Clark , P . AL , presented the VV . AI . elect , Bro . Captain Eugene Sweny , to the Installing Officer , Bro . J . Scotch AIutch , for the benefit of installation , and the ceremony was proceeded with . A Board of Installed Masters having been formed , our excellent brother was , with the usual honours , inducted into the

chair of K . S . The brethren were then re-admitted and saluted the W . AL as usual . He then proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . J . Black , S . VV . ; Alajor IC . S . Gordon , J . W . ; Sydney Clarke , P . AL , Treasurer ; E . Denton , P . AL , Secretary ; G . C . Alathams , S . D . ; J . D . Sciilley , J . D . ; O . Weiss , I . G . ; and Dr . Godwin , M . D ., D . C . Bro . Mutch then finished a most impressive

ceremony by giving the three addresses admirably . The VV . AI . then presented the I . P . AI ., Bro . Donnelly , with a handsome and valuable Past Alaster ' s jewel , and , in so doing , said it was one of the first duties of a VV . AI . to present to the I . P . M . the jewel of his office that had been accorded him by the brethren of the lodge , as a recognition of his services during the year of his office . It was ,

therefore , with very great pleasure that he presented to their worthy Bro . Donnelly the jewel that he now pinned ' upon his breast , and trusted that he might long be spared to wear it , and feel , as they all felt , that he had honourably earned it by his conduct in the chair he had just vacated . He then pinned the jewel on Bro . Donnelly ' s breast amidst the applause of the brethren . Bro . Donnelly , in reply ,

said he felt deeply the kindness of the VV . M . and brethren , but was afraid he had not done his duty in the chair to his own satisfaction . If thc brethren , however , were satisfied he could not but bc , and would wear thc jewel that night presented to him as one of the greatest honours that could be given him , as he felt sure with it came thc good wishes of every member of the lotlge . Bro . Past Alaster Clarke

then proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Alutch for his services an Installing Officer twice in succession . Bro . Tapp . seconded . The VV . M . supported , and moved that the vote of thanks be recorded in the books of the lodge . The resolution was carried unanimously . Bro . Alutch returned thanks , and was sorry that he was suffering from physical weakness , which had prevented him doing justice

to the ceremony . After " Hearty good wishes" had been tendered from the visitors present the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to Bro . H . De Gray's , the Freemasons' Tavern , where a superb banquet awaited them . Amongst the brethren present besides " those above enumerated were Bros . J . VV . Tapp , P . AL ; J . Alann , P . AL ; Daniels ; Dr . Raitt , ALD . ; T . Alexander , T .

Peake ; Lieut . J . IC . Petley , R . N . ; G . Risch , J . Wood , H . De Gray ; R . Pidcock , P . AL 91 O nnd P . P . D . C . Sussex ; R . Lambert , P . AL 393 and P . P . G . J . D . Northumberland ; VV . B . Lloyd . W . AL 913 ; J . Warren , VV . AI . 700 ; T . Hutton , VV . M . 13 ; F . Dawson , P . AL 700 ; Dr . Pope , P . AL ; N . Brown , S . W . and W . AL elect 13 ; E . B . Hobson , J . VV . 700 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) . After the banquet the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were

eloquently proposer' , by thc W . AL , and responded to by thebrethren heartily . Bro . Donnelly , I . P . AL , then proposed the toast of the W . M , and , in so doing , spoke of the earnest manner in which the W . AL had worked through the minor offices , and of the zeal and ability always displayed by him in every office be undertook in connection with Masonry . He ( Bro . Donnelly ) felt sure that under the guidance of Bro . Sweny there was a prosperous year in store for them and the lodge . The toast was drunk with

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enthusiasm . The W . M ., in reply , thanked Bro . Donnelly for the toast and the brethren for their very cordial reception of it , and regretted that he was not a Alason years ago , although for a young Alason of only four years' standing he had nothing to complain of on the score of advancement . Yet he believed he had worked hard for it and fairly earned it . _ He should do all that lay in his power to promote the interest of the lodge , and support with dignity the

position to which they had elected him as the ruler and governor of the lodge . The next toast was that of "The Past _ Alasters , " and in giving it the VV . M . spoke enthusiastically of those who had preceded him—Bro . Tapp , who first gave him office ; Bro . Mutch , who had so eloquently installed him that day ; Bro . Sydney Clarke , who held the funds ofthe lodge , and was honoured and respected by all . Bros . Denton and Alann they were proud

of , and they had yet to see Bro . Donnelly actively engaged in that position , but he felt sure he would , as all the Past Masters had , do his duty . Bro . Donnelly responded briefly for the toast . "The Visitors" were next heartily toasted , and Bros . Hutton , Warren , Lambert , Pidcock , Pope , and Jolly returned thanks successively . The S . VV ., Bro . Black , replied for the "Officers of the Lodge , " and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the business and pleasure of the evening .

LIVERPOOL . —Derby Lodge ( No . 724 ) . —A meeting of this lod ge was held on Wednesday , the 23 rd ult ., at the Alasonic Hall , Hope-street . There was a large and distinguished assembly of members and visitors to do honour to the occasion of the installation of Bro . Henry Trevitt into the chair and office of W . M . of the lodge . Bro . R . Crispe , W . M . presided , assisted by his officers , and supported by Past Masters Bros . T . Chesworth , P . P .

G . D . C . Cheshire ; Cain , Ballard , P . G . Prov . D . C ; Becken , and others . Visitors : Bros . H . A . Tobias , W . AL 1502 ; J . G . Hassell , S 23 ; J . Skeaf , P . G . Org . 21 C ; A . Wylie , W . AI . 1264 ; J . Brotherton , J . D . 241 ; j . T . Callow , P . M . 673 and 1505 , P . G . Treas . ; James Sampson , 6 73 ; VV . Brassey , S . D . S 23 ; A . Waterhouse , S . S . 5 S 0 ; VV . Maddox , S 23 ; J . Bryan , 1035 and 203 ; S . Butterworth , 1547 , H .

Burrows , P . AL 093 ; P . Armstrong ( late ) 724 ; S . B . Denchar , J . VV . 7 S 6 ; E . Allen , W . AL 7 S 6 ; F . J . Bailey , P . M . 7 S 6 ; E . Hartncll , 1264 ; VV . Williams , 1609 ; VV . H . Vernon , S . D . 249 ; IC . Cattrall , S . D . 203 ; C . Baldwin , 203 ; S . J . Henochsberg , S . VV . 1502 ; ' J . N . Pendleton , 249 ; and others . The lodge having been opened in due form , and with solemn prayer , the minutes of thc last lodirc meeting were

read and confirmed . Ballot was then taken for Air . George Hall , and beingapproved , he was initiated into the mysteries of the First Degree . Bro . Henry Trevitt , VV . M . elect , was then presented to thc Installing Alaster , Bro . P . AI . Ballard , to receive at his hands the benefit of installation , and having given his assent in due form to thc ancient charges read by the Secretary , was obligated , and thereafter , presented to and approved by a Board of Installed

Masters , and duly installed into the chair of K . S . After being proclaimed and saluted in due form by the brethren on their return to the lodge , the newly-installed W . M . proceeded to appoint his officers , who were invested as follows : —Bros . Al . Hart , S . VV . ; G . Gordon , J . VV . ; B . Cain , P . M . Treas . ; J . Pendleton , Sec ; J . Comins , S . D . ; ] . Humphreys , J . D . ; D . Davies , l ' . G . ; J . W . Ballard , P . G . D . C ; J . Ellis , S . S . ; Thomas , J . S . ; Williamson

Tyler . Thc ceremony of installation was most ably performed by Bro . P . AL Ballard , P . G . P ., who delivered the addresses to thc officers . On the conclusion of the ceremony , Bro . H . Trevitt , VV . M ., in a short hut appropriate speech , presented to Bro . Crispe , I . P . M ., a handsome Past Alaster ' s jewel , which had been voted to him by thelodge as a mark of their appreciation of his able management of the lodge during his term of office . Bro . P . AI . Crispe , in reply ,

thanked the brethren for the honour they had done him in placing the jewel on his breast , and assured them that it would ever be esteemed by him in the highest manner . Thc business of the meeting being now concluded , the lodge was closed in due ^ form , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet , which was served in Bro . Chapln ' s best style . On the cloth being removed , the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were proposed , and very heartily responded to , the

intervals being pleasantly enlivened with some excellent vocal music by Bro . VV . Williams , H . and J . Ellis , M . Hart , F . Pendleton , G . Gordon , Hoblin , Humphreys , and others . The harmonium was very gracefully performed on by Bro . J . Skeaf , P . G . O . Bro . Crispe , I . P . M ., said : It is my especial privilege this evening to bc entrusted with the gavel for the purpose of proposing a toast , a toast that 1 am sure will accord with your feelings , " The Health of the

VV . AI . In proposing that toast , it is to me a source of great gratification to feel that thc choice of the lodge has fallen upon a very worthy brother , and I am sure that for the same reason the toast will be received by you with equal gratification . I am certain you will drink it in the most cordial manner , and wish him success and happiness during his year of office . Bro . Trevitt , W . AL , in reply , said : Brethren , after the very flattering remarks of our

I . P . M ., Bro . Crispe , which he has been pleased to pass upon me this evening , 1 feel sure you will all agree with me when I say this is a proud day for me , for I feel that I have received a great honour from the lodge in being selected to fill the W . M . ' s chair . It is an honour I have looked forward to for a long time , and now that I have obtained it I shall never forget it . To say that I will do my best to discharge the duties of my high office to the best of my abilities , and

to merit a continuance of your confidence , is to say very little , for that is what you have a right to demand of me , for when I look around upon the long and distinguished list of my predecessors who have so worthily filled the chair , many of whom have made their mark in thc Craft , I may well feel the deep responsibility of the trust you have thought fit to repose in inc . Being in this old lodge room , brethren , calls to my mind with much pleasure and

satisfaction the evening of the 2 fith of Alarch , 1 S 73 . On that evening , and in this room , I first saw the light of Masonry , and in listening to the ancient charges , wherein it says ( that you will and I ) , brethren , I made a promise to myself that evening ^ 1 would do so , that it should be my ambition to attain the honourable position of VV . AI . My

ambition has been realised , inasmuch as I have this day been installed the W . AL of my mother lodge by my nearest and oldest friend , Bro . Ballard , P . AL , to whom I mainly owe my proad position this evening ; and I feel I have to thank you , Bro . Ballard , P . M ., for the honour you have ( Continued on page 2 , oS ) .