Complimentary Banquet And Presentation To Bro. J. R. Clarke, P.M., P.Z. 18.

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET AND PRESENTATION TO BRO . J . R . CLARKE , P . M ., P . Z . 18 .

A representative gathering of members of the various lodges named below met at the Bridge Hotel , Sutton Bridge , on the 24 th ult . to entertain Bro . Clarke and make a presentation to him on his leaving Sutton Bridge . It was intended that Bro . H . F . Pollock , M . P ., P . M ., P . Z ., & c , should preside , but owing to the death of Baron Pollock he was prevented from attending , and in his absence the chair was taken by Bro . G . S . Woodwark , P . M ., P . Z . 31 , P . P . S . G . W . and P . P . G . H . Norfolk , P . P . S . G . W . ( Mark ) Lines ; the vice-chair being occupied by Bro . G . P . Hobson , W . M . 985 .

The following brethren , amongst others , were present : Bros . S . S . Mossop , P . M ., P . Z ., 9 S 5 ; J . H . Carter , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . Lines . ; G . W . Whitehead , P . M ., P . Z ., Prov . J . G . W . ' Cambs ; Wm . Pattrick , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . J . G . W . and P . P . G . J . Norfolk ; Mark Cox , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . S . of W . Lines . ; C . E . Ward P . M .. P . P . G . S . of W . ( Craft and Mark ) Lines ., P . P . G . S . Norfolk ; C . W . Smith , W . M . 107 ; W . Gilling , P . M . 18 9 ; A . G . Russell , 95 and 107 ( Craft ) , 427 ( Mark ); T . H . Hodd , 107 ; and A . Cousins , 9 S 5 . After a recherche banquet , put on in Bro . Clarke's best style ,

The CHAIRMAN proposed "The Queen and the Craft , " followed-by that of " The M . W . Grand Master , the M . W . Pro Grand Master , the R . W . Deputy Grand Master , and the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " both of which were drunk in the usual loyal manner , Bro . J . H . CARTER , I . P . M . 9 85 , proposed "The Navy , Army , and Auxiliary Forces " in a few well-chosen remarks , alluding to the sad loss of so many officers in India caused chiefly by the enemy being able to shoot them off through there dress being so conspicuous .

Bro , Major W , PATTIUCK , a volunteer of many years' standing , responded , Bro . G . S . WOODWARK , 31 , & c , in proposing " The Health and Future Prosperity of Bro . J . R . Clarke , 18 , & c , " said this was a meeting of representative Masons to regret that Bro . Clarke had made such arrangements that will take him away from us but at the same time hoping that the step taken was for his good , and , whilst wishing him health and prosperity , to also present him , on the

part of the subscribers , with jewels and an address , which read as follows : " To W . Bro . J . R . Clarke , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , 18 , P . P . G . A . P . Lines . ( Craft ) , P . P . G . R . Cambs , ( R . A . ) , P . P . G . M . O . Lines . ( Mark ) . The undersigned brethren and companions in the lodges and chapters named below beg to express to you on your departure from Sutton Bridge after a residence there of 20 years , our high appreciation of your services to Masonry in the above province you not only

having filled the offices of Worshipful Master of Alexandra Lodge , No . 985 , in 1885-6 , Secretary from 1888 to 18 97 ; M . E . Z . of Etheldreda and founder of Edward Albert Chapters , and founder and Master of Nene Mark Lodge , No . 427 , to the satisfaction of the brethren and companions and the good of the lodges and chapters but also of Masonry in general , in having served as Charity Steward and qualified as a Life Governor of the Royal Masonic for Girls , Boys , and Old , People , and the Grand Mnrk Benevolent Fund .

" We also wish to convey to you our high appreciation of the fraternal kindnesses we have received at your hands , to take the opportunity of wishing you every good wish and prosperity in the future , and to beg your acceptance of the accompanying Charity jewel and miniature jewels of Prov . A . G . P . Lines ., Prov . G . Reg . ( R . A . ) Cambs , Prov . G . M . O . ( Mark ) Lines ., and Rose Croix , hoping they will be a reminder to you of our fraternal regard and esteem . "

Bro . S . S . Mossop , M . E . Z . 9 85 , senior P . M . 9 8 5 , felt bound to add that Bro . Clarke took with him the affection of every member of the different lodges with which he was connected , and the heartiest good wishes for his future prosperity , He knew it was a great wrench for Bro , Clarke to part from his Masonic friends , and also the brethren to lose one who had been so great a mainstay to the lodge .

Bro . J . H , CARTER , I . P . M . 985 , endorsed the remarks of previous speakers , and hoped after Bro . Clarke had ended his wanderings round the globe he would settle near them again . Bro . J . R . CLARKE regretted leaving the brethren , and was sure the kind manner in which the address and jeweta had been presented ] caused diffidence on his part , as he feared much would be expected from a Mason travelling in foreign lands with

such an address , he considered himself second to none in hi * enthusiasm for Masonry , and what he had done in Masonry during the 18 years the lodge had been held at Sutton Bridge had always been done in that good brotherly feeling" Do unto others as you would see them do unto you . " That would be a red-letter day in his memory , as he appreciated the momentos at ten times their intrinsic value , and from his heart he thanked them all for the beautiful address and jewels .

Bro . S ; S . MOSSOP proposed " The Heath of the Chairman , " and whilst regretting the absence of Bro , H . F . Pollock , and more particularly the cause of that absence , was sure a good Chairman had been found , and the thanks of the brethren were due to him ;

Bro . G . S . WOODWARK , in response , said that a « n ^ ths brethren present were members of the Nene Mark Lodge , of which he was a founder and first W . M .-, he had the greatest pleasure in being Chairman when requested by Bro . C . E . Ward . Broi J . H . CARTER , I . P . M ., proposed "The Healths of the Treasurer and Secretary , Bros . Chas . E * Ward and A . G . Russell , " and praised the excellent arrangements made by them .

Bro . A . G . RUSSELI . replied that the work had all fallen upon Bro . Chas . E , WARD , who , in responding , said he considered it a labour of love , and deeply regretted the loss of Bro , Clarke ' s valuable services . The inscriptions upon the jewels were as follows viz . -- Charity jewel :

" Presented to W . Bro . J . R * Clarke , P . M ., P . Z ., on his leaving Sutton Bridge , after 20 years' residence , by Masonic friends , as a mark of their esteem ; " on bar of miniature jewels : " Presented by members of the following lodges to W . Bro . J . R , Clarke , P . M ., P . Z ., November 24 th , 1897 ; Craft , 9 85 ; R . A ., 809 ; Mark , 427 : Rose Croix , 87 . "

In addition , the members of the Alexandra Lodge , No . 9 85 , Sutton Bridge , at their recent installation meeting , presented Bro . Clarke with an 18-carat gold Past Mastet ' s jewel , with an inscription as follows , viz , . " Presented , October 1 ith , IS 97 , by the Brethren of Alexandra Lodge , 985 , Sutton Bridge , to W . Bro . J . R . Clarke , P . Prov . A . G . P . Lanes ., in recognition of his services as Honorary Secretary to the Lodge since 1888 , W . M , 1885-6 , and Steward to all three Masonic Charities . "

WE REGRET to learn of the serious illness of Bro . C . J . Cuthbsrtson , C . C . Ev ^ n Under ihe most favourable circumstances , it is feared that Bro . Cuthbertson will be unable to resume his municipal work for between two and three months . THE HON . SECRETARIES of the Pilnce of Wales ' s Hospital Fund for London have received from the Licensed Victua'ltrs' Protection Society of London a cheque for jfijoo , being ihe first instalment of the fund being raised by the board of the society .

Annual Festival Of The Kirby Lodge Of Instruction, No. 263.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE KIRBY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 263 .

The sixth festival of this distinguished lodge was held at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras , on the 30 th ult , under the presidency of Bro . Chas . E . Keyser , J . P ., Past G . D ., & c . The rapid progress made since its formation , some five or six years ago , is one of the most remarkable evidences what can be dane in working the difftrent Sections as near perfect as possible , and its members may well be proud of the position attained . There was a good attendance of brethren .

Lodge having been opened , the ut , 2 nd , 3 rd . 4 th , and 5 th Sections of the Second Lecture were worked by Bro . Chas . Lewis , Pre : eptor , P . M . 1706 , 2508 , P . P . G . D . Essex , assisted by Bros . J . Collett-Smith , Martin Kjnnaby , W . H . Oldham , Geo . Rankin , and F . W . Ward , all of whom acquitted themselves in a thorough and excellent manner . Aftei the usual vote of thanks were passed , Bro . Chas . E . Keyser , Past G . D ., was unanimously elected an hon . rnsmber . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed .

A recherche banquet followed , Bro . Chas . E . Keyser , Past G . D ., presiding . Upon the removal of the cloth , the customary loyal and Masonic toasts received full justice . Bro . W . R . BENNETT , P . M , 1965 . then proposed " The Grand Officers , Past and Present , " and called on Bro . Clay Sudlow , Past G . Std . Br ., to reply .

Bro . SUDLOW , in a few words , spoke of the value the Grand Officers set on lodges of instruction . They had amongst them that evening Bro . Keyser , Past G . D ., who they all knew was a thorough worker , and Bro . Hy . Sadler , G . Tyler . As for himself , he spoke very modestly , but this he knew , that each and all members of Grand Lodge were workers .

Bro . Sir FORREST FULTON then proposed "The President , W . Bro . Chas . E . Keyser , P . G . D . England , " and , in giving it , spoke of the sterling qualities of Brot Keyser , his love for Freemasonry , and his works of Charity , Bro . C . E . KEYSER , who was cordially received , in reply , said it gave him great pleasure to be their President that evening . It showed a bond of union between London and country lodges . He took the greatest possible pleasure in lodges of instruction , and it was through such that a true knowledge of Masonic ritual could he attained .

The next toast— "The Kirby Lodge of Instruction "—was given by the PRESIDENT . He spoke in high terms of the late Bro . Kirby , their late worthy Preceptor . He also thanked Bro . Lewis and the several brethren for the perfect way the different Sections were worked , In reply , Bro . C . LEWIS said there was no difficulty in getting brethren to work the different Sections when Bro . Kirby was Preceptor . The by-laws showed that that lodge should be one of work , and they were simply carrying it out .

Bro . H . SADLER , G . Tyler , then gave " The Bank of England Loige , " and said he had no doubt that the brethren would wonder why he proposed that toast . It was for this reason—no lodge of instruction could meet without the sanction of a regular lodge . He regretted not being able to devote more time to the Kirby Lodge of Instrnction . His duties were many , and it gave him great pleasure to be with them that evening . "The Working Officers , " proposed by Bro . SUULOW , P . G . Std . Br , , and the Tyler ' s toast brought this very pleasant meeting to a close .

Annual Festival Of The Evening Star Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1719.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EVENING STAR LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1719 .

The annual festival of this young , but strong , lodge of instruction was held on Tuesday , the 30 th ultimo , at St . George ' s Hall , Carholme-road , Catford . The chair was filled by Bro . James Speller , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . D . Essex , who for up ' wards of four years has been the Preceptor , and the vice-chair was occupied by Bro . John Coote , who is Worshipful Master of both 1259 and 2579 . The company numbered nearly 100 , and a most enjoyable evening was spent by all .

The hall was profusely decorated , the Brothers Laing , the eminent florists , of Forest Hill , who are membsrs of the lodge , supplying a large number of palms and chrysanthemums . After ample justice had been done to an excellent repast , Bro . SI ' ELLMR gave the toast of " The Queen and the Craft . " After this had been heartily received .

Bro . J COOTE proposed " The Chairman , " and , in doing so , said he was quite sure the toast needed no words from him to convey to the brethren the way in which it should be receivedi In their Chairman they had a brother of extremely high standing in Freemasonry , one who was known to everyone present , and one who was dearly beloved , not only as a Freemason and the Preceptor of the lodge of instruction , but also in private life . He had only recently received distin .

guished honours in connection with Grand Lodge , and no brother was more worthy of the honours which had been conferred on him . He ( Bro . Coote ) had derived a considerable amount of Masonic knowledge from Bro . Speller and a great amount of kindness while that brother was acting as Preceptor of Ihe lodge of instruction . He had never known an occasion on which Bro . Speller had pronounced an unkind word to anyone . ( Hear , hear . )

The toast was honoured with enthusiasm , and , before Bro . Speller ' s reply , Bro . S . REICIIENIIIIM , on behalf of the members , presented their Preceptor with a handsome epergne . He said he had the honour of moving in Bro . Speller ' s society in private as well as in Masonic Jife , and he had learned to appreciate him . He was a pattern to Masons and men in every sense of the

word . The members of the lodge of instruction were a select number of brethren in character as well as in spirit , and they were proud to have so worthy a brother as their Preceptor . JJro . Reichenheim also presented Bro . G . W . Beste , P . M ., the Secretary and Treasurer , with a tantalus as a mark of the sense of appreciation in the way he had carried out the duties of his office .

Bro . SI ' ELLKK said the few years he had spent with the Evening Star Lodge of Instruction had been a very happy time , but he did not think he was deserving of the handsome testimonial which had been presented to him . It was always a difficult task to respond for oneself , but if a brother had told him he was to receive the gift , he would have chosen a few appropriate remarks . In thanking the brethren heartily and sincerely , he hoped that his connection with them would last for many years to come . Bro . BESTE also replied ,

The CHAIRMAN , in proposing the toast of "Success to the Evening Star Lodge of Instruction , " coupled with it the name of J 3 ro . G . W . Beste , P . M . 507 , The society had been in existence about five years , and when he became a resident