Ladies' Banquet Of The Creaton Lodge, No. 1791.

LADIES' BANQUET OF THE CREATON LODGE , No . 1791 .

This lodge held its regular meeting on Thursday , the nth nit ., at Freemasons' Hall , when there were present Bros . Chas . Rawley Cross , VV . M . ; J . B . Colwill , I . P . M . ; A Wolter , S . W . ; C . II . Bull , J . W . ; A . J . Taylor , S . D . ; J J . Cantle , P . M ., Sec ; E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . ; H . D . Cotton and

Henton , I . G . ; G . Higginson , D . C ; H . R . W . Kennett , Stewards ; J . Kift , Org . ; R . I-I . Rogers , P . M . ; J . VVilliams , P . M . ; F . W . Woodard , R . J . Willder , G . B . Johnston , J . Sansom , B . Brett , O . Heineman , J . Purnell , F . Purnell , J . Longden , R . Symmons , G . VV . Hood , H . Bridger , J . Fryer , L . Cox , A , Cavers , A . Solomons , W . M . White , E . L . Bridge , P . M . ; T .

Biggs , and others . Among the visitors were Bros . Fred . Binckes , P . M ., P . G . S . B . fH . Fountaine , P . M . 45 ; W . Cubitt , P . M . 193 ; A . House , 1 S 28 ; H . Conroy , 87 ; VV Scott , 857 ; G . Evans , 170 G ; VV . Glazebrook , 342 ; R . Kemp , 170 G ; A . L . Annett , P . M . 1 S 0 ; S . Rumfnrd , P . M . ; VV . Chalfont , P . M . 1425 ; R . Bridger , 1614 ; H . Gilbert , 182 S ; and many others .

The minutes were read and confirmed , and Bto . W . M . White was raised in a most efficient manner by the VV . M . Bro . C . Courtney Cramp , 193 , was then elected , by ballot , as a joining member . Bro . E . Austin , P . M ., Treas ., being about to represent the lodge at the next Festival for the Boys' School , Bro . G . B . Johnston proposed ( as a member of the Charity Committee ) that the sum of 20 guineas be

placed upon his list from the lodge Charity ' fund , and hoped the brethren would do all they could to keep up the prestige of the lodge by giving him individually all they could afford . Bro . J . Sansom seconded , and the motion was carried . The Secretary then read the dispensation from Grand Lodge authorising the brethren to wear their Craft clothing and jewels at the banquet , at which ladies

and friends were to be present . The brethren then adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , to meet the ladies and their friends , where a most sumptuous banquet was provided for them in the Venetian Saloon , considerably over a hundred sitting down , the brethren wearing their clothing , and the lodge banners being displayed , making a most imposing sight .

After the banquet , grace was sung , and the VV . M . proposed the toast of "The Queen and the Craft . " The National Anthem being sung , he then proposed " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family ; " after which he proposed what he was pleased to call the toast of the evening , " Continued success to the Creaton Lodge , " explaining how successful

the lodge had been , and he could not but feel proud in being elected to preside over such a lodge , and with the toast he coupled the name of Bro . Cantle , P . M ., Sec . Bro . J . J . CANTLE , P . M ., in replying to the toast , said none could feel the great pleasure in hearing a child praised , and its future prosperity earnestly prayed for , so much as the one who had brought that child up and tended

it from its birth . He was pleased to . say that vvas his case with regard to the Creaton Lodge ; he was the first promoter of it , but he could not take to himself the credit of its great success . He had given his energies to it , but the great praise was due to those excellent Masons who , since its consecration , had in due course occupied the chair ; it was their zeal that had done so much , both while they were in

the chair and after they had vacated it , for almost all of them had gone up as Stewards to the several Charities , and thus made the lodge a credit to him whose name they bore , and who was their first Master , viz ., their dearly beloved and lamented Bro . Col . J . Creaton , and he was sure the present VV . M . was second to none of those who had gone before him , either in zeal , energy , or assiduity .

He was proud to see such a grand gathering of the brethren , their sweethearts and wives , and hoped that for many years he might be spared to be there , accompanied by his dear wife , to return thanks for the hearty manner in which they had received the toast of continued success to the Creaton Lodge . Bro . COLWILL , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the

VV . M ., " commenting on the manner in which he had worked to perfect himself in his duties , and how much the lodge gained by having so young a man and excellent a Mason in the chair . The brethren joined in the toast , giving the W . M . a most hearty "three times three , " not forgetting a good round one for Mrs Cross—M . W . Mistress . Bro . C . RAWLEY CROSS , W . M ., in replying , thanked

the ladies and brethren for the kind words that had been said about him , and for the hearty way they had received the toast . He could not boast of being either an old Mason or well versed in the duties of his office , but he had tried to carry out his work in the way it had been done by his predecessors , which had always given so much satisfaction . None could have tried more than he had , and he

was pleased to find thus far he had gained their approval . Bro . J . WILLIAMS , in proposing the toast of "The Ladies , " expressed the pleasure felt by thc brethren in having them with them that evening . He had been looking round to find a miserable old bachelor to respond , but could not see one , so he would call upon the youngest M . M . present who happened to be singleand should

, couple the name of Bro . W . M . VVhite with the toast . Bro . WHITE said he had scarce been a Mason long enough to say anything about Freemasonry , but hc must plead guilty to being a miserable old bachelor , and on behalf of the ladies , as their mouthpiece , he would say what several told him they felt—they vvere very pleased to be there , they thought it was kind of the brethren to invite

them , and hoped they vvould be invited again . In proposing " The Visitors , " the VV . M . expressed the pleasure he felt in having to preside over so many distinguished Masons and friends as visitors to the lodge , and to the banquet . It vvould take too long to enumerate them all and their various good qualities ; he should , therefore , give the toast , and vvith it associate the names of Bro . Komford , P . M ., Bro . Cubitt , P . M ., and Mr . Blair Hickman . * > achof the brethren responded , and Mr . HICKMAN expressed the pleasure and honour he e | t it to be , for the first time , invited to a Masonic banquet ; P liad enjoyed himself , and felt there must be something * > * " reemasonry , and hoped it would not be long before he was a member of the Order . c . * r ?* Rogers , P . M ., proposed the toast of "The Masonic selfiu b " saym £ Freemasons were anything but the , j wmgs outside people gave them credit for being , •""a was pleased to say that lodge by their acts could prove

Ladies' Banquet Of The Creaton Lodge, No. 1791.

they were not . They vvere not a wealthy lodge , nor a large and numerous lodge , but , thanks to the zeal ot the different Past Masters , beginning vvith Bro . Cantle , and finishing with Bro . Austin , all of whom as they left the chair had stood Steward for one or other of the Charities , and the latter brother vvas now going up again , thc amount collectively made a sum

of £ 1300 that lodge had contributed through their various Stewards , and he fully believed it was their intention to continue in the same course . With the toast he should couple the name of Bro . F . Binckes , P . G . S . B ., and Secretary of the Boys' School , who vvould be able to tell them very much more about the good done by these various Institutions than he could .

Bro . I ' . BINCKES , in responding , gave an interesting speech , putting forth the benefits of the Charities , and thanking the brethren of the lodge for the support they had given to his and the other Institutions . The VV . M . gave the toast of "The Officers , " expressing his thanks to them for the assistance they had given him ; also to the Stewards—Bros . Higginson and Cotton—for thc way they had worked and attended to the comforts of the

ladies and all present . The pleasures of the evening were very much enhanced by the excellent programme and entertainment provided , the artistes being Bros . A . Cavers , J . Kift ( always a great favourite ) , Mr . John Le Hay ( whose ventriloquial sketch was splendidly given and thoroughly appreciated ) , Bro . J . Ion Cantle ( bass ) , and the Misses Gibbs ( soprano and contralto ) .

Annual Supper Of The Creaton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1791.

ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE CREATON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1791 .

Thursday , the 25 th ult ., being the evening set apart for the annual supper , the usual lodge meeting vvas not held , and the brethren gave themselves up to a very pleasant and enjoyable evening , under the presidency of the W . M . of the mother lodge , Bro . C . Rawley Cross . Uro . F .

Craggs efficiently conducted the duties of the vice-chair . The usual loyal toasts having been duly honoured , the toast of the evening came next , viz ., " Success to the Creaton Lodge of Instruction , " which was responded to by Bro . J DAVIES , the able Preceptor , in a most excellent speech . "The Health of the Treasurer , ' Bro . Austin , P . M ., and

Secretary , Bro . Chalfont , P . M ., " was then given . Bro . CHALFONT , P . M ., Sec , responded , thanking the brethren for the continued confidence they placed in them , and assured the brethren that it was a labour of love , and that they vvould still continue . to discharge the duties of their respective offices as heretofore . "The Health of Bro . C . Rawley Cross" was next given , and responded to in feeling terms .

the Health of Bro . John Davies , Preceptor , and Bro . Sims , P . M ., Deputy Preceptor , " vvas given , and responded to in an able and efficient manner . The remaining portion of the evening vvas spent in harmony and music . The brethren separated , after giving the VV . M . " Hearty good wishes . " The supper was very nicely laid upon the table by the host , Mr . I . Stephens .

New Zealand.

New Zealand .

THAMES . —Corinthian Lodge ( No . 1655 , E . G . ) , —A meeting of this lodge was held at the lodge room in ( jueen-street , on 12 th March , there being a very large number of members present . There were on the dais the W . M ., Bro . J . M . H . Lush , and Btos . A . de C . Potterton , P . M . ; J . Adams , P . M . ; W . Burton , P . M . ; J . Gordon , P . M . ; G . Redfern , United Service Lodge ; J . Patterson ,

W . M ., and W . Findlay , of 454 ( I . C . ); J . L . Murray and VV . D . Reid , of 533 ( S . C ) . The business seemed lengthy , but a great deal was postponed by resolution of the VV . M . Bro . Theo . Wood was elected VV . M ,, and Bro . L . Melhase , Treas ., for the next year . Bro . R . R . McGregor vvas raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . by Bro . Lush , and the concluding part of the ceremony was given by Bro .

Potterton in his usual lucid and clear manner . Just before the close of the evening , the VV . M . remarked that Bro . Potterton was now leaving the colony , and vvas going to Ireland , and that an address had been prepared by all the Thames lodges for presentation to him . He then asked Bro . Patterson , W . M . of the Lodge of Light , to read the address , which was as follows ;

" I . T . N . O . T . G . A . O . T . U . " Alexander de Courcy Potterton , P . M ., " We cannot permit you to leave the sunny shores of New Zealand without offering you a hearty God speed , and some memento of your long and friendly sojourn in our midst . We ask you , therefore , to receive this slight testimony of our admiration for you as a Mason , and our

sincere regard for you as a friend . " We rejoice in the prospect of happiness which awaits you in your Fatherland , and pray that the ' Great Architect ' will prolong your life for many years and abundantly bless you vvith health and strength . " In the hope of re-uniting in the Grand Lodge above . —We are , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally . "

It vvas signed by 34 members , each of the Corinthian Lodge , No . 1655 ( E . C ) , Lodge of Light , No . 454 ( LC ) , and Sir Walter Scott Lodge , No . 533 ( S . C)—in all 102 signatures . Bro . J . L . Murray , the W . M . of Lodge Sir Walter Scott , in making the presentation , addressed the recipient in a few appropriate words expressive of the high

estimation in which he vvas held , and the universal regret which was felt at his departure . He vvas a good Mason and commanded the respect and esteem of all his brethren at the Thames . He trusted the Great Architect of the Universe vvould shower his blessings upon him , and enable him to continue his good work on behalf of the Craft in the country of his birth to which he vvas returning . The VV . M . of Lodge Corinthian then presented Bro .

Potterton vvith an album , vvith all the photos , of the members of the lodge in it . This had been subscribed for by the members only , and vvas entirely distinct from the address . He also took leave of Bro . Potterton , and thanked him for ali his favours to the lodge and the members . Bro . Potterton replied that in thanking the brethren he had great difficulty in expressing his feelings at receiving such a handsome expression of the good feeling which his brother Masons felt towards him . The address would al-

New Zealand.

ways keep this in his mind , and the album , when he opened it , vvould make him feel , although many thousand miles away , that hc was present vvith them . The intrinsic value of the presents was as nothing compared with the brotherly love they implied . He trusted that Masonry at the Thames vvouldcontinue to prosper , and that the brethrenwould keep before them the beauties and teachings of Masonry . He had now to use that fiequently repeated word farewell —¦

a word which vve can never use without feelings of regret and sorrow , especially when parting from those with whom * we have associated for many year ? , and during that period had mutually experienced the kindly acts which spring from fraternal love , a feeling which must actuate all those who hope to be members of the Grand Lodge to which vve all aspire . Thelodge was then closed .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

CONSECRATION OF THE CANTABRIGIA CHAPTER , No . 112 , AT CAMBRIDGE . On Friday , thc 26 th ult ., a new Rose Croix Chapter , appropriately styled the Cantabrigia , No . u : i , was consecrated at the Masonic Room of the Lion Hotel , Cambridge . At the opening of the chapter the following were present : Very 111 . Bros . Hugh D . Sandeman , 33 ° Gd .

bee . General ; J . H . Matthews , 32 , G . D . of C ; H . Le Strange , 33 , Inspector General S . C . Dist . ; H . E . Cousans , 30 ; E . Armitage , 30 ° ; and R . T . Caldwell , 30 ; E . Bros . G . S . Woodwark , iS ° ; VV . Pattrick , iS ° ; li . F . Rogers , iS ° ; W . H . Francis , iS ° ; C . Gelddrd , iS ° ; F . C Wace , iS ° ; J . Bell , 1 S ; B . Anningson , iS ° ; and C . A . Vinter , iS ° ; and the following brethren to be

perfected , viz .: Bros . A . H . Moyes , John Fuller , G . McCallum , E . H . Jennings , A . E . Chaplin , II . King , 0 . t apworih , J . F . Miller , J . Dempster , G . K . Barnes , A . Morrell , and W . Fawssett . The _ chapter vvas opened by members of the Supreme Council , the following brethren acting as officers pro tem .: Very 111 . Bro . H . D . Sandeman , Grand Sec . Genl .,

M . W . S . ; III . Bro . H . Le Strange , Insp . Gen . S . C . Dist ., Prelate ; E . Bros . W . PattucK , iS ° , P . M . W . S ., ist General ; G . S . Woodwark , iS ° , P . M . W . S ., 2 nd General ; and C . A . Vinter , iS ° , Recorder ; III . Hrus . H . E . Cousans , 30 ° , P . M . W . S ., Grand Marshal ; E . Armitage , 30 , M . W . S ., Raphael ; and J . H . Matthews , 32 , G . D . of C , D . C . ; E . Bros . Jos . Bell , 18 , Herald ; C Gsl-0

dard , 1 S , P . M . W . S ., Capt . of thc Guard ; and T . Collin , 1 S , Outer Guard . The following brethren were elected as joining members : E . Bros . J . Bell , 1 S , S /; B . Anninson , ib ° , 30 ; and C . A . Vinter , 87 . The following brethren were accepted by the Supreme Council , and duly perfected , the ceremony being much curtailed in consequence of the amount of business to be

completed : Bros . Andrew H . Moyes , 88 ; J buller , 441 ; G . McCallum , 88 ; E . H . Jennings , 441 ; A . E . Chaplin , 88 ; H . King , 12 S 0 ; Oliver Papworth , SS ; J . F . Miller , 441 ; J . Dempster , 441 ; G . R . Barnes , 441 ; A . Morrell , 441 ; and VV . Fawssett , SS . The ceremony 01 consecration was then proceeded with , III . Bro . J . H . Matthews reading the petition and warrant ,

after which Very 111 . Bro . H . D . Sandeman consecrated the new chapter in prescribed form . Thereupon E . Bro . Jos . Bell was duly installed its first M . W . S ., and , having been inducted in the chair , appointed and invested the following officers : E . Bros . B . Anningson , Prelate ; Andrew H . Moyes , 1 st Gen . ; C . A . Vinter , 2 nd Gen . ; Oliver Papworth , Treas . ; J . Dempster ,

Recorder ; E . H . Jennings , G . Marshal ; H . King , Raphael ; W . Fawssett , D . of C ; J . E . L . Whitehead , Herald ; J . Fuller , Capt . of the Guard ; A . Morrell , Org . ; and J . F . Miller , Stwd . The chapter having been addressed by the V . I . Bro . H . D . SANDEMAN , and some formal business transacted , it was proposed by E . Bro . VINTEK , seconded by E . Bro .

MOVES , and carried unanimously , * ' That a vote of thanks be given to the consecrating brethren , and that the following consecrating and visiting brethren be honorary members of the chapter : The Very 111 . Bro . H . D . Sandeman , 111 . Bros . J . H . Matthews , H . Le Strange , H . E . Cousans , E . Armitage , and R . T . Caldwell , E . Bios . H . S . Woodwark , W . Pattrick , C Geldard , F . C . Wace , E . F . Rogers , and W . H . Francis .

" Hearty good wishes " and congratulations were received from the Supreme Council , III . Bios . H . Le Strange and Cousans , Ancient York Cnapter of Redemption ; Armitage , University Chapter ; and E . Bro . W . Pattrick , Albert Edward Chapter .

T he chapter vvas then closed . Twenty-four brethren afte . i-. ards sat down to an excellent banquet , at the close of which some very interesting speeches were made by the consecrating and visiting brethren .

MOUNT CALVARY CHAPTER ( No . 3 ) . — This distinguished chapter met at the Masonic Hall , Golden-square , VV ., on the 12 th ult . Among those in attendance vvere Bros . G . A . Berkeley , M . W . S . ; Capt . J . E . Anderson , 30 , Prelate ; G . Graveley , 30 ° , ist Gen " ., - VV . Paas , P . M . W . S ., 30 , Treas . ; Capt . 1 * . C Walls , P . M . W . S ., Recorder ; H . J . Lardner , 30 ° , P . M . W . S ., G . M . ; Hale-Hilton , Bell , Harris , Hills , VV . W . Codd ,

Hawkins , Grimwood , N . Prower , M . A ., F . W . Driver , M . A ., P . M . W . S . ; L . Steele , C . W . layleur , M . A ., P . M . W . S . ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Capt . J . E . Anderson vvas unanimously elected M . W . S ., Bro . VV . Paas , re-elected Treas ., and Bro . G . Austin , Sentinel . Past Sovereign ' s jewels were

voted to Bros . C W . Tayleur , P . M . W . S ., and G . A . Berkeley , M . W . S . The sum of five guineas vvas voted to ihe R . M . L for Boys , per Bro . Capt . f . C Walls , as Steward to the forthcoming Festival . A vote of sympathy was passed to III . Bro . W . Roebuck , 31 ° , P . M . W . S ., who has met with a severe accident . Among those who sent apologies for non-attendance were Bros . Lieut .-Col . Gardiner , 30 ,

P . M . W . S . ; T . W . Coffin , M . D ., 30 ° , P . M . W . S . ; Capt . J . Stohwasser , 30 ; Charles Belton , 30 ; Capt . VV . B . Williamson , J . P ., 30 *?; T . Lamb-Smith , A . Pears , J . B . Glenn , W . J . Mason , M . D ., and others . The chapter was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which vvas held at the Gate Royal , and gave unqualified satisfaction . The customary toasts followed .