Craft Masonry.

the election of W . M . for Ihe ensuing year , and the selection of a representative on the Provincial Grand Lodge Committee , the choire of the brethren falling on Bros . F . Cooper , P . M ., and Francis Newman , P . P . S . G . W ., respectively for those offices . The W . M . reported that he had been elected an honorary member by the oldest lodges both in Plymouth and Cornwall , in recognition , they had

been pleased to say , of the services he had rendered to Masonry in connection with the Masonic exhibition held at Shanklin last year . Formal business having been disposed of , the W . M . said he would ask Bro . Dr . Dabbs to proceed with the ceremony of unveiling the Chine Lodge Jubilee Memorial , which , as they were aware , was at once a handsome and

enduring record of the names of benefactors who had reduced the debt on their lodge by £ 200 , and at the same time a token of their gratitude to the Most High for prolonging for so long a period the reign of their Gracious Sovereign , Queen Victoria . Bro . Dr . Dabbs , who was received with cheers , said that by the courtesy of the W . M . and brethren of the Chine

Lodge the pleasant task of unveiling their Jubilee Memorial was placed in his hands . He fully appreciated the covert compliment that underlay their choice of their first W . M . fcr this honourable distinction . It meant more than it seemed to imply . He was sure he was right in desciibing it as as much a compliment to his literary ambition as to his Masonic fitness . It was always his pet hope that any

power he might ever evince as a dramatist might be exerted first of all to raise funds for the beautifying of the lodge he helped to found in Shanklin , and when , ten months ago , in doubting response to the urgent persuasion of a friend whose literary judgment he valued very highly , he did determine to put human life into stage-dress , clothe it with character , and give language to its thoughts , he

determined that if he succeeded his success should be associated with the Chine Lodge , and if he failed his brethren of the lodge should feel he had failed in doing his "level best" for the lodge and for them . The play was born in a very small room that ran on wheels—a doctor ' s brougham . Stroud , the undertaker , little Edith Lock , the good and the bad squires , the village idyl of these simple

but not always virtuous lives—all sprang to life , gained consciousness , gathered purpose , and clean ran away from their author in that rolling wooden box on wheels that travelled its daily round from house to house and village to village and town to town . The play was finished , and then the hard work began . Of the anxious consultations with Bro . Greenham—of the barometer of hope and fear in both

their lives at that time—of their struggles , hard work , and determined endeavour one could not perhaps say more , but they were with them all the same ! With his first success he should always remember his friend Bro . Greenham . He might , in the future , have other coadjutors , but he was quite certain he should have none more sympathetic , kindly , or hard-working . He might , in the future , have

other successes , but no success would be sweeter to him than that of the Isle of Wight Comedy Drama , played before an audience of the Island for an Island lodge . They would be able to judge whether the tablet he was now about to unveil was , as that immortal line of Keat ' s described , a "thing of beauty , " namely , " a joy for ever . " Beautiful or not , it would remain as a record of their

lodge s loyal celebration of the Queen s Jubilee in days to come , when , to use the words of Sheridan , " All of us here would be dead , and most of us forgotten ! " Masonry , which is loyal before all things , whose private benevolence and all-reaching , all-absorbing Charity is soiled by no contact with the secrecy of disaffection to law and order , has reared many a record in this year ( hat is passing to its

close of the gratification of the Order in the fact of the Jubilee of the purest Queen that ever dared the " fierce light that beats upon a throne , " and of their failure to find in her fifty years of glorious reign aught that was unworthy of her wifehood , motherhood , or Queenhood . So they , each in his various humble way , had essayed by smaller or greater gifts of gold or brain-toil to leave some memento

behind them of this auspicious Jubilee year , and fcr this reason he now unveiled that memorial tablet , memorial of the gocdness of the Great Architect in having preserved to them so long the precious life of their Sovereign , memorial of the unsullied reputation she bears among her people , a reputation so pure that the half-drearsy hope that Ben Jonson crystallised into verse finds expression in the lesson of her life when he said :

" Princes that would their people should do well Must at themselves begin : A virtuous court a world to virtue draws . " Bro . Young said the Chine Lodge was particularly favoured by having among its members two such distinguished representatives of literature and the arts as Bros . Dr . Dabbs and Newman . The words which they

had just heard fall from Bro . Dabbs had done much to cement the high feelings of regard in which the W . M . and all the members of the Chine Lodge held him . He heartily congratulated the W . M . on the most successful realisation of the project of the Jubilee memorial , the conception of which was entirely due to his devotion to the interests of their lodge , and the accomplishment to his indomitable

energy . Warm congratulations to the W . M . and high tiibutes to his ability and zeal were also paid by Bros . Newman and T . A . Rayner . Bro . Rayner followed in the same sense , and proposed that the warmest thanks of the lodge be given to Bro . Greenham for the trouble he had taken in the matter , and that an entry to that effect be made in the

minutes . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Bailey , P . M ., and carried unanimously . The W . M . expressed his thanks for the honour done him , and proceeded to say with what pleasure they had seen Bro . Dr . Dabbs amongst them to perform the ceremony cf unveiling their Jubilee Memorial , the cost of

which , as they were aware , had been entirely defrayed out the receipts of the performance of Bro . Dr . Dabbs' first play at Shanklin , and not a penny of the subscriptions had been trenched on for that object . It was certainly with considerable pride he saw that day the successful realisation of the project which he first formulated at their annual

banquet some eleven months ago . He had forwarded a photograph of the tablet to the Queen , and had received from Gen . Sir Henry Ponsonby a very kind acknowledgment on her Majesty ' s behalf . It was a matter of great gratification to him that their first W . M ., Bro . Dr . Dabbs , to whom they owed so much , should have performed the

Craft Masonry.

ceremony of unveiling the tablet . The labours of Bro . Dr . Dabbs for the good of the lodge had been rendered so generously , so constantly , and , withal , so quietly that they had had no opportunity of properly expressing the appreciation in which they were held by the lodge . He was glad , however , now to be able to show some slight token of their regard for h < s worth and services by requesting

him to accept from the lodge the handsome jewel he had in his hand , and which he asked Bro . Dr . Dabbs to allow him to pin on his breast . Bro . Dr . Dabbs said he certainly did not deserve all the honour they had paid him . While Master of that lodge he had been much indebted to kind help from Bro . Newman . As to any subsequent services I 12 had been able to render

the lodge , they had been nothing but a pleasure to him . A word of thanks would have repaid him , but as they might think words might be forgotten , it gave him great pleasure to accept as an enduring memorial of their affection the handsome presentation which they had so surprised him by making . The ballot was then taken for Bro . John Chapman ,

P . M ., P . P . G . D . Devon , and was unanimous in his favour . The W . M . then proposed "That the R . W . Bro . VV . VV . B . Beach , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of Hants and I . W . ; the Dep . Prov . G . Master , Wor . Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , J . P ., P . Grand Deacon of England ; the Prov . Grand Secretary , W . Bro . E . Goble , P . Grand Sword Bearer England ; the R . W . Bro . William James Hughan ,

P . Grand Warden of Ejypr , P . S . Grand Deacon of England , P . Prov . S . G . Warden of Cornwall , & o , & c , the Masonic Historian of England ; and W . Bro . George Taylor , P . Prov . S . G . Warden and Piov . G . Sec of Worcestershire , be made honorary members of Chine Lndge . " in proposing that they pay that compliment , he asked their indulgence while he gave them a few reasons

for placing it en the summons . They must remember that the Shanklin Exhibition differed in some respects from the o ' . hers . The Yoik Exhibition was undertaken by a group of lodges , and by veteran Freemasons compared to him , who had not been six vears a Mason , and was quite unknown to the Craft . The Worcester Exhibition was led by the province , and not only had the support of

the Mayor , who lent the weight of his official position , but had in Bro . George Taylor , the Prov . G . Sec , one who had great knowledge of Masonic relics and medals . They must therefore never forget the help they received from the brethren whom he proposei they should make honorary members . A great many people would help a thing on when they saw it was a success , but in that case he received

all the promises before the public had any knowledge of ( he undertaking . Their Prov . G . Master consented to open the exhibition immediately he was asked , and also gave him his patronage for their Jubilee Memorial , with such splendid results ; and so did their Dep . G . M ., Bro . Le Feuvre . He also placed his magnificent collection of books , & c , at his disposal , and helped him in every way ;

and so did Bro . Goble . In speaking of Bro . Hughan , it was difficult to convey any idea of his labours , and the time he spent over the catalogue to bring it to such accuracy , and as a work useful to Masonic students . The pure unselfish labour of Bro . Hughan to one whom he never saw would , when his Masonic life was written , be to his mind one of the brightest episodes in his career .

Without his assistance he never could have carried it through ; and in reviewing the exhibition , to adequately appreciate the position , they must consider it was a single lodee promoting it , and a W . M . quite unknown . Yet on all sides they received help , and Bro . Hughan , from the commencement to the end , laboured on for its success . Personally , he should never be able to requite him for his services , and

it was out of the power of that lodge to honour him ; yet that slight token of their appreciation of all that he did for them would show him he was not forgotten , and the good results to their lodge following from the exhibition would ever be gratifying to him . Of Bro . Taylor it was not necessary to say much ; they all knew him ; he came purposely all the way from Worcester to assist during that

eventful week , and without him , he hardly knew what they should have have done . He knew from all their lips before he left them how grateful they were for his inestimable help , and from the day when he first wrote to him , until the end , he advised and assisted him . The Shanklin Exhibition would take its place in Masonic history and be regarded as an important event , and had their

contemplated lodge been held on its opening' day , he should have proposed them then ; however , he did so now , on the day of unveiling their memorial , and he felt assured , on balloting for them next month , the vote would be unanimous . Bro . John Bailey , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , seconded the proposition , saying he fully knew the help all had given . Bro . Middleton then presented a very fine painting , with

the "Chine" as a background , and the three Masonic pillars and emblems standing out in bold relief . The W . M . thanked Bro . Middleton for his handsome gift . He knew that he endeavoured to finish it during his year of office as an indication of his appreciation of the services he had tried to render to Chine Ledge . It was one the brethren would always value , and they might draw

lessons from the three pillars , and he trusted future Masters would when seeing it hung upon the walls . The Pillar of Wisdom should induce them to prove they were wise in building the lodge , notwithstanding the difficulties they had to contend with , and any adverse comments on their doing so . The Jubilee tablet would prove how he laboured for the debt , and others following he hoped would

do the same , for the debt must be cleared . The Pillar of strength should teach them to unite ; they were few , but very harmonious . The Pillar of Beauty should have its influence , and when there was no debt , let them beautify that temple , and let it mould the intellectual parts of their proceedings , for that was a part of Masonry he took most interest in .

A vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Middleton for his splendid painting . The Chine Lodge Jubilee Memorial is a beautiful slab of Sicilian marble , with every contributor's name engraved on it , and surmounted by a carved oak frame . The inscription is— " 1 SS 7 . —Under the Patronage of the R . W . Bro . W . VV . B . Beach , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master Hants and

I . W ., and during the Mastership of Bro . Alfred Greenham , this tablet is erected to commemorate the Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria , and as a permanent record of the generosity of the following Brethren , in reducing the Debt on the Building Fund of the Chine Lodge , No . 1 SS 4 , Shanklin , to the extent of £ 200 . "

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

ZETLAND LODGE ( No . 511 ) . —A meeting was held at the York and Albany , Regent's Park , on Monday , the 2 nd inst ., when there were present Bros . Casely , W . M . ; Ha / ell , S . W . ; Gittens , J . W . ; E . R . Smith , S . D . ; O . Enderlein , J . D . ; E-iton , I . G . ; Mulvey , Preceptor ; J . Kew , PJM . ; G . Lane , Robinson , J . W . Smith , and others . The ceremony of initiation having been worked by the W . M . in an able manner , he vacated the chair in favour of Bro . E . C .

Mulvey , Preceptor , who rehearsed the ceremony ' of installation in a mosc perfect and eloquent style , which deserves the highest praise . The Preceptor proposed , and the J . W . seconded , that the S . W , be W . M . for the ensuing week , which was carried unanimously . It was proposed by Bro . Kcw that a vote of thanks be entered on the minutes for the very able manner in which Bro . Mulvey had worked the ceremony of installation for the first time . The lodge was then closed .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . 834 ) . —A meeting was held on December 30 at the Six Bells Hotel , Queen-street , Hammersmith . Present : Bros . W . G . Coat , W . M . ; F . Craggs , S . W . ; R . H . Williams , J . W . ; D . S . Long , Sec ; A . Williams , S . D . ; G . Swann , | . D . ; C . J . C . Walker , I . G . ; G . Read , P . M . ; and W . C . Wi liams . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were read

and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . VV . C . Williams being the candidate . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . Bro . W . C . Williams having given proof of his proficiency , was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and , the W . M . having risen , Bro . Craggs was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing week . After " Hearty good wishes , " given and acknowledged , the lodge was closed .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A meeting was held on Monday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Porchester Hotel , Leinster-place , Cleveland-square , Porchester-terrace , Paddington , VV . Present Bros . C . S . Mote , YV . lVf . ; f . R . Adman , S . W . 1425 - , S . W . ; W . Death , J . VV . j G . Read , P ' . M . 511 , 1767 , Treas . ; H . Dchane , P-M . 1543 , P . P . S . G . D . Essex , Sec ; H . Moss , S . D . ; T . C . Thomson , W . M . 1697 , J . D . ; G . Groves , 35 ( visitor ) , I . G . ; J . Smith , Stwd . ; and | . H . Wood , P . M . 1642 .

Ihe lodge was opened in due lorm , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was called off and on . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Wood candidate . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony cf passing was rehearsed , Bro . Thomson candidate . The lodge was closed in the Second Degree . Bro . Allman was elected W . M . for the next meeting , and appointed the officers in rotation .

Bro . Groves was clecte-d a member . The brethren expressed their sense of deep regret at the loss the lodge of instruction has sustained by the death of one of its most valued and esteemed members , and the Craft at large of one of its brightest ornaments , viz ., the V . W . Bro . Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C ., and a vote of condolence with his relations was passed . It was announced that Bro . Asher Barlield , P . M ., will be present at the next meeting . After " Hearly good wishes , " ihe lodge was closed .

ISLINGTON LODGE ( No . 1471 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury . Present : Bros . J . G . Cobb , W . M . ; Napper , S . W . ; Brookman , J . W . ; W . Hancock , Preceptor ; j . Petch , Treas . ; C . M . Coxon , Sec . ; Clarke , S . D . ; Duncan , I . G . ; BoycLn , Kilsbv , Shurmur , Holness , Bilby , and Tickle . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation

was rehearsed , Bro . Borden candidate . The W . M . vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Petch , when Bro . Kilsby answered the questions leading from the First to the Second Degree , and was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed , Bro . Kilsby candidate . The W . M ., Bro . Cobb , again took the chair , and the lodge was resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Tickle , P . P . G . Reg . Middx ., was unanimously elected a joining member , being proposed b ' v Bro . Bilby ,

and seconded by Bro . kilsby . Bro . Tickle , in acknowledgment , said that he already was a member of 25 lodges of instruction , but he should be glad if he could be of any assistance to the lodge , either in the working , or in works of Charity . Bro . Napper , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting , and appointed the officers in rotation . Bro . Hancock , Preceptor , pioposed , and Bro . Shurmur seconded , that a vote of thanks be passed , and recorded on the minutes , to Bro . Cobb for his excellent

services in the chair for the first time in this lodge , which was carried unanimously . The W . M . having replied in a few graceful words , and received the " Hearty good wishes " of the brethren , the lodge was closed . A meeting of the Second Islington Masonic Charities Association was then held , Bro . D . P . Holness , P . M ., President , in the chair , supported by Bro . J . Petch , J . VV ., Treas ., when subscriptions were received , and a billot taken for a Life-Governorship ( the 14 th ) ,

which was allotted to Bro . VV . Ball . The Sec , Bro . C . M . Coxon , then presented the balance-sheet for the year ended , as passed by the Auditors , Bros . W . Ball , P . M . 4 J , and J . G . Cobb , 1471 , and informed the members that the Association was in a very prosperous condition , and that the first year's business had fully realised the expectations of the founders . A cordial vote of thanks was passed

to the officers of the Association for the highly satisfactory manner in which the business had been conducted during the ) ear , congratulating them on the favourable balance-sheet which they had presented , and the benefits which had accrued to the Masonic Charities from the working of the Association . The business of the meeting then terminated .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . —The usual weekly meeting of this lodge of instruction was held at the Criterion , Piccauuly , S . W ., on December 29 , when there were present Bros . W . Hancock , W . M . ; A . Clark , S . W . ; E . C . Mulvev , J . W . ; K . W . Cursons , S . D . ; C . Lambert , J . D . ; G . H . Reynolds , I . G . j VV . C . Smith , Preceptor ; G . Reynolds , freas . and Sec . ; T . E . Weeks , Tyler ; H . Price , H . C . Chevalier , | . D . Graham , V . Smith , T . C . Seary , T . A . Dickson , J . WoodwardW . Richards ,

, W . Proudfoot , anil J . Rowe . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The W . M . worked the 1 st , Bro . E . C . Mulvey worked the 2 nd , and Bro . VV . Cursons woiked the 3 rd Section ot the First Lecture . Lodge opened in the Second Degree . Bro . J . Woodward having offered himself as a candidate to be raised to the Third Degree , was duly questioned , entrusted , and retired . Lodge opened in the Third Degree . The W . M .

rehearsed the Degree of 1 VI . M . Lodge resumed to the First Degree . On rising for the second time , Bio . W . C . Smith proposed that Bro . A . Clark , S . W ., be elected W . M . for the ensuing week , at the same time hoping that he would resign the chair for a short time in favour of Bro . T . A . Dickson , W . M . of the mother lodge , to enable him to rehearse the ceremony of installation ; seconded by the J . VV ., and carried unanimously . The W . M . elect said it would afford him great pleasure to assist Bro . T . A . Dickson in any he mi wish fur the third time

way ght . On rising , Bro . C . Lambert proposed that a vote of thanks , to be recorded on the minutes , be given to Bros . W . C . Smith , Preceptor , and G . Reynolds , Secretary , for the very able and courteous manner in which tney had conducted the affairs of this lodge of instruction during the past year . By their attention to their different duties they had made this lodge popular , and had helped many brethren who now held office in their lodges to perform their allotted work in a most credit , able manner , showing iliat when the brethren met for instruction

they worked well , and that no time was wasted . Seconded by Bro . W . Richards , who endorsed all that had fallen from the lipso ' f Bro . C . Lambert . Bro . W . C . Smith , Preceptor , in thanking the brethren for their kindness , said it was a great pleasure for him to feel that his services were appreciated . He had the welfare of the lodge of instruction at heart , and an ) thing he could do , either for the lodge or for any of its members , he would do to the best of his ability , and it would be a pleasure to him . Bro . G . Reynolds , Secretary , also thanked the brethren for the kind appreciation o £