Ladies' Festival Of The Molesey Lodge, No. 2473.

monies and preside at all meetings—especially a meeting like the present . The sway held by the W . M . was not as in Russia ; but was one they all loved and admired him for . He would not speak of their W . M . 's personal appearancethat went without saying—but they had had some good Masters in tbeir lodge , and Bro . Dennis was not behind any of his predecessors . That was their W . M . 's first appearance as President of the ladies' festival , and they would agree that for dignity and grace he was not to be beaten , whilst his genial presence would assist in making them happy . For these reasons they would cordially drink his he : Ith .

Bro . W . DENNIS , W . M ., thanked them heartily and sincerely forthe enthusiastic manner in which they had received the toast of his health . They had all heard the old adage—that example was better than precept—but they would , perhaps , forgive him if he occupied their attention for a few more moments than he did when proposing the first toast . If the I . P . M . had restricted himself to facts , he would have spoken for a considerable less time than he did , but he had , instead , introduced certain statements , and endeavoured to impose them upon those

present as facts . It was customary to give the W . M ., on these occasions , credit for a great deal more than he deserved . If the I . P . M . ventured to question that statement , there were many present who could readily say that the larger portion of any credit that was deserved was due to the I . P . M ., who was also Secretary , and he ( the W . M . ) took that opportunity of expressing to Bro . Berry his gratitude for yeoman service rendered as Secretary , on behalf of Freemasonry generally , and

that lodge in particular . He frankly acknowledged that Bro . Berry had been allowed to take upon himself all the work , which he performed in an able and amiable manner . He wished to thank everyone present for their kindness in attending , and trusted they had enjoyed thenselves . He hoped the programms arranged for their entertainment would meet with their approval , and that they would go away with no regrets at having attended the ladies' night of the Molesey Lodge .

Bro . C . G . SHERWOOD , S . W ., then gave " The Ladies and Visitors . " As far as the ladies were concerned , he could only siy , Irom the little observation he had made , that they appeared to be happy and contented and looked lovely . The brethren welcomed the ladies , and hoped they were pleased with the entertainment . He noticed several visitors present whose faces were familiar and whose names were household words , and he hoped they had all spent a pleasant evening .

Bro . J . H . PRICE , P . P . G . Treas . Sur « : y , on behalf of the ladies , said they had been delighted to be present with their husbands and those they hoped would be their husbands . The ladies were not accustomed to meet Freemasons at dinner , but from the experience they had had , they felt they should like to do sa oftener . They could hardly see why there should not be ladies at all the meetings , but as their husbands told them this could not be , they must , for the present , be satisfied with coming once a year . For the kind and sincere remarks of the S . W .

they hardly knew how to thank him . On behalf of the visitors he had also to express thanks . With regard to Bro . Berry , he had never known him to be connected with anything that was not successful , and he therefore thanked him and the officers who had made that evening's banquet such a complete success . There was , perhaps , an unseen hand in the arrangements and that was the worthy host of the hotel , whom the Iodge was fortunate in possessing as a Past Master—Bro . Cleave—whom they recognised as having given ample assistance .

A special meed of praise is due to the musical arrange nents under the direction of Bro . H . J . Foan , Organist of the lodge . These included musical items by Masters Charlie Potter and Ernie Cullen ( of the North London Training College for Choristers ) , both of whom gave great promise for the future . The other artistes included Miss Marie Hooten , Bros . Stuart Walker and A . H . Botwright and the Charlton Quartette . Recitations were given by Mr . A . Guthrie Liddiard , whilst the humorous element was ably represented by Bros . Herbert Schartau and Wilson James , and Messrs . R . A . Roberts and Gurney Russell .

The company present included Bros . W . Dennis , W . M . ; E . L . Berry , I . P . M ., Sec . j A . Cogliati ; Bro ., Mrs ., and Miss Hewett ; Bro . and Mrs . A . W . Bray ; Bro . C . G . Sherwood , S . W . ; Bro . and Mrs . W . J . Harvey ; Bro . and Mrs . C . Harvey ; Miss Clarice Harvey ; Bro . and Mrs . H . A , Lewis ; Bro . and Mrs . Britton ; Mr . A . E . Britton , B . A . ; Bro . W . E . Greaves-, Bro . and Mrs . H . J . Keen ; Bros . H . J . Foan , Org . - N . 13 . Wastie ; J . N . Armstrong ; G . Ansell ; Miss Power ; Miss Pullen ; Bro . and Mrs . W . H . Kitto ; Bro . and Mrs . Frank Wheeler ; Bro . and the Misses Fendick ; Bro . and Mrs . Worley ; and Bro . and Mrs . W . W . Lee .

Annual Festival Of The Emblematic Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1321.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMBLEMATIC LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1321 .

The Emblematic Lodge of Instruction is one of the most popular and flourishing in London , and its annual festival is probably the most numerously attended , the Emulation Lodge of Improvement alone excepted . The festival held at St . James ' s Restaurant on the 25 th ult ; was no exception to the rule , over EOO partaking of the excellent dinner provided , this number including about 30 non-Masons .

Tbe proceedings , which were of a very enjoyable nature , brought into prominence several interesting features connected with this lodgeof instruction . First and foremost must be mentioned thc fraternal love and regard in which the esteemed Preceptor , Bro . W . F . Bates , P . M ,, and the Assistant Preceptor , Bro . Welsford , P . M ., are held . The staunch support still accorded by some of the original founders , such as Bro . VV . B . Fendick and

Jiro . J . H . Price , was particularly noticeable . It was freely acknowledged by all the speakers that the success which the lodge has achieved ano the exceedingly numerous attendance at tne annual festivals are due in a very great measure to the popularity and indefatigable exertions of the two Secretaries —Bro . E . L . Berry , and his colleague , Bro , C . E . Gilbert—who are familiarly , but aptly termed " the twins . "

The Preceptor , Bro . W . F . Bates , P . M ., occupied the chair as President , the vice-chair being filled by Bro . T . Whitford , P . M ., the W . M . of the Emblematic Lodge . After dinner , a short toast list was proceeded with . " The Queen and the Royal Family , and the Craft , " being first honoured .

The Pu ' tSlDEXT then proposed "The Emblematic l . odge of Instruction , " and prefaced his remarks by asking that the speeches . should be short as there was a large array of musical talent provided by the kind efforts of the Secretary , Bro . Berry , It could not be denied that the foundation stone ofthe lodge of instruction must have been well and truly laid , otherwise it could not have raised a superstructure so perfect as they found it at the present time . There were not many

founders present , but there were some of the earliest members including Bros . w . B . Fendick , J . H . Price , and others , who had been firm supporters and columns of strength and assisted in sogooda result as wasevx ' enced by theenormous gatl e ing that night . There was , no doubt , that fur many years past the extraordinary success that had attended that lodge of instruction had been due to the abnormal development of thc bump of organisation in the Secretaries , Bros , Berry and Gilbert . Bro . Berry had not only ability , but also the will to mike everything he

Annual Festival Of The Emblematic Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1321.

took in hand a thorough success , and this result was always attained . In giving that toast , he felt he must give these few wor ^ . s of praise , for they were honestly deserved . Bro . E . L . BERRY . inrepiv , saidhe thought the President had rather made this the toast of the twin Secretaries of the Lodge of Instruction . It was usual at these meetings to give a short account of what had been done during the past year . There had been 40 new members added to their list , and that , was , perhaps , a record for lodges of instruction in London . The average attendance had been between 2 *;

and 30 , and they had given 20 guineas to the Masonic Charities . Those 20 guineas had been made up from ihe threepences collected weekly to defray expenses . Last year they had two or three special nights , but this year there was none . They had , however , gone on in a happy manner , and that night the attendance was 20 per cent , larger than on any preceding festival . Six years ago they met 15 strong , but there were over 200 in the room on the present occasion , which was very gratifying . The Secretaries had the r reward in the large nuiiber attending * , and so long as the brethren continued to support them they would use their utmost endeavours to do their best for the Iodge . '

Bro . W . B . FEN-DICK , P . M ., sub-rutted "The President and Vice-President , " and said he had an easy task in speaking of their virtues , and those who attended the lodgeof instruction knew how deserving they were of the toast . The brethren would drink to their healths because they appreciated them so highly , and those present who were not brethren would drink the toast of those whom they ought to know and whose acquaintance they should make . The PRESIDENT , who met with a very cordial reception , said : lean assure

you that in responding to this toast I hardly know how to express my thanks—in fact I havc no words to express the thanks I feel for the kind proposition and reception . I can only say that if ever I have deserved anything at the hands of this lodge of instruction , and whatever I have done in the past , it will be myjearnest endeavour in future to carry out my duty in whatever position I fill—for I may not always hold the position of Preceptor . If I should vacate that position I shall be just as strong to support my successor as I

have been to perform the duties devolving upon me . I may siy—although , perhaps , I ought not—that during the years I have held that prominent position the success of that lodge has been wonderfully maintained—maintained not through my exertions entirely but through the hearty co-operation , the good will and fellowship , esprit de corps of the members , and therefore the result could not but be success . It is not given to every individual to command success , but

we have striven to do more—deserve it , and if the success of the lodge has resulted through my endeavours I am more than repaid . I look upon oir meetings as the Tuesday of my life and every week throughout the year for we have no vacation , all the king's horses and the king's men would not draw me away from the lodge of instruction . I have a willing heart whatever my capabilities , and I am willing to do all I possibly can to not only maintain , but enhance the success of the Emblematic Lodge of Instruction .

Bro , WELSFORD , P . M ., Asst . Preceptor , also replied in response to many calls , and said that he was well rewarded for any efforts he made in the lodge of instruction .

Bro . T . WHITFORD , P . M ., Vice-President , on behalf of the Emblematic Lodge , of which he was the representative , returned thanks for the toast . He then proceeded to propose " The Visitors , " and said it was always enthusiastically received , as a hearty reception was at all times accorded visitors . In the name of the lodge of instruction and of all the members , he said the visitors were especially welcome thit evening , and hoped they had had one of the most enjoyable meetings of the season . Those who were Masons he should like to

see present at every meeting . When those who were not Masons had the felicity of attending , they would gain the great object in life—the opportunity of spending an hour or two where they could forget all the troubles and worries of business . He knew that personally and spoke feelingly , and advised every one present , when they had the opportunity , to join and attain that object .

Mr . STANDING , in response , said that when he attended he had a horror of the mysteries of the Craft , visions of boiling oil and branding-irons , but since he had been present he had admired the affection displayed , and the artistic element of the music . They had enjoyed themselves thoroughly , and heartily thanked them , and would go away with only one regret—that they were not brethren of this lodge .

The huge programme of music provided added in no small measure to thc enjoyment of the evening , and where all were so good and each item so artistically rendered it would be invidious to particularise . The artistes included Miss Edith Yorke , the Charlton Vocal Quirtette , Messrs . W . Wynstay , Stuart Walker , C . W . Percy , W . J . Harris , H . McCormack , Ambrose Thorne , Wilfred Edwards , R . A . Roberts , W . Serjeant Lee , M . A ., and Clement Harris .

Memorial Service For The Late Bro. Major-Gen. Yeatman-Biggs, Dist. G.M. Bengal.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE BRO . MAJOR-GEN . YEATMAN-BIGGS , DIST . G . M . BENGAL .

When the sad news reached Aldershot of Major-General Yeatman-Biggs ' i demise his many friends in garrison realised that a truly good man had been called to his long rest , and that the world was thereby all the poorer . Th < : gallant officer was not struck down by a bullet from the enemy , but from that fell discas ? , dysentery . He had , however , before being brought to the rear for res ' , safely led his brigade through many difficulties in that frontier war , and was able

to write a cheeiful telegram to his friends at home . Sad , indeed therefore , was the intelligence of his death , but to none sadder , than to the members of the Aldershot Army and Navy Lodge , No . 1971 , seeing that never had there been a more popular Past Master than he . It therefore was but little wonder that the lodg' ' , in conjunction with Major-General Marshall and the officers of the Roya l Artillery , should have taken steps to hold a solemn memorial service in connection

wiih their brother . His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught , who is thc W . M . of the lodge for the year , readily approved of the proposal , and the necessary dispensation was procured to hold the solemn service at All Saints' on Thursday afternoon , the 27 th ult . The deceased , who was a connection of Bro . W . I * - Foster , and who was Secretary to the Army and Navy Lodge , joined about 11 ye irs ago , when the late Duke of Clarence was a member , and quickly becaim * one of its most popular brethren , at tint time the W . M . being the late Bro .

General Reilly . His rise as a Mason was most rapid , for with his charactens'i ^ energy after serving as Warden under Bro . Deputy-Surgeon-General Prescott l ' was unanimosly elected W . M . of his lodge in 18 S 7 , his friend Bro . Foster bavin )* retired in his favour . He was appointed Prov . S . G . W . for the Province of Hants and the Me of Wight , by Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Prov . G . M ., and when Bro . Foster followed him in the chair , the late General took up the Secretarial duties previously discharged by that brother . When he left Aldershot for