Royal Arch.

seconded , a hearty vote of thanks to Comps . Law and Sharp for their generous presents to the chapter , and that such resolution be recorded on the minutes . The chapter was then closed , the closing addresses being given by Comp . Holdsworth , P . P . G . P . S . After refreshment the usual loval and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

In proposing the toast ot "The Visiting Companions , Comp . Stocks , M . E . Z ., stated how very grateful he felt for the assistance they had rendered in the conduct of the ceremonies that evening . The work had been most eflicently done , and he sincerely hoped the visiting companions would renew their visits to the chapter as frequently as they could conveniently do so , for he could assure them they would at all times be most heartily welcome .

Comp . Holdsworth , P . Z . 44 S , P . P . G . P . S ., responded . He remarked that as their humble services had been appreciated , he assured the M . E . Z . it was an ample reward for any little trouble they might have been put to in coming to Cleckheaton . It was most gratifying to the visitors to find the chapter makinj such good progress , and they took it as a compliment that they had been invited to render some little assistance in the resuscitation of the chapter . "The Candidate" was proposed by the M . E . Z ., who expressed the pleasure it had given him to welcome as a member of the chapter such an experienced Mison as Comp . Mortimer . The toast was cordially received and suitably acknowledged .

Comp . Last , in proposing "The Health of the M . E . Z ., " congratulated Comp . Stocks upon having presided over another very successful meeting of the chapter . Comp . Stocks , M . E . Z ., thanked the companions for the cordial manner they had received the toast of his health . He was exceedingly gratified with the result of the two meetings that had been held , and he felt then that the future wellbeing of the chapter was assured , as they had amongst their members those who would be able in due course to get up and render the ceremonial duties of the chapter . Other toasts followed , and a pleasant and eminently successful meeting terminated .

Lodges Of Instruction.

Lodges of Instruction .

ISLINGTON LODGE , No . 1471 . The usual weekly meeting was held on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , when there were present Bros . J . E . Thomas , W . M . ; R . Eddie , S . W . ; V . J . R . Longman , J . W . ; W . Hancock , P . M ., Preceptor ; J . W . Clarke , P . G . P . Middx ., Asst . Preceptor ; C . M . Coxon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Herts , and I . Duncan , P . M ., Sees . ; C . Smith , S . D . ; E . J . Harrison , J . D . ; S . Cload , I . G . ; R . P . Upton , P . M . ; A . Oliver , P . M . ; W . Rapley , J . Birks , C . Nicole , A . F . Hardyment , A . C . Little , C . T . Rayner , W . F . Roberts , L . Danielsson , H . R . Bower , and G . Yexley .

The lodge was opened and the minutes read . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Rapley being the candidate . Bro . Hardyment gave the Ancient Charge . Bro . Harrison rehearsed the investiture of oflicers . Bro . Rapley took the chair and rehearsed the ceremony of passing , Bro . Danielsson being the candidate . Bro . Eddie was elected W . M . for the ensuing week and appointed the officers in rotation . The lodge was then closed .

STAR CHAPTER , No . 1273 . The usual weekly meeting was held at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-street , Camberwell , on Friday the ist inst . Present : Comps . C . L . Plant , M . E . Z . ; Wm . Dawson , H . ; G . Benedetti , P . Z ., J .: C . H . Stone , P . Z ., S . E . ; Jas . Addington , P . Z ., S . N . ; Stone , P . S . ; Witty , Dunn , and Derham . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Witty personating the candidate . Comp . Wm . Dawson , H ., was elected M . E . Z . for thc next meeting . After customary congratulations with " Hearty good wishes " the chapter was closed .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

Plains of Mature Preceptory , No . 89 . On Saturday , the 12 th ult ., at Haworth , an assemblage took place for the purpose , amongst other business , of dedicating the new altar which has been presented b y several knights to this preceptory . Amongst those present were Sir Knights Simeon Whiteley , E . P . ; Jno . VVm . Hartley , E . P . elect . ; Woodiwiss , Bracewell , Turner , P . P . ; Chas . Whitaker , Kassell , Foulds , Rollinshaw , and Whitley . Also J . W . Monckman , Prov . Chancellor ; Wm . Watson , Prov . ist Constable ; U . S . Holdsworth , P . G . Marshal , and Wm . Flockton , E . P . 114 .

The minutes having been read and confirmed , the proceedings were commenced by a few brief introductory remarks by Sir Knight Wm . Watson . The ceremony was performed in a most impressive manner b y the E . P ., Sir Knight Whiteley , assisted by Sir Knighs Chas . Whitaker , Turner , and Watson . This business having been disposed of , the E . P . elect , Sir Knight J . W . Hartley , was then formally presented by Sir Knight J . VV . Mcnckman , Prov . Chancellor , and duly installed as Eminent Preceptor for the ensuing year by E . Sir Knight S . Whiteley , the outgoing Preceptor , with his customary

ability . The officers were then apppointed as follows : Sir Knights William Woodiwiss , ist Constable ; John Bracewell , 2 nd Constable ; F . \ V . Turner , P . P ., Chaplain ; Charles Whitaker , P . P ., Treasurer ; John Spencer , P . P ., Registrar ; Jonas Pearson , Marshal ; George Whitaker , Captain of Guards ; Simeon Whiteley , P . P ., Almoner ; John Kassell , ist Std . Br . ; Edwin Foulds , 2 nd Std . Br . ; T . M . Rollinshaw , Herald ; Robert Horsfall , Chamberlain , and Walter Whitley , Guard Without and Steward . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the following

sir knights who had by their gifts furnished the altar : Sir Knights Simeon Whiteley , P . P ., alms dish ; Jno . Spencer and Chas . Whitaker , the two candlesticks ; Wm . Watson , lettering tor dossel and Templar cross , with agnus dei , for face of altar ; Walter Whitley , brass cross ; F . W . Turner , super altar ; J . VV . Hartley , dossel ; VVm . Woodiwiss , altar cloth ; and George Whitaker , alms bag . Several articles

required to complete the furniture of the preceptory were provided by other sir knights . Apologies were leceived from the V . E . Prior , Sir Knight J . Dunning Kay , absent on account of illness ; Sub-Prior , Sir Knight Harold Thomas , and others . After the close of the preceptory , the sir knights adjourned to the refectory for refreshment , and passed a most enjoyable evening , and there was a unanimous feeling expressed b y the sir knights that that preceptory , established in the ancient and clastic village of Haworth may confidently look forward to a long and prosperous career .

Cryptic Masonry.

Cryptic Masonry .

Grand Masters Council , No . 1 . A meeting of this council was held at the Mark Masons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on the : 7 th ult . Among those present were Bros , and Comps . VV . A . Scurrah , T . l . M . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . D . G . M ., Recorder ; H . ) . Lardner , P . G . M ., P . T . I . M . ; J . Rowe , H . Briggs , and E . Mills , O . S . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the

resignation of Bro . and Comp . II . Carmon was received with regret . Apoligies for non-attendance were received from Bros , and Comps . Baron dc Ferrieres , P . T . I . M . ; Lieut .-Col . G . Lambert , F . S . A ., P . T . I . M . r G . Graveley , P . T . I . M . ; R . L . Loveland , J . P ., P . T . I . M . ; the Rev . Dr . Lemon , P . G . C . ; the Rev . R . C . Fillingham , M . A ., J . J . Pakes , J . J Thomas , B . Steward , Hays , G . Gregory , W . M . Stiles , Major P . Dunbar , G . Everett , and many others .

The council was then closed and the companions adjourned to dine at the Holborn Restaurant . The only toast given was " The Queen and Cryptic Masonry . "

Secret Monitor.

Secret Monitor .

Royal Sussex Conclave , No . 10 . A meeting of this conclave was held on Saturday , the 12 th ult ., at the Royal Pavilion , Brighton , when there were present Bros . E . Mitchell , G . C , P . G Stwd ., S . R . ; A . Upton , P . G . Stwd ., C . ; John Mennich Mennich , Sec ; Tom Ryder , Stwd . ; John Wood , G . Std ., V . D . ; A . H . Tester , V . D . ; Lewis Beale , D . C . ; C . J . Gallard , Guatder ; Henry H . Hughes ; H . Pearce , P . S . R . ; and Chas . Fox Goode , P . S . R . The minutes ot the last regular meeting were read by the Secretary , passed and

signed by the Supreme Ruler . Apologies were read from the Grand Recorder and several brethren regretting absence . Communications from Grand Council were then read ; also from Bro . John Marshall , of Manchester , Grand Visitor , regretting absence . The reports of the Visiting Deacon were taken . The Supreme Ruler then proceeded to take the ballot for Supreme Ruler for , and declared the unanimous election of Bro .

Upton , C , as Supreme Ruler , 1 S 97 . The ballot was taken for Treasurer , and Bro . A . F . Lamefte was re-elected Treasurer . The conclave elected Bro . H . H . Hughes , Sentinel ; and Bro . Alf . Coe Asst . Sentinel . It was proposed , seconded , and passed , that a P . S . R . ' s jewel be presented to Bro . Edward Mitchell , G . C , P . G . Stwd ., Supreme Ruler , for his eminently valuable services as Supreme Ruler during his year of office . The conclave was closed .

George Andrews Conclave , No . 11 . A meeting of the above conclave was held on Thursday , the ioth ult ., at the White Swan Hotel , High-street , Deptford , when there were present Bros . A . T . Dealer , S . R . ; \ V . Wright , C . ; Vohmann , G . ; J . J . Pakes , Sec ; Fricker , V . D . ; Ball , Sentinel ; and R . T . Stringer , P . S . R . The conclave having been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bro . W . W . Wright was installed S . R . for the ensuing year , and appointed and invested his officers . The usual Past Supreme Ruler ' s jewel was unanimously voted to Bro . A . T . Dealer , P . S . R ., and the conclave closed . The banquet which followed was in the usual good style for which this hitel is noted .

New Year's Entertainment To The Old People.

NEW YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENT TO THE OLD PEOPLE .

The annual entertainment to the annuitants of the Royal Masonic Benevo lent Institution resident in the buildings at Croydon was given this year on Wednesday , the 6 th inst ., when the following visitors , friends , and supporters ot the Institution journeyed from London and other parts to assist in the proceed , ings of the day : Bro . Dr . H . J . Strong ; Bro . John Newton , Mrs . Newton , and Miss Sandeman Bro . David Hills , W . M . 185 , and Mrs . Hills ; Miss Walker ; Bro . Charles

Frederick Hogard ; Bro . T . Hastings Miller , C . C . ; Bro . Charles Kempton and Mrs . Kempton ; Bro . Ben George ; Bro . Phillip Woodman ; Bro . George F . Cook and Mrs . Cook ; Bro . J . J . Goode and Mrs . Goode ; Bro . Hugh Cotter and Miss Harriet Cotter ; Bro . J . Curtis , Mrs . Curtis , and Mrs . Jacques ; Bro . A . Start and Mrs . Start ; Bro . John Aldis and Mrs . Aldis ; Bro . Wm . Thomas ; Bro . Alex Mullord , Mrs . Mullord , and Miss Nolly Mullord j Bro . W . H . Allaway and Mrs . Allaway ; Miss Lilian Racker ; Mrs . Catherine Curtis ; Mrs . Sarah

Jacques ; Miss Kate Terry ; Bro . H . Massey , Miss Massey , and Mrs . George Freeman ( Nancy Massey ); Bro . E . J . Anning , C . C , Mrs . Anning , and Miss Anning ; Bro . John J . Pakes ; Bro . C . J . Parish , W . M . 1288 ; Miss Mary L . Racker ; Bro . W . J . Crutch and Miss Ai'da Crutch ; Miss H . Sandeman ; Bro . H . W . Clarke ; Mrs . Terry ; Bro . Dr . W . P . Warren and Mrs . Warren ; Bro . Alfred Hickman and Mrs . Hickman ; Bro . W . H . Hubbert ; Mrs . Minnie Ben George ; Mr . Sydney A . Nye , M . R . C . V . S . ; and Dr . Waite .

On arriving at the Institution they were welcomed by Bro . James Terry , Miss Norris , the Matron , Bro . J . G . Stevens , and Mr . Horton , and immediately after , wards the residents were summoned by sound of bell to attend the dinner . Their arrival was speedy , and the lady visitors sat down with them to the repast , over which Qr . Strong presided , while vice-chairs were taken by Bros . J . Terry , John Newton , C . F . Hogard , T . Hastings Miller , and G . F . Cook .

At the close of the dinner , which was thoroughly enjoyed , the very few toasts proposed on these occasions were honoured , Bro . Dr . Strong proposing them .

" The Queen , " of course , was the first , and in proposing the second— " The Founders of the Feast" — Bro . Dr . STRONG said he might tell those visitors who had not before had the privilege of attending these annual dinners that they were provided by voluntary contributions , but the old supporters knew that the cost did not come out of the subscriptions to the Institution . One of the founders of the feast was Bro . Thomas Hastings Miller , who had contributed many years , and another was Bro . George Frederick Cook .

Bro . T . HASTINGS MILLER , replying , said this was not the first occasion on which he had had the privilege of responding to this toast , always so kindly proposed by Bro . Strong . He hoped it would not be the last occasion by many years he might attend such festivities . There was nothing in his life gave him greater pleasure than adding to the pleasure of the residents in this Institution .

He now occupied a more important post in the Institution than he did two years ago , as he was now on the House Committee , and had the privilege of visiting the buildings and seing the old friends enjoy themselves in their old age , looking , as they always did , the very essence of happiness and good health . Such a si ght touched one's heart and did it good .

Bro . G . F . COOK , who also replied , said he could not do more than echo what had fallen from Bro . Hastings Miller . Bro . Dr . STRONG next proposed " Success to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , long life to its Inmates , to its Secretary , Bro . Terry , and its Matron , Miss Norris . " Every one appreciated the efforts of Bro . Terry and Miss Norris ,

and success to the Institution was what they all desired . He contrasted the present dinners with those of 20 years ago when the room in which they were held was only half the size of the present room , and when the inmates of the Institution and the visitors were very hot and uncomfortable , and the brethren felt disposed to take off their coats . Now they can entertain more people , all of whom could thoroughly enjoy the meal .

Bro . J AMESTERRY , in acknowledging the toast , said Dr . Strong had dwelt on a page of ancient history , when both Dr . Strong and he were 28 years younger . He remembered well the difficulty he had in getting the dinner up when he had no means and no money for doing so . But he spoke to some friends , one of whom gave a piece of beef weighing 2 olbs ., and another gave turkeys , and another fowls , and others gave various provisions to satisfy the appetites they all brought with them . Since that time they had had many generous friends to help them in

the ' r work . In those diys the room was smaller , and , as the dojtir hid put it , the brethren fell disposed to take off their coats on account of the heat . On thc subject of Miss Norris he ( night say of that lady that although not a mother she took a motherly interest in the welfare of all the residents of the Institution , and what the Institution would do without its Matron he did not know She was a peacemaker and a most trusted and valued officer of every supporter of the Institution , and of the House Committee and the General Committee .