Craft Masonry.

Bro . Joseph James Whitehead , I . P . M ., who , on rising to respond , was received with immense applause , said he did not know how sufficiently to thank the brethren for their great kindness . Really he never expected when he went into the chair he would be so much in the confidence of the brethren . _ It was true that ! he strove very hard indeed , and he was pleased his efforts had received the kind approval of the brethren . He had indeed tried his hardest to make his year the best the lodge had had and to bring the Scots Lodge to a higher position than it stood in when he went into the chair . The W . M . had been rather too complimentary and he was afraid the worthy brother ' s

remarks had partaken too much of the form of after-dinner speeches . He had tried an important function and had done his best . He knew many of the members of the Scots Lodge had done their best to make his year of office what it had been j they had assisted him in every possible way ; in everything they had rallied round him , and why should he have the whole of the credit ? Although he had passed the chair if there was harder work in the Scots Lodge the W . M . would find in him one of his most constant supporters .

He hoped that each year would prove better than its predecessors and that when Dr . Forbes came to the chair he would do better than all the Past Masters put together . He also hoped that the Scots Lodge would be one of the best lodges in England or Scotland . He trusted that the whole of the members individually and collectively would work together to attain that end , and even to make the Scots Lodge one of the finest lodges that ever existed in the world .

Bro . the Ven . Archdeacon Sinclair , P . G . C , proposed "The Grand Lodge of Scotland and its Grand Officers . " He was sorry he had not been present in the lodge , but he had been engaged in promoting the union of Christendom at Hampstead with Dr . Parker . Speculative Masonry , he believed , was older in Scotland than in England , at any rate they knew very well that the English ritual was composed and written out by a Scots Mason , and ancient Masonry was extremely Scotch . The brethren might remember there were peculiar features in Scots Freemasonry . There was a builder in Scotland and others who were interested in practical Scots Masonry who erected ancient

buildings there , and he did not , in fact , think there was any country of the same size as Scotland that had so many ancient buildings . The brethren were sorry to see the ancient buildings the reformers destroyed , which no doubt was a great evil . The present state of Freemasonry in Scotland was extremely satisfactory as there were 700 or Sco lodges there . He believed also that in our Colonial Dependencies Freemasonry had been greatly promoted by the Scottish brethren who had gone out to the Colonies and had been the most successful of our Colonists . The present Grand Master of Scotland . Sir Charles Dalrymple , whom they all respected , was a very gallant , honourable , and

chivalrous political opponent aad leader , and the Deputy Grand Master , Lord Saltoun , a Past Master of that lodge , and the Earl of Rosslyn , S . G . W ., were all among the best . These were names they all received well , as well as the J . G . W ., Major Allan , who was now present , and whom they received with the greatest cordiality , for they all knew his Masonic career . Among the Past Grand Masters he mentioned the name of Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , whom they all esteemed and respected , as one of the founders of the lodge . There were also Lord Blythswood , the Earl of Mar and Kellie , and the present Earl of Haddington . What Scotsmen did he believed they always did

with their might and main . Although he had not been so much a Scotch Mason , he believed Freemasonry was carried out as well in the north as in the south . In the Scots Lodge of London he thought there was a perfectly right feeling . Scotsmen naturally abided by the laws , political and civil , but , at the same time , he thought the Scots Lodge represented old Scots Masonry in the southern locality . They had taken up their abode at the Scots Corporation Hall , which was very close on the borders of Alsatia—a place known in the time of James the First of England for the first great advent of Scotsmen to London , which was described in " The Fortunes of Nigel , " and in Alsatia , in those very

early days , they had to take refuge and went thereby going just across Fleet-street . Scotsmen held a different position in London then to what they did now . They were now the most brilliant of their kind , whereas they were formerly the subjects of obloquy . Again , he wished to say the Scots Lodge was a true representative of Scottish Freemasonry in this country , and he hoped the Scots Freemasons who were present would carry home a good report . Among them he might mention Bro . Rev . John Watt , D . D ., of St . Andrew ' s University , and P . G . Chaplain , Scotland , and Bro . John Whitehead , of Aberdeen , the senior Past Master lof the Scots Lodge . He coupled the name of Bro . Major Allan with the toast .

Bro . Major Allan , in reply , said he was very pleased to be present at the installation of his old friend as Master of that lodge , and to receive such a hearty welcome . The Grand Lodge of Scotland was doing its very best . Perhaps in many ways it mighc not be up to the Grand Lodge of England . What they had done in Scotland was very great , but they must not try to do too much at once . Lodges in Scotland had struck against givinga candidate no more than one Degree in on ; night . He thought thit only one Degree should be given in one evening . With regard to the Masonic Chirities , the

Grand Lodge of Scotland was imitating the Grand Lodge of England . They gave about £ 1200 a year in annuities of £ 10 , , ( , 12 , and £ 20 . He wished they could do the same as was done in England . If any of the brethren went to visit the Grand Lodge of Scotland they would find the Scots brethren were not a bad lot . They did what they could for Masonry , and they wanted to raise its t . ne , and he was glad to be the bearer of a letter from the Grar . d Secretary of Scotland to ihe Sects Lodge , London , wishing Bro . Thomson a glorious year ot office .

Bros . Dr . Watt of Glasgow , and John Whitehead , Aberdeen , also replied . Bro . John Whitehead , P . M ., replying to the toast of "The Past Masters , " said it was seven years that night the lodge was consecrated , and it was a proud moment for him to see around him so many brethren who were there on the consecration occasion . Among them was Major Allan , and now the first initiate of the _ lodge was I . P . M . He felt more proud to see his son in that position and to have given so much satisfaction when in the chair than of anything else . He sincerely trusted that that son would not be the only son who would fill the chair of that lodge . What the Past Masters had done in the past they would do in the future to raise the dignity of the lor ' ge . Bros . John Page , P . M ., D . C , and D . F . Gellion , P . M ., Trustee , also replied .

Bro . Dr . D . M . Forbes , P . M ., S . W ., proposed "The Visitors , " and said : W . M ., Wardens , and brother Scots , —The toast that the W . M . has entrusted to me is that of the visitors . It is a most important toast , and I feel highly honoured by being selected to propose it . In the Masonic system of morality , Charity holds the primary place , but hospitality holds also a high position . The Scots Lodge has always at its meetings a gocdly display of visiting brothers , and I am pleased to see here to-night so many distinguished brethren of the Craft assembled to partake with us of the social cheer in harmony and

brotherhood" Pleasures that to the human mind convey Ideal pictures of the bliss supreme . "—Ferguson . Scottish hospitality is well known ; indeed , our neighbours and ancient allies , the French , when they wish to describe hospitality in supreme degree describe it as such . But we give the visitors lo our feast nol only a hearty Scottish , but a hearty Highland welcome . As Robert Burns , whom we are proud to honour on the centenary of his death , so well expresses it" When death ' s dark stream I ferry o'er ,

A time that surely shall come , In Heaven itself I'll ask no more Than j ' ust a Highland welcome . " We trust that in the Grand Lodge above he has received a Highland welcome as hearty as we have endeavoured to give our visitors in this lodge below . I can only add , by drawing your attention to tbe words , after this toast on the programme" Will you no come back again , Better loved ye canna be ,

Will you no come back again . " Brethren , — " The Visitors , " coupled with the names of Bros . Cox , P . M ., Gray , Dr . Goodchild , and others . Bro . James Gray , P . M ., in the course of his reply to the toast of the visitors , said he had the pleasure Ihe other evening of meeting an old Australian friend , one of his Masonic children , who was on a visit to the old country after 30 years absence . He had been advised not to return to the land of his birth and happy youthful memories as he

wculd find it all changed and the spell of happiest recollections would be broken for ever . Instead of this , however , he found it as dear and attractive as imagination had pictured it , and old friends true and leal to receive him with open arms . Bro . Gray said his feelings that night on revisiting the Scots Lodge were very sim lar , and when he found how the brethren received him so warmly , his heart glowed once more with its old love for the Scots Lodge . He thanked the W . M . very sincerely for giving him the opportunity of being present , and Bro . Dr . Forbes , S . W ., for the very kind and enthusiastic manner in which he had proposed the health of the visitors , also the brethren

Craft Masonry.

for the hearty and loyal reception given to the toast . Bro . Dr . Forbes , S . W ., ha j referred most eloquently to Scottish hospitality . As Scotsmen they were proud of this distinguished characteristic of their race , and they might as well thank the sun fot shining , their mountain streams for running down to the sea , or even those ebulitions of Scots fervour of his—as thank Scotsmen or the Scots Lodge for hospitality—they can ' t help it . He most heartily congratulated their new W . M . on his accession to the chair of the Scots Lodge . He had worked long and faithfully in the interests of the lodge , and now as W . M . he wis sure Bro . Thomson would make his year of office one to be remembered

for conscientious activity and marked progress . No one would conserve all the noblest traditions of Scotsmen and the best interest of Freemasonry more than the present VV . M . In fact , Bro . Thomson was nothing at all if not a Scotsman to the backbone and if that vertebra of his could only be put under the Rongen Rays it would be fount } to be bristling all over with Scotch thistles and his brain with untranslateable Scotch quotations . " He was sure that their new W . M . would zealously maintain and promote the best interests of the Scots Lodge , and hand over to his successor the jewel of his office not only undimned but brighter than he received it , with the lustre of good work well and faithfully done . Bros . Dr . Goodchild , Dr . Cox , P . M ., Weston , and Whistler likewise responded .

Bro . W . H . Bullock , P . M ., Sec . 2128 , and P . M . 2432 , said what he had seen and heard that night had filled him with admiration for the Scottish character . He was m uch impressed with the clannishness which the Scots carried with them across the border and which had brought about the present magnificent gathering . He did not see why Ihe Irish should not have their lodge in London . There was a large number of loyal Irishmen settled in London , many of them unattached Masons , and , from what he had

heard , he believed they would gladly join a lodge recruited from the Fatherland . He would be only too pleased to take part in founding such a lodge , and Bro . Inderwick , who was present , would also assist in any way possible to help the movement . He would ask the W . M . if the Scots Lodge would help the movement if the M . W . G . M . was asked to grant a charter ? Bro . Thomson , W . M .: Most certainly .

The other toasts were then given and responded to , reels and pipe music following , and the evening ended as usual—all joining hands in " Auld Lang Syn ^ . " In the course of the lodge proceedings a very handsome Past Master's jewel was presented to the outgoing Master . The music during the evening was of a high order , Bro . Davidson Arnott being well supported by an efficient choir .

THE OLD TROCADERO went the way of all things but in its stead there has been raised a Trocadero which bids fair to altogether eclipse the memories of the old favourite place of amusement . A magnificent testaurant has been raised upon its site , and Messrs . J . Lyons and Co ., Limited , have succeeded beyond their anticipations in making this the most attractive and comfortable resort of the kind in Europe . A Masonic Temple is included in its many attractions and exceptionally good arrangements are being made for the convenience of lodges . Application for particulars should be made to the proprietors , J . Lyons and Co . Limited , Cadby Hall , Kensington . —[ ADVT . ]

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . R . E . FAIRCLOUGH , whose death we briefly announced in our last issue , was on the and instant apparently in the best of health . He had been out in the afternoon for a short ride on his bicycle , and on his return he asked whether his tea was ready , and then went upstairs to his dressing-room , where his daughter found him , not five minutes after , lying on the floor dead . Death was due to heart failure . Our deceased brother was initiated in the Clapton Lodge , No . 1365 , in 1887 , in which he filled

the chair , having had a brilliant year of office . He was exalted to Royal Arch Masonry in the Islington Chapter , No . 1471 , and was a Life Governor of the three Institutions . He was Preceptor of the Duke of Connaught Lodge of Instruction , No . 1524 , and of the St . Leonard's Lodge of Instruction , No . 1766 . He was one of the best of friends and a splendid Mason , and his workingof the ritual was perfect . Bro . Fairclough was known to us personally , and we tender our respectful sympathy to his bereaved family and to the members of the Clapton Lodge , who

have sustained a very great loss , but his memory cannot be but ever green to them . Bro . Fairclough was Manager of the book-binding department of Messrs . Waterlow and Sons , Limited , with whom he had been for upwards of 30 years . The ( uneral took place on Saturday last , the Sth inst ., a special service being held at St . Matthews Church , Clapton , which was conducted by the Rev . G . H . Colbeck , assisted by the Rev . VV . Howard Braine , M . A ., the latter afterwards officiating at the grave . The cortege then proceeded to Chingford Mount

cemetery . The mourners were the children of our deceased brother , Bro . E . Fairclough , W . M . 2155 ( brother of the deceased ) ; Bro . E . J . Wickenden , W . M . 1599 ( son-in-law of the deceased ); Bro . Philip H . Waterlow , P . M . 2090 and 149 1 , P . Z . 1706 , P . G . D . ( represented by his private Secretary , Bro . J . W . Miller , P . M . 1491 ); Bros . J . D . Geddes , W . M . 1365 ; W . D . Church , P . M ., Sec . 1365 j C . Luker , P . M . 1365 ; J . Bunker , 1158 ; F . Kebbell , A . Rusby , J . B . Frost , and R . T . West , 1744 . When the gates of the cemetery were reached there was a crowd of upwards of

200 , consisting of many of the hands of Messrs . Waterlow and Sons , Limited , who were engaged in the department of which Bro . Fairclough was the manager , and members of the Craft , amongst whom were Bros . A . H . Church , W . M . elect , W . Blackburn , P . M ., Treas ., F . C . Lintott , J . W ., T . T . Gethen , J . D ., J . Holland , and T . W . Vaughan , all of the Clapton Lodge ; Bros . W . Cutchey , P . M . ; VV . Napper , P . Z . 1471 ; J . Feistal ; A . Stanger , P . M . 12 ; Ernest Love , S . D . 15991 P . Howell , Leicester , Ives , Davenport , Crisp , Punter , Pearce , S . W . 15241

Bestow , S . W . ; Oakley , . W . M . 1524 ; G . Kebbell , W . M . ; Johnson , Sexton , Friedlander , Willsmer , Matthews , and many others . All the brethren present wore a sprig of acacia , which was afterwards laid upon the coffin . Many handsome wreaths—in all 32—were sent by the sons and daughters of the deceised ; Bro . and Mrs . E . ] . Wickenden and family ; brothers and sisters of the deceased ; Bro . Philip H . Waterlow ; W . M . and brethren ofthe Clapton Lodge , No . 1365 ; Islington Chapter , No . 1471 ; brethren of the Clapton Lodge of Instruction , No .

1365 ; brethren of the Duke of Connaught Lodge of Instruction , No . 15241 membersof the St . Leonard ' s Lodge of Instruction , No . 1766 ; brethren of the Lewis Lodge of Instruction , No . 1185 ; Mr . and Mrs . Molyneaux and family ; Mr . and Mrs . Hughes j W . J . and M . Fairclough ; Mrs . Thomas Fairclou . ijh and family ; Bro . and Mrs . J . D . Geddes ; Bro . and Mrs . Luker and family ; Mrs . Horrocks ; Bro . and Mrs . Davenport ; Bro . H . D . Howell ; workmen of the binding department of Messrs . Waterlow and Sons , Limited ; the staff at

Great Winchester-street and London Wall ; fellow managers at the Hill-street branch ; managers and staff at Finsbury stationery works ; ladies in the folding department ; ladies in the vellum sewing department ; Mr . Arthur Miller ; f » and E . Bird ; Mr . and Mrs . Tucker and family ; A . Pearce ; Mr . and Mrs . Riches ; Mr . and Mrs . Greenhill ; and Mr . and Mrs . Trayner . The arrangements for the funeral were carried out by Mr . G . R . Moss , of Lower Clapton , ina manner which gave every satisfaction .

THE GLORIES of the old Trocadero in its best days are to be more than revived , as Messrs . J . Lyons & Co . have erected upon its site at Piccadilly Circus one of ' » grandest restaurants to be found in Europe . For elegance and convenience of construction , splendour of decoration , and the comfort and completeness of the gene / al app oinI ments it would be difficult to find its peer . The cuisine of J . Lyons & Co ., Ltd ., " >* earned for this Company the title of The Only Perfect Caterers , and the ' l ' ° fZ Restaurant will be a distinct acquisition to Masonic lodges . Applications resP ;! jji bookings should be made to the proprietors , J . Lyons & Co ., Ltd ., Cadby " Kensington , W . [ ADVT . ]