Annual Dinner Of The "Old Masonians."

ANNUAL DINNER OF THE " OLD MASONIANS . "

The annual dinner , and what may fairly be called the inaugural meeting , of this Society took place at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , the . 26 th ult . The " Old Masonians " consist , as the name implies , of old scholars of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and the object of this Association is to keep together old pupils , and to cement the friendship formed at school . It has , however ,

a more practical side in endeavouring- to hnd situations for boys leaving the Institution , and assisting old scholars when out of employment . Bro . Frederick Binckes , Secretary of the Institution , and President of the Society , occupied the chair , and was supported by Bros . J . W . Woodall , P . G . Treas . ; T . D . Bolton , M . P , ; T . Cubitt , Jas . Moon , H . Venn , W . Paas , G . P . Festa , W . Hopekirk , W . A . Scurrah ,

W . M . Stiles , J . Terry , Sec . R . M . B . L ; Berridge , W , \ V . Morgan , W . VV . Lee , and other brethren . There was a good attendance of old scholars , including Messrs . C . H . Uwins , Treas . ; A . Watkins , Hon . Sec . ; Allison , G . Archer , W . Booser , W . G . Barnett , R . S . Chandler , A . Fellows , Gates , P . A . Gedge , G . Hopwood , J . C . Johnson , H . Newman , H . P . Pulman , A . Pearson , W . J . Packer

A . R . Parker , F . L . Scurr , A . H . Stephenson , A . B . Whiteley , R . H . Williams , and L . VVain , Hon . Assist . Secretary . After ample justice had been done to a substantial repast , "The Queen" and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., President of tbe Institution , " were given and received with enthusiasm ,

Bro . F . BINCKES then said he approached with feelings of great interest the toast of the evening— "The Old Masonians . " He was first of all compelled to express his regret that there were so few brethren present to support their young friends the members of that Association , and , as the presiding officer , he would explain that another gathering had deprived them of the presence of ten or

twelve gentlemen who had intended to be present , but who were filled with extreme regret at their enforced absence . He thought they must look upon that as the inaugural gathering , and , bearing that in mind , he hoped it would not be considered as auguring failure of that movement they were bringing about . While they were comparatively few he was assured there was a large number who

would rally to the support of that Association , which he hoped to convince them was deserving of all the assistance that could be rendered by the numerous friends who knew the good work carried on by the Institution . There were three phases with regard to the Old Masonians . There was in the first place their admission to the Institution . Their parents in large number of instances were good brethren ,

who had occupied a fairly prosperous condition of life , but by the accident of circumstances , or by the ravages of illness , were struck down , leaving to the mercies of the world a more or less number of young children . The Institutions , both for Boys and Girls , afford a home for those children , and the House Committee could now look round the table and see many occupying a good

position in life , and could remember the admittance of every one into the Boys'School . Their second state was one of pupilage , when they received their education and enjoyed the benefits given them . Then came the third phase , when the time arrived for leaving the School , and he hoped there was not one present amongst their young friends who had forgotten the

kindly words of the brother who presided at the Committee when that leave was taken , the good wishes expressed , and the desire indulged that they might in some shape be able to conduce to a successful future . They were launched into life and there was but one regret , which was that no fund existed by which they could aid those who entered upon the severe struggle with the world . An attempt

was made some time ago to start such a fund , but it fell to the ground . It was a matter for sincere congratulation that those who received their education in the Institution make their mark in life . He had , it was true , received painful communications from those who had turned out failures , but God forbid he should lay it to their account . They knew at what a severe pace the race of life was being run ,

andhe did not hesitate to say it was a marvel to him and an intense gratification to find that the great majority succeed more or less in the world . He thought he might fairl y ask the visitors present to look round the tables and see their young friends , as favourable testimony that their work was not done in vain . He would weary them by reading one or two letters from those who had been in the

Institution , which had been culled from a large number . I hey were from Monmouth , Montreal , and Columbo , and one and all expressed their satisfaction at their progress in life and their intense gratification for the comforts and blessings received at the Royal Masonic Institution for °° ys . In his appeals to lodges he had often alluded to the " ° ys as those who would be the men in the futureand he

, was sure that in that room there some who had joined the Urder , and _ this was another proof that their work had not Been done in vain . Altogether about 2000 boys had been through the Institution , and what would have been their 'ate but for their admission was a problem they could not ™ ve . The toast was "The Old Masonians , " and they ™ gnt ask , what was the object of this Association *

"Wi , ****** the I " ' " bcen asked of him , th ??> ^ our " ) oys 'eave "le sc' 100 '> what becomes of fro ™ \ , He was sorry to have to acknowledge that , apart om the small sum given in some cases , they lost touch of ttu « , " they did not know wIia - became ° f " * em . It was in fc W " * ' £ £ 1 ' grant was made they kept the boy T , s'gnt to see if their expectations had been realized .

the rl Were some now folding high positions in the Navy , cj y-nurch , and the mercantile world . The present Assobirirt ° M , an organisation by which the old pupils could shin emse . lves together , and keep and cement the friend-Waqj * " *' . ' n the ' school days , which was an object that obieri 1 , nE' of the warmestsympathy and support . The enlist tl present gathering was first to endeavour to as mi , sympathy , kind wishes , and practical support of

llie In tV ¦ s triends , who had so nobly assisted L Jif- f ut , on in the past . It was necessary to raise a fund sh ou ii " t Y Association could be maintained , and he the di t 8 ' * a sum cou ' " ke accumulated to relieve liie c ; I ° ^ ° W pupils and promote their position in first met - "" S ^ b ^ and would be , the result of this the but for £ They would have had a larger gathering have a reasons *" l " acl explained ; but everything must c " Wseq ,. ! nmen '" e ' 'ent , and " great things from trivial spring . -- Although they had been disappointed ,

Annual Dinner Of The "Old Masonians."

they would persevere to make the Association a success . " In the bright vocabulary of youth , there is no such word as fail , " and they did not intend to fail . He asked for the assistance of those who had rallied to support him that evening in the presidency , which he confessed was an onerous and important duty . He hoped they would not regret their presence , and being among the first to launch

a vessel that would have a sure entrance to any harbour , be manned by trustworthy officers , and be freighted with riches . He gave them with all sincerity and cordiality tlie toast of " The Old Masonians and Success to the Organisation , " coupling with it the names of Messrs . C . H . Uwins , Treasurer ; and A . Watkins , Secretary . Mr . C . H . UWINS , Hon . Treas ., replied , and tendered

sincere thanks for the hearty reception accorded to the toast . During the course of his remarks he observed that when a boy left the Institution he was compelled to obtain a situation immediately , and they knew that if he could not get a good position he had to do something for which he was not fitted . The Association they had that evening met to fairly start was one which hoped to bring the employers

of labour into touch with the pupils leaving school . The " Old Masonians " held fortnightly meetings at Anderton ' s Hotel , and although the charge for hire of rooms was a heavy item from their slender funds , yet they had thought it wiser to meet at their present quarters than at a public house , where the landlord expected to make his profits from the liquor and cigars sold to the youthful members . They

sincerely hoped the Masons would rally round them to help and assist their efforts . Mr . A . WATKINS , Hon . Sec , read letters expressing their regret at their inability to attend from Bros . Roebuck ; A . F . Godson , M . P . ; R . Eve , G . Treas . ; C . Belton ; and many others , and announced thc number of members to be 74 .

"The Royal Masonic Institution for Boys" was next given by Mr . H . WILLIAMS , and , in reply , Bro . T . DOLLING BOLTON , M . P ., expressed the pleasure . it had afforded him to be present . He had taken a great interest in the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and he hoped as time went on to be able to devote some portion of his time to the welfare of that Institution . He had taken

much interest in educational affairs , and therefore the subject of the School and the education given there would give him a great deal of pleasure . It appeared to him that all that had been said in favour of the inauguration of this Association had been well said . They all knew how much the assistance of friends were of service to them , and that which was true of the world in general must be especially

so of boys who have been brought up in that Institution . There were two things in their favour . First of all they had golden youth—a gift so felt by those who had lost it , and never truly felt by those who possess it . It was extremely important to impress upon their young friends that every hour they lost could never be recalled , and they would bitterly regret every hour they threw away . They

had health also , which was the greatest of human blessings , and no man could be successful without it . They had therefore two of the g-reatest benefits that human nature could bestow . It rested with them whether they hid their talents or whether they went forward animated with that ambition of trying to raise themselves , and thegreat object of being able to raise their fellow creatures . He . did not

believe in the accumulation of riches , but for the purpose of helping others , and urged them to study that laudable ambition he had referred to . "The House Committee and Vice-Presidents , " " The Officers of the Old Masonians , " "The Chairman , " and " The Visitors " were also given . During the evening the sum of to guineas was subscribed

towards the funds , including five guineas from the President , Bro . Binckes , and two guineas each from Bros . J . Woodall , P . G . Treasurer , and T . D . Bolton , M . P . Any brother desirous of assisting this deserving Association , or wish to obtain further particulars , should communicate with the Honorary Secretary , Mr . A . Watkins , 6 , Brusselaroad , New Wandsworth .

Consecration Of The Wiltshire Anchor Lodge Of Royal Ark Mariners, No. 178.

CONSECRATION OF THE WILTSHIRE ANCHOR LODGE OF ROYAL ARK MARINERS , No . 178 .

On Wednesday , the 25 th ult ., this new lodge was consecrated at the Masonic Hall , Devizes , the ceremony being performed in the most impressive manner by Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . W ., assisted by Bro . R . B . Bryant , P . G . Std .

Br ., and Bro . Allen , P . W . C . N . The officers named in the warrant were Bros . VVm . Nott , P . M . 17 S , P . G . Steward , as N . ; John Chandler , P . M . 17 S , as J . ; and Henry I . Ward , P . M . 178 , as S . Thirteen candidates were duly elevated to the Degree by Bro . Bryant . Bro . Nott was subsequently installed in the chair of N .

by Bro . Matier , and he afterwards appointed and invested the following officers of the lodge : Bros . John Chandler , J . ; H . I . Ward , S . ; H . Howse , S . D . ; J . A . Randell , J . D . ; F . S . Hancock , D . C . ; T . C . Hopkins , Org . ; H . J . Johnson , G . ; James Pocock , Steward ; and C . R . Barnes , W . The VV . C . N . proposed , and the S . W . seconded , a

cordial vote of thanks to Bros . Matier and Bryant for coming amongst them that day , and for the excellent manner in which the whole of the ceremonies had been performed by them . This was carried by acclamation , and duly acknowledged by those brethren . After a similar vote of thanks to Bro . Allen , the lodge was closed .

Bro . Barclay , Secretary of Hammersmith Lodge , gives his third dramatic performance in aid of the West London Hospital on the ioth inst . Bro . Tipper , P . M . 2090 , also helps the good cause with his "Peal" on the occasion . The performance takes place at thc Athenajum , Goldhawk road , Shepherd's Bush .

HOLLOWAY s OINTMENT AND PILLS . —Counsel for the Delicate . — Those to whom the changeable temperature is a protracted period of trial should seek the earliest opportunity of removing all obstacles to good health . This cooling Ointment , perseveringly rubbed upon the skin , is the most reliable remedy for overcoming all diseases of the throat and chest . Quinsey , relaxed tonsils , sore

throat , swollen glands , ordinary catarrh , and bronchitis , usually prevailing at this season , may be arrested as soon as discovered , and every symptom banished by Holloway ' s simple and efl'ective treatment . This Ointment and Pills are highly commended for thc facility with which they successfully contend with influenza ; they allay in an incredibly short time the distressing fever and teasing cough , —rAbvT . 1

China.

China .

SINGAPORE . —St . George ' s Lod ge ( No . 1152 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on the 33 rd April , when Bro . J . P . Jorquim , D . D . G . M ., with the assistance of Bros . T . Carghill , A . Knight , and J . T . Leask , installed Bro . W . E . Hooper , VV . M . for the ensuimr vear

and the following brethren were then appointed and invested as officers : Bros . D . G . Presgrave , S . W . I S Sturrock , J . W . ; C . F . McKie , 'IVeas .,- St . John P . ' Joaquim , Sec ; S . C . Hodges , S . D . ; C . H . D . Currie , J . D . ; W . G . Grieve , I . G ., and J . Lannon , Tyler .

Gibraltar.

Gibraltar .

ALAMEDA . —Inhabitants Lodge , No . 153 . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Monday , the 2 nd ult ., when there were present Bros . H . Silcott , W . M . ; P . Lyons , P . D . G . S . W ., P . M ., & c , & c . j J . Cunningham , P . D . G . S . D ., P . M ., & c ; Is . J . Barker , P . D . G . J . D ., P . M ., & c ; I . Discombe D . G . S . W ., I . P . M ., & C . 1 Col . C . A . GothamP . D ! aGM .

, Punjab , P . M ., & c , & c ; N . Hall , D . G . S . D ., S . W . ; A . li . Fisher , J . W . ; R . E . Westwood , Sec . ; G . Viddall , S . D . ; A . Weir , J . D ., and Acting D . C ; J . Bodle , I . G . ; and J . Franco , iyler , with many visitors from thc Channel Squadron , and other lodges in garrison . The lodge was opened in due and ancient form , the minutes of last regular meeting read and confirmed , the ballot next

was unanimously taken for Bro . T . Doolan , S . C , 576 , as a joining member , the ballot was then unanimously taken for Mr . J . O . Cooper and Mr . S . Worssam , candidates for initiation , when Bros . Stewart , Fossick , and Leete ( who had previously answered the usual questions ) were admitted in due form and raised to the Fellow Craft Degree by the W . M . in his usual faultless mannerbein ° -

, well supported by the officers , Bros . Borthwick , Carter , Newton , and Carlisle , candidates for the Third Degree , having answered the usual questions , retired for preparation . At this stage of the business Bro . H . R . H ., Prince Albert Victor of Wales , was received in the anter ^ -ni- < . Br 0 S o - Sir n H- J 1 B- Burford-Hancock , R . W ., D . G . M ., & c , & c ; Major Wylie , P . M . ; P . Lyons , P . M .

J . Cunningham , P . M . ; E . J . Barker , P . M . ; Lieut . Burford-Hancock , and others ; and Capt . Hon . A . H . F . Greville was in attendance on his Royal Highness after inserting their names in the signature book , the distinguished visitors were announced and admitted in form by the brethren upstanding , the R . W . D . G . M . taking his seat in the E ., the others having seats in the N . E . The candidates

for raising were now re-admitted in due form and raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., by the VV . M ., in a very impressive manner , the solemnity and impressiveness of the ceremony was greatly enhanced by the splendid choir ( organised and ably conducted by Bro . Hendley ) who rendered the musical parts in a manner that left nothing to be desired , and the thanks of the brethren am Him rn H , p

R . W . D . G . M . for the book from which this music was rendered , also for many other thoughtful and generous acts . His love of the Order is shown in many ways , it may be truly said of him that both by precept and example , he is steadily and surely enforcing the tenets of the svstem .

guarding the landmarks of the Order from encroachment , and never permitting any infringment of our rites ; his influence is not only felt officially , but in many ways privately , and his care and solicitude for the Order in general , and the lod ges of this district in particular , is ?^ a * by thelr Sfo """? prosperity since his installation as D . G . M .

The next business was the presentation of a P . M . ' s jewel to the I . P . M ., Bro . J . Discombe , to whom it must have been a pleasing and proud termination to his period of Mastership , because it was presented in presence of probably the future ( may it be a far one ) Grand Master of the Order and King of England , also by receiving it at the hands of the R . W . D . G . M . in such words of warm praise

ana commendation tor his zeal and energy , not only as W . Master during the past year , but throughout his Masonic career , the R . W . D . G . M . closing his short , but eloquent , address by pinning the jewel to Bro . Discombe ' s breast , congratulating him on attaining to so honourable and enviable a position as P . M ., and wishing him many years of life in which to wear his well-earned distinction . Bro . Discombe then , in a short and feeling address

, thanked the R . W . D . G . M . for his words of praise , and the flattering terms in which he had presented the jewel , also to the brethren for their continued and never-failing support and approval of his work during his year of office , saying he should treasure the handsome jewel they had given him , and endeavour to hand it down to his children unsullied , as an heirloom and memento of the proudest moment of his life .

The hour being late , the initiation of Messrs . Cooper and Worssam was postponed till the next regular meeting . H . R . H . Prince Albert Victor of Wales gave "Hearty good wishes" from Royal Alpha Lodge , No . 16 , followed by many of the naval brethren hailing from lodges scattered all over her Majesty ' s dominions . The distinguished brethren then retired , the brethren upstanding . H . R . H . Prince Albert Victor of Wales , before

leaving , expressed to the lodge , through the W . M ., his pleasure and satisfaction at the admirable manner in which the Third Degree had been conferred . The lodge was closed in due and ancient form , when tho brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were gone through , and the brethren separated in peace and harmony , after one of the best meetings this old and prosperous lodge has had for many years .

Kuhe was himself among the executants on the pianoforte . Madame Patti was enthusiastically received , each of her three songs being encored . TOBACCONISTS COMMENCING . —An Illustrated Guide of no pages "How to open respectably from £ io to sSsooo ; " three stamps , H . Myers & Co ., 109 , Euston-rd ,, London . Telephone No . 7541 , —[ ADVT . 1

Bro . Kuhe , Past G . Organist , gave his annual concert in the Royal Albert Hall , South Kensington , the audience being overwhelmingly numerous on the occasion owing to the announcement that Madame Adelina Patti would take part in the performance . The orchestra was under the direction of Bro . Cusins , Past G . Org ., and Bro .