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Grand office was so recent that he could not say much about [ l , Grand Officers . Generally speaking they were credited with being more ornamental than useful . But there was a lot more in it than that . ' Grand Lodge , was , no doubt , the , rreat centre and authority of Freemasonry , and the Grand Officers for the time being had a large amount of

responsibility on their shoulders , and , as the VV . M . had said , they were always ready and willing to do everything in their power to further tha interests of Freemasonry . He ( Bro . Everett ) had had to sign some 13 or 14 cheques for aeed and distressed Freemasons , and he did not know anythin"'better a Grand Officer could have to do than that .

i- [ c had no doubt his brother Grand Officer on his right ( Bro . T . J . Railing ) would bear him out in saying that the manner in which that toast was always received was very gratify ing to the Grand Officers , Present and Past , and met with their approbation . In conclusion Bro . Everett Mnressed himself highly pleased with the way in which

the lodge ceremonies had been worked that evening , and thanked them very sincerely for their splendid hospitality , and for the cordial manner with which they had received the toast . Bro . T . J . Railing also thanked the brethren for the hnnour they had paid to the toast .

The Worshipful Master next gave the toast of " The prov . G . M ., Lord Brooke ; the Deputy Prov . CM ., Bro . Philbrick ; and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Lord Brooke , he said , was second to no other prov . Grand Master . He had visited their lodge , and they knew what he was , not only in Masonry but in the outside

world-a man very highly respected . They knew what He was in Masonry , and when he visited the lodge they were all proud of him as their Provincial Grand Master . The Provincial Grand Secretary , who was now present , was a Past Grand Officer of England . Happy was the province which had such a Provincial Grand Secretary , a brother

whom every one respected , and who , whenever the brethren asked him a question on Masonic rule , line , or law was always ready to give the required information . At the same time , he was always pleased to come among the brethren and assist them in any way they might require . They were all deeolv grateful to him , and he ( the VV . M . ) felt so

himself that day . It was a great honour that had been done the lodge that both the Grand Treasurer and Bro . Railing should visit them on that occasion . They had also another Provincial Grand Officer , who had lately made his mark in Essex—Bro . Shurmur , Prov . Grand Treasurer , who had worked hard and heavily in the cause of Masonry , and had

done a vast amount of good for the province . Bro . Railing , P . G . Sec , in reply , said he thought it was hardly necessary he should say how much the Provincial Grand Officers present endorsed what the W . M . had said about Lord Brooke , because those Grand Officers who had had to do with him constantly in the business of the province

knew what a sterling good Provincial Grand Master he was . They also knew what agood Deputy he had . Bro . Everett had told the brethren that Grand Officers had duties to perform , and the Grand Officers present would bear him out in that . Those Grand Officers who were coming on would find that there were duties . There were times when

they could all lend a helping hand to a brother in a province , and Essex would not be behind hand in showing what its Grand Officers could do . They hoped soon to be meeting under the presidency of the Provincial Grand Master , and he looked forward to its being a very successful gathering . He could not help remembering , but not without sadness ,

when the Provincial Grand Lodge was held under the auspices of the Chigwell Lodge by Lord Tenterden ; it was a very successful gathering , and was in that house . It was the largest gathering in Essex , and Lord Tenterden was very pleased indeed with what took place , and charged Mm , which he did afterwards , to convey to the members of

the lodge his gratification at the arrangements . The next Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex would be held at the Epping Forest Hotel , Chingford , on Tuesday , July the 2 Sth , and the arrangements for it would be made by the six lodges meeting at that hotel . He thanked the VV . M . for the very kind allusions he had made as to the assistance

he was always ready to give to brethren of the province . He felt a pleasure in doing so . Bro . Shurmur , Prov . G . Treasurer , also replied , and thanked the brethren for attending at Walton-on-the-Naze last year and voting for him . Bro . Salmon and Bro . Glass likewise responded .

Bio . Cox responded to the toast of "The Initiate . " „ , {? " >• W . T . Christian , VV . M ., replying to the toast of the Worshipful Masters , " which was proposed by Bro . Uixie , I . P . M ., said he would try his best to do the work of the lodge , and to preside at the banquet table as became a W . M ., and to give the brethren satisfaction . It had ueen his wish for six or seven years . to occupy that chair , nd he

" hoped that when he went out of the chair he would l p vr similar thanks to those which had been given to the l . M . It was no great difficulty to rule the Chigwell Lodge ; it was a work of pleasure and not of labour . All the time he had been connected with the lodge he had rewived a kindness and friendship which he had never seen exist in any other lodge . As long as the G . A . O . T . U . < rave

mm strength he hoped to be always among the brethren , ami to do all he possibly could for the brethren ofthe lodge . , Jr Worshipful Master , in giving "The I . P . M . and Installing Master , " referred to the excellent work done by R iv ' whlch the brethren had seen that evening . an ^ . iXle > LPM- > thanked the brethren for the toast , ana also for the Past Master ' s jewel they had presented

sunnT ; , ' L Rev - H . A . Hebb , Rawle , and Abennis rewrite the toast of "The Visitors , " and Bros . Glass * nd Lorble to that of " The Treasurer and Secretary . " verJ J t 0 ? sts foll ° > and the Tyler ' s toast closed a vc > y pleasant day ' s proceedings .

GREAT STANMORE . latbn ' nfV rb an Lodge ( No . i 02 ) .-The instal-WM nL- ° J . ^ heth Tickle , CC , 'P . M ., P . P . G . R ., as Hotel ' „ " ! lsdls tinguished lodge took place at the Abercorn the lod ™ iT ? 5 th ult - Bro ' Tickle was the , irst Master oi 14 vpar = ' havln , £ been installed at the consecration about »_>_ ¦? drs aS ? 0 bv the late Grand SPrrPfarv R ™ ir , h „

ac count ' n ? u i _ meetlng' was especially interesting on Se cretarv 11 , beln £ "Called by the present Grand the chair t- o £ { t being the third time oi his 'aking Present 1 '" lodge . The following brethren were Ci 'y of 1 £ near ' y a " Masons connected with the London . Bros . A . J . Oliver , W . M . j A . J .

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Goldney , S . VV . ; R . W . Bilby , I . P . M . ; J . Tickle , P . M ., Treas ., W . M . elect . ; John Hill , P . M ., Sec . ; E . H . Southgate , S . D . ; W . R . Shutt , P . M ., P . P . D . G . D . C ; E . C . Kelsby , P . M ., P . G . D . C ; VV . T . Buck , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . ; G . H . Carter , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; J . P . Hepburn , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; and J . Very , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . W . j Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Sec ; J . Lionel A .

Monckton , P . M . 197 , P . G . Stwd . ; VV . J . Spratling , P . P . G . Treas . ; A . Brown , P . M . 1237 , P . P . G . D . C ; C . B . Cooper , 449 , P . P . G . Supt . of Works Herts ; G . J . Thompson , 1457 , P . P . G . O . Essex ; T . VV . Greenwood , P . M . 747 ; VV . A . Pocock , J . W . 59 ; H . Follitt , P . M . 45 ; H . Glenn , P . M . 19 ( known in the Craft as Charity Glenn ); A . V . Barker , 204 S ; E . Hobbs , I . W .

453 ; V . W . Morfitt , P . M . 18615 E . Faux , 77 ; S . W . Larkin , J . D . 742 ; Milton Smith , J . D . 19 , Sec . 2396 ; J . H . Merrett , 19 ; J . P . Fitzgerald , P . M . 216 S ; C . VV Webb , P . M . 174 ; T . H . Hicks , P . M . 1597 ; A . Moore , W . M . 173 ; J . T . Crawford , 766 ; W . A . Needes , 53 ; C . F . Bristoll , 7 66 ; G . W . Mackney , P . M . 134 ; G . Parker , P . M . 145 ; and VV . Richwood , P . M . 192 . Most

of the brethren proceeded from town in parties , some by coach , and others by saloon car , L . & N . W . R ., via Harrow . The lodge having been duly opened , the minutes read , and the audit report adopted , the ceremony of installation was proceeded with , and , at the invitation of the retiring W . M ., Bro . A . J . Oliver , the Grand Secretary , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , took the chair , and appointed as his Wardens Bros . Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . W ., and

C . B . Cooper , P . M . 1237 , P . P . G . S . of VV . Herts , Bros . Oliver , actingasI . P . M . ; VV . R . Shutt , P . M ., P . P . D . G . D . C , as D . C . ; and R . W . Bilby , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ( R . A ) , as I . G . The musical arrangements were conducted by Bro . Lionel Monckton , P . G . S ., who attended especially for the purpose , but was obliged to leave early . Bro . Tickle having been duly installed , invested his officers for the year as follows : Bros . A . 1 . Oliver , I . P . M . 5 W . R . Shutt , P . M ., P . P .

D . G . D . C , S . VV . ; E . C . Kilsby , P . M . P . G . D . C , J . W . ; R . VV . Bilby , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Hill , P . M ., Sec ; E . H . Southgate , S . D . ; E . Stockdale , J . D . ; VV . T . Blatchford l . G . ; J . F . Hepburn , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., D . C ; and J . Very , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel voted by the lodge was presented to the retiring VV . Master . The Secretary read letters of regret trom several brethren who were unable to

attend , including the Prov . Grand Master . Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., P . S . G . W . ; Bros . T . F . Halsey , P . G . M . Herts ; Lord Brooke , P . G . M . Essex ; Sir Reginald Hanson , Bart ., P . G . W . ; Dr . Zacharie , and Alderman Green . Bro . T . VV . Greenwood , CC , P . M ., was nominated for membership . Two candidates were nominated for initiation .

The business of the lodge having been concluded , the brethren dispersed for an hour ' s drive or walk in the gardens and surrounding country . Returning to the hotel , a sumptuous banquet was served and a pleasant evening followed , harmony being added to by the vocal and musical talent of Bros . G . W . Mackney , Spratling , and several other visitors .

The usual toasts were honoured , the first being that of "The Queen , " which , the W . M . remarked , was the first customary toast at all loyal assemblies , and especially at Masonic gatherings , her Majesty being a pattern and model for all society . The toast of "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " was next , the VV . M . saying that he enjoyed the

confidence and respect of the Masonic body . The next toast was that of "The M . W . Pro CM ., the Earl of Lathom , " who , the W . M . said , was , like himself , a Lancashire man , and he therefore had a great regard for him , and hoped he would live long to enjoy his high office . The VV . M . then gave the toast of "The Deputy CM .,

the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and referred to the Grand Officers present [( Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Sec , and Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . W . ) whom he meant to propose as honorary members . The lodge recognised the honour that these distinguished guests , holding as they do such high and dignified postilions in the Craft , conferred

on the lodge by coming and assisting with such willingness in the work of the lodge . He looked upon _ Col . Gierke ' s coming down to install him as a great compliment to himself , and , in the name of the lodge , wished him a hearty welcome . Referring to Sir John Monckton , the W . M . said that there were Masons and Masons , but that there never could be more than one Sir John Monckton . His genial manners made his name a source of pleasure wherever he

went . Bro . Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . W ., replying for the Grand Officers , prefaced his remarks by a reference to the presence of Bro . G . VV . Mackney , who had just sung " Just behind the battle , mother . " He said it took him back 50 years , when he was a boy at Maidstone , and enjoyed the talent then displayed by that popular artist . He expressed

the very great pleasure he felt in receiving the hospitality of the lodge , and his very cordial thanks for the unusual compliment paid him in proposing to make him an honorary member . He jocularly likened his joining the Sub-Urban to his being made a sportsman—the "City and Suburban . " He could not overrate his admiration of the lodge and its agreeable surroundings . He congratulated

the lodge on its selection of Bro . Tickle as VV . M ., he being most businesslike , a man of tact , and one of their most esteemed corporators . He was also pleased to see present several other members of that body he would call a great institution . Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary , said Sir John ' s silver tongue always took the wind out of

his sails and left him little to say . He felt flattered at the invitation , and especially at being requested to install Bro . Tickle . He knew something of the history of the lodge , of its Past Masters , and of Bro . Tickle , who the lodge had elected to the chair for the third time . He well knew his qualities—one who was able to fill the chair so worthily was sure to do great credit to the lodge . He was exceedingly pleased with his visit and to meet so many old friends and

new friends , and hoped he might have another opportunity to come down amongst the brethren . In proposing the toast of "The Provincial Grand Officers" the W . M . thought that amongst all the provinces under the banner of the Grand Lodge of England , Middlesex stood foremost , and that their Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Colonel Sir Francib Burdett , was of all Provincial Grand Masters the most looked up to . _ There was perhaps none more popular nor more beloved in the Craft

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than he , it being the delight of his life to spread peace wherever he went , and give honour where honour is due . He had generously recognised the claims of the Sub-Urban Lodge in the dispensation of provincial honours . Bro . J . F . Hepburn , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., and Bro . G . H . Carter , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., both responded to the toast .

The I . P . M . then proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " premising that it was the toast of the evening . He remarked that Bro . Tickle was so well known to all the brethren , and having occupied the same position so ably on two previous occasions , besides having passed the chair in his mother lodge , that it was unnecessary to say much . With his superior qualities as a Mason of so many years standing ,

he had stood good service to lhe lodge in the past , and would do so in the future . The lodge could not have a better brother to fill the chair , and he heartily wished him health and long life . The W . M ., Bro . Japheth Tickle , P . P . G . Treas ., briefly responded , complimenting the I . P . M . upon the handsome terms in which he had proposed the toast , saying he was

always willing to do any services he could for the Iodge , and that it afforded him very great pleasure to again occupy the chair after a lapse of so many years . The Worshipful Master next gave the toast of " The Visitors , " and drew attention to the number of members who joined the lodge in consequence of having visited it , nearly all the Past Masters having been so influenced . The

visitors were so charmed with the place and its surroundings that they could not resist joining . Several brethren responded , remarking how pleased they were , how nicely everything was done , and how hospitably , and that the lodge had a great name in London . The toast of "The I . P . M ., Past Masters , Treasurer , Secretary , and other Officers " followed .

Bro . Oliver , I . P . M ., expressed his thanks for the handsome jewel presented to him , which would be a lasting reminder to him of their esteem and kindness . Bro . VV . T . Buck , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., responded for the Past Masters . Bro . R . W . Bilby ; , P . M ., Treas ., in reply , said he had passed nearly office in the lodge , and had been in the chair

in four lodges , but that the office of Treasurer was a dignity now cast upon him for the first time , and he hoped at the end of his _ year of office to give a good account of his stewardship . He had a great regard for the honour and dignity of the lodge , and respect for its members . Bro . J . Hill , P . M ., Sec , responded for that office . The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .

HARROW . Citadel Lodge ( No . 1897 ) . —A large number of brethren assembled at the Railway Hotel , Harrow Station , on Saturday , the 20 th inst ., the occasion being the installation meeting of this flourishing lodge . Special interest centred in the proceedings as Bro . VV . Wright , Prov . G . Org ., VV . M . elect , who is well known to the brethren in

the Metropolis for his musical ability and proverbial geniality , was installed into the chair by his father-in-law , Bro . John Osborn , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Sec , and immediately afterwards enjoyed the unique pleasure and privilege of initiating two of his brothers into the mysteries of the Craft . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . Hughes , VV . M ., supported by Bros . _ VV . Wright , Prov . Grand Organist ,

S . W . ; C . J . Davison , J . VV . ; J . Osborn , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Sec ; Howard H . Room , Prov . Grand Sec ; VV . H . Lee , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . Weston , Prov . G . P . ; O . J . Von Holtorp , P . M . ; P . Young , S . D . ; W . W . Lee , S . W . 23 Si , J . D . ; Horace G . Banks , I . C ; W . J . Ball , W . H . How , J . Bayne , J . T . Wrathall , C G . Gray , and others . Visitors : Bros . C . Weeden , P . M . 813 ; J . Potter ;

VV . R . Plaford , 1793 ; F . C Everett , J . W . 1602 ; J . E . Overed , I . P . M . 170 S ; J . R . Langley , P . M ., W . M . elect 2381 ; C . H . Cox , VV . M . 1 S 39 ; A . Weston , 101 ; E . Eagle , Treas . 1901 ; E . Holland , J . VV . 170 S ; Geo . J . Read , J . W . 1910 ; F . N . Smallbone , 1 S 39 ; and J . Bunker , P . M . 115 S . The minutes having been read and : confirmed , the audit

report , which was of a very satisfactory nature , was received and adopted , and Bro . Rae was passed to the Second Degree . Bro . J . Osborn , P . M ., Sec , then assumed the chair , and installed his son-in-law , Bro . VV . Wright , Prov . Grand Organist , VV . M . elect , in an excellent and impressive manner . The following officers were invested : Bros . John Hughes , I . P . M . ; C . J . Davison , S . W . ; Peter

Young , J . VV . ; VVm . Hurran , Treas . ; John Osborn , Sec . ; VVm . VV . Lee , S . W . 2 } Si , S . D . ; Horace G . Banks , J . D . ; W . J . Ball , I . G . j VV . H . How , D . C ; J . J . Wrathall and C G . Gray , Stwds . ; and J . Very , Tyler . The addresses were delivered by Bro . John Hughes , I . P . M ., after which the VV . M . initiated Messrs . Alfd . J . Wright , S . Wright , and F . Barber with considerable ability . Bro .

J . Hughes , I . P . M ., was presented with a Past Masters ' collar and jewel by the W . M ., which was duly acknowledged . Letters of regret for non-attendance were read , and the lodge was closed , the brethren afterwards being photographed on the lawn by Bro . Arthur Weston . An excellent banquet having been well served under the personal superintendence of the genial host , Bro . Hodsdon ,

the usual toasts were duly honoured . The Worshipful Master , in proposing "The Prov . CM ., the Deputy Prov . CM ., and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " regretted the absence of the Prov . G . M . and Deputy Prov . G . M ., but expressed his pleasure at seeing present a very distinguished brother—Bro . Howard H . Room , Prov . G . Sec . —who was so much

beloved in the province . Whenever Bro . Room ' s name was mentioned it was always as well received as it had been that evening , and he hoped it would be many a long day before there was room for another Prov . G . Sec . Bro . Howard H . Room , Prov . G . Sec , said the W . M . had called upon an unworthy member to reply to a very comprehensive toast . He felt proud , however , of the honour

of replying for the Prov . G . M . and the Deputy Prov . CM ., whom they would have been delighted to have seen present . From what he knew of them—and Bro . Lee would support him—he was sure their hearts were with thc brethren that evening , and they would have been very pleased to have been present . He was the mouthpiece of a worthy

body of Masons , of whom he need not say much , for the members could look round their own lodge and see the brethren wearing the purple , for the Citadel Lodge could hold its own with any lodge as far as Provincial Grand honours were concerned . The selections of the Provincial Grand Master were made with great care and wisdom , and