Consecration Of A Masonic Lodge At Portishead.

CONSECRATION OF A MASONIC LODGE AT PORTISHEAD .

The ceremony tf consecrating the Elejon Lodge ( No . 1755 ) took place on Tuesday , September 3 rd , in the large room over the Pier Refieshment Hall , at Portishead , the new lodge of the order really being in connection with the Royal Hotel . There was a very full meeting of the brethren from

Somerset and the adjoining province of Bristol , and the ceremony was ably performed in the most solemn anel impressive manner , by the V . W . Bro . B . C . Else , D . P . G . M ., and the officers of the P . G . L . of Somerset , among the latter being Bros , the Rev . F . Seale , Chaplain ; E . Turner Payne , Treasurer ; F . Brown , S . W . ; A . Page , J . W . ; F . R . Payne , Secretary , ; H . C . Smith , Registrar ; W . H . Batten ,

and W . W . Westcott , D . C's . ; J . Walker , Deacon ; and the following Past Provincial Grand Officers : —Dr . Bryant , P . P . J . W . ; Captain Peel Floyd , P . P . G . R . ; R . M . Worlock , P . G . S . ( Bristol ) ; W . Barge , P . P . G . J . W . ( Bristol ) ; Sydney Lewis , P . E . G . S . B . ; and W . H . Dill , P . G . P ' st .

The musical portion of the ceremony was most ably conducted by Bros . J . R . Thebridge , F . Worlock , John Gard , W . R . Maby , and A . G . Hayman . The consecrating officer , having constituted the lodge , installed Bro . Charles E . Daniel W . M ., and he appointed Bro . T . W . Hardwicke S . W . ; and Bro Walter Minns

J . W . The proceedings , which were of the most interesting and impressive character , terminated soon afterwards . The lodge having been closed , a splendid banquet was subsequently spread in the same room by Mr . Boulter , of the Royal Hotel , and the excellent catering gave the utmost satisfaction . Bro . Charles E . Daniel , W . M ., presided ,

and of the following gentlemen who were present at the ceremony nearly all sat down : —Bros . R . C . Else , D . P . G . M . Somerset ; Robert M . Worlock , P . G . S . Biistol ; Sidney Lewis , P . G . S . Somerset ; W . Barge , P . M . 187 , P . P . G . J . W . Bristol ; J . Blizzard , P . M . 261 , P . P . G . S . W . Taunton ; F . J . Brown , P . M . 41 , P . G . S . W . Somerset ; W . Hodges , I . P . M . 1296 ; J . A . Page , P . M . and Sec . 1296 ;

J . Roberts , Bristol , 187 ; Alfred G . May man , S . W . 973 , Frome ; F . Seale , P . G . C ., 135 , Somerset ; S . Bryant , P . P . S . G . W . Somerset ; W . C . Jarrett , P . M . 68 , and P . P . G . J . D . Bristol ; H . Walker , P . M . 53 , P . G . S . D . Bath ; W . F . Collins , I . G . 53 , Bath ; F . H . Worlock , J . W . 1296 , I . G . 1 388 j H . C . Stephens , 610 , Bristol ; T . T . Hallam , P . o . G . j . W . Bristol ; E . Payne , P . G . D . ; W . H . Dill , P . M . 906 , P . G .

A . P . Somerset ; C . Dando , Bristol ; W . W . Westcott , P . M . 814 , P . G . A . D . C . ; Robert Peel Floyd , P . M . 41 , P . P . G . R . Somerset-, John B . Halford . P . M . 137 and 103 ; E . Floor , 610 , 906 , and 326 , Bristol ; J . R . Farler , J . D . 68 , Bristol ; E . G . Grubb , E . E . Sohier , 610 , Bristol ; Robert Scott , 68 , P . G . S . W . Bristol ; William Buzzard , P . P . G . S . D . Bristol ; Robert Compton , I ' . P . G . S . D .. 68

Bristol ; Herbert J . Gough , P . P . G . P ., 326 , Bristol ; W . C . Bamfield , 326 , Bristol ; Thomas Bamfield , 326 , Bristol ; J . Stoate , 6 io , Bristol ; A . G . Salter , 53 , Bath ; G . Paterson , 610 , Bristol ; Thomas Bowden , I . G . 103 , Bristol ; G . Perrin , Sec . 68 , Bristol ; G . F . Forster , 329 ; R . Wilton , 135 , Bridgwater ; H . W . Batten , 291 , Highbridge ; James Lloyd , 1363 , Tynelal ; John Hill , 68 , Bristol ; William

Munro , P . M , P . P . D . C ., Bristol , 326 ; T . W . Hardwick , Bristol , 103 ; J . R . Thelbridge , 68 and 1755 ; William Rice , 419 ; C . S . Daniel , 291 and 1 404 ; Charles C . Woodforde , 1199 ; George Phillips , 1199 ; H . R . Smith , G . P . R . j 11 7 ; J . E . Jones , 68 ; T . Rowles , 68 ; W . J . Cullimore , A . D . C . 103 ; F . R . Prideaux , P . M . 291 , P . P . G . D . C ; Francis Trull , W . M . 68 ; Charles fisher , 103 , S . W . 68 ;

W . R . Mabey , S . W ., 68 j J . Courtice , S . D . 68 , and others . After dinner the usual Masonic toasts were given , and a very pleasant evening was enjoyed . The brethren assembled in the ante-room and walked in procession to the lodge-room , where the Consecrating Officer took the chair , and appointed the Wardens pro .

tern . The lodge was then opened in the Three Degrees . The Consecrating Officer addressed the brethren on the nature of the meeting , and called upon the P . G . Chaplain to give the opening prayer . The P . G . Secretary then addressed the Consecrating Officer , who replied and gave directions .

The brethren of the new lodge were then arranged in order by the P . G . Directors of Ceremonies , and the P . G . Secretary read the petition and warrant . The Consecrating Officer then inquired of the brethren if they approved cf the officers named in the petition and warrant , and they signified their approval in Masonic form .

An oration by the P . G . Chaplain on the nature and principles of the Institution followed , after which tne anthem , " Behold ! how pleasant and how good , " was sung . Dedication prayer ( first portion . ) Omnes—Chant , "So mote it be . " Sanctus— " Glory be to Thee , O Lord . " All the brethren turned to the east , when the Consecrating Officer gave the invocation . Omnes—Chant , " So

mote it be . " Scripture portions followed , aud then the anthem , " Praise God in His holiness , " was sung . The lodge board was then uncovered , and the Con * secrating Officer and two P . M ' s . carried the elements of conseciation three times round the lodge ( solemn music during the precession ) , halting in the east at each perambulation . On arriving at the cast , the Consecrating

Officer strewed corn , the emblem of plenty . Musical response— " Glory be to God on high . " The 1 st P . M . in the east poured wine , the emblem of joy and happiness . Musical response— " Glory be to God on high . " The 2 nd P . M . in the cast poured oil , the emblem of unity . Musical response— " Glory be lo God on high . " The Chaplain took the censer three times round the lodge ( solemn mubic during his progress ) , halting in the

Consecration Of A Masonic Lodge At Portishead.

east . The Consecrating Officer then dedicated the lodge " Dedication prayer —( second portion ) . Omnes—Chant , " So mote it be . " Anthem—Haydn , " The Spacious Firmament on High . " The Consecrating Officer then constituted the lodge . Omnes—Chant , " So mote it be . " The National Anthem having been sung , the lodge was resumed in the Second Degree , and the installation of the W . M . and appointment of officers took place ..

Masonic Ball At Natal.

MASONIC BALL AT NATAL .

The above event , which has been eagerly looked forward to for some time past—the first Masonic ball g iven last year having been so decided a success—came off on Friday evening in the Theatre Royal , which had been specially floored , prepared , and decorated for the purpose . Punctually at 9 o ' clock the member- ! of the chapter and

lodge took up their places , and shortly after the first instalments of guests arrived . They were received by the M . W . S . of the chapter , Bro . John Roseveare , and the W . M ., Bro . R . I . Finnemore . On the announcement being made that His Excellency the Lieut . Governor and suite were at the entrance , the M . W . S . and the W . M . went forward to meet him , and escorted him through the Arch of

Steel , composed of the swords of the Knights of the chapter , who were drawn up in a double row , to the Master ' s chair , whigh was placed at the east end of the room . The walls were decorated with a variety of interesting and appropriate emblems , which the uninitiated vainly endeavoured to get explained to them . Among them was a portrait of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the M . W . G . M .

of the Craft , and the Patron of the Supreme Council under which the chapter works . The new flooring gave general satisfaction . The lighting of the room was tastefully accomplished by a number of wax candle chandeliers . The stage was set apart as a drawing room for those who were not actively engaged in dancing , and the effect of the scenery and the

shrubs , with the bayonets and swords glistening between them , was much admired . A spacious room was set apart as a supper room , besides the card room , and the other rooms necessary for the accommodation of the guests . The united bands of " The Buffs " and the 80 th performed in the gallery ; and it is needless to say that the music was of the best character .

Among the guests present we noticed Col . Pearson , Commandant of the Forces , and a large number of the officers , Major Hon . C . B . H . Mitchell , Colonial Secretary , Hon . M . H . Gallwey , Attorney General , Mr . Justice Cadiz Capt . A . ri . Hime , Colonial Engineer , Hon . J . W . Shepstone , Mr . F . Seymour , Haden , Private Secretary , Mr . Manning , M . L . C ., Mr . John Robinson , M . L . C ., and many

other of the leading residents of the city , as well as several who had ccme from other parts of the colony . Most of the Orders of Frcemasoniy were represented with their proper insignia and jewels , and the costume of a Knight Templar in the cloak and dress of the Order , was a conspicuous feature . The Rose Croix was the most attractive among the different dresses . Mingled with the blight uniform of the military , and the brilliant and

tasteful dresses of the ladies , the Masonic insignia had an extremely pretty effect . The arrangements for ref leshments , & c , were very good , and the supper provided by Mrs . Shepherd was excellent , and ample justice was done to it . Dancing was kept up vigorously until after four o ' clock a . m ., when the assembly broke up with many expressions of congratulation to the M . W . S , and W . M . on the success of the ball , and the pleasantness of the evening .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The General Committee of the Subscribers to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys met last Saturday afternoon , at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . W . Hyde Pullen , P . G . S B ., presided . The other brethren present were Bros . H . Browse , G .

J . Raw , Donald M . Dewar , J . W . M . Dosell , W . H . Ferryman , Joyce Murray , Rev . Dr . Morris , C . J . Rushworth , W . Mann , F . Adlard , John Boyd , F . Binckes , ( Secretary ) , and H . Massey { Freemason ) , The salary of the third Assistant Master was raised from £ 65 to £ 75 , and one pupil being allowed to be educated out of the school in consequence of ill-health , the usual

order was made for his school fees to be paid . An outfit was granted to an ex-pupil who has obtained a situation . Bro . Binckes reported the death of Bro . Jesse Turner , a member of the Audit Committee . Bro . Binckes also read a letter from Bro . John Symonds , resigning his trusteeship of the Institution on account of failing health . Bro .

Binckes informed the Committee that this vacancy would have to be filled at the Quarterly Court in October . A letter was read from the mother of Harry Newboult , the third boy on the list of candidates for the next election , which would be his sixth application for admission , withdrawing her son's candidature , as he had fortunately

secured a presentation to Christ ' s Hospital . Bro . Joyce Murray asked Bro . Binckes whether he had received information as to the state of Bro . Benj . Head's health ; and Bro . Binckes , in answer , said that on his return to town he found a complimentary card returning thanks for kind enquiries , which was an intimation that Bro . Head had recovered . The Committee then adjourned .

Mr . Balguy , with the nautical assessors , will conduct the wreck inquiry into the loss of the Princess Alice . It will open on the 24 th inst ., that being the earliest date at which , it is judged , the inquiry can commence .

The Loss Of The Princess Alice.

THE LOSS OF THE PRINCESS ALICE .

Upwards of 600 bodies have been recovered from this illfated vessel , since the late dreadful catastrophe . The loss is simply appalling and the account most afflicting . The following letter was , on Saturday morning , received by the Lord Mayor : — Marlborough House , Pall-mall , S . W ., Sept . 6 .

My Lord , —I am directed by the Prince and Princess of Wales to enclose your lordship a cheque for 50 guineas in aid of the fund now being raised under your auspices for the relief of the sufferers from the late terrible calamity in the Thames , caused by the running-down of the Princess Alice steamer on the evening of the 3 rd inst . I am at the same time desired to make known , through you and the

medium of the Press , the feelings of sorrow their Royal Highnesses experienced on hearing 1 f this dreadful accident , and on learning that so many of their fellow-creatures had been suddenly hurried into eternity . Their Royal Highnesses feel the deepest sympathy for the relatives of those who were drowned on this melancholy

occasion , and condole with them most sincerely in the grief and distress they must suffer from the loss they have sustained under such tenible circumstances . —I have the honour to be , my lord , your lordship ' s most obedient servant , D . M . PROBYN , Lieut-General , Comptroller and Treasurer to H . R . H . the Prince of Wales .

A letter was , on Saturday morning , received by the Lord Mayor , from the Cornddie Francaise , of which the following is a translation , enclosing a cheque for £ 50 : — My Lord , —A disaster has fallen upon a portion of the population of London . A subscription list has been opened through your lordship in aid of the necessitous families who have been made the victims of the catastrophe . The

Socieitaires of the Comeldie Francarse , preserving an appreciative recollection of the good help which was rendered to them in 1871 , hasten to bring their tribute to this subscription . I am directed by them to remit their offering directly into your lordship ' s hands . I beg you , therefore , in their name , to receive the annexed subscription . I am , my lord , your most obedient servant , EMILE PERRIN , Administrator .

The names of MM . Coquehn , Fibrey , Lannay , and several other actors follow . A fund for the poor sufferers has been very properly opened at the Mansion House , and already amounts to a considerable amount . Q 16 4 2 s . 1 id . was deposited in small sums in the box outside the Mansion House last Wednesday , ia the Daily Chronicle , referred to in last week's Freemason

BRO . HENHV REED , stationer , of 57 , Oxford-street , who fortunately escaped , writes the following graphic account '' My wife and I had been down at Gravesend spending the day : we did not go down by the Princess Alice , and our return by her was quite accidental . We were during the voyage on the upper fore deck , where there were other first-class passengers , men , women , and children , but the

deck was not crowded . The other portiens of the ship seemed to me to be very much crowded , chiefly by pleasure seekers . I never before saw so many children on board a Thames steamer , and the proportion of women on board seemed to me very large , but throughout the passage from Gravesend there was perfect order . I did not see one person under the influence of liquor on board . Up to

within a few moments of the collision , a band was playing , and its last tune was ' Nancy Lee . ' All went well and quietly until about 25 minutes to eight o ' clock , when it was anything but dark . You might not have been able to read small print , but you would distinctly see a picture or a photograph . We were near North Woolwich , and had seen the powder magazine .

The captain was standing on the paddle-box , looking ahead , and giving directions to the hands . I am perfectly certain we were slackening speed , and going very slowly . Some of the people around us were straining their eyes , and looking ahead in the same direction as the captain . My wife and I turned to look , as the others did . We were : then standing at the extreme point of the deck . Looking

up the Thames , I saw a large vessel , a screw steamer , several lengths ahead , and coming directly towards us . It appeared to me that our vessel had then altogether stopped , and was standing still in the water . Everyone around us was anxious , and inquired one from the other what was the matter , but two or three of the men belonging to the Princess Alice , who were on the deck , looking out , told us not to

fear , for we would go by all right , and that there was no danger . My wife expressed a fear that the great vessel towering so much above us would come into collision . She was some lengths off , but coming nearer in a direct line . I am quite sure she was coming straight on . 1 looked , but could see no lights on the large vessel , nor could I see any men in the fore pait of her facing towards us .

I jumped up on to the seat , still looking towards the vessel approaching us , but one of the hands called upon me to come down , by the captain ' s orders . I observed that the captain of the Princess Alice was still on the paddle-box , and that our lights were hung out . As the large vessel came nearer to us , while , I believe , we were standing still , I distinctly heard the captain shouting to her in a loud voice , ' Where arc you coming to ? ' I came down from

the seat as ordered , when I found my wife and I were the only passengers on the upper fore deck . The large vessel was then close upon us . My wife , who had not lost her self-possession , said ' Do not leave me , ' and I took her hands to keep her by me . I looked up at the vessel close upon us , but could see no person in her fore part nor hear any cries from her , but her great height above us would probably prevent our doing so . The collision must have occurred at that moment , for , although there was no crash