Annual, Festival Of The High Cross Lodge Of Instruction, No. 754.

ANNUAL , FESTIVAL OF THE HIGH CROSS LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 754 .

On Thursday evening , the iSth inst ., the High Cross Lodge of Instruction , one of the most flourishing and successful in the northern suburbs of London , celebrated their fourteenth annual festival by a dinner , at the Coach and

Horses , High-road , Tottenham , where their weekly meetings are held . The chair was occupied by Bro . | . D . Birkin , W . M ., 754 , who was supported by Bro . VV . Binnie , VV . M ., 1237 , P . M ., 209 ( Secretary ) , Vice-Chairman ' ; Bro . H . Stephens , P . M ., 754 , 1579 ; Bros . J . Garrod , P . M ., 754 ; J . Driscoll , P . M . and Sec , 1519 ; J . Webb , VV . M ., ' 7 ° 7 » J- H . Thompson , P . M ., 1237 , 1707 : E . J . Everdell , P . M ., 1579 ; T . G . Fidler , P . M ., 754 , 1237 ; J . Hewlett , W . S ., 1327 ; E . Lovell , S . D ., 754 ; S . E . Wilson , I . G .,

754 : E , Holt , J . W ., 754 ; J . Meek , 754 ; A . Reeves ; D . D . Rees , J . D ., 1237 ; H . Woodley , 1237 ; J . Parsons , S . D ., 1237 ; Cuff , Hubbard , Brent , Smith , J . Smith , Gardner , F . M . Noakes , 2148 , and Davidson . After ample justice had been done tothe good things provided by the host , Bro . Barnes , in his usual excellent style , the PRESIDENT proposed the toast of "The Queen " in a few well-chosen remarks , which was responded to in

the usual grand style observed among Masons . The next toast was " Prosperity to the High Cross Lodge of Instruction and its Founders , " coupling with it the names of Bros . Stephens and Driscoll . Bro . STEPHENS , in responding , thanked the'brethren for the very hearty way in which the toast had been drunk , and said so far as he was concerned it was more the

accident of circumstances than any very great exertion on his part that he became a founder , he dilated at some length on the necessity of lodges of instruction , when properly worked , and the important part they play in a young Mason ' s education . Bro . DRISCOLL also thanked the brethren on his own behalf , and said that although it involved an amount of

labour and anxiety it had been a labour of love , and they were amply rewarded by the success it had attained , and he should look upon it with a deal of pride and pleasure . The next toast , " The President , " was proposed by the VICE-PRESIDENT , who , he said , had lately aspired to the highest office in his lodge , which he tilled with a great deal of credit to himself and to the lodge .

In reply the PRESIDENT thanked the brethren for the very kind way in which they had spoken of him , and said he owed his success in a great measure to the knowledge he had gained at the High Cross Lodge of Instruction , having reached the chair in six years from his initiation . He should always esteem it a pleasure to be among them , and assist whenever occasion required .

In proposing the toast of * ' The Officers , " the PRESIDENT said they were fortunate in having such a painstaking Preceptor as Bro . Everdell . As for Bro . Binnie , he was a most indefatigable Secretary ; the continued success of the lodge was in a great measure due to his efforts , und he always received their monies in a most praiseworthy manner . ( Laughter . )

Bro . J . EVERDELL , Preceptor , in replying , said he owed a debt of gratitude to that lodge of instruction , as it was owing to it that he was enabled to go through his year of office , and he was always pleased to see as many brethren as could make it convenient to attend . Bro . BINNIE , Sec , thanked the brethren for the very flattering way in which they had drunk his health , and

stated that he had been elected Secretary for the _ third time ; but , as the minutes were not yet confirmed , if any brother was anxious for the position , it was not too late . Out of 38 meetings he had attended 35 times . He also referred to the Benevolent Fund , which had 12 appropriations , and was in a flourishing condition ; but he was still open to receive the names of new members , so as to increase its

sphere of usefulness . The toast of " The Neighbouring Lodges , " proposed by the PRESIDENT , was responded to by Bros . FIDLER , STEPHENS , HOWLETT and WEBB , who testified to the valuable instruction they had received in such lodges . Bro . GARROD , in responding to the toast of "The Mother Lodge , " said it gave him much pleasure to respond to that toast , as they mutt always regard their parent who

had given them birth with a great deal of pride and affection ; with respect to the lodge of instruction , he was their Secretary for seven years , but found the increasing work undermining his health and was glad when he found a brother who was more robust , willing to relieve him of the responsibility , and who filled the office with so much credit to himself and benefit to the lodge .

The remaining toasts were "The Masonic Chanties , " responded to by Bro . FIDLER J "The Visitors , " by Bto . DAVIDSON ; "The Stewards , " by Bro . DRISCOLL ; "The Masonic Press , " by Bro . NOAKES ; and " The Host , " by Bro . BARNES . The proceedings of the evening were enlivened by some capital singing by Bros . Webb , Stephens , Kees , Gardner , Davidson , and Howlett , and a recitation by Bro . Driscol ) , which was effectively rendered .

The Late Bbo. R. W. H. Giddy, 33°.

THE LATE BBO . R . W . H . GIDDY , 33 ° .

We regret to announce the death of Bro . R . W . H . Giddy , which took place at Dudley Villa , Rondebosch , Cape Colony , on 6 th October , the immediate cause of death being blood poisoning . Bro . Giddy , had , however , been generally in a low condition of health , and had come down from the Diamond-fields , hoping for recovery in the air ol

the suburbs of Cape Town . He had gone down to Kalk Bay , thinking that the sea air might revive him , but he became so ill that Mrs . Giddy had to bring him to Rondebosch by the first train on Monday morning . Drs . Stevenson and Beck were in attendance ; but no medical skill could save him , and he rapidly sank . The funeral , by the wish of the family , was of a quite private character . Bro . Giddy was for many years a member of the Colonial

Civil Service . On the opening of the Diamond-fields he became a Magistrate there , and subsequently accepted the office of Treasurer under the Government of Griqualand west , retiring upon a pension on the annexation of the province . He then remained at the Fields , becoming intcrested in diamond ventures there . Until March last when the terrible accident in the Du Toil's Pan Mine , by which 20 men lost their lives , took place , Bro . Giddy was the Resident Managing Director of the Anglo-African

The Late Bbo. R. W. H. Giddy, 33°.

Diamond Mining Company , which is a Home Company , registered in London , and having its directorate there . He was also , up to that date , one of the three members of the Du Toil ' s Pan Mining Board , and a member of the Board for the Protection of Mining Interests . In all matters concerning ( the digging interest , both of Kimberley and the Pan , he was a prominent figure , and took a leading part in the many disputes and negotiations between the

diggers and the standholders generally , and the Mining Boards and the Town Council of Beaconsfield in particular . In the first and unsuccessful attempt for the general amalgamation of Du Toil's Pan Mine , now nearly four years ago , he was one of the Committee who settled the basis on which it was sought to carry the scheme through . After ceasing his connection with the Anglo-Africa Company , he carried on business fora short time as a diamond buyer and

broker , but ill-health compelled him to seek a change . This is the second bereavement suffered by his family within a few months , for it is not long since one of Bro . Giddy ' s sons was found drowned under sad circumstances at Fort Beaufort . His was a very familiar figure on the Fields , and , though his manner was somewhat reserved , he was noted for his uniform courtesy to all his employees ,

and , indeed , to all with whom he had any dealings . On the platform at public gatherings on questions municipal , social , and political , he was always always listened to with the greatest respect , and was generally ready with some opportune and sensible suggestions . His quiet , wellweighed , measured utterances from the pablic platform compelled the attention when other speakers were denied a hearing . —Cape Argus .

The Ritual And Ceremonial Of The Symbolic Degrees In Freemasonry 1813.1886.

THE RITUAL AND CEREMONIAL OF THE SYMBOLIC DEGREES IN FREEMASONRY 1813 . 1886 .

The above comprehensive title is that chosen by Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., for his new lecture , which was delivered by him on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., in the Hampshire Lodge of Emulation , No . 1990 , at Portsmouth .

Having twice previously given his lecture on the ceremonial of the First Degree under the auspices of the same lodge , considerable interest was manifested in the continuation of his exposition of ritual in connection with the subsequent Degrees , and a goodly muster of rulers in the Craft , the lodge being composed entirely of Installed Masters .

The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Asher Barfield , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Amongst those present were Bros . R . I . Rasbrick , P . G . Treas ., S . W . ; Frederick Newman , P . P . G . W ., J . W . ; Thomas Francis , P . P . G . S . D . Sussex , S . D . ; John Brickwood , P . G . J . D ., J . D . ; G . L . Stibbs , P . P . G . Stwd ., acting I . G . ; G . F . Lancaster , P . G . Reg .,

l . P . M . ; C . S . Main , P . P . G . D . C . ; S . R . Ellis , P . P . G . A D . C ; Rev . J . N . Palmer , G . Chap ., P . P . G . S . W . ; R . W . Mitchell , P . P . G . D . C ; E . Naylor , P . P . G . Stwd . ; James Gieve , P . P . G D . C ; John W . Gieve , Sec , l . P . M . 903 ; R . Boughton Smith , P . P . G . S . D . Leicester and Rutland ; A . Dashwood , P . P . G . Stwd . ; Albert Wendover , P . M . 1069 ; Lewis Bryett , P . P . G . S . of Wks . Berks and Bucks ;

F . Sanders , Prov . G . Stwd . ; Geo . W . Dixon , P . P . G . S . D . Berks and Bucks ; J . J . Buscombe , W . M . 804 ; Francis Powell , P . G . A . D . C ; and others . Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Bro . J . E . Lcfeuvre , the Deputy G . M . of ihe Province , and several other distinguished Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers . The lecturer , on introduction by the W . M . presiding , was

very cordially received , and the closest attention was paid to his remarks throughout the whole of a lengthy and interesting address . Briefly recapitulating the most important points in hisformerlecture , " Knobs and Kxcrescences , " in order to take up the thread of a narrative relating to ritual and ceremony from the date of the Union of the Grand Lodges prior in 1813 to the present time , Bro .

Stevens led his hearers to a consideration of some of the beautiful conceptions of those talented brethien who were emrusted with the revision of the rituals in use at the former date , and the preparation of a perfect ceremonial for observance by all lodges under the rule of the United Grand Lodge of England . He pointed out in the most direct manner the many innovations which had been made of late

years in the ceremonies and verbiageof the F . C and M . M , Degrees , and in numerous instances produced convincing testimony as to the correctness of his assertions that all pretence that the " sameusages and customs " which had been decreed as constitutional was at an end . In our pages we cannot , of course , directly specify the many points he touched upon ; it will be sufficient for us to say that they

are of an important character , and that our worthy brother ' s address should be heard to be appreciated . After speaking without cessation for two hours , Bro . Stevens resumed his scat amidst Masonic applause . Bro . C . S . MAIN , P . P . G . D . C , proposed , in very eulogistic terms , " Ihat a vote ot thanks for his excellent and interesting lecture be given by the lodges to Bro . James

Stevens , and that the same be recorded on the minutes . " This was seconded by the W . M ., Bro . BARFIELD , P . P . G . D ., who expressed his opinion that the information which had been afforded was of a most instructive character , beneficial alike to the newly-made M . M ., as to those who had arrived at the highest honour which a lodge could confer . He feltsure that every member and visitor present

had been highly delighted with the exposition which it must have taken Bro . Stevens much time and considerable consideration to prepare , and which he had so excellently delivered . It was impossible that such information as they had received could be given to the Craft except in open lodge , or lodges of instruction , and he had no hesitation in saying that what they had heard that evening ought to be

repeated for the good of the Order in every lodge throughout the country . He cordially endorsed Bro . Main ' s expression of gratification , and believed the brethren would as cordially respond . The vote was unanimously agreed , and BRO . STEVENS gratefully acknowledged the formal announcement by the W . M ,, adding , that in reference to the

W . M . ' s observation that every lodge throughout the country should hear the lecture he was quite ready to do his part towards that end by arrangement with any lodge desirous of receiving him . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren dined together , separating at an early hour , in view of a re-union at the consecration of a new lodge , the Osboane , No . 2169 , at East Cowes , Isle of Wight , on the Monday following .

India.

India .

MADRAS . —Carnatic Lodge ( No . 2031 , E . C . ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge—composed exclusively of members of the native community of Madrastook place on Thursday , the 7 th ult ., when Bro . T . V . Ponnusami Pillai , Judge of the Court of Small Causes , Madras , was installed W . M . for the ensuing year . So many brethren had intimated their intention of being present , that the meeting was held in the hall of Perfect

Unanimity Lodge , No . 150 ( E . C ) , kindly lent for the occasion . The members , though mustering strongly , were far outnumbered by visiting brethren from other lodges . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , the arrival of the District Grand Lodge was announced , and the District Grand Warden , Bro . J . H . Spring Branson , representing the District Grand Master , accompanied by Bro . W . M . Scharlieb . P . Dist . G . M .. and

the District Grand Officers , were received with the customary honours . Bro . Punchaterum then informed the brethren that Bro . Ardaseer Ruttonjee Pilcher , D . G . D . C , had kindly consented to perform the ceremony of installation , and had come up expressly from Secunderabat for that purpose . He therefore handed over the Hiram to that brother , _ who went through the arduous duties of Installing Master in a very exemplary manner , and afterwards

addressed the newly-installed Master , the Wardens , officers , and brethren of the lodge on their respective duties in a most impressive style , although English is not the native tongue of our worthy Parsee brother . The D . G . S . W .. on behalf of the Dep . D . G . M ., who regretted his inability to attend , congratulated Bro . T . V . Ponnusami Piltat on being inducted into the chair of K . S ., and added his own personal good wishes .

Bro . Ponnusami then thanked the members of District Grand Lodge and the visiting brethren for the honour they had done himand his lodge by being present , and invited them to remain after lodge was closed , and partake of thc refreshments provided in the banqueting room . The District Grand Lodge having retired , congratulations and good wishes were offered , and a vote of thanks passed to Bro . Ardaseer Kuttenjee Pilcher for the very effective way in which he had conducted theceremonyof installation ,

and it was suitably responded to by that worthy brother . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where ample justice was done to the good fare provided , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts duly honoured . Bro . VV . M . Scharlieb , Presidency Magistrate , Madras , responded in suitable terms for his health . "The Health of the Visitors" was also enthusiastically honoured , and the proceedings were closed by the Tyler ' s toast .

China.

China .

HONG-KONG—Zetland Lodge ( No . 525 ) . —The Masonic Hall , which has been closed for several months past for repairs , was re-opened on Monday evening , Oct . 4 , when this lodge held a meeting . 1 here was a lull attendance of members and a large number af visiting brethren . Zetland Lodge is the oldest in the district and the owner of the Masonic Hall , the property having been

acquired by it before the branching off of tbescveral lodges which have been formed since . The first meeting was held in June , 1 S 46 , and the lodge is now therefore over forty years old . It has had a remarkably successful career , and in earlier days numbered amongst its masters such distinguished Masons as Bros . Kawson , Mercer , Murray , and otners . The foundation stone of the Masonic Hall was

laid on the ist February , 1 S 53 , with full honours , Bro . Rawson officiating on the occasion , and in 1 S 65 the building was reconstructed and an additional storey added . At the meeting on Monday evening Bro . C G . Cox , the present Master , read to the brethren a brief history of the lodge incorporating the above facts , and the report of the Building Committe was presented and passed . The

report showed that the expenditure on the renovation had amounted to about 7000 dollars . The Committee consisted of Bros . M . Falconer ( Chairman ) , VV , S . Ramsey , J . Dyer Ball , and J . Willmott ( Secretary ) , and a vote of thanks to those brethren for the valuable services they had rendered was ordered to be recorded on the minutes .

After the lodge was closed the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where a cold collation was partaken of , after which Bro . Gorham , P . M . of Zetland Lodge , proposed " Universal and Masonic Prosperity to this Hall . " Other toasts followed , and with songs and recitations a pleasant evening was spent , the brethren dispersing about two o'clock .

At a meeting of the St . John ' s Lodge ( S . C ) , held on Wednesday evening , October _ 6 th , R . W . Bro . Croker , tbe Master , presented jewels which had been voted b y the lodge to K . W . Bro . R . Fraser-Smith , who filled the chair for two years ; R . W . Bro . C . Grant , the l . P . M . ; and VV . Bro . D . Heaysman , Past J . W .

The Atnoy Chapter of Royal Arch Masons , which has now entered on its second year of existence , has sent to each of the officers who went up Irom Hong-Kong to consecrate it on its formation a letter of thanks , accompanied by a very handsome jewel , which was voted at the last annual meeting . The Consecrating Officers were M . E . Comps . W . M . B . Arthur , L . Mallory , and W . K . Hughes .

We are asked to state that the St . Ambrose Lodge of Instruction will be re-opened at the Barons ' Court Hotel , near West Kensington Station , on Monday , the 6 th inst ., at 7 . 45 p . m ., under the very able Preceptorship of our much esteemed Bro . Jesse Ceilings , P . M . 15 S 5 ,

who is also Preceptor of the Ranelagh Lodge of Instruction , No . 834 . Brethren seeking Masonic knowledge will always find Bro . Ceilings able and willing to assist them . VVe hope as many as can possibly make it convenient will attend and give him a hearty greeting on commencing his new undertaking .

TOBACCONISTS COMMENCINO . —An Illustrated Guide of no pages *• How to open respectably from aSlo to sgiooo ; " three stamps . H . Myers & Co ., 109 , Eustoa-rd ,, London . Telephone No , 7541 , — IADVT . J