Provincial Meetings.

of Carnarvon , the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " svas proposed by the W . M ., svho alluded to the high honour conferred on the lodge by the presence of one of tlie most distinguished Masons in the country . It would alsvays be looked hack to by him as a red letter day in his life , in having the honour to propose the toast recorded above .

The presence of the Earl of Carnarvon vvas greeted hy the brethren with enthusiastic and prolonged applause , and his rising to respond was greeted with another round of applause . In replying , the Earl first alluded to the unexampled benefits of Masonry . It gave him great gratification to be present that evening , and he had much pleasure in

congratulating the W . M . on the honour svhich had been conferred upon him in being elected to preside over a lodge svhich comprised so large a number of brethren . He alluded to his childhood , vvhen he svas at Folkestone and svas shosvn over the Pavilion Hotel , and was surprised at its size and the admirable arrangements for the accommodation of visitors , svhich had been considerably improved in

the hands of the present proprietor , their W . M ., and he wished him and all the members of the lodge God-speed . The manner in vvhich Masonry had grown and developed in this country , and other countries besides England , shosved that it vvas for the benefit of the community , more especially svhen they looked at the vast amount of public respect vvhich they had acquired , and which ss'as no doubt

due to their motto , " Acts rather than words . ' The Earl of Carnarvon , vvho had travelled a long distance during the day , and svho svas en route to Italy for the benefit of his health , vvas then conducted to his apartments by the W . M ., and the brethren gave him a hearty Masonic faresvell . Upon the return of the AV . M . to the lodge , a surprise

awaited him , for Bro . Christol , the VV . M . of the Lodge l'Amitie of Boulogne , on behalf of himself and the members of his lodge , presented him svith a handsome bouquet , and , in a fesv well-chosen words , he alluded to the general and deserved popularity of Bro . Spurgen . 'The VV . M . cordially thanked Bro . Christol for his gift , and requested him to convey his thanks to his French

brethren , and express to them how deeply he felt the compliment paid to him . Bro . H . D . Stock next proposed " The R . W . Prov . Grand Master of Kent , Earl Amherst , " and regretted his absence from among them , svhich svas due to his being present at the opening of the Forth Bridge . "The Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . J . S . Eastes , and

the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , svas ably proposed by Bro . S . Joseph , and greeted with applause . The next toast svas proposed by the I . P . M ., Bro . F . Francis , vvhich vvas " The Worshipful Master . ' * In speaking to the toast he said it needed very fesv svords from him . 'They all knesv the progress he had made in Masonry , and his wellknosv geniality and popularity svere proverbial . He svas

especially proud to install him that day as their W . M ., and he certainly could not refrain from expressing the opinion that it svas an instance in vvhich merit had met with its reward , and he svas sure he would prove svell svorthy of the position to svhich he had been elected . The Worshipful Master , in replying , thanked the I . P . M . for the manner in svhich he had proposed the toast , and the

brethren for the enthusiastic manner m svhich they received it . Although he occupied the proud position of their W . M ., svhich he did not expect to occupy for very many years vvhen he entered the lodge , he vvould endeavour to do all in his posver to uphold the dignity and honour of the lodge . His term of office had commenced most auspiciously , by the honour of entertaining the Earl of Carnarvon as his

guest that evening . He should ever look upon that as a red letter day . Bro . J . Shenvood , P . M ., next proposed "The Masonic Charities , " in svhich he alluded to the large amount of good conferred by the Charities . He gave statistics as to the number of persons benefited by them during the past year , and pointed out tbe fact that Kent had sent a larger contribution to the Charities than any other province .

Bro . AV . L . Earnshasv , P . M ., Charity Representative , in a very able speech , responded . The Charity bag was then passed round and realised the sum of £ 10 ios . Bro . A . Hall , S . W ., next proposed "The A'isitors , " and coupled svith the toast the name of Bro . Christol . Bro . Christol , in a short speech , replied , and sat down

amidst loud applause . "The Installing- Master ancl Past Masters" svas next proposed by the W . M . Bros . F . Francis , I . P . M ., ancl H . D . Stock , P . M ., responded . The toast of " The Nesvly-initiated Brethren " was responded to by Bro . Atkinson , and the Tyler's toast brought

the evening to a close . The musical arrangements of the evening svere admirably carried out , Bros . H . G . Clements and Stevenson acting as accompanists , svhilst the follosving brethren sang : Bros . W . Francis , W . G . Prebble , H . G . Clements , AV . H . Major , VV . Dunk , C . Sheath , G . Peden , AV . L . Earnshasv , Dr . Perry , and Dr . F . Eastes .

JERSEY . Royal Sussex Lodge ( No . 491 ) . —The anniversary meeting of this old and prosperous lodge svas held at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , on Monday , the 24 th ult ., svhen 50 of the brethren assembled for that purpose . The lodge svas opened by Bro . W . AV . Richardson , the

W . M ., and the minutes of the last regular meeting svere read and confirmed . Bro . G . F . Baker then took the chair and installed Bro . E . L . Bisson in the chair of K . S . in such a manner as to fully entitle him to the applause of the brethren , svhich he received . The W . M . invested Bro . T . Falmer , S . VV ., and Bro . F . Juhel , J . VV ., and delivered the address in a very impressive and satisfactory manner . The

VV . M . invested Bro . G . F . Batter , svho had been unanimously elected Treasurer at the last regular meeting of the lodge , after svhich he inves'ed Bro . J . IT . Goldsmith , Secretary , and warmly congratulated him of the zeal , ability , and businesslike manner with which he had discharged his duties for some years , and expressed a hope that he would five fong to

render his valuable services to the lodge . He then invested Bro . George Lyden , S . D . ; J . IT . D . Podevin , J . D . ; Taylor , I . G . ; Marguerie , Org . ; T . Gilley , D . of C . ; and G . Rogers , Tyler . After the " Hearty good svishes" ofthe W . M . 's and P . M . ' s of the sister lodges , the lodge vvas closed .

Provincial Meetings.

The brethren then adjourned to the refreshment room , where a substantial banquet svas provided by Bro . George Rogers . The musical department ss'as under the able guidance of Bros . A . McKee , Fentum , and Marguerie . Several songs

and recitations svere given , thus closing * a most pleasant evening . The floral decorations svere contributed by Bro . IT . Elliott , whose ability in this direction and willingness to beautify the banrjuetifig * room is alsvays appreciated by the brethren .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

PRINCE FREDERICK AVILLIAM LODGE ( No . 753 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Tuesday , the 25 th ult ., at the Eagle Tavern , Clifton-road , Maida Hill . Present : Bros . J . Page , VV . M . ; W . J . Stratton , S . AV . ; J . Taylor , J . W . ; G . Wood , Preceptor ; J . J . Thomas , Sec ; R . Dillon , S . D . ; VV . T . Dillon , J . D . ; R . T . Redfcarn , LG . ; N . Turner , P . M . 72 ; VV . J . Mason , AV . M . 224 G ; R li . Cursons ,

A . Pozzati , J . Mason , and J . R . Hill . The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . 'The Iodge ss'as opened in the Second Degree . Bro . J . Mason having anssvered the questions leading to the 'Third Degree , svas duly entrusted . The lodge svas opened in the 'Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Bro . J . Mason

candidate . The lodge svas resumed to the First Degree , and the ceremony of initiation rehearsed , Bro . Pozzati candidate . A letter having been read from Bro . Nightingale , stating that he svas suffering from a very severedomestic allliction , a resolution of sympathy and condolence svith him svas unanimously passed by the brethren present . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , after " Hearty good sn ' shes , " the lodge ss-as closed .

CREATON LODGE ( No . 1791 ) . —A meeting svas held on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., at the AVheatsheaf Hotel , Goldhawk-road , Shepherd's Bush , W . Present : Bros . John Davies , AV . M . 169 , and Preceptor , W . M . ; F . Woodard , S . VV . ; AV . Jennings , J . AV . ; E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . ; AV . H . Chalfont , P . M ., Sec . ; F . Stonnill , S . D . ; T . Jobson , I . D . : Latter , I . G . ; VV . Stevens , Stsvd . ; D .

Stroud , P . M . ; Ferris , Cox , F . Craggs , and Sanson . The lodge svas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting svere read and confirmed . The 2 nd Section of the First Lecture svas svorked by | the W . M ., assisted by tbe brethren . The ceremony of passing svas to be rehearsed . Bro . Cox having anssvered the questions leading to the Second Degree , svas entrusted . The lodge svas opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of

passing rehearsed . Ihe lodge vvas opened in the lhird Degree . The 2 nd Section of the Third Lecture was svorked by the VV . M ., assisted by the brethren . 'The lodge svas closed in the Third Degree , ancl also in the Second Degree . Bro . Woodard vvas elected W . M . for the next meeting . The lodge svas then closed . The annual supper will take place on Thursday , the 24 th inst ., at the Wheatsheaf Hotel , at 7 . 30 .

STAR CHAPTER ( No . 1275 ) . —The usual sveekly meeting of this chapter vvas held on Friday , the 28 th ult ., at the Stirling Castle , Church-street , Camberwell . Present : Comps . C T . Fleck , M . E . Z . 172 , J . 1275 , M . E . Z : ; Meierhoff , H . 172 , S . N . 1275 , H . ; Jackson , J . ; C . IT . Stone , 1275 , S . E . ; Cope , P . S . 172 , P . S . ; F . Hilton , P . Z . 1275 , S . N . 172 , Preceptor ; T . Grummant , P . Z . 1275 , ; Addington ,

P . Z . 1275 ; H . Martin , 1275 ; G . L . Moore , P . Z . 169 ; and others . Conclaves of First , Second , and Third Principals respectively , were formed , and the three installation ceremonies sverc rehearsed . 'The minutes svere read and

confirmed . 'The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed . Comp . Meierhoff svas heartily congratulated on his able working as H . for the first time in this chapter . 'The meeting vvas adjourned until the second Friday in April , vvhen Comp . Capt . R . J . Vincent , P . Z . 1777 , M . E . Z . 1329 , P . G . S . B .. will be M . E . Z .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . J . A . RUCKER , P . G . D . Bro . J . Anthony Rucker , whose death it is our painful duty to record , vvas initiated in the Grenadiers Lodge , No . 66 , in the year 1865 , and was elected its W . M . in 1870 . In April , 186 7 , he joined the Prince of Wales Lodge , No . 259 , and in 1872—3 represented it

on the Board of Grand Stewards , while in the years 1881 and 1882 he served the office of Deputy Master . He was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree in the Chapter of Prudence on the 21 st May , 1866 , and occupied the chairs of J ., H ., and M . E . Z . successively in the years 1872 , 1 S 73 , and 18 74 , while in 1 S 72 he became a

joining member of Prince of Wales Chapter , No . 259 . His greatest honours , however , were obtained in the year 18 74 , when he was appointed and invested as Senior Grand Deacon in Grand Lodge and Grand Principal Sojourner in Supreme Grand Chapter . But his chief claims to our respect are derived from the

many valuable services he rendered to our Institutions , of all three of vvhich he had qualified as Vice-Patron , while he had served on their behalf no less than 16 Stewardships , namely , ei ght for the Girls' School , four for the Boys' School , and four for the Benevolent Institution . He vvas also a Trustee ,

and in that capacity had acted on the House Committee of the senior Institution , a position svhich he resigned as recently as the Quarterly General Court on the 1 st February last . He may therefore have said to have died in harness , seeing that he surrendered his trust in

consequence of ill health , from which he never was able to recover . In fine , Bro . Rucker , though by no means a showy Mason , has done the Craft some excellent service , both at lodge and chapter , on the Board of General Purposes , and to our Institutions , and it needs no spirit

Obituary.

of prophecy to foretell that though he himself has passed away , the memory of these services will be reverently cherished for many a year to come . We offer our respectful sympathy to the family and friends of our deceased brother .

BRO . W . J . VIAN . We are sorry to record thc unexpected death of a very worthy man and . a true Mason , Bro . William John Vian , which occurred on Tuesday morning , the 25 th ult ., at his residence , Fairview , Beckenham , age 63 . His name is svell known throughout the country as the able Secretary and Manager of thc Railsvay Passengers

Accident Assurance Company , svith vvhich he has been associated for 40 years past . To his unremitting exertions , aided b y a cultivated intelligence of a very high order , the Company to a great extent owes its present prosperous condition . His last illness was but of a few day ' .- , duration ; an influenza catarrh , followed by

acute bronchitis and pneumonia , terminated his useful career . Medical skill and tender care were unavailing . Bro . Vian vvas initiated in the St . James ' s Union Lodge , No . 180 , but joined the Emulation Lodge , No . 21 , in 1862 . He has ever since continued a subscribing member

of it , being * W . M . and Grand Steward in 1 S 68 . Endowed vvith a clear judgment , upright honest principles , and a warm heart ; he vvas a true sympathetic friend and a wise counsellor to those vvho enjoyed his friendship or sought his advice ; and vvas universall y respected and beloved . His loss will be keenly felt .

Easter Railway Arrangements.

EASTER RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS .

LONDON AND SOUTH-AVESTERN RAILWAY . The London and South-AVestern Railsvay will keep open their various offices , and will issue cheap tickets to all principal stations from London on 'Thursday , April 3 , and subsequent days , up to and including April 7 , available to return up to ancl including April 9 . Cheap excursion on Thursday , April 3 , to Plymouth , South and

North Devon , & c , will leave London ( Waterloo ) & c , at S . 40 a . m . To Southampton West , Bournemouth , Dorchester , Weymouth , & c , at 12 . 10 p . m ., the tickets being available to return on Thursday or Friday , April 10 ancl 11 . Arrangements have been made for an additional late train for the AVest of England , Plymouth , Devonport , and North Devon , to leave Waterloo at S . 45 p . m .

on lhursday , April 3 . Ihe 9 , 45 p . m . mail will convey passengers to Bournemouth East on 'Thursday , April 3 , and to Weymouth on April 3 , 5 , and 7 . A special extra train will leave Waterloo at 5 . 50 a . m . for Basingstoke , Salisbury , Exeter , & c , on Good Friday . An excursion train from Waterloo at 7 a . m . on Good Friday , at reduced fares , for Portsmouth , Southampton , Romsey , Salisbury , Wilton

& c , at S . 20 a . m ., for the New I ' orest and Bournemouth . A four days' excursion from Waterloo at 1 . 15 p . m . on Saturday , April 5 , for Portsmouth , Southampton , Winchester , Gosport , Salisbury , Romsey , & c , also to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight , by fast trains leaving Waterloo at 3 . 25 p . m . via direct line . Day excursions at reduced fares , from Waterloo , at S . 40 a . m . on Easter

Sunday , for Portsmouth , Ryde , & c On Easter Monday , at 7 . ^ a . m ., for Portsmouth , Gosport , Southampton , AVinchester , Salisbury , Romsey , & c . ; and at 8 . 30 a . m . for Lyndhurst-road , Brockenhnrst ( for the New Forest ) , Lymington , and Bournemouth East ; also a fast train for Bournemouth only at 8 a . m . A late train from Devonport at 10 p . m . on Monday , April 7 , for London , calling at

Plymouth , North-road , at 10 . 5 p . m ., Tavistock 10 . 45 , llfracombe 9 . 20 p . m ., Barnstaple Junction 10 . 35 p . m ., and Exeter at 12 . 10 Tuesday morning , ancl at other principal stations . Additional facilities are likewise afforded for passengers from London to the Isle of Wight , vid the direct line , and Portsmouth , via Stokes Bay and vid Southampton and vid Lymington .

THE LONDON , CHATHAM , AND DOVER RAILWAY COMPANY . On Thursday , April 3 , a special cheap excursion to Paris , vid Dover and Calais , will leave Victoria and Holborn Stations at 9 p . m ., by which return tickets to Paris , available for seven days , svill be issued atthe follosving cheap fares : 37 s . 6 d . second-class , and 30 s . 3 d . third-class . On Easter

Monday 2 nd and 3 rd class excursion tickets to Calais svill be issued at Victoria and Holborn Stations by the 8 . 35 a . m . train , available to return lrom Calais the same day , or by the 1 . 30 a . m . boat on Tuesday morning . Return fares , ist class , 16 s . 6 d ., 3 rd class , us . 6 d . From April 2 to 7 , inclusive , special eight day return tickets to Brussels can be obtained at the A'ictoria and Holborn Stations by the 8 . 3 *

a . m . and 6 . 55 p . m . trains , at the following reduced fares 1 st class 40 s . 3 d ., and 2 nd class 31 s . In addition to the above , circular tourist tickets through Holland , via' Oueenborough ancl Flushing , will be issued at all London , Chatham , and Dover Stations during the Easter Holidays . All the above tickets can also be procured at the offices of Messrs . 'Thos . Cook and Son .

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WHY ARE SO MANY

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