Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The monthly meeting of the General Committee of this Institution was held last Saturday in the Board Room , Freemasons' Hall . There was a good attendance of members . Br ° . W . Roebuck took the chair , and among other brethren present were Bros . Raynham W . Stewart , Jesse Turner , Benj . Mallam , S . Rosenthal , J . G . Chancellor ,

Walter Hopekirk , W . Hughes , Benj . Head , I-I . Browse , 1 * . Adlard , W . F . C . Moutrie , W . H . Saunders , John Symonds , James Winter , Hyde Pullen , George Snow , G . J . Palmer , H . Massey ( Freemason ) , and F . Binckes , Secretary . The minutes of meetings of the Committee and of the House Committee were read and confirmed . In the latter were included the records of the resignations of the Head and

Second Masters , and their acceptance . The letters containing the resignations were read to the Committee . Eleven petitions for placing boys on the list for election were read and passed , and the list was settled , there being 48 cases and 8 vacancies . On the motion of Bro . John Symonds , a vote expressive of the regret of the Institution at the loss of Bro . Benj .

Bond Cabbell , one of the Trustees , was unanimously agreed to . Bro . Symonds gave notice of the same motion for the Quarterly Court of the Boys' School on the 18 th , as he gave for the Girls' to increase the privileges of the Stewards for the festivals , and the ] Committee shortly afterwards adjourned .

Dinner Of The Audit Committee Of The Domatic Lodge.

DINNER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE DOMATIC LODGE .

The above dinner took place at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Saturday last , lhc 2 nd inst ; Bro . Frederick Kent , C . C , the Master of the lodge , being in the chair , and Bro . Everett , the W . M . elect , in the vice-chair , supported by Bro . J . Fortescue Harrison , M . P ., and other

brethren . The result of the audit disclosed a balance of £ 53 6 s . 6 d . to the credit of the lodge , besides a payment to Grand Lodge of £ 66 3 s . for dues . After the loyal toasts , the W . M . proposed " The House of Commons , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Harrison , M . P . for Kilmarnock . The Hon . brother , in reply , stated that he was an old English Mason , and

thoroughly devoted to the interests of the Craft . Strange to say , although representing a Scotch burgh , he had not seen much of Scotch Masonry , but if every lodge bore such a reputation as the Domatic , Masonry , with all its true and noble principles , must flourish . He had come there to spend a pleasant evening- with Bro . Kent , their W . M ., whom he learned in the course of the evening

was about shortly to quit the chair ; he could only say that he wished him all happiness in the future . The toasts of the Audit Committee , the W . M ., the W . M . elect , and the Past Masters , followed . Bro . Kent , in responding to his own health , said : — Brethren , the Master of a lodge is always anxious about his audit , and for myself I can say that the result is to mc

most gratifying ; after all our pleasures , to have so large a surplus as £ 53 6 s . 6 d ., shows that we have been merry and wise , and have not forgotten charity . The Master made some amusing allusions to bread-and-cheese banquets , describing them as unreal , if given for ostentation and display , but praiseworth y , if from pure motives . He was happy to say that , in the Domatic Lodge , there was no occasion for bread-and-cheese banquets .

To the toast of the Treasurer and Secretary , Uro . Joseph Smith , P . M ., Aic , and Bro . Willing , severally replied , the former speaking of the prosperity of the lodge under Bro . Kent , and the latter expressing his intention to do all he could to promote its prosperity . The concluding toast , i . e ., " The Pretty Maids , Handsome Wives , and Buxom Widows of the Domatic Lodge , " was given by the Master in happy terms , and most facetiously acknowledged by Bro . Ferguson .

Masonic Tidings.

Masonic Tidings .

MASONIC BALI , LIVIUU ' . —The approaching ball in Liverpool on Tuesday next ( of which an advertisement appears in another column ) promises to be one of a highly successful kind , and there is no doubt that the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , on behalf of which the annual festival is held , will reap a substantial benefit from the gathering . The arrangements are in . 1 very

forward condition , and our numerous readers will find a full report of the successful gathering in the Freemason in due course . Our distinguished Bro ., theRt . Hon . the Lord Mayor of London , David Henry Stone , P . M ., No . 1 P . Z ., will preside at the Girl's School Anniversary in May next . He left London on a state visit to the French metropolis ,

accompanied by the Sheriffs , and reached Paris at midnight . He was received by the Minister of Police , the Prefect of the Seine , and other officials . He was present at the opening of the New Opera I louse , where a special box was reserved for him , having been previously presented to Marshal MacMahon . The second of the series of five concerts in aid of the

organ fund of the new Masonic Hall , Liverpool , took place in the large dining hall of the building on Wednesday week , when there was a good attendance . The concert was highly successful in a musical point of view , much of the credit being due to Bro . Walter Barnct , who efficiently fulfilled the duties of conductor and accompanyist .

The Fifteen Sections will be worked by the members of the Great City Lodge of Instruction , No . 1426 , on Thursday evening , January 28 th 187 , *; , at 6 . 30 precisely , at No . it 1 , Cheapside ( the London Warehousemens' Association ) . Bro . Jas . Stevens , P . M . 720 , 1216 , I . P . M . 1426 will preside . Brethren are invited to attend .

Consecration Of A Chapter In New Zealand.

CONSECRATION OF A CHAPTER IN NEW ZEALAND .

It may be interesting to many of our readers to learn that in the fast-progressing colony of New Zealand , " the Britain of the South , " Masonry flourishes and is respected . We have just received from a correspondent the following report of the consecration and the opening of the Trafalgar

Royal Arch Chapter of Nelson , S . C . In that confessedly delightful and serene spot— " the garden of New Zealand " —the Southern Star Lodge , No . 735 , E . C , has been established about twenty years , and it is out of that strong and well-established lodge that has sprung the chapter just inaugurated . On Thursday , the 8 th of October , three M . E . Principals

from the Canterbury Kilwinning R . A . Chapter arrived in Nelson Haven , on their fraternal mission , after a four day ' s voyage in the New Zealand Coasting Steamer , Wellington , from Lyttclton , for the purpose of opening the chapter . These gentlemen were the guests of the Nelson Masons for nine days , a great portion of which time was occupied in their Masonic duties .

On the afternoon of their arrival , the M . E . Comps . F . W . Thiel , Z . J . ; Booth , H . ; and Arthur A . Dobbs , J . ; met the brethren in the Masonic Hall , where afterwards , assisted by other companions resident in Nelson , they formed the chapter . In the evening of the same day , the Mark Master ' s Lodge was opened , and a considerable number of the brethren advanced to that degree . On the

Friday afternoon , the Lodge of Excellent Masons was formed , and the brethren passed through the veils , and , in the evening , the exaltations into the Royal Arch degree were given . On the Saturday a Royal Ark Mariner ' s Lodge was formed among those Royal Arch companions qualified to take the degree . On Monday afternoon there were more exaltations , and , in the evening , the

officebearers were installed and invested by M . E . Comp . Thiel . The ceremony was exceedingly impressive , and during the evening Comp . Dobbs , of Christchurch , acting , ) ., delivered an address , a slight sketch of which , as taken by our correspondent , we give . Comp . Dobbs said : On first entering into Masonry our attention was , in an especial manner , directed to the

volume of the Sacred Law as our sole guide in all things , whether relating to our civil , social , or domestic duties . In the second degree we were encouraged to cultivate the understanding by a study of the liberal arts and sciences , and in the third degree not only was our higher intelligence to be exercised , but we were enjoined to the study of our own nature , and our higher aspirations were

directed to the source of all good m the universe , and to that immortality , the instinct of which has been implanted within every soul . But at the close of this degree we are , in terms equally strong , directed to God's Holy Word , and especially with his dealings with I lis creatures . The certainty of a national punishment following national sin , and the equal certainty , but more immediate sequence , of

pardon on national repentance , is strongly shown in God ' s dealing with His rebellious people—showing His character , as revealed by Himself , as a God who sits in His seat to administer mercy , but who comes out of His place in executing punishment which is His strange work . Next we have a dramatic scene , enacted in the visits of the Sojourners to the vaults , which , although it may not

be an exact representation of a real or historical occurrence , yet undoubtedly represents a fact—the discovery of the secret vault of King Solomon erected by him , directed by the providence of God to preserve the precious deposits there from the ruin that he prophetically foresaw would overtake Jerusalem . We had there , in the decorations of the chamber , an evidence of the advanced position of

science , cultivated by Masons , in the Zodiacal signs , and it is remarkable also that the names of the twelve tribes are actually lost lo human knowledge , although we know that most surely will the promises of God to His ancient people be fulfilled to the letter , and but for the preservation of the Sacred histories and for these prophetic lirecautions , the very names of these tribes would have been

lost . We come now to the climax or key-stone of the K . A ., in the discovery of the genuine secrets of Masonry , and especially of tin ; grand mysterious name of the Deity and the manner in which it should be pronounced . From the singular care taken by the Jews to prevent an irreverent use of the sacred name , manifested in so many ways , and so uniformly , we should learn an important

lesson , and the Arch-Mason who uses the ordinary name of God irreverently on light or trivial occasions is peculiarly inconsistent in his conduct . The veteran companion in the foregoing address was listened to with marked attention . The following companions were severally invested as officebearers of the Trafalgar Royal Arch Chapter of

Nelson , by M . E . Com )) . F . W . Thiel , by authority of the Provincial Grand Superintendent , W . 13 . Sealy , Z . ; W . Westbroke Squires , H . ; R . Burn , J . ; Wm . M . Stanton , E . ; A . M . K . Wit , N . ; W . I . ightfoot , Treasurer ; William Holmes , J . Hounsell , and Leonard G . Boor , Sojourners .

On the next evening , the Southern Star Lodge niel ( by emergency ) to afford their Canterbury brethren the opportunity of visiting . A brother was raised to the third degree by W . M . Maclean , and the visitors were pleased to express their gratification at the order and good working of the lodge .

THE 11 ANQUF . T . The Craft Lodge joined with the Chapter to do honour to their guests and brethren , by inviting M . E . Comps . Thiel , Booth , and Dobbs to a banquet , which was accordingly given in the Masonic Hall , on Wednesday evening ,

the 14 th Oct . The companions and brethren dined in regalia , and the gallery was open for an hour , to ladies , being members of the families of Masons . The following toasts were given , the first four from the

Consecration Of A Chapter In New Zealand.

chair , which was ably filled by M . E . Comp . Sealy , — " The Queen and the Craft ; " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W ., First Grand Principal for England ; " ( this toast called for special remark , from the recently arrived telegraphic intelligence of the defection of the late Noble Grand Principal , and was drunk vvith enthusiasm ) "The Grand Principals of Scotland and Ireland ; " and "The

Earl of Carnarvon , Deputy G . M . for England ; " and " The Grand Officers . " M . E . Comp . Dobbs gave " The three Principals of the Trafalgar R . A . Chapter of Nelson , " responded to by M . E . Comp . Sealy , who , after some songs , ' proposed the toast rf the occasion— "The Installing Ofiicers , " vvhich was most cordially and heartily drunk . M . E . Comp . Thiel , for himself and fellow principals ,

very kindly responded , and gave " The healths of E . Comps . Stanton and Holmes , " who , he said , had been instrumental in the formation of the Chapter whose opening was at that moment being so well celebrated . He was responded to by the former . M . E . Comp . Sealy then gave " The Worshipful Master , the Wardens , and Officers of the Southern Star Lodge , " to

which W . M . Charles L . Maclean responded . To the toast of " The Visiting brethren , " Bro . T . M . Foy responded . "The Newly Elected Companions" was responded to by Comp . A . J . Richmond , and "The Canterbury Kilwinning Chapter , " by Comp . Booth . Comp . Burn proposed the health of M . E . Com ]) , and Bro . Squires , whose zealous care in fostering Freemasonry in Nelson , at a time when such guardianship was so much required , he highly

eulogized . Comp . Dobbs , in a humorous speech , proposed "The Ladies , " responded to by Bro . Deacon . " The W . M . and officers of the Forest Lodge , " " The health of HostToejca , " with a well-deserved compliment for his providing so excellently , and " To all poor and distressed Masons " were duly drunk , and the evening passed away pleasantly with agreeable speeches and good music , among which was the following original song .

THE MASON ' S TEMPLE . " A Temple not made vvith hands . " Written by E . Comp . W . M . Stanton , to music by Bro . Charles Bonnington , and sung by Comp . C . A . Deacon . E . Com ]) . Stanton accompanied on the pianoforte . Fill the rosy cup to the brim ' . to the brim ! Raise the cheerful song and joyous hymn !

Every Mason s heart rej . 'iccs At the work this day begun , And as jubilant our voices , Be our hearts and souls as one ; We have left behind our labours With the setting of the sun . So around the festive lable be banish'd every cue , As we meet upon the level aul part upon ' . lhe square .

The temple we are building is sublime ! is sublime ! Its pillars are eternal ! beyond time ! In Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty Our grand Architect Divine Has traced each Craftsman ' s tlutv

To the true Masonic line ; Then let brother aid each brother , Love and labour thus combine . Cheerfully , untiring , let us build our temple fair , Meeting on the level—parting on the square .

Then forward with the structure ! let it rise ! let it rise ! Rear up its lofty arches to the skies ! Ply the chisel and the gavel , Till the ashlars square become , Lay a true ami perfect level ,

Fix a true and upright plumb , Then pile up the glorious temple , The perfect Mason ' s home , And adorn the the sacred building—that palace bright and rare , Where we meet upon the level , to part upon the square .

'I he delay of two days 111 the departure of the steamer * enabled the Masons to shew their guests the suburban districts , and to explore with them the sunny gardens and the green hills and valleys with their shady walks and pleasant drives , surrounded by pretty cottages and elegant villas embosomed in trees . The weather was most

favourable to the enjoyment of the charming spring-time , until at noon on Saturday , the 17 th , with a calm sea and a cloudless sky , their guests re-embarked in the Wellington for home , carrying with them high respect and hearty good wishes . No less than fifty Masons , without any previous arrangement , came together on the pier , during the morning , to take leave of their Christchurch

brethren . The Trafalgar Chapter already numbers thirty-five Companions .

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings.

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS .

For the Week ending truiay , January 1 ( 1 , 1875 . The Editor will be glad to receive notice from Secretaries ot Craft Lodges , Royal Arch Chapters , Mark Lodges , Preceptories , Conclaves , & c ., of any change in place or time of meeting .

Saturday , January 9 . Quarterly General Court , Girls' School , at 12 . Lodge 108 , London , Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street . „ 17 6 , Caveac , Westminster Palace 1 Iotel . „ 1328 , Granite , Freemasons' Hall . „ 13 61 , United Service , Greyhound Hotel , Richmond . 1 , 1426 , The Great City , City Terminus Hotel , Cannon-slrect .

„ 1457 , Bagshaw , Bald-Faced Stag , Buckhurst Hill . Chap . 1293 , Burdett , Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court .