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asking the brethren to drink with him the health of the W . M . Bro . J . Stedman then sang another pretty song , "Love ' s Serenade , " bearing the name of Bro . Stark as composer , which was also well received . This was followed by a pianoforte solo of August Dupont ' s " Gavotte en sol mineur" ( op . 37 ) , which was performed in a masterlv manner by Bro . Arthur Carnall , Mus ., Bac . The Chairman , on rising to respond to this toast , said

that if he gave way to his own inclination the brethren would not get away till past midnight , but he meant to spare them that infliction , and thought that he could do no better than copy in this respect ( as he could not hope to copy worthil y in the lodge ) the example set by the Immediate Past Master . He could not express his gratitude to them for electing him the Master for the current year , and

for the cordiality with which they had received the toast of his health ; it was onl y a sense of that real and true fraternity that inspired him in his present arduous undertaking . He felt that he could not enter upon it with any confidence if he were not assured that he had the support of their good will . If he might turn to their Past Master he felt persuaded that he could always rely upon his most valuable

cooperation at any time when he should require his assistance , and he felt that without that assistance for some time to come he should be at a very great loss . And , while he was on his legs , he wished to express what he knew to be the cordial feeling of the brethren , to perform a duty which was one of the most pleasant—to ask the I . P . M . to accept at the hands of the brethren and the speaker's a token of

their esteem and regard , in the shape of a Past Master's jewel . He was sure the brethren would agree with him when he said that never was a Past Master ' s jewel more richly earned and deserved than that one ; he would not venture upon a high-flown panegyric ; he would onl y say in simple Saxon : " Worshipful Master , deign to receive this token of our warmest regards—this tribute of our fraternal

affection . " And hewouldask the brethren to drink upstanding "The Health of their Immediate Past Master . " Bro . Stark acknowledged the compliment . There was a very great deal he should like to say , but various considerations prevented his doing so ; but he must acknowledge the cordiality of the brethren in drinking his health as they had done , and the cordiality of the W . M . in the manner in

which it had been proposed . He hoped that every Master of Trinity College Lodge would have as happy a year of office as he had been privileged to enjoy . He was not complimenting the officers in saying that it was due to them . At the commencement it had been felt that if they all pulled together the lodge would be a success ; they had pulled together , and the consequence was that it had been a

success . _ Most of the brethren would be aware that when he came into office as Master , in spite of the strenuous efforts of Bro . Hammond to keep down the expenses , there was only a small cash balance , which was a great deal more than swallowed up with outstanding liabilities . He was happy to say that he went out of office under very different circumstances ; for the debts had

been paid , the property of the lodge had been increased , and there was a considerable amount of cash . There was another matter he had to refer to . He must thank personally the officers of the lodge for the kind assistance they had given him from first to last ; there were some officers of the lodge whose services , though not so apparent as those of others , were of the most valuable kind—he referred

to the Treasurer and Secretary , to whom the brethren were indebted for the favourable balance-sheet they had seen . Those two brethren had kept him ( Bro . Stark ) straight as to the affairs of the lodge , and he tendered them his warmest thanks ; and , in conclusion , he thanked the brethren of the lodge generall y for the splendid present he was privileged to wear , and which would be for the

rest of his life a pleasant memento of a most happy experience ; and last , but not least , as the handsome reward with which the brethren had concluded his year of office . Various other toasts were proposed , drunk , and replied to , including "The Initiates , " "The Visitors , " "The

Past Masters , " " The Installing Master , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " " The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast . There was also a good deal more music , both vocal and instrumental , and all of so good a quality that it kept the company together until a late hour , from which it may be concluded that they thoroughly enjoyed the proceedings .

BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , on the and inst . The brethren present were Bros . R . B . Cater , W . M . ; Rubie , P . M ., as I . P . M . ; T . P Ashley , P . M ., Treas . ; Radway , P . M ., as Sec ; T . Wilton , P . M ., D . of C ; Mercer , S . W . ; F . Wilkinson , P . M ., as J . W .: Ames , S . D .: W . Peach , I . D .: Brown .

as I . G . ; J . G . Wilton and Gregory , Stewards ; Bigwood , Tyler ; Captain R . Peel Floyd , P . M . ; Braham , P . M . ; Dr . Hopkins , P . M , ; and a good attendance of members . The following were presentas visitors : Bros . Bucket , P . M . 90 G ; Hughes , 53 ; and Bull , 906 . The lodge having been opened , the Secretary read the circular of summons and the previous minutes , which were

confirmed . He also gave the substance of answers received from relatives to whom letters of condolence had been sent on the death of members of their families who had been connected with the lodge . Bro . Fisher was afterwards raised to the Degree of M . M . by the W . M ., assisted by Bro . Dr . Hopkins in the latter portion of the ceremony . Bro . Dr . Hopkins also gave the traditionary history and the charge . The

symbolism of the working tools was explained by Bro . Gregory . During the temporary absence of Bro . Dr . Hopkins from the room , a letter from him was read , accompanied by a donation of five guineas to the chanty fund , arising from the sale of his photographed Masonic charts , for which a vote of thanks was passed . Bro . Ashley reminded such of the brethren as are R . A . Masons of the intention to celebrate the centenary of the

Royal Cumberland R . A . Chapter , No . 41 , on the 14 th inst ., expressing a hope that all the members would be present , especially as the centenary jewel will be conferred on each , that being the fust occasion of such an event , as No . 41 is the first chapter to which the privilege has been granted by warrant from Grand Chapter . The S . W . proposed a candidate for initiation , and no other business offering the lodge was closed .

WOOLWICH—Florence Nightingale Lodge ( No . 706 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of the above lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , William-street , on the

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3 rd inst ., an event of more than usual interest bringing together an excellent gathering of the brethren of the lodge and visitors . The event in question was the fact that the esteemed W . M ., Bro . Major E . S . Gordon , R . A ., was about to take leave of the lodge for some time at least , he , after five years service as Assistant Superintendent of the Royal Carriage Department , Woolwich Arsenal , being letailed on active service at Nogony ' , in Central India , as

commanding officer of K Battery , 3 rd Brigade , Royal Artillery . Bro . Major Gordon was present and opened the lodge at G . 30 , prompt ., being supported by the following officers and brethren , viz : J . Black , I . P . M . ; J . Scott Mutch , P . M . ; Capt . Eugene Sweny , P . M . ; G . Mathams , S . W . ; Capt . J . Sculley , R . H . A .. J . W . -, Sidney Clarke , P . M ., Treas . ; E . Denton , P . M ., Sec , P . P . G . P ., Kent ; Rev . C . H . Roberts , Chap . ; Dr . C . H . Y . Goodwin , M . D .,

S . D . ; H . Bernays , Acting J . D . ; A . Bernett , 1 . G . ; G . Risch ; D . Livesay ; H . Ayling ; K . Ugland ; Captain Costobadie , R . A . ; H . J . Butter , P . M ., 913 , Past Grand Officer , Kent ; G . Corbell , P . M ., 453 . P . P . G . J . W ., Essex ; J . Childs , W . M ., 453 ; C . Vinnicombe , P . M ., GSi ( I . C . ); J . Corbell , J . W ., 4 S 3 ; W . R . Cole , 1744 ; and C . Jolly , J . D ., 1472 ( Freemason ) . The business before the lodge consisted of the balloting for of Bro . Dr . Alfred Sharpe as a joining member . The

ballot was then taken for Dr . H . Bottrell and H . Caldecott , and proving unanimous , these gentlemen were duly initiated . Bro . W . H . Ayling was then raised , and we may safely say that throughout a long , large , and varied experience we have never seen such effective and eloquent working as that of Bro . Gordon ' s upon the occasion under notice , which added not a little to the universal feeling of regret that accompanied and almost overcome the pride ot having such a Master , whose services the brethren were so soon to lose .

Shortly before the lodge was closed , the Worshipful Master said it was now his painful duty to address the brethren upon a personal matter . It was a matter of deep regret to him to have to tell them that that would be the last time that he should have the opportunity , and he would sincerely say the happiness , of presiding over them as their W . M . By the exigencies of the service to which he had the honour to belong , he should

before their next meeting be on his way to India to take command of his battery ; but before leaving them he felt that he must thank them all , Past Masters , officers , and brethren , for the many great kindnesses he had , upon so many occasions , received at their hands . From the moment of his coming into the lodge , up to the time that he first held olRce , he had received nothing but the most genial and brotherly support from every member of the lodge . In

leaving them , however , he knew that he was not the only W . M . who had been compelled , during his year of . office , to leave them and go on foreign service . He trusted some day to be back with them , if he was spared ; but before leaving them he once again desired to tell them how much he thanked them , and regretted having to part with his friends and brethren of the Florence Nightingale Lodge . Bro . Gordon , who felt deeply the approaching separation ,

was loudly cheered as he resumed his seat . Bro . Black , as the I . P . M ., felt it incumbent upon him to express to Bro . Gordon the sincere regret of every member of the lodge at losing , not only his services as W . M ., but himself , as a Mason and friend ; and not only that lodge , but every lodge in the district would deeply regret Bro . Gordon's departure . He hoped Bro . Gordon would not only have a safe and prosperous voyage to India , but would

come back to them in health and strength , and take his place on the left of the chair he now so admirably occupied , and he fervently trusted T . G . A . O . T . U . would protect Bro . Gordon in the land he was about to proceed to . Bro . Sweny , P . M ., in a powerful speech , proposed that the feelings of the brethren should be expressed by an entry on the minutes of the lodge of the intense regret felt b y them at the departure of their esteemed W . M ., Bro .

Gordon . He paid a high compliment to the amiable and genial manner in which Bro . Gordon had carried out his duties , both in the subordinate offices and also in the exalted position he now occupied . No one who knew their W . M . but heartily wished him every success , happiness , and content in his new sphere of life . Bro . Mutch seconded the proposition in appropriate terms ; and the motion , on being put , was carried by

acclamation . Bro . Gordon , who was evidentl y touched at the spontaneous warmth evinced towards him , briefly thanked the brethren , and assured them that nothing would ever remove from his mind the great kindness he had that night received from the brethren of the Florence Nightingale Lodge . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren partook of supper , after which the W . M . proposed the toasts of " The Initiates" and "The Visitors . "

Bro . Caldecott replied for the first and Ero . G . Corbell for the latter . Bro . Sweny proposed "The Health of the W . M . " in gjowing terms , and , in the course of his remarks , wished him promotion , for that means a speedy return to England , to them , and to the lodge . Bro . Gordon briefly returned thanks , and after a most enjoyable evening the brethren separated , with " Hearty good wishes " for the health and happiness of their gallant and esteemed W . M .

PLUMSTEAD—Pattison Lodge ( No . 913 ) . — The first meeting of the above lodge since the installation of Bro . H . Mason as W . M . in July last , took place on Thursday the 2 nd inst ., at the High School for Boys , Brook Hill-road , and was a most successful and enjoyable affair . Beside the W . M . there were present : R . J . Cook , I . P . M . ; W . T . Vincent , P . M . ; W . B . Lloyd , P . M . ; R . Edmunds , S . W . ; H . PryceJ . W . ; C . Coupland , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W .

Kent , lreas . ; Is . Uenton , f . M ., H . P . G . P ., Kent , Sec . ; W . Rees , S . O . ; E . Palmer , J . D . ; A . H . Letton , I . G . ; G . Beaver , W . M ., 700 ; J . H . Roberts , S . W ., 700 ; J . Warren , P . M ., 700 ; G . Tedder , 1107 ; C . Jolly , 1472 ( Freemason ) and many others . The lodge having been opened , Bro . G . Lawrance , who left the lodge through pressure of business some two years

ago , applied tor re-admission and was unanimously balloted a joining member . Bros . W . T . Buckley and VV . J . Larder were passed . The question of increasing the payments to the Fund of Benevolence was then discussed for the information of Grand Lodge , and with but two dissentients it was resolved that the lodge was in tavour of the proposed increase .

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Bro . Jolly , being in office in the Henley Lodge , at North Woolwich , respectfully and regretfully tendered his resignation as a member of the Pattison Lodge , being desirous of devoting his energies to the lodge in which he some day hoped to pass the chair , and feeling himself unable to support both lodges as he should have liked to . It was unanimously resolved , on the motion of Bro .

Coupland , P . M ., supported by the W . M . and every Past Master present , that Bro . Jolly should become an honorary member of the Pattison Lodge , in recognition of his many services , and as a token of the respect in which he is held by every member of the lodge . Bro . Jolly briefly , but feelingly , returned thanks , telling of the regret he should ever have felt at being altogether

disassociated with his many kind friends in Masonry belonging to the Pattison Lodge . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren partook of a cold collation , and , on returning to the lodge-room , the W . M . dul y proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which , as is the custom in this lodge , were drank with a good fire .

Bro . Cook , I . P . M ., then proposed "The Health of the W . M . " He said that he had heard it said in the room by some one who was a better speaker than himself that " nothing gave him greater pleasure than to hold that gavel for the purpose of proposing the toast of the W . M . " Well , for himself , all he could say was that it would give him a great deal more pleasure were he able to do justice to

the toast . I heir W . M . had given them a . taste of what they had to expect of him during the next nine months ; and to show their appreciation of his excellent working he asked them to drink to his health and happiness . The W . M ., in reply , asked how he could sufficiently thank them for the kind and hearty manner in which they had drank his health . He , however , did indeed thank them ,

and also the I . P . M . for his good wishes . He felt , in the position he now occupied for the first time , like a little child who was placed up against the wall by its nurse , and told to walk towards her ; and without the assistance of the Past Masters , especially his kind nurse the I . P . M ., he should never have been able to leave that wall without falling . He had not that night satisfied himselfbut as he

, went on he trusted to so improve in the working and ritual as to be worthy to rank with the many excellent Masters who had passed through the chair he now held so indifferently . The next toast was that of the "Past Masters , " coupled with the name of Past Masters Cook and Coupland . Bro . Cook in response thought the Past Masters had a great deal to be thankful for to the brethren

of the lodge , for without their approval no one could be Master , and then Past Master . Bro . Coupland made an eloquent appeal to the brethren to make a good " charity box " for the two orphan children of the late Bro . Priestly , of the Capper Lodge . They were in the Masonic Girls' School , but had not a friend in the world , both father and mother being dead . He wanted

to get a trifle to keep them when they came out for their holidays ; to find them clothes , postage stamps , & c , and wanted , therefore , a good box . On the box being returned to the W . M ., it was put up for auction , and Bro . Roberts bought in for £ 2 . It was then opened , and found to contain £ 1 iSs . 6 d ., and Bro . Roberts paid the eighteen pence

amid applause . Bro . Coupland briefly returned thanks , and the W . M . proposed "The Visitors . " Bros . Beaver , Warren , and Roberts briefly replied , tendering hearty invitations to the "Pattisons" to visit the "Nelsons" on the following Wednesday week . Bros . Edmundsand Pryce responded for " The Officers , " after which the Tyler ' s toast and a verse of the National Anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a conclusion .

DEAL . —Lord Warden Lodge ( No . 1096 ) . —A meeting was held on Friday , the 3 rd inst ., at St . George ' s Hall . Present : Bros . Geo . Band , W . M . ; R . S . Davey , S . W . ; H . Chambers , J . W . ; T . J . Usher , P . P . Reg ., Sec ; John Shepherd , pro tern ., S . D . ; B . M . Beet , J . D . ; J . VV . Court , I . G . 5 J . Fawcett , Steward ; S . Holgate , Tyler ; A . C . Pearson , VV . J . Mortimer , T . I . P . Liuvai

nvans , K . , b . Willey , and Geo . Bent . The lodge was opened and the minutes of the last regular meeting read and unanimously confirmed . Mr . Geo . Bent , who was ( regularl y proposed and the ballot found unanimously in his favour at the previous meeting , was then duly and regularly initiated into the mysteries of A . F . M . by the W . M ., in a most impressive manner ; after which Bro . Chambers , J . W ., delivered the charge and lecture in

the First Degree , in a very masterly style . The lodge was then closed in due form . The brethren subsequently partook of some light refreshments , and a very pleasant evening was spent , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts being briefly given and heartily honoured . Bros . Chambers , Band , Shepherd and Fawcett added greatly to the enjoyment of the brethren by some excellent singing .

LIVERPOOL . —Neptune Lodge ( No . 1264 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this popular lodge was held on Monday , the 6 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , 22 , Hope-street . The following brethren were present : Bros . C . Fothergill , W . M . ; G . Crute , J . W . ; Peter B . Gee , Treas . ; J . Pickle . Sec ; A . Ashworth , SD . ; W . Fish , •TV- , ' ' J- Pemberton , P . M ., D . C . ; H . Ravenscroft , I . G . ;

V ,, * ) V- Davies > S . L . Fraser , Stwds . ; P . Ball , Tyler ; r . H . Arden , P . M . ; Hugh Williams , P . M . ; A . B . Ewart , 9 , \ ' - W ; , Jones , A . Rogers , C . Cavers , J . J . Harlcy , W . p-ebbm , b . L . Smith , B . Ironside , W . Faulds , J . H . Linaker , W . Clampet . Visitors : J . Pendleton , W . M . 724 ; A . Banel , 724 ; J . Sharpies , 724 ; H . Woods , 724 ; J . Whclan , S ^ A Connor 594 ; J . Croft , P . M . 123 ; VV . Savage , W . M . 1609 ; S . Tickle . P . M . 220 . The lodge having been opened in duo form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmedthe scheme

, for establishing the Benevolent Fund was then discussed . At a previous lodge meeting the W . M ., Bro . C . Fothergill , having drawn attention to the fact of there being no such fund in connection with the lodge for the relief of its own members , stated that for a lonrr time he had thousrht such

a r ? highly desirable , and if the brethren present were of the same opinion , he would have pleasure in presenting the sum of £ 20 to form a nucleus . The lodge unanimously accepted Bio . Fothergil'ls handsome offer , and appointed a committee to make enquiries and frames rules . Bro . Cotter , P . M . ( who had taken the principal share of the work on the committee ) , now submitted the rules for