Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.— Revised And New Laws.

This would reduce the boys in the establishment , and leave room for some 50 paying pupils ( sons of Freemasons ) , whose parents would be only too pleased to have their sons well educated at a cost of say £ 40 to

£ 30 per annum . This would permanently increase the income , and be a boon to many a worthy brother . I trouble you with this letter , as I know you have the interest of the R . M . I , for Boys very much at heart , but not more so than—Yours faithfully and fraternally ,

WM . HARRIS SAUNDERS , P . P . S . G . D . Middx ., Past Steward and Life Governor . October 7 th .

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METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .

United Pilgrims Lodge ( No . 507 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , under the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . H . E . Cockell . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes confirmed , Bro . H . G . Bowles was passed to the Second Degree . Messrs . John Alexander Laing and George Beste , having been

unanimously elected , were initiated by the W . VI . At the conclusion of the business of the lodge , the brethren partook of an excellent banquet , and the toast of " The Queen and the Craft" having been accorded proper Masonic honours , The Worshipful Master proposed "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " observing that his Royal

Highness was one of the most worthy officers in Masonry , and he showed more interest in its work than any other personage in so exalted a position had ever done before . It was very gratifying to them to have the future King of England at the head of Freemasonry . The next toast was that of "The D . G . M . and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " in introducing

which the W . M . said that at that time a special , but melancholy , interest attached to the toast of the Grand Officers . The Craft had recently lost a Pro Grand Master who had filled the position in the most eminent way , and who had proved himself an illustrious Englishman and a splendid Mason . He referred , of course , to the late Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , and he suggested that under the circumstances the toast should on that occasion be drunk in silence .

Bro . Terry , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " who , he said , not only did his duty most thoroughly and presided over their meetings in the most happy and genial manner , but had also introduced his wife and her friends to give them fuither pleasure by their sweet music . He trusted that after a successful year of office Bro . Cockell would long remain with the lod ge as one of its most

honoured Past Masters , and they all wished him and his wife a long life of happiness . Bro . Cockell , W . M ., expressed himself deeply sensible of the kind things that had been said of him , and of the hearty way in which the toast had been received . He had only done what he always endeavoured to do , and that was to throw himself earnestly into any matter that he took in

hand . He held that if a person took any office he should discharge the duties of the position to the best of his ability , and he could ask them with great confidence to pardon his shortcomings , because he could assure them that he did his best . He thanked them most sincerel y for the manner in which they had recognised his efforts . "The Initiates" was next proposed by the W . M ., who said that they always had very great pleasure in welcoming

new comers on joining the Craft , and in the two gentlemen who had joined that day he thought the lodge fortunate in having two most promising initiates . Bros . Laing and Beste briefly responded . The Worshipful Master then gave " The Visitors , " to whom , on behalf of the lodge , he tendered a hearty and cordial welcome . It delighted the United Pilgrims to have visitors at their table .

Bro . JohnSeex , J . P . ( Mayor of Reigate ) , and each of the visitors present said a few kindly words in response , Bro . B . Martell adding that it had afforded him very much pleasure to witness the regular and perfect manner in which the work of the lodge was carried out . In submitting "The Past Masters of the Lodge , " the W . M . expressed his great indebtedness to the Past Masters

of the United Pnlgnms , and said that everything he knew he owed to them . Certainly no lodge could be better favoured in its Past Masters , and they were all splendid Masons . Bro . Cooper , P . M ., in returning thanks , took occasion to express his very sincere appreciation of the sympathy expressed by the lodge on his recent domestic troubles .

Bro . H . E . Joyce , P . M ., also thanked the brethren for the way in which they had received the toast , and said that that night would be a red-letter night with him . It had given him intense pleasure that one ot his own chicks had been in the chair that night , and had occupied it in a manner that was a credit to the lodge . It was to him a source of great pride that a gentleman whom he had introduced to the

lodge and whom he had initiated when he occupied the chair had attained the position of W . M ., and had acquitted himself in a way that was a credit to Masonry . Referring to a vote passed by the loJge to support the candidature of a granddaughter of Bro . Cooper for the Girls' School , her father , who was also a Mason , having been suddenly called to his rest while yet a young man , Bro . Joyce said that the

young members did not know how much the lodge was indebted to Bro . Cooper . It was really him who resuscitat ed the lodge , and sorry indeed was he ( Bro . Jovr . e ) to know that their worthy brother now needed their assistance . He was certain , however , that that assistance would be given by the members of the lodge to the utmost of their power . It did them good to be kept up to work of that kind , thus carrying out the true Masonic feeling of brotherly love

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relief , and truth . Alluding again , in conclusion , to the happy success of the W . M ., he said he should be much mistaken if this year did not prove one of the brightest in the annals of the United Pilgrims Lodge . The Worshipful Master then proposed "The Officers of the Lodge , " and said he had to congratulate himself on having the most zealous body of officers that any Master

could possess . Bro . Joyce , acting S . W ., and some of the other officers replied . A special feature of the evening's proceedings was a very choice selection of music rendered by the W . M ., Mrs . Cockell , Miss Kathleen Grant , Bro . C . M . Ohren , and Bro .

Bishop , Org . Bro . Thornbury contributed two humorous recitations in excellent form , and the success of the gathering was also greatly enhanced by the labours of Bro . Joyce , P . M ., who , combining the offices of S . W . and Steward , was unceasing in his efforts to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of the brethren .

Royal Commemoration Lodge ( No . 15 S 5 ) . —The first meeting of the session was held at the White Lion Hotel , Putney , on Wednesday , the ist inst ., and owing to the death of the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M ., the lodge was in mourning . The W . M ., Bro . Harding , was supported by Bros . Sandalls , S . VV . ; Wright , J . D ., acting J . W . ; Watkins , P . M ., Treas . ;

Robinson , Sec ; Grundy , I . G ., acting S . D . ; Fayers , Steward , acting J . D . ; Knight , Asst . Org ., acting I . G . ; Collinses , P . M . ' , D . C . ; Gordon , Org . ; Tildesley , Stwd . ; Wallaley , Tyler ; Wing , l . P . M . ; Pardoe , P . M . ; and about 30 other members . Visitors : Bros . Beck , P . M ., P . P . G . O . Middx . ; E . A . Harris , P . M . 201 ; Robinson , S . VV . 704 ; Tucker , J . W . 144 ; Blatchford , 704 ; and

Lyon , 1 S 5 . The lodge being opened , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was taken for Messrs . G . Tildesley , W . E . Halfpenny , and Carlo Manzoni , and proved unanimous in their favour . A ballot was then taken for Bro . W . J . Harris , 201 , as a joining member , which was unanimous in his favour . Messrs . Tildesley and Carlo

Manzoni were regularly initiated into Freemasonry in a most able manner . Three candidates were proposed for initiation at the next meeting , and after other routine business and " Hearty good wishes " the lodge was closed . At the dinner which followed about 45 sat down , and the W . M . proposed " The Queen and the Craft . " In proposing "The MAV . G . M ., " the Worshipful Master

said he could speak from repeated experience of the excellence of that Prince ' s work . The toast was received with acclamation . The next was the toast of " The Grand Officers , " and the W . M . made some trite and feeling remarks on the death of the Pro G . M . The I . P . M ., Bro . Wing , proposed "The Health of the

W . M ., " remarking that if the work that evening , and the prospective work for next month were to be taken as any prognostication , it seemed as if Bro . Harding would have a most prosperous year of office , also expressing his opinion that if the same energy , harmony , and good feeling continued to prevade the lodge , he saw no reason why it should not become one of the happiest and most influential

lodges in the English Constitution . Bro . Beck , P . P . G . Org . Middx ., gave an impromptu medley on the piano , after which the W . M . briefly replied , expressing his opinion that the l . P . M . and brethren made too much of him , and might make him proud , but insisting that if every brother would attend lodge of instruction regularly , he need never fear of being able to discharge

any duty imposed upon him . The next toast was " The Initiates , " and after a song , "The last stirrup cup , " from Bro . Green , accompanied by Bro . Gordon , the initiates suitably responded . The toast of " The Past Master " was followed by a song by one ot the new brethren , Bro . G . Tildesley , " Safe in

my father ' s home , " accompanied by Bro . Gordon . Bros . Wing , Collings , Pardoe , and Williams replied , Bro . Pardoe remarking - that the Past Masters tried to be useful , but if not useful , they were , or ought to be , ornamental . The next toast was "The Visitors , " which was most heartily received . Bro . G . Tildesley sang an encore , "The King ' s

High-Bros . Beck , Harris , Robinson , Tucker , and Blatchford responded , some of them in most witty terms , creating roars of laughter all round the room . To the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " Bro . Robinson , P . M ., Sec , replied on behalf of himself and Bro . Watkins , who had been compelled to leave . The Worshipful Master now apologised for interpolating a toast which was not usually given , but begged to propose

" Ihe Health of the Joining Member , Bro . VV . ( . Harris . " After Bro . Knight had sung " The Village Blacksmith , " accompanied by Bro . George Washington Moore , Bro . Harris returned his sincere thanks to the W . M . for proposing his health , and the brethren for the manner in which they had received it . "The Officers" and the Tyler ' s toast concluded a most pleasant evening .

Rothesay Lodge ( No . 1687 ) . —This successful lodge held its installation meeting at St . James ' s Hall , Piccadilly , on Wednesday , the ist instant . There was a large attendance , including the following members : Bros . VV . Adams , W . M .,- Henri Gros , S . W . ; E . Valerian ., P . M ., Sec ; J . Conning , S . D . ; C . J . Stevenson , J . D . ; Tito Mattei , Org . ; F . Green , P . M . ; R . Green , P . M . ;

R . Shaw , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros ' Augustus Harris , G . Treas . ; James Terry , P . G . S . B ; 1 Mason , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; | . H . Turgin , 1012 ; W . T Graves , P . P . G . S . B . Herts ; C . R . Brighten , 2347 j J . W , Ramsay , P . P . G . W . Middx . ; J . Peyton , 172 ; G White , 1772 ; G . A . Payne , P . M . 953 ; G . J . Krehl , 12 ; VV , Truman , 957 ; P . Harris , 177 ; L . J . Drew , 157 ; E ,

Dowst , 1627 ; ) . Collier , P . M . 1 704 , P . P . G . S . of W . Surrey ; H . Pratti , 1559 ; W . H . Baylis , P . M . 9 ; VV . Hudson , 1 ( S . C . ) j and VV . W . Lee , J . D . 18 97 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes were confirmed , and Bro . VV . H . Watson was passed to the Second Degree . The report of the Audit Committee , which showed

the lodge to be in a highly satisfactory state , was deferred for consideration until the next meeting . Bro . Henri Gros was presented as W . M . elect , and impressively installed by the retiring Master , Bro . Adams . The following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . Stevenson , S . VV . ; Conning , J . W . ; J . Butlin , Treas . , •E . Valeriani , P . M .,

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Sec ; Shaw , S . D . ; Galhxia , J . D . ; leppmg , I . G . ; Tito Mattei , Org . ; J . Mentasti , Stwd . ; Smith , P . M ., D . C ; Riley , Asst . D . C . ; and Potter , Tyler . Bro . Henri Gros , W . M ., said that for some years it had been the custom for the W . M . to represent the lodge on behalf of one of the Institutions . He intended to act in that capacity for the benefit of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ,

but as he was already Life Governor , he would qualify his wife for a Life Governorship . On the proposition of the I . P . M ., the sum of 10 guineas was voted from the lodge funds , and before the evening closed the total was raised to 65 guineas . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Adams , I . P . M ., for the excellent manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony . The Organist , Bro .

Tito Mattei , having honoured the lodge by composing a Rothesay Valse , 20 copies were presented to the R . M . l . G . by the Past Masters , and a letter was read from Bro . Hedges , Secretary of the Institution , thanking the members for their kindly and thoughtful gift . The lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a recherche repast , which was followed by the usual toasts .

Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., replying for "The Grand Officers , " said the W . M . had been good enough , and rightly so , to mention the great services rendered to the Craft by the late Pro Grand Master , and all must admit the great services rendered by him during his sojourn round the world . In the Deputy Grand Master they had a brother who presided over the largest Provincial Grand

Lodge in the world—West Lancashire—numbering 154 lodges , and one who was most popular and highly esteemed throughout the Craft . For the rest of the Grand Officers they were proud of the distinction conferred upon them , and hoped the duties they had been called upon to perform had been carried out to the satisfaction and gratification of the Craft .

Bro . Adams , I . P . M ., then said he rose for the purpose of proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " and was at agreat disadvantage , as the majority of the brethren knew Bro . Gros much better than he did , and he could not , therefore , tell them anything they did not know . Their present W . M .

had filled all the offices leading up to the chair with every satisfaction , and was a brother in every way fitted to the position . They would all wish the W . M . success , and hope that his year of office would be a prosperous one . The officers would accord him every assistance , and make his term of work a pleasure to him .

Bro . Henri Gros , W . M ., returned hearty thanks for the kind manner in which his health had been proposed and received . He thanked them all for electing him to the office , and when in course of time he had left the labour he was then about to commence , he should always regard the event with great pleasure . The Rothesay Lodge during the past few years had been fortunate in possessing Masters who had

performed their work most admirably . He had a brilliant example in the l . P . M . Some years ago his memory would have served him in better stead , and he felt he was an interloper and should have difficulties to contend with , but he could promise them that , having taken the position , he would honestly strive to perform his duty , and if he failed , no false shame would prevent him asking the good offices of the l . P . M .

The Worshipful Master then gave "The I . P . M ., " and said he was not drawing upon his imagination when he remarked that he proposed the toast with very great pleasure . Bro . Adams had done his work well during his year , and to him ( the W . M . ) he had been most kind . That evening Bro . Adams had performed the installation in a manner that must gain their praise , for he was almost letter perfect . It

gave him infinite pleasure in presenting him with a Past Master's collar in recognition of the services , and also with a jewel as a further mark of their appreciation . He hoped the l . P . M . would be spared for many years to wear them with satisfaction and pleasure , and to continue his excellent working . Bro . VV . Adams , l . P . M ., said he could not sufficiently

thank them for their kindness . Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to be at work for their lodge , but the time at his disposal was limited , and he could only say that that evening he had excelled himself , as he had been suffering with a throat affection , and when he commenced the ceremony he felt he could not get through it . If he had pleased them he was more than satisfied . In years to come he

hoped to be associated with the lodge , and do anythin"" he could for its benefit . " The Masonic Institutions " was then proposed by the W . M ., who said the toast was intimately allied with everything' essential in Freemasonry . It would be difficult to name a society which so liberally maintained the various Charities in the Craft . The principles of the Craft were

noble indeed ; if everyone lived up to them the world would be better . They had amongst them that evening Bro . Mason , who was connected with the Institution for which he was about to act as Steward , and he would couple his name with the toast . Bro . John Mason , P . P . G . D . Middx ., in replying for the three Institutions—the three brightest gems in any crown in

the world—said he thanked the brethren for many reasons . Firstly , because in olden times at their old place of meeting he had the honour of addressing them and of trying to pick their pockets . 1 he Benevolent Institution now paid £ 15 , 000 a year for annuities , and that was only done by their constant giving . This year they wanted more , for there was such a long list of candidates that they wanted to

stem the tide by taking on a few extra annuitants who would otherwise be left in the cold another year . That could be done by the brethren making a little sacrifice . The list of the W . M . had realised 65 guineas , and he thanked them for what they had done , and left it on their conscience to do what they could , and he would not ask them to do more . In giving "The Visitors , " the W . M . said they had a

goodly array , and , having bid them a hearty welcome , coupled the name of Bro . Collier . After doing so , however , he said they had just been complimented by a late visit from the Grand Treasurer , Bro . Harris , whose name he should also couple . Bro . Collier , P . P . G . S . of W . Surrey , returned thanks for the kind and hospitable manner in which the visitors had been entertained . They had all been deli ghted at the

service in the lodge , and also at the sentiments expressed by the Chairman at the banquet table . Bro . Augustus Harris , G . Treas ., said he hardly expected to find himself in a position to say a few words , but those few words had been preceded by such a good speech that he was afraid there was nothing left for him to say in returning thanks . He much regretted he did not have the pleasure of being with them earlier , but he had only just