Annual Festival Of The Brixton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1040 .

Charities . He was very proud of the support which the institutions had received during the past year , and trusted that during the present year the funds at their disposal would be even more largely augmented . He would couple with this toast the name of Bro . Hooper , Secretary of the Benevolent Association , in connection with this Lodge of Instruction , who had done yeoman

service on its behalf . Bro . HOOPER , in thanking the President and brethren forthe manner in which this toast had been proposed and received , said that he felt more than repaid for his labours by the success of the association . Although it had not been started four years they had collected and paid into the various institutions upwards of 400 guineas

—and the more members who took up shares , and the greater the amount of work given him , the better would he he pleased . Me was sorry to know that there were many members of the Craft—and some attaining high honours—whose names never appeared in support of our Charities . He felt that when , the brethren could make themselves life subscribers and lite governors by

the simple payments of is . per week , there could bo no reason why every member of the Craft should not be a supporter of our Charities ; and felt very gratified to hear it said , a few days since , by a brother on the staff of one of the institutions , that benevolent associations were the backbone of our Masonic Charities . The next toast proposed was that of " The Past

Executive of cur Lodge of Instruction "—Bros . Williams and Richardson , Past Secretaries of the lodge—with respect to whom the PRESIDENT paid a warm tribute of thanks for the valuable services they had rendered . The PAST SECRKTAKIES responded in cordial and happy terms , as did Bro . MONK to the toast of " Our Host and Hostess . "

The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought to a close one of the most successful festivals of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction . The following brethren contributed largely to the pleasure of the evening by their vocal music : Bros . Richardson , Harling , Phillips , Monk , Knight , Andrews , Bird , and Williams , who also

kindly officiated as accompanyist . Communications were received from Bros . James Stevens , P . M . 1216 , & c ; T . Poore , P . M . 720 , & c . j H . Baldwin , W . M ., 1949 ; E . M . Money , VV . M ., 28 ; Hakim , 1986 ; and other brethren , regretting their inability to be present .

Masonic Ball At Birmingham.

MASONIC BALL AT BIRMINGHAM .

One of the most enjoyable and successful soirees in connection with Freemasonry in Birmingham was held at the Masonic Hall , New-street , on Tuesday evening , the 26 th ult . The popularity of this ball has caused the event to be anticipated with much interest by Masons in the province of Warwickshire , and this year was no

exception , being the twenty-second of the series , and thc W . M . ( Bro . R , C . Jarvis ) , together with the officers and members of thc lodge , may congratulate themsslves on the complete success of their annual reunion . There was a numerous attendance , several distinguished members of the craft hailing from other province } . The company were first received by the VV . M . ancl iris wife

in the lodge banquet room ; the reception oyer , the company retired to the large hall , where a splendid banquet was served , the W . M . taking the President ' s seat at 7 . 15 . The VV . M . proposed the toast of " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen" in a graceful speech . The toast of "The Ladies" was proposed in most

eloquent terms by Bro . ALFRED GREEN , S . S ., and suitably responded to by Bro . WHISTON . The next and final toast , of "The VVorshipful Master of the Elkington Lodge , " was given by Bro . J . HENRV HIGGS , A . D . C ., in an admirable speech . Bro . R . C . J ARVIS , the VV . M ., in responding , congratulated the order on the truly Masonic spirit which

had prevaded it during the past year—so pleasingly evinced by the handsome contributions of the brethren to the Masonic charitable institutions , which was as follows : —The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , , 621 , 374 7 s . id . ; the R . M . I . Girls , . £ 16 , 768 19 s . Od . ; the R . M . I . Boys , £ 16 , 272 16 s . od . ; a total of £ 54 , 416 2 s . 7 d . ( Loud applause . ) No doubt many of

the ladies present were either curious or anxious to know what were the secrets of their order . Well , he would tell them one of their secrets , and that was the secret of their success—Charity . ( Hear , hear . ) The figures he had given that evening did not represent that charity which various lodges gave in silence and secrecy to distressed brethren . Happily , their society was

founded on the level of equality , often aiding brothers in affliction to smooth its rough edges and to level the ruffles of misfortune . On behalf of the officers and members of the Elkington Lodge , he cordially welcomed the visitors , especially the ladies , who graced their banquet table . ( Applause . ) The party then adjourned to the concert room , where

a short ballad concert was given . Miss Florence Howie and Miss Florence Wheeler , ably assisted by Bros . G . VV . Cooper and J . Chapman , contributed some excellent singing . Bro . Dr . Belcher , with his wellknown ability . actcd as accompanyist , and also performed a solo , which was well received . At 10 . TO the dance programmes were distributed , in

announcing which the VV . M . stated that the officers of the Elkington had decided to give at an early date a grand concert in aid of the Masonic Charities . Dancing soon afterwards commenced to the strains of Messrs . Hopkins' band , both the selection anti the execution of the music giving great satisfaction . Mr . Arthur Frost officiated as M . C . The Director of

Masonic Ball At Birmingham.

Ceremonies , Bro . G . H . Rooker , P . M ., ably assisted in the successful conduct of the whole of the programme during the evening . The decorations were of a very elaborate character , and were splendidly carried out by Messrs . Taylor and Evans . Thc floral decorations were supplied by Mr . Hans Niemand , under the superintendence of Bro . VV . Spinks . One special feature

during the bail was the cutting up and distributing of a huge iced cake , most elaborately ornamented with various emblems of Masonry in coloured sugar work . Round the outer edge of the cake , in large letters picked in with gold , ran the words— "Hearty welcome and good wishes from the W . M ., " finishing with a pretty

device containing the W . M . 's monogram . The cake , which was really a work of artistic merit , was supplied by Messrs . Huntley and Palmer , Reading . Dancing ceased soon after three o ' clock , the National Anthem bringing to a conclusion one of the most brilliant assemblages held in connection with the Elkington Lodge .

Chiswick Lodge Ball, No. 2012.

CHISWICK LODGE BALL , No . 2012 .

The first annual ball of the above lodge was held at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , on Friday , the 29 th ult ., and we may safely say that it was one of the most brilliant and successful gatherings of the season . The thanks of all present are due to the President , Bro . Geo . Gardner , VV . M ., and his small

though most efficient staff of Stewards , consisting of Bros . W . Gomm , J . VV . ; VV . Dowling , S . D . ; H . Fruen ; C . Packer ; H . Furze , Hon . Secretary ; and F . Walden and VV . H . Wilson as M . C . ' s . Dispensations having been obtained , a most elaborate show was made by brethren appearing in Provincial Grand Craft and Mark clothing , Royal Arch , Rose Croix , & c , & c .

which contrasted with the various hues of the ladies ' dresses and produced a most pleasing effect . Dancin " commenced at 9 . 30 p . m ., and before 10 o ' clock over 70 guests had arrived , including the following : Bro . G . Gardner , VV . M ., Miss Gardner , Miss Stanford , Bro . Dr . Lawrence , P . M ., Bro . W . Gomm , J . VV ., Mrs . Gomm , Mr . Gomm , jun ., and Miss Gomm ; Bro . J . Edwards ,

W . M ., and Mrs . Edwards ; Bro . Dowling , J . D ., Bro . H . Furze , Hon . Secretary , and Mrs . Fitzgerald ; Bro . W . H . Wilson , W . S ., and Miss Wilson ; Bro . F . Walden and Mrs . Walden ; Bro . A . Tilbury and Miss Reynolds ; Bro . Hollingsworth , Miss Hollingsworth , and Mr . Neelcl ; Bro . F . Tyler , S . W . 59 , and Mrs . Tyler ; Bro . J . T . VVood and Mrs . VVood ; Bro . H .

Fruen and Mrs . Fruen ; Bro . E . Crowe and Mrs . Crowe ; Bro . H . Ellis and Mrs . Ellis ; Bro . G . Ellis , Miss Ellis , and Miss Cullum ; Bro . A . Gammel and Mrs . Gammel ; Bro . VV . Ritchie and Miss Stock ; Mr . Cope and Mrs . Cook ; Bro , W . Johnson , P . M . 86 5 , and Mr . Johnson , jun . ; Bro . Hawes and party ; Bro . VV . Clowes and Mrs . Clowes ; Bro . J . Brill , Mrs . Brill , Miss

Brill , and Mr . and Mrs . Brill , sen . ; Mr . and Mrs . Sale ; Bro . C . Packer ; Mr . and Mrs . Knight ; Mr . and Mrs . Bell ; Mr . and Mrs . Newman ; Alessrs . Potts ; Mr . and Mrs . Charpentiare ; Messrs . Edwards ; Mr . William and Mrs . Saunders ; Mr . and Mrs . Plumb ; and many others .

On supper being announced , the company sat down to a most recherche repast . A few toasts , interspersed with songs , then followed . Among the former , that of " The Queen " was received with great enthusiasm ; and , as the VV . M . observed , none were more loyal than the Chiswick brethren .

" The Lodge" was then proposed by Bro . F . TVLER , who spoke of the very high position it had obtained in Freemasonry , and of the very rapid progress it had made since its recent formation . "The Ladies" were then toasted by the W . M ., who

gave them a most hearty welcome , at the same lime reminding them that , though brethren were often away from home attending Masonic duties , yet their wives , sisters , and daughters were never forgotten . This toast was briefly and ably responded to by Mr . HUMPHRY BRIGHT .

The VV . M . then invited the Masons to take wine with him , and considerable amusement was created b y the remainder of the guests unanimously asking to be initiated at once . A return was then made to the ballroom , dancing resumed , being kept up till 6 a . m . —all regretting the conclusion of the first Chiswick ball . The very excellent band was supplied ancl directed by Bro . E . Symons .

The Liverpool Masonic Hall.

THE LIVERPOOL MASONIC HALL .

The annual meeting of the members of the Committee of the Liverpool Masonic Hall , Hope-street , took place in the large lodge room of the building , on Friday evening , the 22 nd ult . Bro . Thomas Salter , P . P . G . D ., occupied the chair , there being a good attendance of the brethren . The annual balance-sheet , submitted by the Honorary

Treasurer , Bro . M . Hart , contained the following as items of income : Rents from lodges , £ 4 02 5 s . ; rents from chapters , , fiiG ; rents , miscellaneous , £ 9 0 $ - } rents , lodges of instruction , £ 40 ; emergencies , rehearsals , refreshments , £ iG 4 ios . ; Masonic Club , £ 35 j entrance fee , Excelsior Mark Lodge £ s 5 *; interest from bankers

, . , £ 3 is . Sd ., less commission , 15 s ., £ 2 Cs . Sd . ; balance , as per 1 SS 4 statement , £ 341 14 s . id . ; total , £ 1176 os . gd . The total payments , including that on account of mortgage , amounted to about £ ' 873 , leaving a balance at the hank of upwards of £ 293 , and about fr , in thc Treasurer ' s hands .

Ihe statement was unanimously passed , and cordial votes of thanks were given to the executive officers for their valuable services during the year . Similar compliments vvere extended to Bros . R . Martin and T . II . Walker ,

The Liverpool Masonic Hall.

as well as to the Auditors , Bros . H . H . Smith , A . D . Hesketh , and R . H . Webster . Bro . T . Salter was unanimously elected Chairman of the Hall Committeej Bros . G . Broadbridge , Vice-Chairman j M . Hart , Hon . Treasurer ( re-elected ); J . T . Callow , Hon . Secretary ( re-elected ) j H . II . Smith , A . D . Hesketh , and R . II . Webster , Auditors ( re-elected ) j and the following were , without opposition , chosen as

representatives on the House Committee : Bros . R . Foote , 1505 j J . Beesley , S 23 j A . D . Hesketh , 11 S 2 J ) . Molloy , 249 j A . Cotter , 126 4 j T . H . Careful , 823 ; D . Jackson , G 73 J VV . T . Oglesby , 1303 ; J . B . M'Kenzie , 1609 ; R . Martin , 2042 ; T . H . VV . Walker , 1675 ,- H . H . Smith , 1505 j J . Pendleton , 241 ; R . H . Webster , S 23 j D . Lloyd , 6671 J . Pemberton , 12 G 4 J G . Godfrey , G 73 ; W . E . Coxon , 1 G 75 ; S . Jude , 241 j J . Boyle , S 23 j and T . Wright , 11 S 2 . The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman .

Masonic School Treat.

MASONIC SCHOOL TREAT .

Few who were present at the consecration of the Drury Lane Lodge are aware of a kind and generous act on the part of Bro . Augustus Harris , the Senior Warden of that Lodge , to the children of our two schools , on Friday afternoon last . He invited them to see the

pantomime , the whole of thc balcony , as well as the private boxes on that tier , being occupied by "our " girls , while to "our" boys was allotted half the pit . VVe cannot sufficiently thank Bro . Augustus Harris for such a handsome recognition of our two great institutions . It must have been satisfactory to him to see the

keen enjoyment of the children—a sight in itself well worth witnessing . Bro . Lord Londesborough , who was in the royal box with his family , on hearing of Bro . Harris ' s entertainment , with kind forethought ordered a supply of cake and oranges , which were the more

appreciated when we consider that the children were from half-past eleven to half-past six away from their homes . Bro . Augustus Harris also made liberal arrangements for the staff of the two schools , who , with the children , together numbered a little over 500 persons present on the occasion .

Obituary.

Obituary .

SUDDEN DEATH OF BRO . SAMUEL G . HUNT , P . M . OF NEWBURY . A painful sensation was produced throughout Newbury on Monday week by the intelligence that Bro . S . G . Hunt , the well-known proprietor of the Jack Hotel—one of the most famous commercial houses in the county—had expired somewhat suddenly early that morning . Bro , Hunt had

been in impaired health for some tune , but he was sufficiently well to attend the Cycling Club Ball on the previous Thursday night , and was engaged in his usual duties at the hotel up to Saturday night . He complained of feeling unwell on Sunday afternoon , and as the evening advanced Bro . Montagu Palmer was sent for , and it was then found that Bro . Hunt ' s illness was of a grave character .

His near relatives were summoned , and about five o ' clock he breathed his last . Bro . Hunt was of a genial disposition , and his death is deplored by a large circle of his friends and acquaintances . The funeral took place on Friday , at the Cemetery , when the deceased was interred with Masonic honours , having been a P . M . of 574 , and also a Prov . G . Officer of

the Berks and Bucks Province , having held office as Prov . G . D . of C . The weather was unfavourable in the extreme , but although rain descended in torrents a large number of deceased ' s Masonic brethren and friends assembled to pay their last token of respect . The mournful cortege left the the deceased ' s residence shortly before midday , the corpse being conveyed in Mrs . Wootten ' s open funeral car . The

coffin , of polished oak , was completely covered by beautiful dotal wreaths and crosses sent by friends , and a floral Masonic device—the square and compasses—contributed by the VV . M ., officers , and brethren of the Newbury Freemasons' Lodge . The Masonic arrangements were directed by Bro . VV . Knight , D . C , assisted by Bro . VV . Balding A . D . C , and among the brethren who attended were the

VV . M ., Bro . Montagu Palmer , who was immediately preceded by Bro . George J . Cosburn , one of the oldest members of thc lodge , bearing the volume of the Sacred Law on a velvet cushion , P . M . ' s Geo . Boyer and Stephen Knight , and Bros . A . Stradling , Newbery , Nundy , Harrold , W . T . Graham , Palmer , T . Hawkins , 1 . Hamlen , A . VV . Neate , Salisbury , C . Hopson , Legg , Dodd , and others .

I he burial service was performed by Bro . the Rev . John Atkins , Prov . G . Chap ., assisted by Bro . the Rev . R Williams . The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily conducted by Bro . H . S . Hanington , of Northhrook-street . Shutters were put up and blinds drawn at most of the shops and private houses en route , and , despite the drenching rain , a large concourse of thc deceased's friends assembled

around the grave . The deceased , who was in his 30 th year , was Life Governor of two of the Masonic Charities , also a member of the Royal Berks Yeomanry Cavalry , an Oddfellow , and formerly a member of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Brigade . Several members of these bodies attended the funeral . He leaver , a young widow to deplore his early death .

P . P . G . S . D . HERTS . We regret to have to announce the death of Bro . Walter Edmund Gompertz , P . M . 869 , P . P . G . S . D . Herts , which sad event took place at his residence , Rectory-road , Stoke Newington , on the 26 th ult ., after a short illness of only four days . Bro . Gompertz was initiated in the Gresham Lodge ( of which his father has

BRO . WALTER EDMUND GOMPERTZ , P . M . 869 ,

been the respected Secretary for many years ) in May , 1875 , of which lodge he became the VV . M . in 1882 , and during the same year was invested with the P . G . collar of S . D . His loss is mourned by a young wife and a large circle of friends , both secular anil Masonic , by the latter of whom , by his zeal in the welfare ofhis lodge and the cause of Masonry generally , he will be long remembered .