Craft Masonry.

Aplin . Also the following visitors : Bros . D . T . Taylor , C 6 ; T . L . Wilkinson , P . D . G . Reg . ; C . W . Duncan , P . M . 45 ; G . R . Ousey , P . M . 59 ; J . Harrison , 99 ; W . Hastings Jones , 20 S 7 ; M . F . Tweedie , VV . M . 62 ; Luke Hansard , P . M . 1506 j and the Aichdeacon of London , P . G . C . The congratulations cf the ledge were tendered to the following members of the

Correspondence Circle , on their appointment to Grand Office , viz .: Bros . E . D . Anderton , J . G . D . ; E . St . Clair , A . G . D . C ; II . Lovegrove , G . S . B . ; VV . A . Scurra ^ , G . Std . Br . ; J . Boulton , G . Purst . ; Col . Hunter , P . G . D . ; Dr . C . D . Hill Drury , P . A . G . D . C ; Dr . G . Mickley , P . A . G . D . C ; C . W . Carrel ! , P . G . S . B . ; J . M . McLecd , Secretary R . M . I . Boys , P . G . S . B . ; and to their own Secretary , G . W . Speth ,

P . A . G . D . C . The following seven lodges and 77 brethren were admitted to the memership of the Correspondence Circle , viz : Lodge Aramac , No . 233 S , Aramac , Douglas Lodge , No . 2252 , Port Douglas , Celtic of Ithaca Lodge , No . Sio ( S . C ) , Brisbane , Lodge Maranoa , 730 ( S . C ) , Roma , Lodge Unity and Concord , No . 292 ( I . C ) , Maryborough , all in Queensland ; Buffalo Lodge , No . 1 S 24 , East London , South Africa ; and Lodge Carl zur gekroenten Saeule ,

Brunswick , Germany . And the following brethren : In India—Bros . Brigadier-General H . M . Evans , C . B ., P . M . 391 , Major J . C . B . Craster , 391 , C . Ross-Alston . P . M . 391 , of Allahabad , and W . L . Crawford , 2576 , of Satilespur , Mysore ; C . C . Sonne , 570 , Shanghai ; in New Zealand—R . Spencer , 101 , Auckland , and H . J . Williams , P . Dep . G . M . Wellington ; in New South VVales—C VV . J . H . Kautz . S 4 , Invert !' , and T . E . Spencer , Dep . G . M . Sydney ; in Queensland—H . J . Boreham , VV . M . 932 , Rockhampton , W . E . Benbow 752 ( S . C ) , Bundaberg , E . I . Thompson , Dr . H . J . Hewer , 2207 ,

Blackall , A . Witty , Sio ( S . C ) , J . M'Dougall , W . M . 339 ( I . C ) , Brisbane , D . W . MacLean , 730 ( S . C ) , Redford , H . W . Lee , 2573 . Childers , C S . Eden , 775 ( S . C ) , and R . L . Jackson , 292 , Toowoomba ; in the Orange Free State—C . Palmer , P . M . 1469 , Jagersfontein , M . P . Myers , and C . C . Thomas , 2 5 22 , Bethlehem ; in the South African Republic—S . Begemann , P . jj . Ikkink , H . J . Schuyling van Doom , 24 S 0 , Boksburg , and T . Sheffield , P . M . 2313 , Johannesburg ; in Cape Colony—E . Searle , 711 , Port Elizabeth ; in the United States of America—H . C . Curtis , P . M . 149 ,

Plainfield , E . S . W . ckcif , P . M . 19 , Beverley , New Jersey , W . L . Gorgas . P . M . 21 , Harrisburg , J . E . Stevenson , P . M . 219 , Sewickley , Pennsylvania , and C . Cameron , 39 8 , LochitI Arizona Territory ; Capt . D . H . Colnaghi , and Lieut . G . Vawdrey , 349 , Malta ; A . Smjthe , P . M . 26 3 ( I . C ); T . R . G . Joze , G . Org . ( I . C . ) j Sir C . A . Cameron , M . D ., P . G . D . ( I . C ); J . White , P . M . 117 ( I . C . ); J . P . Pile , 53 ( I . C ); J . J . Crowe ( I . C ); R . Noble , 339 ( S . C ); H . Brown , P . M . 124 ; R . B . Jones , 216 : F . F . Fisher-Jones , 1674 ; j . S . Derbyshire , 1045 ; E . A . Hirst , 2 S 9 ; R . Abbott , P . M . 2069 ; J . C . Kirk , 20 ( 09 ; R . Tasker , 1211 ; VV . Walker , 2321 ; Rev . W . Wilkinson ,

P . M . 44 ; H . Deighton , W . M ., T . Pratt , P . M ., E . M . Southwell , P . M ., J . H . Cooksey , P . M ., W . VV . Craig , Capt . E . W . F . Acton , and F . M . Southwell , all of 1621 ; A . Graharr , P . M . 262 j Lieut . A . R . Finlay , i 960 ; Rev . W . Cunningham , S 59 ; Surgeon-Major S . J . Flood , VV . M . 2555 j Capt . A . E . Sandbach , R . E ., i 960 ; Capt . H . A . Lafone , 25 S 7 ; VV . J . Baker , VV . M . 1 S 92 ; F . H . Bright , P . M . 1024 ; R .-S . Ellis , W . M . 2242 ; M . Gipps , A . Knight , P . M . 1152 ; H . J . Collier , 2192 ; W . J . Batho , 170 S ; T . C . Edmonds , P . M . 1507 ; J . R . Farrar , 1339 ; S . A . Graddage , VV . M . 1709 ; E . Tidman , 1716 ; E . G . Young , VV . M . 19 ; and E . A . Rice ,

1320 . A letter was read from Bro . A . M . Maas Gcsteranus , the D . G . M . of the Netherlands , acquainting the lodge with the death of Bro . J . P . Vaillant , G . Sec . ofthe Netherlands , a member of their Correspondence Circle , and contributor to their Transactions . Bros . Speth and Gould , as personal acquaintances of the late Bro . Vaillant , bore testimony to his character as a genial , courteous , and learned brother , and it was ordered that a letter be written to the D . G . M ., expressing the regret and conveying the

condolence of the brethren of the Quatuor Coronati . The Secretary called attention to the following exhibits , which were displayed on a table in the centre of the lodge : The petition and act of constitution of the French lodge in London , 1755 ; an engraved , hand-coloured satin apron , date 17 S 9 , belonging to the Lion and Lamb Lodge , Whitby ; three Irish certificates , 1 S 1 G—1819 , granted to W . Mackay , the grandfather of the exhibitor , Bro . Alex . Bruce , of Glasgow ; two silver collar-jewels , exhibited by Bro . J . T . Thorp , of Leicester ; the I . P . M . collar-jewel of Lodge St . James Union , No . 1 S 0 ,

exhibited by Bro . G . J . Taylor ; three handsome jewels of the Order of Bucks , exhibited by Bro . Balho ; and a photograph of the plate of Death and the Freemason from the original edition , sent by Bro . E . T . Carson of Cincinnati . Bro . G . Greiner read an interesting paper , entitled " Geiman Freemasonry in the Present Era . " In this he gave a short retrospect of Masonic history in Geimany , and then went into detailsof the foundation and organisation of the eight German Grand Lodges , followed by statistics of their lodges , membership , & c . Ihe most interesting part of the paper was that dealing with the

customs of the Fraternity in the Fatherland , affording a good idea of the inner life of the Craft in that country . Comments were made on the paper by Bros . R . F . Gould , W . J . Hughan , VV . McCullough , VV . H . Rylands , C . Kupferschmidt , E . Conder , and G . VV . Speth , and a hearty vote of thanks was passed and acknowledged . The following brethren were proposed as joining members from the chair , and seconded by the S . VV ., as is usual in this lodge : Bros . G . Greiner , the Rev . J . VV . Horsley , and the Rev . C H . Maiden . The brethren dined at the Holborn Restaurant .

Acacia Lodge , No . 2321 . A regular meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 2 nd ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Darley-street , Bradford , when Bro . S . Robinson , VV . M ., was supported by Bros . Alfred Stephenson , Prov . G D ., D . of C ; J . T . Last , P . M ., Sec , as I . P . M . ; J . B . Fearnley . S . W . ; R . S . Hird , J . VV . j T . IL ' Bedford , as S . D . j W . Docksey , as J . D . j C . J . Paul , as I . G . j J . R . Peat , and others . The minutes of the previous reeular meeting were read and confirmed , after which the ballot was taken for Mr . Fred Kinder , who was declared duly elected , and the lodge was closed .

On Thursday , the 9 th ult ., a ledge of emergency was held , when there were present Bros . S . Robinson , W . M . j John Niven , as I . P . M . j J . T . Last , P . M ., Sec . ; S . A . Bailey , P . M ., Treas . ; A . Stephenson , P . M ., Prov . S . G . D , D . C ; J . B . Fearnley , S . W . ; R . S . Hird , J . VV . ; J . Morton , as S . D . ; J . VV . Bland , J . D . ; W . Walker , as I . C ; John Harland , H . Holmes , Tyler ; R . B . Nicholls , as Org . ; C . Wood , J . S . Hedlev . F . Betteridee . B . A .. I . R . Peat . C . Wood . A . E . Harrisandothers . Vislhrs .

, Brcs . VV . Ash , P . M . 1019 , P . P . G . Org . ; R . Shtard , I . P . M . 1019 ; J . A . Thornton , P . M . 1019 ; J . H . Lee , S . W . 1019 ; F . Massie , I . G . 1019 j and J . Tilley , Coo . Mr . Fred Kinder was initiated by Bro . Bailey , P . M ., Treas ., the working tools being explained by Bro . Hird , J . W ., and the charge delivered by Bro . Fearnley , S . W , After apologies had been tendered for the unavoidable absence of a number of brethren , the lodge was closed , and an adjournment made for refreshment .

I he usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been duly honoured , and , as several of Ihe visitors from a distance had to catch the evening London express , Bro . J . T . Last , P . M ., wasentrusted by the W . M . with the toast of "The Visitors . " On behalf of the lodge Bro . Last expressed the gratification it afforded the brethren to be honoured with a fraternal visit from several distinguished members of Sincerity Lodge , No . 1019 , Wakefield , the Lodge Acacia extended to them a most cordial welcome . Bro . Last referred to the very generous hospitality which he and some other membersof the lodge had received at Sincerity Lodge tivo or three times djrinp- the

present year , when he had seen each of the visiting Past Masters that eve . iing temporarily occupying the Master ' s chair and conferring the several Degrees upon candidate s , and remarked that it appeared to be a rule with Sincerity Lodge , as with this lodge , that the VV . M . was not expected to undertake all the work that fell to the lodge during his term of ofiice but the ceremonies were distributed amongst the Past Misters , that he ventuied to think was an exceedingly good practice , as it kept them efficient as regards the ritual ar . d tended to retain their interest in the lodge . The toast was very cordially received .

Bro . Win . Ash , P . M . 1019 , P . P . G . Org ., in acknowledging the toast , thanked the brethren for their hearty greeting and assured the W . M . that he and the other Wakefield brethren had been pleased to have had that opportunity of visiting the lodge , and complimi nted the officers or . the tllicient manner in which they had discharged their respective duties . He referred to a remark of Bro . Last in proposing the toast , that it

was a pleasure for the lodge to receive visitors from sister lodges , but he assured the VV . M . that it was a great privilege to visit other lodges , to exchange fraternal courtesies , and to obseive the slight variations that were observed in different lodges in the working of the ceremonies j he had observed one or two points in the working in the lodge that evening that he considered worthy of adoption . He concluded by expressing a hope

Craft Masonry.

that the VV . M . and brethren would not be very long before they honoured Sincer ' t Lodge with a visit , and he assured them of a hearty welcome . ^ "The Initiate" was proposed by Bro . Walker , who stated that he had Wen in !" mately acquainted with Bro . Kinder for a considerable time , and had always found hi a good and upright man in his intercourse with his fellow man and he felt confident th " ! he would prove a worthy Mason . Bro . Kinderin rpRnnnrlincr . fhnnkpfj (¦! , (» IirpfVir ^ n tnr flip binrllir , Yi ^ nnn » iL _ .

, of his health had been proposed and received . So far as he could jud ge from th charges and exhortations that had been addressed to him in the lodge , the princi ples of Freemasonry were nearly identical with those by which he had tried to shape his life and actions towards his ftllow-man . He fully appreciated the lessons conveyed by (_ ,, initiation ceremony , and he thanked the brethren tor admitting him to membership 0 r the lodge . He hoped that by his conduct he would prove worthy of their confidence Bro . Niven , P . M ., proposed " The Health of the VV . M ., " and

Bro . Robinson , VV . M ., suitably responded . He referred to some of the ad \ ranta-r of Masonic visiting . That evening amongst their guests was Bro . Sheard , of 10 m Wakefield , whom he had met in business matters for several years , and yet until that evening he had not known him to be a Freemason . The W . M referred to the invitation for the members to visit the Harmony Lodge , No . Coo , on the following Thursday , and he hoped to be well supported by the officers and brethren on that occasion .

" 1 he Past Masters " was proposed by the W . M ., and acknowledged by Bro . Las ! P . M ., Sec . ' ' "The Officers" was responded to by Bro . Fearnley , S . W ., who stated that it was very gratifying to have heard the testimony of the visiting brethren that they had satisfactorily discharged their duties in the lodge . He was proud of his office , and it was his object and endeavour to support the W . M . to the best of his ability .

The Tylers toast brought a pleasant meeting to a close , the harmony of which had been much enhanced by songs from Bros . Tilley , Fearnley , Last , Harris , Kinder Nicholls , and Walker . '

Doric Lodge , No . 2359 . A meeting was held on Saturday , the 25 th ult ., at the Conservative Club , Didsbury . There was a large gathering of brethren . The meeting was presided over in a most able manner by Bro . J . M . Veal , W . M ., and a most enjoyable evening was spent . Amongst those present were : Bros . John Walker , S . VV . ; Fred Thomas , J . W . j I . Lauri « ch S . D . J W . W . Wilkinson , I . G . j John Liurensen , J . Ward , Sec ; Geo . ' S . Smith ' P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Dir . of Cers . ; E . W . Rowsell , C E . Towell , P . M . ; A . K . Boothroyd ' P . M . ; J . Rudd , J . VV . Wardle , A . A . Kay , G . A . Myers , P . P . G . D . C ; James Sharpies , F . J . Brundrett , J . H . Norris , J . Moore , Parfue , and others .

Ascot Lodge , No . 2460 . The installation meeting of this successful lodge was held at the Royal Ascot Hotel , Ascot , on the 25 th ult ., and attracted a numerous attendance of members and visitors . The picturesque surroundings , excellent working , genial companionship , and excellent cuisine all combined to render the meeting attractive and pleasurable , and under the genial presidency of Bro . C . O . Burgess , the newly-installed VV . M ., a most successful gathering was the result . The members present included Bros . F . Buxton , W . M . ;

CO . Burgess , P . G . D . Surrey , S . W ., W . M . elect ; G . Everett , P . G . Treas . ; F . Ked > e P . M . ; VV . B . Fendick , P . M . ; Martin , Prov . G . Sec . ; Margaret , P . P . G . W . ; Dr . A . G . Lacy , Treas . ; VV . H . Gardener , P . M ., P . P . A . G D . C Surrey , Sec . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . G . Gray , P . M . 1900 ; A . Cogliati , W . M . 1559 j H . Rosedale , P . M . 1673 ; W . Harbert , J . VV . 19 S 7 ; W . J . Hill , 2536 ; N . Dukas , 2398 ; VV . [•' . Bates , P . M . 1507 ; E . Marshall , W . M . 771 ; A . D . Barber , 771 ; G . Gardener ,

2120 ; A . G . Hutchins , J . D . 2120 ; A . L . Bullen , P . M . j S . Hewett , P . P . G . S . 13 . Surreyj J . Hopps , J . D . igooj W . J . Harris , P . M . 1321 j J . Sparrow , W . M . 14 S 9 ; J . Rowe , 2191 ; J . Woodward , 2191 j R . P . J . Laundy , P . P . G . Reg . j J . H . Price , P . G . Treas . Surreyj E . A . Berry , S . VV . 2473 ; H . J . Keen , J . D . 2473 ; G . Coleman , P . M ., Treas . 1 G 14 ; J . R . Cleave , W . M . 2473 ; Sidwell Jones j Stimpson , P . M . ; VV . W . Lee , P . M . 23 S 1 j and others .

Lodge was opened , the minutes confirmed , and Bro . J . H . Harding was raised to the Third Degree . Bro . W . Parton , 1426 , was unanimously elected a ) . iaing member . Bro . C O . Burgess , the W . M . elect , being also the present VV . M . of No . 1614 , a dispensation was read from the M . W . G . M ., and Bro . Burgess was duly installed by the retiring Master , Bro . Buxton . The following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . F . Buxton , I . P . M . j H . Luff , S . W . ; J . B . Evans , J . W . j A . G . Lacy , Treas . ; W . H . Gardener , Sec ; W . Truman , S . D . ; F . D . NormanJ . D . ; VV . VV . Floyer ,

, I . G . j E . Jukes , D . C ; T . W . Walford , Org . ; S . W . Clarke , Stwd ; and G . Mason , Tyler . The VV . M ., in presenting a Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . Buxton , I . P . M , said it was no formal gift from the brethren , but carried with it the best sympathies of the lodge . They regarded the I . P . M . as one of the most genial brethren in Masonry , and it was no flattery to say that his name was always mentioned with kindness and affection . Bro . F . Buxton , I . P . M ., returned thanks for the gift which he should always regard a souven r of a happy year of office . Bro . F . Kedge , P . M ., was re-elected Charity Representative

on the Provincial Committee . Letters of regret for non-attendance were announced from Bro . Morland , Deputy Prov . G . M ., in charge , and others . The W . M . was appointed Steward to represent the lodge at the next Girls' School Festival , and a sum of 10 guineas was voted from the lodge funds , this amount being made up to 70 guineas during the evening . Lodge was closed , and an excellent banquet was afterwards enjoyed . After the usual loyal toasts ,

Bro . Geo . Everelt , P . G . freas ., replied for "The Grand Officers , " and said they appreciated very highly the kind and cordial manner in which that tiast was always received . Everyone who knew the W . M . knew what a thorough good fellow and good Ma ion he was , and also knew that if he supported a case , it was a guarantee that it was a deserving one . He ( Bio . Everett ) was pleased to be present again , for the Grand

Officers liked to see a lodge properly conducted and the work done in a proper manner —and that had been carried out to the fullest extent on the present occasion . I he work was impressively performed , and the new Worshipful Master started on his career in a way that must have given them all satisfaction . Everything combined to augur that thc Ascot Lodge had a vCry happy and prosperous career before it . The Worshipful Master next proposed " The Dep . Prov . G . M . in charge and the

Prov . Grand Oflicers , " regretting the absence of Bro . Morland—who always lent dignity to their gatherings—and coupled the names of Bros . Margaret and Martin to rep ly . Bro . Margaret , P . P . G . W ., briefly replied , after which Bro . Martin , Prov . G . Sec , remarked that he was pleased to hear the W . M- « j going up as Steward for the Girls'School , and that he would doubtless take up a list worthy of the lodge . Their province was doing well , increasing in numbers and quality .

and that was a feature in Masonry , for they wished to get the right sort , and only those who would do good suit and service . They could be under no better chief than tiro . Morland , who was an energetic and anxious Mason , endeavouring to do his duty '"'• partially , and succeeding in gaining the esteem and affection of the brethren . In jO [ were sorry to hear Bro . Morland had lost his fourth son who died suddenly three , ve " , ago , but he looked to the brethren to condole with him . He ( Bro . Martin ) hoped tne fraternal regard now existing would continue for many years to come , and human natuie

would be none the worse for it . He congratulated the lodge on its work and on u » j splendid gathering . The Ascot Lodge deserved well of the province and he was deligl'te " to meet the members at the provincial meetings . ... Bro . F . W . Buxton , I . P . M ., proposed " the Health of the W . Master , " and said ne did so with a very great deal of pleasure . He had placed in the chair a very dear rnen and brother whom they all esteemed as highly as it was possible for one brother to I " another . He ( the I . P . M . ) should like to mention the W . Master's qu 3 ' ov

fications . Bro . Burgess was a P . M . of the Molesey Lodge , W . M . of the ^ f ' Garden Lodge , S . W . Holborn Lodge , J . VV . Anglo American Lodge , honorary < n ! '" ol tie Ember Lodge , a member of four Royal Arch chapters , and of Rose Croix , a Mark Master Mason , and a Secret Monitor , Vice-President of a 1 .. __ Charities and had served eight Stewardships . In addition to those qualifications 1 ' Burgess was a S . G . D . of Surrey and that was something that lodge should be prouu With such a VV . M . they could not fail to go on by leaps and bounds , and roake the iou "

a successful one . . , u Bro . C O . Burgess , W . M ., thanked the I . P . M . for the very kindly terms in « " »__ he proposed the toast , and also the brethren for the enthusiastic reception given it . I . P . M . had exceeded the eloquence of many Masters , for in his tone had been the : » of true sincerity . Bro . Buxton always said what he meant , and sincerity was w