Consecration Of The Mediterranean Mark Lodge, No. 278, At Gibraltar .

VV . H . Allen , Sec . 43 ; VV . Tait , R . M . 43 ; P . Lyons , S . D . 43 ; F . Crompton , I . G . 43 5 L » - S . Miller , I . G . 607 , S . C . ; and Bros . Roberts , Banks , Russell , Blake , Howard , Serfarty , Azopadi , all of 43 ; Crozier , 54 ; Dtimarcsq , 74 ; Henderson , McLaren , 160 ; Glass ( Broadley ) , T . Evans , 325 , I . C ., and others . The brethren commenced to assemble in the ante-room

at 6 o ' clock p . m ., and at 6 . 30 p . m . a procession was formed under the direction cf Bro . Bacon , W . M ., Gibraltar Lodge , No . 43 ( who had kindly acceded to the request of the Consecrating Officerlto act as G . D . of C ., ) and enteredithc lodge room , which had been elaborately and carefully prepared for the occasion . The PRESIDINC OFFICER having assumed the chair , supported on the dais by the Past Masters present , he

requested the officers of the Gibraltar Lodge , No . 43 , to assist him in the working of the ceremonies , and they at once took their places in the various chairs . The Secretary pro tern ., Bro . VV . F . COTTRELL , then ' read the patent of the M . W . G . M . M . authorising- and requesting Bro . Pulley to advance candidates , consecrate the lodrre , and instal the Worshipful Master designate , Bro .

Charles Johnson . After which a lodge was opened in due fprm and order , the opening anthem being beautifully rendered by Bro . O VV . Moore-Keys , acting Organist , and a well trained choir of brethren under the direction of Bro . VV . F . Cottrell . A ballot was then taken for the following brethren : Bros , the Rev . W . H . Bullock , J . H . Bryant , G . D . Twigg ,

] . S . Langdon , II . J . Campbell , H . C . Schott , W . F . " Roberts , K . S . Ireland , L . Cohen , and H . W . Carden , which proved unanimous in their favour . Bros . Bullock , Bryant , Langdon , and Schott being in attendance were then advanced to the Honourable Degree of M . M . M . by the presiding officer , the interesting ceremony being performed in the most perfect and impressive

manner , every officer performing his allotted part in the proceedings with studied care and attention , the orchestral and vocal portion adding great effect , the various anthems being beautifully rendered by Bro . Bacon , W . M . 43 . The lodge was then called off in order to prepare the room for the ceremony of consecration , and the brethren having reassembled , the solemn and impressive ceremony was

conducted by the Consecrating Officer in a manner which will not readily be forgotten by those who were present , the whole of the proceedings being witnessed with rapt attention from beginning to end . The elements of consecration were borne by four Past Masters , viz ., Bros . Cunningham , Morgan , Barker , and MacLean , and the lodge was incensed to the honour and glory of the G . A . O . T . U . by the acting

Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . VV . H . Bullock , who also offered the consecration prayers in a very impressive manner . The four corners of the lodge having been duly honoured by the Consecrating Officer , he then summoned the founders and new members of the lodge to appear in the N . and S ., and proceeded to dedicate and constitute the lodge . The brethren having resumed their places , Bro . Pulley

again assumed the throne , and the VV . M . designate , Bro . Chas . Johnson was presented by VV . Bro . Bacon , VV . M . 43 , for the benefit of installation , and after being suitably addressed by the Presiding Officer , and satisfactorily answering the necessary questions , the brethren below the Degree of Installed Master in the Mark Degree were requested to withdraw , and a Board of Installed Masters was

dul y opened , and Bro . Johnson was instated in the chair of A . in accordance with ancient custom . The brethren were then readmitted , and having rendered the customary homage to the newly-installed VV . M ., Bro . Johnson was duly proclaimed and saluted . The Installing Master then presented the VV . M . with the , ' working tools , and in entrusting him with the warrant of thelodge , expressed his

high sense of the honour which had been conferred upon him by the M . W . G . M . M . in being selected by him to convey the all-important document direct to the VV . M . ' s charge , and also expressed the earnest hope that it would be handed down by the W . M . to his successor , and thenceforward for many generations , pure and unsullied as he then received it . The W . M . having accepted the trust reposed

in him , then appointed and invested his oflicers as follows Bros . C . Johnson , VV . M . ; T . J . Haynes , I . P . M . ; C . VV . Moore-Keys , S . W . ; VV . F . Cottrell , J . W . ; VV . Howard , M . O . ; B . R . Crozier , S . O . ; A . II . Dumaresq , J . O . ; J . H . Bryant , S . D . ; VV . F . Roberts , Sec ; Rev . VV . II . Bullock , Chap . ; J . S . Langdon , R . of Marks ; J . A . Speed , Treas . ; G . D . Twigg , I . G . ; and ] . Petcrkin , O . G .

The INSTALLING MASTER then delivered the addresses to the VV . M ., Wardens , Overseers , and brethren in wellchosen language , and resumed his scat at the left of the VV . M ., admidst tokens of approbation from all the brethren present . The VV . M . then rose and proposed that a vote of thanks be accorded to Bro . Pulley for his kindness in coining out from England to consecrate the lodge , and for the care ful

and impressive manner in which lie had conducted the whole of the interesting proceedings . This being carried by acclamation , it was ordered by the W . M . to be entered on the minutes . Bro . Pulley was then elected an honorary member of the lodge , and expressed his thanks for the honour which had been conferred upon him , and then proceeded to propose a cordial vote of thanks to the VV . M .

and officers of the Gibraltar Lodge , No . 43 , for the very kind and efficient manner in which they had assisted in the ceremonies , and especially tendered his thanks to the VV . M ., Bro . Bacon , for the invaluable assistance which he had rendered as acting G . D . of C . This also being carried by acclamation , was ordered to be entered on the minutes .

Bro . BACON then responded , and expressed the great pleasure it had given him and all the officers of his lodge to assist upon the auspicious occasion , and they would at all times gladly do anything in their power to further the interests of the new lodge . " Hearty good wishes " having been tendered , the lodge was closed in ancient form , and the brethren adjourned to

the banqueting room , where a most recherche banquet awaited the brethren , due justice being awarded to the various good things on the table after the lengthened ceremonies in the lodge . I he usual Mark Masons' toasts received due attention ,

and the proceedings were enlivened by some excellentsongs from Bros . Cottrell , Moore-Keys , Bryant , Bacon , Pulley , Roberts , and others , and the brethren afterwards separated . Altogether the proceedings were a marked success , and too much praise cannot be given to the acting Secretary , Br o . VV . F . Cottrell , for the care and attention given by

Consecration Of The Mediterranean Mark Lodge, No. 278, At Gibraltar .

him to all the arrangements , which were simply perfect , not a single bitch occurring from beginning to end . It is worthy of note that the number of the lodge is by a singular coincidence the same as that of the Craft lodge and chapter to which it is attached , namely , 27 S .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The first meeting of the Board of Stewards for the coming Festival , on June 29 th next , was held on Monday last _ at the Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Spice was elected Chairman for the evening , and among those present were Bros . A . J . Duff Filer , ] . L . Mather , Edgar

Bowyer , C . F . Maticr , E . Farwig , E . F . Storr , G . Bolton , George Kenning , N . Bridges , H . VV . Saunders , V . P . Freeman ( Brighton ) . R . W . Bro . Lieut .-Col . Sir Henry Edwards , Bart ., was appointed President of the Board of Stewards ; V . VV . Bro . Rev . J . C . Martyn , M . A ., VV . Bro . George Lambert , and Bro A . T . Duff Filer , Acting Presidents ; " VV . Bro . VV .

Roebuck , Hon . Treasurer ; and Bro . Frederick Binckes , Secretary . It was proposed that the festival be held at Brighton , but this being considered a novel idea , it was thought better that the decision of the Stewards should be adjourned

for further consideration until the 16 th . The sum of two guineas was fixed as the Steward ' s Fee . The musical arrangement was deferred until the next meeting . Some other routine business having been transacted , the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman , Bro . Spice .

Masonic Ball At Gibraltar.

MASONIC BALL AT GIBRALTAR .

A most successful ball , given by the combined Masonic lodges of Gibraltar , took place on Wednesday evening , the 27 th ult ., at the Theatre Royal . Dancing was announced to commence at nine o ' clock , but long before that hour the boxes were filled b y a large number of the fair sex , while the brethren in their quaint and handsome Masonic clothing were assembling in the ball room for the

procession , and reception of the District Grand Master . A Freemasons' ball is always a most noticeable object from the variety of the different costumes belonging to the several Orders and the jewels and ornaments , all of which possess a _ mystical meaning not known to the uninitiated , and on this occasion it was even more so than usual from the very great taste displayed in the decorations of the ball room and staircases and their great variety . The srcneral

groundwork of the colours employed was red and white in broad stripes , producing a very rich effect , and the general idea of the ornamentation of the ball room was a series of Moorish arches , in the same colours , around the proscenium and tiers of boxes , while mirrors , flowers , pictures , mottoes , arms , & c ., all lent their aid in producing a most charming effect , which was generally and deservedly admired . The

roof of the theatre was tented in full rows of red and white , and the whole effect was excellent , and reflects great credit on those charged with the important duty of preparing a fitting and tasteful ball room for the many guests who had received invitations . The actual work of the decorations was taken in hand by Bro . Peso , and very well indeed it was carried out .

At a quarter past nine o ' clock the District Grand Master , Bro . Cornwall , accompanied by the Deputy District Grand Master , Bro . Major Gilbard , arrived , and was conducted in due ( form to the ball room , where the brethren were drawn up in two lines , and passing between these , to the music of the Grand Masonic March , the D . G . M . was received at the lower end by Bro . Ross , P . M ., the President of the Ball Committee , who , in ashortand very appropriate

speech , heartily welcomed the District Grand Master to the combined ball in the name of the givers of the entertainment , and also the distinguished brethren who accompanied him ( Bros . Major Gilbard , D . D . G . M . ; Rev . R . Patterson , Past D . G . M . for Manitoba ; and T . J . Pulley , P . M . and P . G . Mark Steward for England ) . The DISTRICT GRAND MASTER briefly replied in thanks , and , after the National Anthem and " God Bless

the Prince of Wales" had been played by the band , declared the ball opened , when dancing immediately commenced , and was continued with the greatest spirit till 4 . 30 next morning . The Calpe band supplied the music . Freemasons' balls arc always some of the most popular amusements given in Gibraltar , and the one of last night will bear the most favourable comparison with any which has gone before . AH the arrangements were excellent : nothinc

was omitted by the Managing Committee which could either give eclat to the entertainment or add to the comfort and amusements of the guests , and it must be a great source of satisfaction to them , and indeed to all the subscribers ( of whom wc hear there were nearly 150 ) , that their efforts were so successful and , of course , so thoroughly appreciated . The total number present were about 4 TO .

1 lie Committee of Management was composed as under Bros . Alexander , Ross , P . M ., President ; White , P . M . 153 , E . J . Barker , P . M . 153 , C . Johnson , P . M . 27 S , Moore-Keys , J . W . 2 S , J . Wink , VV . M . 57 G , P . Adair , Sec . 576 , E . Silva , W . M . 57 C and Sec . 115 , A . Ferrary , 576 , V . Franccn , P . M . and D . G . Secretary , N . Bassadone , 325 , G . Lane , 153 , and Fromow , 325 , Stewards .

The Duke And Duchess Of Connaught In The City.

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CONNAUGHT IN THE CITY .

On Tuesday last , their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught paid a visit to the City in order that H . R . H . the Duchess of Connaught might open , at the Cannon-street Hotel , 1 bazaar in aid of the funds of the Aldershot Soldiers' HomesNorth Camp and

Grosvenor-, road , and the Chatham Soldiers' and Seamen ' s Institute . From a circular which was distributed in the hall it appears that the " great object of the Soldiers' Homes at Aldershot and of the Soldiers' and Seamen ' s Institute at Chatham is to provide on Christian principles healthy and attractive

substitutes for the dancing saloon and public house . All soldiers and seamen , irrespective of lank or creed , are welcomed . Arrangements are made for harmless recreation and mental improvement , and for the regular conduct oi evangelistic services and temperance meetings . These institutions have already been " cities of refuge" to thou-

The Duke And Duchess Of Connaught In The City.

sand of both branches of H . M . 's service . They are sustained by voluntary contributions . An urgent appeal is now made for help , in order to remove the debts | on the buildings , and to provide for enlargement . The amount needed is £ 5000 , and it is hoped by this effort to realize £ 3000 . On arriving at the hotel the Royal visitors proceeded through the corridor , which was lined with a company of the 7 th Surrey Rifles , forming a guard of honour , under

tile command of Captain Chubb and Captain Barnes , and up the crimson covered staircase , when they were received by the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress , with Bro . Alderman and Sheriff Fowler , M . P ., and Bro . Sheriff Waterlow . The Lord Mayor conducted H . R . H . the Duchess of Connaught , and H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught led the Lady Mayoress into the Hall , which was completely filled with visitors , the stalls—arranged in a

novel and pleasing style as a series of naval and military pavilions—occupying two sides . The Royal and civic parties took their places on a dais raised at the end of the hall , where there were , amongst others , Bishop Claughton , the Bishop of Rochester , Major-General E \ Gascoigne Bulwer , C . B ., and Mrs . Bulwer , the Misses Shillingtori , the Rev . E . E . Jenkins , & c . A short prayer was said by Bishop Claughton , and a brief

complimentary address , signed on behalf of the Committee by the Lord Mayor , was read by the Rev . E . E . Jenkins . H . R . H . the Duke of CONNAUGHT , in reply , said : I beg to thank you for the address which has just been react Her Royal Highness and myself share most fully in the sentiments which it conveyed . Your cause has already done much good , and we know how truly anxious you are to promote the welfare and the happiness of our two great

services . VVe sincerely appreciate what you have done , and hope that God ' s blessing will rest on your future work . ( Cheers . ) H . R . H . the Duchess of CONNAUGHT having { declared the bazaar open , received from a number of ladies purses containing sums of money , ranging from £ 5 to £ 100 , and then , in company [ with the Duke , proceeded to inspect the stalls , making- purchases at almost everv one of

them . Their Royal Highnesses shortly afterwards drove away amid the cheers of the crowd . The holders of tine dozen or so stalls , which are arrayed with great taste , represented various districts of London , and towns and counties of England . The credit of their erection is due to Messrs . Pattenden and Hicks , of Bermondsev

and mention should not be omitted of the pretty floraJ decorations b y Messrs . Veitch . The idea of the bazaar arose , wc believe , with Mr . John Beauchamp , the Treasurer of the two Homes . The hotel arrangements , under the " courteous ~ manager , Bro . Rand , gave every satisfaction .

Scotland.

Scotland .

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DUMBARTONSHIRE . The first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dumbartonshire since the death of the Provincial Grand Master was held in the Elephant Hotel , Dumbarton , on Saturday , the 23 rd ult ., Bro . Archibald Orr Ewing , of . Balhkinrain , M . P ., Depute P . G . M ., who presided , gave a short and feeling address , and moved the following-

resolution , which was seconded by Bro . the Rev . D . H . Wilson , M . A ., P . G . Chaplain , and unanimously agreed to , viz .: "That the members of this Provincial Grand Lodge , assembled in full communication , take this first opportunity of expressing their heartfelt sorrow at the death of their beloved Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Alexander Smollett , of Bonhill ; and of testifying to their

appreciation of his faithful , devoted , and unwearied services to the Craft during his long and beneficent rule ; of recording their warm admiration of the rare business tact , the wellbalanced judgment , the kindly heart , the high sense of honour , and the unvarying courtesy that so distinguished him as a man , and made him so justly admired and respected as a Provincial Grand Master . "

Bro . Provost Babtie , P . G . S . W ., moved that a copy of the resolution in the shape of an excerpt from the minutes be sent to Mr . Patrick Boyle Smollett , at Cameron House , which , on being seconded by Bro . James Dalrymple Duncan , P . M . 2 S , was likewise unanimouly agreed to .

It was further resolved , on the motion of the D . P . G . M ., to put on record the loss which the lodge had sustained in the recent removal by death of Bro . Sheriff Steele , S . P . G . M ., and Bro . Patrick Moir , P . G . B . B . Other business of Provincial Grand Lodge was afterwards transacted .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

SUPREME COUNCIL 33 . The Supreme Council 33 , on the 26 th April , at 33 , Golden-square , VV ., held a meeting of Grand Elected Knights K . H . 33 , at 3 . 30 o ' clock p . m ., when there were present 111 . Bros . Capt . N . G . Philips , as Sov . G . Comr . ; Hugh D . Sandeman , G . Sec . Gen . ; Gen . I . S . Brownrier * . C . B .. G . Prior ; Col . H . S . Burney , 3 /; Andrew Hly , 33 I Rev . Ambrose Hall , 32 ; James Keene , 32 ; R . M . McKerreil , 31 ; Capt . C . Compton , 31 ; S . G .

Kirch-Holler , 31 "; W . A . T . Amherst , 30 ° ; Col . G . H . J . Haldane , 30 ; T . H . Matthews , 30 ; Dr . Purchas , 30 : Dep . Cont . S . G . Bake , 30 ° ; and R . C . Goolden , 30 . The following brethren were admitted to the Degree o £ Grand Elected Knights K . H ., the ceremony being performed by 111 . Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman . r * ° : Bros .

Hubert T . Clutton , and Frederick Clark , Great Metropolitan Chapter , 1 ; Felix Joseph Curlier and Edward James Gardiner , Mount Calvary Chapter , 3 ; John Samuel Cox , St . Mary Magdalene Chapter , 73 ; Herbert Thomas Sankey and Charles Holtum , Ethelbert Chapter , 82 ; and the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , Honoris CausS . '

Lloyd's agent at Port Said telegraphs at 9 . 5 s a . m , on Iuesday last that the Suez Canal is again opsnfor traffic The Rock says the Princess of Wales has for some time been what is styled a Dame Chevaliere of the Order of St . John , whose headquarters are at St . John ' s Gate , Clerkenwell .