Craft Masonry.

and J . Gilbert , Tyler . The W . M . stated that , in the unavoidable absence of their esteemed Secretary , Bro . S . J . Byng , P . M ., through illness , Bro . C . Cowland , P . M ., had acted as his substitute in arranging the audit and the present meeting , and they were all very much indebted to him for his great efforts . The customary addresses followed , and it is a pleasure to record that the whole of the installation ceremony was performed by Bro . Walter Bean in such an able and praiseworthy manner that it elicited the hearty commedations of all the brethren . The W . M ., Bro . J . J . Fifield , initiated

Messrs . Benjamin Crook , Ralph Edwin Collier , and Joseph Benge , jun ., in a manner that should leave a lasting impression upon the initiates , so well was it done , and it proved beyond doubt that the members had elected one most able and competent to carry out the duties of VV . M . In an eloquent speech Bro . Walter Bean , I . P . M ., proposed that that being Bro . George Gabb's , P . M ., 25 th year with the . lodge , a sum not exceeding 15 guineas be voted from the lodge funds to make a suitable presentation to

h m as a small return for his great services . This was seconded by Bro . C Horton , and , c n teing put to the vote , carried unanimously , and it was acknowledged by Bro . Gahu in a few words . It was agreed that letters be sent to Bros . E . S . White , P . M ., and the Secretary , Bro . S . J . Byng , P . M ., that the ofiicers and members condoled with them in their illness , and their earnest and sincere wish being that they might soon be restored to health .

Other business followed , after which the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was admirably served under the personal superintendence ot the manager , Bro . Charles E . Wagstaff . In eloquent terms the W . M . gave "The Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " which were duly honoured .

Bro . Walter Bean , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Mister , Bro . J . J . Fifield , " and said it was a toast of great importance on installation nights . Might he give a quotation from " King Henry VIII . " ? " May he live longer than I have time to tell his years , Ever beloved , and loving may his rule be ; And when old time shall lead him to his end , Goodness and he fill up one monument . "

The W . M . was initiated in the lodge seven years ago , and they were proud to see him in his high position . They wished him every health , happiness , and complete success during his reign , and in conclusion he gave the quotation : " The faithful , worthy brother , Whose heart can feel for grief ,

Whose bosom with compassion Steps forth to its relief . Whose soul is ever ready Around him to diffuse The principles of Masons , And guard them from abuse . "

Bro . J . J . Fifield , VV . M ., on rising to respond , was enthusiastically received . He said that from the very kind manner in which Bro . Walter Bean had proposed the toast , and from the very cordial way in which it had been received made it difficult for him to adequately respond . That was a mark day in his lifetime , and he felt he had all their good wishes . His earnest wish was to well follow in the footsteps of his able predecessors , and to carry out the work of the ritual in a manner that when he went out of the chair they would all be able to say "it is well finished . "

The W . M . gave "The I . P . M ., Bro . Walter Bean , " observing that nothing he could say could increase the very high opinion the members had of him , but they all krewthathe had the interest of the lodge at heart . He was a most conscientious worker , a great supporter of the Craft , and a thoroughly energetic Mason . He took that opportunity of presenting him with a Past Master ' s jewel , which he more than

deserved for his great services as W . M ., and he hoped he would be with them for many years . ( Great cheering . ) The jewel bore the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . Walter Bean . P . M ., as an emblem of respect , and in appreciation of his valuable services as VV . M . during the year 1 S 9 S-1 S 99 . "

Bro . Walter Bean , I . P . M ., thanked the VV . M . for his kind expressions and the members for their warmth and their kind support during his year of office . He had tried hard to emulate Freemasonry , and , in concluding a happy speech , he said ,

" Our parts are performed , and our speeches are ended , We are monarchs , and courtiers , and heroes no more ; To a much humbler station again we ' ve descended , And are now but the schoolboys you ' ve known as before . " In giving "The Initiates , " the VV . M . said that it was a very happy toast . The three that evening were all good , and he trusted they had been impressed with the solemnity of Freemasonry . If they stuck to the lodge the lodge would stick to them , and he hoped they would put their shoulders to the wheel , and all aspire to rise to the important position of W . M . of that , their mother , lodge .

In proposing" The Visitors , the VV . M . remarked that it vvas a toast that was a favoured one there , and their guests were ever welcome . He saw many old faces who had visited them on many occasions , and there were some who were there for the first time , and he hoped to sec them all again . He associated with the toast thc names of Bros . H . W . Parker , P . M . 240 S , VV . M . 272 S ; H . Hexter , W . M . 749 ; G . Spice , W . M . 193 ; and A . Dealer , P . M ., who responded .

In submitting the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . remarked that without a good Treasurer or Secretary , who were really the backbone of the lodge , a lodge could not go on successfully . They all regretted the enforced absence of the Secretary , who was one of the best , and they wished him a speedy restoration to the beat of heelth . He coupled with the toast the names of the Treasurer , Bro . Gabb , and Bro , Cowland , the latter having carried out the duties of Secretary as deputy for Bro . Byng . Bro . George Gabb , P . M ., Treas ., responded in a very humorous speech , which elicited much laughter .

Bro . C . Cowland , P . M ., responded to the toast on behalf of the Secretary , Bro . Byng . The W . M . gave "Tbe Past Masters and the oflicers of the lodge , " and said that the members were very much indebted to the Past Masters for the great things they had done for the lodge . He thought the officers he had appointed were of the very best and that they would eive him every assistance , and he ioined with the toast the names

of Bros . Sam Rashleigh , P . M ., and Richmond , J . W . In response , Bro . Sam Rashleigh , P . M ., stated that all the Past Masters were proud of the W . M ., and they wished him every success . He thought they would all agree that everything that day had been carried out without the slightest hitch , which would make their indefatigable Secretary happy , and , although he was not able to be present , he was there in spirit .

Bro . Richmond , J . W ., also responded in brief , but happy terms , and the Tyler ' s toast ended a most enjoyable evening . Bros . F . Ellis and IC . Collier , and Messrp . Crowley and Frank Hook vocally and otherwise entertained the brethren . B .-o . A . E . Kipps ably presided at the pianoforte . Ihe VV . M ., Bro . j . J . Filield , was initiated in the Burgoyne Lodge in 1 S 92 , and has tilled every oflice in due order ; finally reaching the chair . He is perfect in the ritual , and we have no doubt that under his reign the lodge will still go to the front .

Howe and Charnwood Lodge , No . 1007 . .. J 'ast regu ' ar mertirg of this lodge was held at its place of meeting . Bull ' s "earl Hotel , Loughborough , on the 31 st ult . There was a large attendance of the members of the lodge and visitors ; amorist thc latter were Bios . S . S . Partridge , Dep . 1 rov . G . M ., and E . Holmes , Prov . G . Sec . . The lod ge was oper . ed by the W . M ., Bro . Walter Tyler , and he subsequently initiated a candidate , his work being marked by much earnestness . The brethren then

l '" , te ( 1 their W . M . fcr the ensuing year , their choice falling on Bro . Arthur Smith , a 1 J , ' - ? i ? ' ~ * e 0 ' barter Oliver was re-rlected Treasurer , an oflice held by himself •"a his father for miry years . The next t ¦ mess was the item which gave especial interr . it to the meeting , viz ., the presentation to Bro . William Vial , P . P . S . G . W ., the Present Secretary , of a testimonial in recognition of the eminent services rendered by "•"J J . , he lodge ¦ uring the past 25 years . The W . M . made the presentation , which cons tea of a beautifull y illuminated address and a purse of gold . The W . M . recited the ' •vices of Bro . Vial , and ttated that during the period of his membership of 2-j years he had

Craft Masonry.

never missed a regular lodge meeting . The W . M . warmly expressed the esteem and regard the brethren had for Bro . Vial and the high appreciation they had ( for his unselliish labours . He concluded with the expression of the wish that Bro . Vial might for many years be with them to give the brethren the benefit of his experience and continue those services they all so much valued . Bro . Vial feilingly responded , and said he felt difficulty in giving adequate expression to his sense of gratitude for the splendid presentation they had made . His services had alwajs been a labour of love , and from his

initiation he had felt an affection for his mother lodge and the Order , which prompted him to do all in his power to help it forward . He had stuck to it through times of difficulty when their numbers were small and it was difficult to carry on the lodge . But he was delighted to see thit the efforts of the brethren and himself in th » past had resulted in the lod ;» e attaining its present flourishing state . He hoped he might long be spared to be amongst them , and assured them that his efforts in the future would , as in the past , be devoted to the welfare of the Howe and Charnwood Lodge .

After the lodge was closed the brethren p \ rtook of dinner , under the presidency of the W . M ., and a pleasant evening '" is spent , enlivened with music contributed by several of the brethren .

St . Clement Danes Lodge , No . 1351 . The 25 th installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Hotel Cecil , Strand , W . C , on Thursday , the 2 nd inst ., when Bro . George Miles , for the second year in succession , was installed into the chair of King Solomon . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and duly confirmed , the W . M . initiated two candidates in a truly excellent manner . The installation ceremony was

performed by Bro . L . J . Livett , who gave the several addresses , after which the W . M . initiated a third candidate , thus performing the somewhat rare task of initiating candidates , both as an outgoing and a newly-installed Master at the same meeting . The W . M . tV en appointed his officers as follows : Bros . Stocks , S . W . ; Haddan , j . W . ; Attenborough , S . D . ; L . G . Tate , J . D . ; Pearse , I . G . ; L . J . Livett , P . M ., Treas . ; Henry Peters , P . M ., Sec . ; and F . Burrough . D . C .

" Hearty good wishes" were given by a goodly muster of visitors , amongst whom were Bros . Walter Bean , l . P . M . 902 ; Douglas Ridley , 2146 ; J . Smith , S . W . 933 ; j . B . Liberty , J . W . 2233 ; G . J . Cawthorne , J . W . 1745 ; Walter H . Cooke , 4 S 7 ;| J . Sulley , W . M . 26 G 3 ; H . Hyde , W . M . 1227 ; Percy W . Husk , P . M . 192 S ; Frank J . Ruddle , P . M . 17 OB ; F . A . Sahl , 1 G 22 ; } . A . Thilthorpe , W . M . 1947 ; R . C . Treart , 209 ; F . R . Stevens , P . M . 1332 ; and W . J . Carroll , S . W . 1227 . An excellent banquet followed , and , after the respective toasts , the National Anthem , "God bless the Prince of Wales , " and "Rule Britannia" were enthusiastically sung by all present . The W . M . congratulated lodge upon its financial prosperity , the Secretary's report showing a substantial balance to both accounts .

Hemming Lodge , No . 1512 . A meeting of this lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel , Hampton Court , on the 19 th ult . Among those in attendance were Bros . C . Wheatley , VV . M . ; H . Gale , S . W . ; W . Hopkins , P . M ., P . A . G . P ., as J . VV . ; J . C Jessett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Maj . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., Sec . ; H . Webster , S . D . ; W . HiU , J . D . ; C H . H . Boyce , I . G . ; G . Ransford , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; II . Wheatley , P . M ., P . P . A G . D . C , A . S . Schultze , R . F . Ruff , and R . S . Fox .

Stwds . ; T . VV . Ockenden , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; W . Spearing , P . M ., P . P G . S . B . ; and P . Cronin , l . P . M . The visitors were Bros . W . Downing , P . M . 20 , P . P . G . D . C Kent ; S . Fisk , P . M . 1733 ; J . IL Mayo , P . M . 2222 ; and C . G . Sherwood , P . M . 2173 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . Bench and Lohmann were passed to the Second Degree . The ballot was taken on behalf of Alessrs . H . F . Singer , P . E . Jaquier , and E . Hopkins for initiation , and for Bro . J . C . Chiccott , SS 9 , as a joining member . The three candidates being in attendance , were

duly and impressively initiated . The sum of two guineas was unanimously voted to the William Fisher Testimonial Fund . A notice of motion was given to increase the annuil subscription to three guineas . A vote of condolence was passed to the family of the late Bro . R . IL Thrupp . Two names for initiation at the next meeting having been handed in , apologies for non-attendance were read from Bros . W . Fisher , P . M . ; G . J . Tagg , P . M . ; C . F . Davis , J VV . ; A . Macchi , Stwd . ; G . J . Dixon , and others . The lodge was then closed . An excellent banquet followed .

Bro . W . Hopkins responded on behalf of " The Provincial Grand Officers . " " The Health of the VV . M . " was given by the l . P . M . in eulogistic terms . Hesaid that the W . M . ' s working was in every way admirable . He had evidently studied the rituals and the manner in which they should be performed at loJges of instruction . To gain proficiency there was no other way . The W . M . having modestly acknowledged this handsome tribute , gave in well-set terms the toast of "The Initiates and Joining Member . " In submitting this toast he

said that the Hemming Lodge had glorious traditions , was highly esteemed in the province , a fact borne out by the number of Provincial Grand collars that hid from time to time been bestowed upon its hard-working members . The three new members he felt confident would be a credit to No . 1512 , and would never regret having entered its portals . Thc joining member was the son of an old initiate of the lodge long since passed away , and was in every respect worthy of their suffrages . This toast having been acknowledged ,

" 'I he I Iealth of the Visitors followed , and was responded to by Bros . Dawning and Fish . Bros . Cronin and Ransford replied on behalf of " The Past Masters , " anl Bros . Jessett , Walls , Gale , and I lill , for " The Treasurer , Secretary , and Ollicers . " During the evening several of the members and their guests discoursed sweet music .

Elliot Lodge , No . 1567 . A meeting of thc above lodge was held at the Railway Hotel , Feltham , on the 4 th instant , when there were present Bros . W . C . Tyler , W . M . SG 2 , VV . M . ; VV . Langdon , S . VV ., W . M . elect ; II . C R . Dailey , J . W . ; A . Bevis , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . Middx ., Treas . ; John Mason , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., Sec . ; A . E . Mason , S . D . ; W . F . Fagan , J . D . ; H . J . Galley , I . G . ; C . H . Ditchman , D . of C . ; J . C . Edmonds , P . M ., P . Z ., Tyler ; Nichols , P . M . ; Cooper , P . M . ; W . T . Dillon , P . M . ; S . Pardoe , P . M . 15 S 5 ; and a large number of brethren . Visitors : Bros . James Terry , P . G . S . B .,

Sec . R . M . B . I . ; Wm . Fisher , P . M ., Asst . G . Purst ., Eng ., P . G . Treas . Middx . ; Hazell , P . M . ; McLaren , P . M . ; Browning , P . M . ; Davis . P . M . ; Wright , P . M . ; Reed , P . M . ; Lyons , P . M . ; Gunn , P . M . ; Main , P . M . ; Grinlett , P . M . ; and many others . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . Bros . Wiggins and Steer were raised , and Bro . Coulson passed . Mr . C L-tmbe was

initiated by Bro . VV . T . Dillon , A . G . D . C . Middx ., in the absence of the W . M ., whj arrived late . Bro . Langdon , S . W ., VV . M . elect , was installed by Bro . Tyler into the chair of K . S ., who afterwards appointed and invested his officers . Bro . J . Terry gave the three addresses , Bro . John Mason acting as D . of C The sum of 10 guineas was voted to thc list of Bro . A . J . Davis , who will represent the lodge at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The lodge was then closed .

At the banquet which followed thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . To that of "The Grand Officers , " Bro . VV . Fisher , A . G . P ., replied . Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., responded to the toast of " The Masonic Charities . " Bro . W . T . Dillon , A . G . D . C . Middx ., speaking on behalf of the Provincial Grand Officers , acknowledged the kindness of the brethren in having recommended him for Provincial honours , he being appointed by Lord G . Hamilton .

The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . W . T . Dillon , A . G . D . C , Middx ., who was assisted by Miss Isabel Dillon ( his daughter ) , Mrs . Langdon , jun ., Miss Langdon , and the Kew Glee Singers .

Wolsey Lodge , No . 1656 . The last meeting of the season was held at the Greyhound Hotel , Hampton Court , on the lOth ult . Among those present were Bros . W . R . Flack , I . P . M ., as VV . M . ( in the absence abroad of Bro . H . C . Crozier , P . M ., P . S . G . W . Egypt ); D . A . Ross , S . W .: A . S . Jehu , J . W . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., Sec .