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Dawson , Morgan , Irving , and Cowley were passed to the Second Degree . Ballot having been unanimously taken in favour of Messrs . P . G . Hodson and J . Foster , they were regularly initiated into Freemasonry . The report of the Audit Committee , showing a balance to the credit of the lodge funds of over £ 150 , was then received and adopted . Bro . F . Seager Hunt was next presented as W . M . elect , and he was impressively installed into the chair in the usual manner . The newly-installed W . M . then proceeded to

appoint and invest his officers as follows : Bros . W . Sugg , S . W . ; H . R . Baker , J . W . ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C , Chap . ; | . C . F . Warrington Rogers , P . M ., Treas . ; J . E . Shand , P . M ., Sec ; J . Gibson , S . D . ; R . E . H . Goffin , J . D . ; H . Mainwaring Dunstan , I . G . ; C . C . Piper , D . C . ; G . R . W . Wheeler , A . D . C . ; J . B . Martin , Stwd . ; F . J . Smith , Stwd . ; H . W . Schartau , Org . ; and W . Walkley , Tyler . The usual addresses were then ably rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . W . H . Baker ,

I . P . M . All Masonic business having been transacted , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . After dessert , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . The Worshipful Master , in introducing the first toast"The Queen and the Craft "—said his task was a simple one in an assembiy like that , for if there was one body more

loyal than another , it was the mystic body to which they belonged . " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M : ; the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M . ; the Earl of Lathom , Dep . G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was the next toast , and the W . Master , in offering it to the brethren , said that as the other toast required no words from him , so this toast needed no comment of his .

The brethren all knew full well the position these worthy men occupy , for they had obtained for themselves the admiration and esteem of the Craft . In the M . W . G . M . the Craft possessed a ruler who ably performed the duties uf that important position ; and great as has been the hold of Freemasonry upon the world , yet that influence has been considerably increased since the advent to power of His Royal Highness . He could safely say , in the words of the song ;

" In the heart of every Mason there always will be shared , The prayer that our Grand Master may long to us be spared . " Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . Chap ., in response , thanked the brethren , on behalf of the Grand Officers , for the hearty manner in which the toast had been received . Bro . W . H . Baker , I . P . M ., then proposed "The Health

of the Worshipful Master , " which , he said , would be received by the brethren with acclamation . He had intended to make a somewhat lengthy speech , but circumstances had occurred which prevented his doing so . Their W . Master occupied a position in public life , and the duties connected with that position had prevented his witnessing all the ceremonies that evening . Bro . Seager Hunt was a truly representative Westminster man , and as such they

heartily greeted him as W . Master of a Westminster lodge . He ( Bro . Baker ) thought he would be right in saying that their W . M . was born in Westminster , and his parents had been recognised in that neighbourhood for very many years . He was assured that their newly-installed W . M . would maintain the reputation of the Abbey Lodge , and in the name of the members he heartily greeted him , and wished him a happy and successful year of

office . Bro . F . Seager Hunt , M . P ., W . Master , in rising to respond , said he was perfectly prepared to have been received in a cordial manner , but he was _ quite unprepared for the magnificent reception that had just been accorded him . He had a feeling of diffidence when he was asked to accept the post he now occupied , but after the reception they had been pleased to bestow upon him , he felt he need

have no fear about his year of office , and he trusted that any shortcomings he might have would be pardoned . The first duty he had to perform was to apologise for the non-performance of the programme in its original form , but circumstances over which he had no control prevented his keeping the engagement . He would assure them that during his year of office he was a Freemason , and nothing more , and he felt deeply indebted to the members for

E lacing him in the position of W . Master . Reference had een made to the fact of his being a representative man . Hc was not only born in Westminster , but also had received his education in the Collegiate School not far distant . He had been identified with the neighbourhood all his life ; and hoped to bc connected with it for many years to come . Occupying as hc did the position of W . M . forthe first time , he considered

it a great privilege to fill the chair of the Abbey Lodge . He had to follow two of the most successful Masters thatany Iodge had ever seen , but though he could not compete with them in the working , yet he might tell the brethren that hc could safely compete with them _ in his belief of the doctrines which are the fundamental principles of the Order . By the teaching of these doctrines he hoped to confer a benefit on the people , by the help of which

they mi g ht _ meet face to face anv such foe as Atheism . By continuing that line of life they would be bringing others into their mystic fold , and by increasing their strength . they would bc increasing the greatness of their country . He wished now to propose " The Health of the Visitors , " and his excuse for departing from the order of the toast list was that the hour was late , and that consequently some of the visiting brethren might be departing .

But two short years had passed since the Abbey Lodge had been in existence , and two W . M . ' s had reigned in the chair , during which time they had always been favoured with visitors , and there was no doubt that it was the way in which the officers had aided the W . M . ' s that had brought down thc halo which now beset the lodge . He hoped that svhat the visitors had seen would enable them to go forth into the Masonic world and say they were satisfied with the progress their young lodge was making .

Bro . Col . Edis , on behalf of the visitors , returned sincere thanks for | their hearty reception , and compared the young lodge to a vine , the tendrils of which were spreading and shooting forth on every side . The work they had seen had shown them the way in which it ought to be done . Bro . the Rev . F . Byng also responded , and thanked the lodge for the hospitality accorded the visitors . "Thc Installing Master" was next introduced by thc W . M ., who said that when they looked on thc way in

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which Bro . Baker had performed the duties of tne chair , they could but come to the conclusion that they had been carried out to the credit of the lodge . The Abbey Lodge being young , the number of Past Masters was small , and the Installing Master was the second P . M . it could boast . The two brethren who had passed through the chair had raised the prestige of the lodge , and a more energetic

Master was never * seen in the Masonic world than Bro . Baker . As he was speaking to many brethren who were inhabitants of Westminster , he would also draw their attention to the energy displayed by Bro . Baker in that neighbourhood , and to the enormous amount of work performed by that brother . Whether it was in the work of Charity or anything else , there could

be no man more forward than the Installing Master . He was sure every brother would re-echo him when he expressed the hope that Bro . Baker would for many years be working with them in the parish of Westminster . He had now to present that esteemed brother with a jewel , which he trusted he would accept as a token of the good will of the members . He also hoped the I . P . M . would look back

with pride and satisfaction on his year of office , and that he would find that deep friendships would be cemented , and that they would be brethren not only in name , but brethren in feeling . Bro . VV . H . Baker , I . P . M ., said he had been placed in a difficult position by the W . M ., who had imposed on him the task of responding to the kindly remarks he had made .

In filling the chair he had followed one of the most distinguished Masons known to the Graft , and he was now succeeded by one who would fully maintain the reputation of The Abbey Lodge . The position of W . M . intermediate between those two brethren must necessarily be an important one , but he had endeavoured to uphold the honour and stability of the Iodge . He had one word more to say , and

that was to thank the brethren for the jewel the W . M . had placed on his breast . He would always look upon it as a token of their regard towards him , ar . d he would always wear it in any lodge he might enter as a tribute of esteem and affection . "The Initiates" having been given and responded to by Bros . Hodson and Foster ,

The Worshipful Master proposed " Ihe Health of the Past Masters , " and said that it was a matter of great regret that Bro . Burdett-Coutts could not . remain with them , but circumstances over which he had no control compelled him to leave . They all knew very well that no brother had performed his duties belter than Bro . Burdett-Coutts , and the lodge would ever be under a great debt of

gratitude to him . When they looked about for their first W . M ., they found Bro . Burdett-Coutts , and they also found one of the ablest Masons in Bro . Spinks . The latter brother had benefited the lodge , and had taught him ( the W . M . ) the small duties he was capable of performing , and he looked to that brother for support in the future . He looked upon Bro . Spinks as a sincere friend , and hoped

he would find , as years went by , a bond of affection existing between them . Bro . Spinks returned thanks for the kind manner in which the health of the Past Masters had been proposed and received , and assured the brethren that he would at all times endeavour to be present and assist the W . M . 's

who might be placed in the chair . " The Treasurer and Secretary " was next given , and having been warmly received , was responded to in appropriate terms by Bros . Rogers , P . M ., Treas ., and J . E . Shand , P . M ., Sec . "The Officers" having been given , the Tyler ' s toast concluded a most successful meeting .

WIGAN . —Lindsay Lodge ( No . 1335 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of the members of this Iodge was held on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., under the W . M ., Bro . Wm . Johnson , who was supported by Bros . R . B . Seddon , S . W . ; J . Browne , J . W . ; H . Boucher , Sec . ; W . M . Wylde , S . D . ; H . Riddlesworth , J . D . ; W . Holt . S . S . ; W . Rieby , I . G . ; I . D . Murray , P . M ., P . G .

D . C . West Lancashire , Treas . ; R . P . White , C . A . Crenshaw , and C . Burland . Visitors : Bros . VV . Goodacre , Prov . G . Sec . West Lancashire , and Wm . Dean , P . M . 17 S . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Burland was passed to the Degree of F . C . by the W . M . The ballot , on having been taken , was favourable to Bro . 1 . Banks , 1354 , as a joining member . The Treasurer presented a report on the financial state oi

the lodge , and intimated that , ( , 20 could be well spared to assist the Masonic Charities . After discussion , it was proposed by the W . M . and carried , that this sum should go to the Girls' School . "Hearty good wishes" having been tendered by the visiting brethren , the Iodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the ante-room for light refreshment , Bro , Johnson , the W . M ., ably presiding and giving the usual toasts .

ANDOVER—St . Hubert Lodge ( No . 1373 ) . — A meeting of this lodge , being the annual festival , was held on Monday , the ioth inst ., at Freemasons' Hall ., when the following were invested with the insignia of office by Bro . Lavington , P . P . G . D . C . Wilts , who acted as Installing Master : Bros . J . W . Chater , W . M . ; J . C . Witton , S . VV . ; F . S . Shaw , J . W . ; E . Y . Nepean , Chap . ; G .

H . Barclay , Treasurer ; W . J . Gradidge , Secretary ; A . Farr , S . D . ; H . Sherwood , J . D . ; G . C . Eyles , D . C ; F . Bloxham , I . G . ; and H . Stout , Tyler . There were also present Bros . W . H . Parsons , P . M . ; C V . Helsdon , P . M . ; Purkess , Bienvenu , Hammans , P . J . W . ; and Grainger . Visitors : Bros . W . W . B . Beach , P . G . M . ; J . E . Le Feuvre , D . P . G . M ., G . J . D . ; Dew , P . M . 694 ; and

H . P . Moore . A vote of condolence to the widow and family of the late Bro . T . Best , of Redrice , P . P . G . S . W ., senior P . M ., and one of the founders of St . Hubert's Lodge , was proposed by Bro . Nepean , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Lavington , I . P . M ., and supported by Bro . W . VV . B . Beach , P . G . M ., and carried unanimously . A handsome banner was presented to the lodge by Bro . F . S . Shaw , J . W .

NORTH WOOLWICH . —Henley Lodge ( No . 1472 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this flourishing lodge took place on Tuesday , the 4 th inst ., at Bro . West ' s hostelry , thc Three Crowns Hotel , Bro . C . Jolly , W . M ., in

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the chair , supported by the following officers and brethren Bros . E . VVest , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . Herts ; Dr . W . Vance , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Ives , P . M ., Sec ; C T . Lewis , P . M . ; A . Ives , P . M . ; J . Paul , S . W . ; ] . Savage , J . W . ; C . H . Canning , S . D . ; C J . Jones , J . D . ; C Wood , I . G . ; A . Knight , D . C ; J . G . Johnson , Stwd . ; J . Gaskell , P . M . 107 G , Tyler ; B . Curtis , B . Chatterton , VV . G . Barrell , S . Bow , H . Vallom , M . Rilatt , VV . Clapoerton , I . W . Monk .

VV . Ball , J . Delo , T . Gowers , T . Mason , W . E . Richardsen , VV . Turvey , G . Low , W . McGuinness , C . T . Fowling , A . Johnson , E . Buck , G . Richards , S . Woodward , F . Budden , S . Sutcliffe , and E . Morgan , all of the lodge . The visitors included Bros . W . Weston , P . M . 1536 , P . P . G . Swd . Br . Kent ; W . Moulds , W . M . 153 G ; W . Akers , VV . M . 13 ; C . H . Freyer , S . D . S 79 ; E . W . Carter , P . M . S 5 S ; F . G . Burstow , S . D . 212 ; J . Horn , 13 ; Dr . E .

Bryceson , 913 ; J . Oliver , 902 ; W . VVood , 3 S 1 ; S . Thompson , 12 ( S . C ); A . Hodge ( S . C ); and B . Goodall , 1327 . 1 he lodge having been opened , and the minutes passed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . Robert Stephenson , and Charles Robert Hayward , and , after approval , those gentlemen were initiated . Bros . Steer and Richardson were passed , and Bros . Mason , Curtis , Johnson , and Chatterton raised . The next business was to consider the summer

banquet , and it was unanimously agreed to have it at Eastbourne , and a Committee were appointed to carry out the arrangements thereof . Notice of motion by Bro . C . Lewis , P . M ., "The purchase of a harmonium for the use of the lodge , " was postponed in that brother's temporary absence . A very handsome testimonial , consisting of an illuminated and inscribed vellum , in handsome gold frame , of the

value of five guineas , was then presented to Bro . A . T . Ives , I . P . M ., as a token of the brethren ' s respect , and to commemorate the admirable manner in which he had installed his successor . The W . M . made the presentation , and in suitable terms spoke of the earnest and zealous endeavour of Bro . Ives for the prosperity of the lodge .

Bro . Ives feelingly and eloquently returned thanks , and then the lodge was closed , after a heavy night's work . From labour to refreshment was the next order , and thc brethren sat down to one of Bro . West ' s elegantly served suppers , and afterwards honoured the usual loyal Masonic toasts as Masons should .

YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —On Monday last , the regular monthly meetingof this lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , St . Saviourgate . There were present Bros . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; G . Simpson ,

P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; G . Balmford , P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; C G . Padel , P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; J . T . Seller , P . M . ; M . Millington , P . M . ; J . Blenkin , P . M . ; W . Brown , S . W . ; Geo . Chapman , J . W . ; J . Kay , Sec ; W . Lackenby , J . D . j P . Pearson , as I . G . ; W . Storey and J . D . Irving , Stwds . R . Ware , W . T . Nance , H . Mennell , C Tuff , W . Routledge , John Thorpe , W . R . Jackson , W . Wriglesworth , J . E . Wilkinson , Wm . Sharp , R . M . Hayden , and others ;

whilst amongst the visitors were Bros . M . C Peck , P . M . 250 , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . Thompson , P . M . 57 , P . P . G . D . ; J . Todd , P . M . 236 , P . P . G . Reg . ; VV . Tesseyman , P . M . 57 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; W . H . Cowper , P . M . 1848 , P . P . G . Keg . ; E . Harding , W . M . 1991 ; F . Woolnough , 1991 ; A . M . White , 1991 ; H . S . Hopton , 256 ; W . Ward , 23 G ; and others . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . T . Seller , P . M ., and ,

after the confirmation of the minutes , a ballot was taken for a candidate , after which an accepted candidate was initiated . The chair was then taken by Bro . M . Millington , P . M ., who initiated a second candidate , the charge to the two candidates being given by Bro . Brown , S . W . The chair was then taken by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., who said that there were occasions in the working of the Craft when very pleasant tasks had fallen to his lot , and this was

one of them . It was one of the duties inculcated in their teachings that merit should have its reward , and that patient industry should not go unrecognised . Those who were active workers in Freemasonry were well aware how essential it was to the prosperity of any lodge that those who might be termed its " staff" officers should bc energetic and careful , and should have the real interests of the Order at heart . Since that lodge had been formed in 1876

it had been fortunate in the possession of a Treasurer who had steadily worked and laboured for its welfare . Bro . Balmford , P . M ., was the first Treasurer appointed , and he had annually received the unanimous vote of the brethren to the same office , thc result being that he was at that moment their Treasurer after a service of 10 years . All the older members of the lodge knew what had been done by the lodge . They remembered the difficulties that had

attended its formation , and the struggles that had eventuated in their possession of thebeautif ul building in which they were then met , the splendidfurniture that surrounded them , and the valuable collection of Masonic books , pictures , and relics that formed their museum . Much of this was due to the careful manner in which the Treasurer had husbanded the resources of the lodge , and the brethren had felt that some slight recognition was due from them to one

who had served them so well . On behalf of the brethren of the lodge , he asked Bro . Balmford ' s acceptance of a gold Treasurer ' s jewel , which he had great pleasure in placing upon his breast , wishing that he might be spared for many years to come , to work shoulder to shoulder with them in the great cause of brotherly love , relief , and truth . After the applause had subsidedJBro . Whytehead resumed his remarks . He said that there was another brother with

them that evening whose services had been even of a more laborious character than those of the Treasurer . He referred to the Secretary , Bro . James Kay . Bro . Kay waa no novice at secretarial work . He had made his mark and won the respect of the brethren in Hull , where he was for years the Secretary of one of the lodges before he came to Vork . He had been appointed Secretary of the Eboracum Lodge at its formation , and hadannually been re-appointed

to the office , with the exception of one year , when he served in a Warden's chair . The work of a Secretary involved a great deal of careful attention to details , and they were fortunate in the possession of a brother who was able to devote time and trouble to the work of that office . They all know how courteous Bro . Kay always was , how ready to

give information , and how genial , and it had been the wish of the members to pay him the compliment of presenting him with a Secretary ' s gold jewel , which he was truly glad to place upon his breast with thc same good wishes and congratulations as he had expressed towards Bro . Balmford . Bros . Balmford and Kay then rose , amid the continued