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himself he should be more nervous than hc vvas , but he considered that it also included all those officers who vvere connected with him throughout the year , for they all formed one body making up the necessary complement , and he knew how much of the success vvas due to them rather than to one vvho vvas now relegated to the I . P . M . 's chair . He had to thank them for the way in which his

name had been received , and especially the W . M . for the kind and flattering manner in vvhich he proposed the loast . There vvas no doubt that at one time there vvas a greater disparity in their ages than at the present moment , but he was glad to say that as the disparity lessened , friendship increased . He looked back upon those years vvhen he and Bro . Cheston's family vvere friends together vvith the

greatest pleasure , and he vvas sure it vvould continue so as long as they lived . He vvas sorry two or three of his friends were not present that night , particularly Bro . Beach , at whose hands he was initiated , for they always liked the support of their Masonic godfathers . Their lodge had begun slowly , surely , and steadily , and if they were only sure that every brother proposed would add lustre to it , and vvould be

a true Mason in heart and soul , it would continue to prosper , although the numbers might increase but slowly . Those foundations lasted the longest that were built with the greatest care and took time . It vvould not be for the want of encouragement from their elders if they failed ; and he had to thank Bro . Fenn for coming there , with

other P . M . s , to encourage and sifpport them . "The Officers" vvas given , and responded toby the Treasurer and J . W ., after vvhich the Tyler's toast closed the proceedings . Under Bro . Kift , assisted by Bros . Franklin Clive and Sidney Towers , a capital programme of music was rendered .

MACCLESFIELD . —Combermere Lodge of Union ( No . 295 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Macclesfield Arms Hotel , on Thursday , the . 2 nd inst ., vvhen there were present Bros . J . Staniford , W . M . ; Thos . Wadsworth , j . VV . ; Peter Wadsworth , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Sec . J . Needham , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; 1 . Fred May , S . D . ; J . Brunt , J . D . ; C Hawkins , I . G . ;

W . Whiston , P . M . ; D . Davenport , George Walker , J . J . Mason , B . R . Leech , P . M ., Thomas Moore , and J . VV . Jackson , Mus . Bac , Org . Visitors : Bros . A . Cockayne , P . M . 267 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; Frank Hulme , Alfred Frith , P . M . ; A . M . Bailey , Schofield , and George S . Smith , P . M . 1134 . The lodge vvas opened by the W . M ., and the summons convening the meeting vvas read , and also the minutes of

the previous meeting were read and conlirmed . A candidate for initiation was proposed , and " Hearty good wishes" having been expressed from the visiting brethren the lodge vvas closed . The pleasure of the evening at the social board vvas greatly enhanced by songs and recitations , and a great treat vvas given to all present by a couple of solos on the pianoforte , rendered in a most masterly manner by Bro . J . VV . Jackson , Mus . Bac .

LUDLOW . —Lodge of the Marches ( No . 611 ) . —The last regular meeting vvas held on the ist inst ., at the Masonic Hall . After the usual routine business had been transacted , Bros . C . R . Valentine and Rev . J . P . Cranstoun were passed to the Second Degree by Bro . Sharp , W . M . Ballots vvere taken for the VV . M . and Treasurer for the

next year , vvhich resulted in Bro . McBean , S . VV ., being unanimously elected W . M ., and Bro . Norton vvas unanimously re-elected Treasurer . M . M . 's jewels vvere presented to Bro . Wicksted , S . D ., as a mark of appreciation of his liberality and special efforts to secure the well-doing of the lodge , and to Bro . Everall , Sec , in consideration of his exertions in all matters pertaining to the lodge .

RIVERHEAD . —Amherst Lodge ( No . 1223 ) . — —On Saturday last there was a large assembly of members and visitors to assist at the " May meeting , " the chief function of vvhich was to instal ! the W . M . for the ensuing year . After a pleasant term of office , Bro . W . Sparrowhawk gave way to Bro . Alfred H . Lee , and the ceremony was very efficiently performed by Bro . Duret , one of the

"fathers" of the lodge . Bro . Strange , P . M ., vvas the D . C , and the 24 P . M . ' s vvho formed the Board vvere highly pleased vvith the excellent working shown all round . The new W . M . gave proof of his proficiency by closing down the lodge without the slightest fault , and his knowledge of the ritual will be put to the test in June , for five names vvere handed in to go to the ballot . The officers appointed vvere

those following on in order , and Bro . Lee will have the good support from below as well as from "past" the chair . The reward of merit , in the form of a P . M . ' s jewel , was given to Bro . Sparrowhawk , and , to the gratification of the brethren , he vvas sufficiently recovered from recent illness to attend and receive it . AH business over , Bro . Waller , mine host of the Amherst

Arms Hotel , began to play his part , and one of the best banquets on record vvas served by him . The usual toasts vvere given , and a most enjoyable evening was spent . When responding for " The Past Masters of the Lodge , " Bro . E . J . Dodd said that just 12 years ago he and five others met at Weslerham , and having the help of the host of the

house , a lodge vvas formed , and the installation of W . M . was performed . The Amherst Lodge then numbered six , among whom vvere Bros . Duret , Jewell , and Durntnall ; now they had 46 members , and he believed that still greater prosperity vvas in store for them . Bros . Gabb , Lloyd , and Pascoe contributed vocal music during the evening .

STAINDROP . —Rose of Raby Lodge ( No . 11650 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held in the Scarth Memorial Hall on Tuesday , the 30 th ult . Thc day proved very wet and cold , and prevented brethren from neighbouring lodges , vvho usually attend in considerable numbers , from being present . The lodge was opened by Bro . Daley , W . M ., and the minutes read . Bro . Dr . Hill

Drury then took the chair , and in an impressive manner installed Bro . John Fawcett , S . W ., VV . M . elect , into the chair of K . S . The officers being appointed and invested , and the further business transacted , the Iodge vvas closed , and the brethren , adjourned to celebrate the annual festival . An excellent dinner was served in the Hall . On the cloth being removed , the usual toasts vvere honoured .

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Bro . Lox , in proposing " The Installing Master , " alluded to the fact that Bro . Dr . Hill Drury had now performed the installation ceremony in that lodge for five successive years , and hoped that hc might be enabled to perform it many more , as he seemed to do it more impressively every time . A very pleasant meeting vvas brought to a close vvith the Tyler ' s toast at an early hour to enable the brethren from a distance to catch the last train home .

MANCHESTER . —Wolseley Lodge ( No . 1 993 ) . —The installation meeting of this successful lodge vvas held on Saturday , the 4 th inst ., at a specially convened meeting for the purpose , at the Masonic Rooms , 74 , Kingstreet , when there vvas a large attendance of brethren present , including Bros . L . J . Griffiths , VV . M . ; Charles Crowther , S . W . ; J . McCallum , J . W . ; J . Hatton , Sec . , *

N . T . Holyoak , J . D . j H . Darbyshire , D . C ; W . W . Siddell , Org . ; William Holland , J . Dean , E . P . Ridgway , Roger Walker , P . M . ; J . W . Rattray , Chap . ; and W . Harris . Visitors : J . Barker , P . M . 1134 , P . P . G . T . ; W . Booth , P . M . 104 , P . P . G . D . C ; VV . Dumville , P . M . 2156 ; J . Kirkbridge , P . M . 339 ; Geo . Sam . Smith , P . M . 1134 ; " H . Sedgwick , W . M . 934 ; G . Riddell , W . M . 798 ; E .

Jones , I . P . M . 1052 ; E . Chcsworth , S . W . 317 ; M . Johnson , P . M . 5 S 1 ; M . Stafford , W . Hodges , Thomas Quick , W . Sharp , N . Jones , W . Taylor , R . Vickers , and W . Ford . The lodge was opened by Bro . L . G . Griffiths , W . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . J . W . Rattray , S . W ., W . M . elect , was

presented to the W . M ., vvho acted as Installing Master . After the usual formula , Bro . Rattray vvas duly installed into the chair of K . S . The officers appointed , as below , vvere invested by Bro . Roger Walker , P . M . : Bros . J . W . Rattray , W . M . ; L . J . Griffiths , I . P . M . ; C . Crowther , S . W . ; J . McCallum , J . W . ; T . Goodier , Chap . ; Dr . Harrison , J . P ., Treas . ; J . Hatton , P . M ., Sec ; Roger

Walker , D . C ; E . P . Ridgway , S . D . ; N . T . Holyoak , J . D . ; VV . W . Siddell , Org . ; J . Dean , I . G . j John Wilson , W . Sharp , J . Hodges , and W . Taylor , Stwds . ; and S . Forrest , Tyler . The working tools were presented by Bros . Walker and L . J . Griltiths , P . M . The addresses to the VV . M . were given by Bro . John Barker , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; to the

Wardens by Bro . N . Jones , P . M . ; and to the brethren by Bro . Walker , P . M . All business for the good of Masonry and this Iodge in particular being concluded , it vvas closed , and the members , vvith numerous guests , subsequently dined together .

The remainder of the evening vvas devoted to disposing of those loyal and Masonic toasts vvhich are customary on these occasions ; but , particular attention having been paid to the musical arrangements , the speeches were not unduly prolonged , so that the pleasing programme claimed much attention , being thoroughly enjoyed by all .

BRIGHTON—Earl of Sussex Lodge ( No . 2201 ) . —The brethren of this lodge held the closing meeting of their Masonic year , on Saturday last , at the Royal Pavilion . The lodge vvas opened by the W . M ., Bro . the Rig ht Hon . Sir VV . T . Marriott , Q . C , M . P ., P . G . S ., vvho was supported by the following officers , viz .: Bros . Gerard Ford , P . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . M ., I . P . M . ; R . Clowes ,

S . W . ; H . E . Price , P . P . J . G . W ., J . VV . ; VV . H . Hallett , Prov . G . Treas ., Treas . ; V . P . Freeman , Prov . G . Sec , Sec ; C . Bamfylde Warre , P . P . G . D ., D . C ; A . Kine , P . P . G . O ., Org . ; C . W . Hudson , P . P . J . G . W ., I . G . ; R . Pidcock , Prov . G . R ., and Lockwood Hawken , Prov . Asst . G . D . of C , Stwds . ; and H . H . Hughes , Prov . G . T ., Tylei . The members present and the visitors also included

Bros . General C W . Randolph , P . P . S . G . W ., P . M . ; Major-General Barnett Ford , P . G . D . Bengal ; Lennox Browne , P . M . 210 S and 2255 ; Harman J . Tarrant , Pro Grand Master Grand Lodge New South VVales , and others . The chief features of the business of the meeting comprised the election of W . M . and the appointment of Treasurer for the ensuing year . Bro . R . Clowes , S . W .,

vvas unanimously elected VV . M . Bro . W . H . Hallett resigned the office of Treasurer , and Bro . Major-General Barnett Ford was unanimously elected to succeed him . The lodge having been formally closed , the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where they sat down to an elegant banquet , supplied by Bro . Mutton , whose catering gave the greatest satisfaction . The W . M ., Bro . the Right

Hon . Sir W . T . Marriott , Q . C , M . P ., P . G . S ., presided . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts vvere duly honoured , Bro . Freeman responding for " The Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " The Worshipful Master proposed "The R . W . Prov . G . M . of Sussex , the Duke of Connaught , " and "The W . Deputy Prov . G . M ., Hro . Gerard Ford , P . G . D ., and

Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " The Duke of Connaught , he said , though not present , was with them in spirit ; for he had not only consecrated the Earl of Sussex Lodge , but carefully watched its career ; and , like his Royal brother , the Prince of Wales , took the deepest interest in Freemasonry . The universality of Freemasonry was exemplified that evening ; their P . G . M ., of whom

they were thinking , vvas at that time in India , and associated vvith them at their banquet vvas the Pro G . M . of the Grand Lodge of Nevv South Wales . Freemasonry had , indeed , spread its branches into all parts of the habitable globe . To the Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Gerard Ford , the Earl of Sussex Lodge owed a deep debt of gratitude . He had been instrumental in founding it , and

he ( Bro . Sir W . T . Marriott ) could only hope that his child vvould increase and grow . He had great pleasure in calling upon Bro . Gerard Ford . Bro . Ford , in acknowledging the two toasts , bore testimony to the great interest taken in Freemasonry by the Royal Family . The Earl of Sussex Lodge had been named after the Duke of Connaught , and he ( Bro . Ford ) trusted

that the ardent wish of the brethren to have the Duke once more with them would soon be gratified . With regard to the Province of Sussex he could not , he said , speak too highly of the assistance he had received from the Prov . Grand Ofiicers , and particularly to the great support he had received from Bro . V . P . Freeman .

Bro . Gerard Ford then proposed "The W . M . of the Lodge . " In Bro . Sir W . T . Marriott , the lodge , he said , had one vvho , notwithstanding the demands made upon him by the State , yet found time for Masonry , and entered into his duties vvith unsparing efforts . His presence among them stimulated them to great exertions , and all vvould regret vvhen the time arrived for him to leave the

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W . M . ' s chair . He trusted Bro . Marriott would continue his great interest in the lodge ; that he might be again found presiding over it ; and that he vvould be long spared vvith health and strength to work for the benefit of Masonry and mankind . Bro . Sir VV . T . Marriott was warmly applauded on rising to respond . He thanked Bro . Gerard Ford for the kindly

terms in vvhich he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the hearty manner in which they had received it . It gave him real pleasure to come amongst them , and but for other calls upon his time would be oftener with them . He vvas about to leave the W . M . ' schair ; he must acknowledge his happy period of office had passed rapidly away , and he could assure the brethren that he would do his

utmost to promote the success and prosperity of the lodge . In proposing "The Visitors , " the W . M . said hospitality vvas one of the greatest principles of Freemasonry , and the brethren of the Earl of Sussex Lodge were pleased that evening to find they had vvith them a representative of the Colonial Empire in Bro . Tarrant , Pro Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales , who held an office

similar to that occupied in England by the Earl of Carnarvon . Though politics were not introduced into their gatherings , all would agree with him , he said , that it vvas of paramount importance to bind the Colonies to their mother country . They were all proud of their Colonies , and Lord Rosebery and Lord Salisbury appeared to emulate each other in perfecting the bond of union . They

were bound to the Colonies by blood , by law , and by the history of a great past ; but no bond vvas greater than that of Freemasonry . He vvould ask Bro . Tarrant to respond , and trusted he would bear home with him pleasant reminiscences of their beautiful town of Brighton . He vvould also couple vvith the toast the name of Bro . F . F . J . Greenfield , as the representative of cricket—another link between

the Colonies and their mother country . Bro . Tarrant , who vvas warmly received , said that when he left Australia his chief assured him that he vvould have a good reception in England , but he had entertained no idea that such kindness , consideration , and hospitality would have been extended to him as that he had now received . After 22 years' hard work in Australia he had

taken a holiday , and vvas chiefly desirous of ascertainingthe working of Freemasonry and the management of the Masonic Charities in England . He had visited American lodges , but he felt that as a basis for the Australian Masonic Charities he could not improve upon the English management . He gave interesting particulars of the growth of Freemasonry in Australia . Though theirs vvas a young

Masonic body , he trusted all vvould accept his assurance that nothing vvould arise to weaken the bond between the Australian Freemasons and the Grand Lodge . He concluded an able speech by bearing testimony to the great popularity of Lord Carrington vvith Freemasons and all classes in Nevv South Wales . Bro . F . F . J . Greenfield , in responding , said that

Englishmen were proud that the Colonists hadjtakenlup the national game of cricket . He eulogised the Australian cricketers , and remarked that Englishmen could now teach them nothing of the game . The W . M . proposed "The I . P . M . and Subscribing P . M . 's vvho are not officers , " to which Bro . Major-General Barnett Ford responded .

Bro . Gen . C W . Randolph gave " The joining Members , " which vvas acknowledged by Bro . Lennox Browne , Bro . Gerard Ford , in proposing "The W . M . elect and Officers of the Lodge , " spoke in high terms of Bro . R . Clowes , the VV . M . eiect—one vvho vvas well known as a zealous Freemason in the Province of Essex , and whose many virtues had also endeared him to the members of

the Craft in Sussex . Bro . Clowes thanked the brethren for the cordial manner in vvhich they had received the toast of the officers , and embraced the opportunity of expressing his gratification at being unanimously elected as W . M . for the ensuing-year . He said he would do his utmost to follow in the footsteps of those who had preceded him , and to promote the

happiness and success Of the lodge . The Tyler's toast completed the list . During the evening the musical arrangements vvere under the direction of Bro . Alfred King , P . P . G . Org ., and a pleasing programme vvas ably sustained by Miss Minnie Freeman , Miss Maud Bond , and Bro . A . King ; a recitation being also given in excellent style by Bro . C . W . Hudson .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

ROBERT BURNS LODGE ( No . 3 j ) .-A meeting was held at Bro . Harvey ' s Restaurant , S , Tottenham Court-roaa , on Fridavi the 3 rd inst . Present—Bros . Wingham , P . M ., W . M . •Blimdeil ! P . M ., S . W . ; Blum , P . M ., j . VV . ; Robinson , P M | , D Thompson , P . M ., j . D . ; G . Deaton , Sec . ; Harvey , P . M ,, and Cobham , P . M . " ' The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and conlirmed . The lodge was opened in thei

Second and Third Degrees , and afterwards resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Wingham , W . M ., proposed , and Bro . Blundell , S . VV ., seconded— " That the sincere , earnest , and heartfelt expression of onr regret that it should have pleased the U . A . O T U . to call away our respected Preceptor , Bro . Baker , P . M ., ' be recorded on the minutes of this lodge of instruction" —carried unanimously .

Bro . VVmgham , VV . M ., proposed— " That Bro . Blundell , S . W ., be W . M . for the ensuing week "—carried unanimously . The officerswere appointed in rotation . The W . M . proposed— " That all the votes of the lodge be given to Bro . Robinson , P . M ., " which , having been seconded , was carried unanimously . The lodge was then , closed . "

[ USTICE LODGE ( No . 147 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Tinasday , the and inst ., at the Brown Bear , High-street , Deptford , when there were present Bros . Dandridge , W . M . ; Penrose S . W . j , Dealer , J . W . ; Hutchings , P . M ., Preceptor ; Speight , P . M ., Sec ; taulkner , S . D . j Leng , J . D . ; Jones , I . G . ; W . T . Hunt , P . M . ; . Davis , P . M . ; Borrett , Prior , Catt , Timms , Campbell , Cook , Hick ,. Leaphard , Drynan , and Kemp . Tiie lodge was opened in due form , and , after the confirmation . the minutes of the

of previous meeting , the ceremony of initiation , was rehearsed , Bro . Borrett personating the candidate . The lodge was called oil , . and , ou resuming , was opened in the Second Degree . The usual questions vvere then duly answered by Bro . Timms . The lodge was advanced to the Third Degree , and thc ceremony of raising rehearsed , including the traditional history . The lodge was resumed in the First Degree . Bro . Penrose , S . VV ., was elected VV . M . for the next meeting , and appointed his ollicers in rotation . Ali business being ended , the lodge was closed .

PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM LODGE ( No . 7 S 3 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Tuesday , the 7 th inst ., at the Eagle Tavern , Clifton-road , Maida Vale , VV . Present : Bros . VV . T . Dillon , W . M . j . J . Page , S . W . ; V . Shaw , J . W . ; R . Dillon , acting Preceptor ; VV . J . Stratton , Sec ; | . R . Hill , S . D . ; J . VV „