Craft Masonry.

The only business on the agenda was a notice of motion as to the appointment of n n A Briscoe as Organist of the lodge , which having been proposed by Bro . J . T . Wet and seconded , was carried unanimously . The W . M . and Wardens received the guests in the Temple at 6 . 45 , and the comv numbering but few short of 100 repaired to the banqueting hall , where a very choice pa n was served in the style so well kniwn to those attending these functions at this '" le ' brated rendezvous , and where Bro . Kalla takes such a oride in giving satisfaction . c -j- toasts , as is usual on these occasions , were of the usual limited character ( Masoric toasts being always barred ) , and were "The Queen , " "The W . M ., " and

The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of Her Most Gracious Majesty , " spoke of the loyal and patriotic manner in which the toast was always received whenever and wherever Englishmen met , and of the peculiar enthusiasm with which it was always received at Masonic gatherings . The toast having been duly honoured , Miss Muriel Davies sang "God Save the Oueen " with marked effect . "The W . M . " was proposed by Bro . J . T . Sweet , who in doing so referred to the hieh esteem in which he was held by the brethren , and he asked them to drink the toast

in bumpers . The toast having been drunk in the usual Stuart Lodge fashion , The W . M ., Bro . Klempner , on rising , referred to the unfortunate accident which had befallen the VV . M ., aad rfhich prevented him from being present . On his own behalf he thanked Bro . Sweet for the kind manner in which he proposed the toast , and the company for the enthusiastic way in which they had received it , and then proceeded to express the pleasure it gave him at all times to render the lodge any service in his

P The toast of "The Ladies " was proposed by Bro . Baldwin , P . M ., and very cordially received by the sterner portion of the gathering . Mrs . Sweet ' s name having been coupled with this toast , she replied in a short but effective speech , thanking the company for the way in which they had received the toast , and then , on behalf of herself and the ladies , expressed the pleasure they had already experienced at the festive board , and a hope that the remainder of the evening would be as enjoyable . The company retired whilst the banqueting hall was prepared for the concert and

Each of the ladies was presented with a souvenir in the shape of a bottle of Messrs . Grossmith ' s well-known perfume , in a neat case , with a card of welcome , thoughtfully provided by the W . M . The entertainment which followed was a decided departure from the functions which usually follow a Masonic banquet—a departure which may justifiably be considered

a success . A most agreeable programme of music , with dancing at intervals , formed the scheme which Bro . John T . Sweet , the Hon . Secretary to the Ladies' Committee , for that night relied upon to minister to the pleasure of thebrethren , their relatives and friends . Thus the senior members of the lodge , their kith and kin , could sit down and be entertained in the way most desirable to it , while the intervals of dancing afforded scope for the more energetic inclinations and youthful impulses of the younger members .

The programme was most efficiently and appropriately opened by Bro . Cyril Davies , who sang " A Dream of Paradise ; " he was followed by Bro . Ed . Jenkins , whose voice enabled him to render * ' Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep " in fine style . Miss Muriel Davies ' s voice was pleasing and clear , and told well when singing " II Bacio , " while a banjo quartette by Mrs . Sweet and the Messrs . Ernest and Bert Mitchell and Bert Sweet was executed with dash and vigour . Special mention must be made of a most unique item in the programme , a new and original operetta entitled " The Lady Aurora , "

written by Bro . J . VV . Woodward , and composed by his brother , Mr . b . W . Woodward . Only three characters were required to unfold the plot , ln reviewing the work , which played some 30 odd minutes from beginning to end , it may be said that the dialogue is short and crisp and appropriate to the style of the piece . The music was a feature to command attention , oiiginal and melodious in every sense , evidently written b y one who is a master of his technique , the various numbers being treated in a way to bring out to the best advantage all such dramatic effects as were available . It is to be hoped that we may see or hear of this composer being early engaged in more serious

and responsible work . The parts were ably interpreted by Miss Elsie Cooper , who sang and acted very prettilj as ihe Lady Aurora , her rendering of the ballad " Love divine" being specially appreciated . Mr . Arthur Ashby , as David Hilary , acquitted himself admirably , while a decided word of praise must be given to Mr . Roy Painter , who gave the true spirit to a part now extinct in England , the Italian " Buffo . " Though the performance was slightly handicapped by the limited stage space at the disposal of the artistes , yet it showed distinct signs of careful rehearsals , and great credit is due to all concerned .

Bros . Hancox and Whetstone were the M . Cs . for the evening , and ably seconded Bro . Sweet in his onerous duties . At the close of the festivities , the guests had nothing but praise and thanks to bestow on the lodge for a very pleasant and delightful evening .

Orpheus Lodge , No . 1706 . The ordinary March meeting of this musical lodge was held on the 31 st ult . at the Holborn Restaurant . The attendance of the brethren was very large . Bro . Charles G . Sadler , W . M ., presided . The other brethren present were Bros . James Gawthrop , I . P . M . ; C . H . Kempling , S . W . ; Richard Clowes , P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; Richard J . ' . Hennings , P . M ., Sec ; H . Gregory Hast , S . D . ; W . J . Winbolte , J . D . ; 11 . Walmsley Little , D . of C . ; George Ackerman , l . G . ; R . Stokoe , Org . ; C . H . Greet and R . Carrineton Willis , Stwds . ; R . A . Kemp , P . M . ; Georce F . Smith , P . M ., P . G .

Org . ; Henry Guy , P . M . ; Sutton Shepley , P . M . ; Harry A . Railing , C . VV . Paine , VV . S . Gezna , VV . G . Forington , Charles Lewis , Charles Arrow , VV . Herbert Cox , R . I . Stevenson , Harvey Liihr , Mark Hubbard , Percy W . Gibbons , Courtenan M . Gray , F . Marchant , Charles Ackerman , James Chubb , Samuel Noble , W . Shorter , W . Frankland , Thomas Ward , H . J . Langton , R . J . Hawkins , Ernest N . Cullum , James Brand , John Curran , C . T . Johnson , W . Hiles Smith , J . L . Haddon , S . M . Woods , and C . Pouchonisk . Visitors : Bros . F . Macdonald , P . M . 2513 ; H . T . Hill , 17 G 7 ; Charles Filch , J . W . 2345 ; Edgar L . Hatch , 153 S ; Stephen Hussey , P . M . 1 G 37 ; Robert Hunt , 1 G 3 G ; F . C . Pyke , 21915 H . Massey , P . M . Giy and 1928 ; J . J . Newland , P . M . 1949 ; L . Scones , 1 y . 5 ; Charles Vincent , 194 ; Bertram Mills , 209 ; VV . W . lloldaway , 250 S ; N . Linley Hewlett , J . D . 2342 ; George Stubbs , 771 ; Frank Wells , 13 S 3 j and is . M . Barry , P . M . 272 .

After the lodge had been opened , and thc minutes ofthe February meeting read and confirmed , Bro . Mersey was passed to the Second Degree , and following this ceremony Mr . William Frankland and Mr . William Shorter were initiated . Bro . R . J . Henning ; , P . M . and Sec , then read the circular sent out from Grand Secretary ' s ollice respecting the Fund suggested by the Grand Master for relieving the Masonic brethren rendered necessitous by the war in South Africa . In response to the appeal made in this letter the lodge , after different sums had been propocd to be contributed to the fund , voted 10 guineas , on the motion of Past Master Little , seconded by Past Master George F . Smith , P . G . Org . The subject of having a ladies' evening was not supported

Craft Masonry.

by any one , and consequently it was dropped . A Committee consisting of the W . M ., the Past Masters , and the members of the Benevolent Fund Committee , was appointed to consider an additional by-law that no sum of money exceeding five guineas should be voted out of the General Fund without notice . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , for which a special menu had been prepared to suitably mark the appreciation by the lodge of the efforts made by the military brethren during the present war . Following up this arrangement and to make it complete , the music provided for the after dinner proceedings comprised Hatton ' s part song , " The warrior ' s song , " Sullivan's " The beleagured , " and

Adam ' s " Comrades in arms , " the whole being under the direction of Bro . Henry Guy , P . M ., Musical' Director of the Iodge . In the course of the proceedings the W . M . announced that Mr . Hedges , the son of the late Bro . John Hedges , P . M ., and Musical Director of the lodge from 1 SS 0 to 1 S 90 , had kindly presented to the lodge a bound volume consisting of all the musical programmes of the lodge meetings during the time Bro . Hedges was musical director . He said this ought to have been announced in Iodge , and a vote of thanks was the generous and suitable presentation made upon it . This , however , would now have to be deferred until the next meeting . The speeches in proposing and responding to the usual toasts were very brief ; but an additional and special toast to the brethren at the seat of war was placed on the list .

Bro . R . J . Hennings , P . M ., Sec , in proposing the toast , said it was a toast which was not very common at Masonic meetings ; but , following the example of many wellknown lodges , that lodge had furnished Masonic brethren who were upholding the dignity ot the empire and the arms of England in South Africa . The toast , perhaps , was too stupendous for a poor Secretary to undertake , but the historian of the future might give prominence to the fact that many Masons were out in South Africa . Among those who were there who were well known were Lord Roberts , Lord Methuen , and Lord Kitchener , P . G . Wardens ; and Sir Charles Warren , P . G . Deacon . Many others were officers of lodges . Indeed , that lodge might lay claim to one who laid down

his life in the cause . Bro . Dr . Chapman Grigg was one of the founders of the Orpheus Lodge . He left the lodge , owing to his numerous engagements , but more than that , he left a lucrative practice to go out to South Africa , like a _ true-hearted man , scouted the idea of danger ; yet he fell not by a bullet , but by an insidious disease—enteric feverand he laid down his life for his country . Many other Masons , whose names were only known to the Great Architect , had no doubt done the same ; many were out there doing their duty in the cause of their country . He hoped the brethren would drink to their health and success to our arms . They were writing history ; the deeds they were doing were very great , and

" The great deeds through the ages Live in historic pages , Unconsumed by moth and rust . ' ' The toast was enthusiastically honoured . The Initiates replied to the toast proposed in their honour . Bro . Gawthrop responded to the toast of " The I . P . M . " Bros . Guy , Little , and Shepley replied for " The Past Masters . " To the toast of " The Visitors" Bros . Macdonald , Hunt , White , and Parry responded . Bros . Kempling , S . W ., and Lewis , acting J . W ., replied to the toast of " The Officers . " The proceedings of the evening were highly successful .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Fidelity Chapter , No . 3 . A meeting of this old chapter was held at Freemasons' Hall on the 2 nd ult . Among those present were Comps . Lieut .-Col . VV . Hart , M . E . Z . ; C . C . Birch , H . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C ., as J . ; VV . J . Collens , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N ., S . E . ; J . Heming , P . Z ., Treas . ; Spawforth , P . S . ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . G . S . B ., I . P . Z . ; F McDougal , P . Z . ; C . Weeks , P . Z . ; W . Ratcliire , P . Z . ; and C . Mapleton , P . Z .

The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , the chapter voted 10 guineas to the cause of Masonic Chari ty . A vote of regret at the death of Comp . F . Graves , P . Z ., the father of the chapter , was passed with many expressions of individual regret , and ordered to be recorded on the minutes . The S . E . read communications from absent members , notably from Comps . S . Cochrane , P . G . Treas ., H . j H . Birch , P . Z . ; and Larcomb , P . Z . The chapter was then closed . A banquet followed .

The usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts having been drunk the I . P . Z . gave " The Health of the M . E . Z . " In submitting this toast Comp . Lardner said that the First Principal in the discharge of the duties of the various positions held by him in the chapter had been most painstaking . As yet the M . E . Z . had had no opportunity of exalting a candidate , but it was to be hoped that one would be forthcoming before he vacated the chair . As President of the Fourth Degree no one could preside more genially nor better .

The toast having been warmly received , the M . E . Z . brefly expressed his thanks . " The Health of the H . and j . " followed . The M . E . Z . regretted that through indisposition the Second Principal was absent that evening . He rejoiced that Comp . Cochrane had met the wishes of tbe chapter by accepting the office of H . Their Second Principal was a P . M . of the Fidelity Lddge , and should be in due time a P . Z . of the chapter . The Third Principal was the brother of an old Past Principal of the Fidelity , and , no doubt , would in due course emulate his relative ' s example . He should couple the toast with the name of Comp . Birch .

The toast having been received with acclamation , the Third Principal responded in cordial terms . The pledge of "The Past Principals" followed . In giving this toast the M . E . Z , expressed his regret , which all present would share , that one of that distinguished body had passed away since their last meeting . Comp . F . Graves's presence in their midst had always been appreciated , and it was sad to think that he had been prematurely cut off . The Chapter of Fidelity was fortunate in possessing many Past Principals who had done , and were doing , good suit and service in the cause of Freemasonry . lie should couple the toast with the names of Comps . Lardner and McDjugal .

Those companions having replied , the toast of " The S . E ., Treasurer , and Officers - , " coupled with the names of Comps . Collens , Heming , and Spawford , brought a very pleasant gathering to a conclusion .

Rose Chapter , No . 1622-The installation meeting of this flourishing chapter was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , S . E ., on the 24 th ult . Present : Comps . VVm . Dawson , M . E Z T . R . Cass , H .. M . E . Z . elect ; G . II . Lewis , P . Z ., ( . ; John Loader , P . Z ., Treas ' ' G . Thompson , S . E . ; W . K . Jeffrey , S . N . ; W . G . Frampton , P . S . ; F . W . Morris ' nt A . S . j R . J . Sobel , 2 nd A . S . ; F . E . Choveaux , Org . ; J . Whiteman , Janitor ' -

Ad00903

yU%TJ^^^imj^JM^$' *§&C?o.,LTDM 73 to 77 , COW CROSS ST ., LONDON , E . G ., and 918 , HIGH ROAD , TOTTENHAM , ManufacturersofHighGlassCigars. ^^s^ff^WW^^Pricesfrom^^^O^^WQ^P^\% ^^^^ m ^^ mfmM ^ m ^^^ 1 3 / 3 to 30 / - per 100 ^^^^^ ^ Mm ^ m ^^ ^ m ^^ SAMPLES AND PRICE LIST SENT ON APPLICATION ,