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davs . Now , however , it is the exception rather than the rule when an outgoing Master is obliged to have recourse to external aid to get this part of his duties performed . Bro . Smith on Saturday was no exception to the good new order of things in this respect . After Bro . Blake had been invested with the badge of a M . M ., Bro . Smith said that before proceeding with the ceremony of installation he had a leasing duty to perform , which was to present a Past

p Treasurer ' s jewel to Bro . Dewsnap , who was retiring from the post of Treasurer upon the occasion ol his elevation to another office . In the office which he had so ably filled Bro . Dewsnap had had a great deal of work and responsibility , especially during the past year , and this jewed had been awarded to him by the unanimous vote of the brethren . In their name he had great pleasure in presenting it to Bro . Dewsnap , with all good wishes for his continued

success . Bro . A . Stokes , S . W . and VV . M .. elect , was then presented by Bro . Corpe for the benefits of installation , whereupon Bro . Smith addressed the brethren as to the custom prevailing in Masonic lodges with regard to the annual choice of a new Master , and called upon the acting Secretary to read the ancient charges , to which Bro . Stokes declared his adhesion in the usual form , and was thereafter obligated at the pedestal . A Board of Installed Masters

was then formed , to whom Bro . Stokes was presented , and was then installed by Bro . Smith , jun ., into the chair of K . S . with the usual solemnities . The brethien below the rank of Installed Master were then readmitted , and the new VV . M . was proclaimed and saluted in the three degrees . Bro . Corpe officiated as D . of C , and delivered the three addresses to the VV . M ., the Wardens , and the brethren of the lodge . 'The officers for the year 18 S 3-4 are as

follows : Bros . A . Stokes , W . M . ; G . F . Smith , jun ., I . P . M . ; J . VV . Dewsnap , S . W . ; G . F . Smith , sen ., J . W . ; T . C . Corpe , P . M ., Treas . ; J . VV . Brooke , P . M ., Sec . ; A . Williams , S . D . ; H . Cattermole , J . D . ; VV . B . Marcus , I . G . ; A . Jakins , D . of C ; H . S . Trego , Org . ; F . Gent , Steward ; and Bowler , Tyler . After investing his officers , the Worshipful Master said that he had now a very pleasant duty to perform . A Past

Master's jewel had been accorded to the I . P . M ., Bro . Smith , jun ., and it gave him the greatest pleasure to invest him with it , and he hoped that Bro . Smith would live long to wear that ornament which he had earned so well . Bro . Smith briefly acknowledged the compliment . After the W . M . had risen for the first time , Bro . Smith , I . P . M ., said that he had somewhat unwelcome news to deliver to the lodge . According to the bye-laws of the lodge ,

any member might resign by writing a letter to the Secretary or by intimating his intention to the W . M . He was sorry to say that in his capacity as Master he had received the resignation of their I . P . M ., Bro . Bolt . He was very much pained at receiving it , and he had no alternative but to place it before the lodge to see what the lodge could do . No reason had been assigned by Bro . Bott for resigning . Bro . Corpe proposed that Bro . Bott's resignation should

be accepted with regret ; that was the only course open to them . Bro . Smith , I . P . M ., said that Bro . Bott was virtually the founder of the lodge , and with the assistance of Bro . Corpe and Bro . Brooke had got together the brethren who signed the petition for the warrant . They had done work that was second to none in any lodge , and had retired into that reserve of Freemasonry—the group of Past Masters—from

which they were liable to be called to take active service again , 'lhe brethren of the lodge , however , had so well followed the good example which had been set them , that the Past Masters had not been called upon during the past year to render any assistance ; but he was well aware that had it been necessary he had only needed to express a wish and they would have come forward at once . Bro . Smith said that he could not imagine why Bro . Bott , a

founder of the lodge , should have taken it into his head to resign after the fourth year . The Past Masters of the lodge were highly esteemed ; they were not forgotten after they had passed through the chair ; they were always brought before the notice of the lodge in a toast given at the banquet table . No Past Master should think because one Master had been so fortunate as not to require his services that his continuance in the lodge was

unnecessary . Bro . Stokes had gone into the chair that day , and if during his year of office he could do without assistance , it would give him ( Bro . Smith ) the greatest pleasure . He was himself glad to be out of the chair , which entailed a great deal of work , and he had the satisfaction of feeling that he had now only to come to the lodge and enjoy himself . He would suggest that the Secretary be directed to write to Bro . Bottexpressing the regret of the lodge at his

, resignation , and asking him to reconsider the matter . He would also ask the whole of the brethren present to vote when the question was put in order to assure Bro . Bott of their unanimity upon it . The question that the Secretary write to Bro . Bott in the terms suggested by Bro . Smith , P . M ., was then put and carried unanimously . The lodge was then closed in due form and the brethren

of the lodge and their guests proceeded to the adjoining building to dinner . After the cloth had been withdrawn the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed from the chair and were received with customary Masonic heartiness . The toasts were introduced by thc W . M . with the greatest brevity in order to g ive the more time for the vocal and instrumental music contributed by various musical brethren .

The toasts of "The Queen , " and "The M . W . the Grand Master , " yielded nothing reportable . 'lhe toast proposed to " The Pro Grand Master , Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " was coupled with the name of thc Rev . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap ,, who said that he could not say that he was unaccustomed to return thanks for that toast , but could say that it was not often he had had to do so in that lodge .

He had had the honour to act as Grand Chaplain at its consecration , and he was happy to look back from time to time to witness the progress they were making . Every member of Grand Lodge had at this time an important dut y to perform , the very important legislative duty of assisting in the revision of the Book of Constitutions . On

such a question it was natural that men should have strcng opinions ; and it was not unnatural that town and country Masons should see matters from different sides . He was himself both a town and a country Mason , and had the nonour to be Deputy Prov . Grand Alaster for one of the Provinces . He would be glad if he could do anything to Show London and the Provincial Masons that after all they were very much the same kind of men , seeinir that both of

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them had the interests of the Craft at heart ; and if they would only give way a little on both sides they would both be able to proceed with the consideration of the questions which were now before the whole body . B-o . Studholme Brownrigg then said that he knew he was quite wrong in proposing the toast he was about to submit to them , but the I . P . M . had put the gavel into his hand , and he was

constrained to do as he was asked , though he was sure that the I . P . M . would have proposed the W . M . 's health much better than he could do it . There was no more important thing a lodge could do than to select a fit W . M ., because such an one became not only a ruler of his lodge , but a ruler in the Craft , as his office gave him a voire in the affairs of the whole body . That lodge had hitherto

sent good members to Grand Lodge , and he felt sure that they could not have done more wisely than they had in selecting the brother who had that evening been installed , and that Bro . Alfred Stokes would be a worthy representative in Grand Lodge . 'The Worshipful Master having returned thanks for the kind manner in which he had been referred to by the P . G . Chaplain , said that , whether in the Duke of Cornwall

Lodge or in discharging those higher functions to which Bro . Brownrigg had referred , it would be his earnest endeavour to discharge his duty faithfully , as became a member of that lodge of which he had now the honour to be the ruler . He then proposed " The Health of the I . P . M ., " whom he deservedly complimented on the manner in which he had pertormed the installation ceremony .

Bro . Smith responded , and took the opportunity of again thanking the brethren for the jewel which he had now the honour to wear . It was a satisfaction to him on leaving the chair to resign the reins of office into the hands of so able a Mason as Bro . Stokes . He was pleased to say the brethren had had a prosperous year of office ; he had introduced ;^ members and there were seven joining members . In the

year 1 SS 1 the receipts were £ . 140 ; in the year 1 SS 2 they had been £ S 9 , and in the year just past they were 3 C 3 S 4 . They had not lost sight of the Relief and Benevolent Fund . When he came into office the Fund amounted to £ 2 ; it was now £ 20 , and he hoped that from year to year it might go on increasing rapidly . There were several other toasts proposed , including "The

Visitors , " coupled with the names of Bro . Banks , a District Grand Officer of New South Wales ; Bro . Clarke , P . M . of an Australian Lodge ; and Bro . Calkin , J . W . of 5 S 6 , who all acknowledged the compliment . Bros . Smith and Corpe responded to the toast of " The Past Masters . " "The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary " was , in

the absence of Bro . Brooke , the Secretary , who was excused because he was away on his wedding tour , responded to by the Treasurer only , in a speech in which were included all good wishes to the absent Secretary . The toast to " The Masonic Press" was also proposed ; and that to "The Officers of the Lodge" was responded to by the Senior and Junior Wardens ; after which the

Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings of a very pleasant evening to a close . Among those present were Bros . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap ., and Dep . Prov . G . Master Berks , and Bucks . ; N . L . Western , 1693 ; Edwd . Ayling , W . M . 975 ; Wm . Clarke , P . M . Hotham Lodge , Australia ; J . Glass , S . W .

453 ; A . Floyd , 453 ; H . F . Sandy , 228 ; J . T . Calkin , J . W . 5 SG ; A . J . Sheffield , 90 j j H . M . Appleton , S . W . 1381 ; S . Shaw , 1987 ; Chas . G . B . Marcus , 158 ; Walter V . tBraham , 1471 ; VV . W . Banks , P . M . 656 ; VV . P . Moat , 1711 ; John Da Silva , 205 ; Richard Townsend , 1984 ; A . E . Staley , W . M . 185 ; and E . C . Massey ( Freemason ) .

SOUTH SHIELDS . —St . Hilda ' s Lodge ( No . 240 ) . —On Monday night the monthly meeting of the members of this lodge was held in the Freemasons' Hall , Fowler-street . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . H . Thompson , VV . M ., assisted by Bro . G . S . Shotton , I . P . M . ; Thos . Binks , S . VV . ; Geo . Robson , J . W . ; and other officers . Among other brethren present were Bros . Huijh Golder ,

I . P . M . 1119 ; J ohn Hinde , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., Treas . ; J . S . Wilson , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of W . ; J . T . Wilson , P . M . ; Thos . Potter , P . M . ; Martin Forrest Grey , P . M ., and D . of C . 1 S 79 ; and others . The minutes of tne previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Thos . Coulson , VV . M . 1970 , asked permission to pass Bro . James Cotten , 1970 , to the Second Degree .

Permission was cordially given and Bro . Cotton was passed as a Fellow Craft by Bro . Thomas Coulson , W . M . 1970 , the working tools being explained by Bro . Thomas Binks , S . VV . Bro . William English was then raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason by Bro . J . H . Thompson , VV . M ., the working tools being explained by Bro . Jas . Roddam , P . M ., P . P . G . Purst . The

Worshipful Master reported that he had on the 5 th inst . represented the lodge at the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge , and gave a brief resume of the proceedings thereat . The lodge was afterwards closed in due form , and a pleasant evening was spent . Bro . Jas . Roddam , P . M ., proposed " The Visiting Brethren , " and referred tothe presence of their old and esteemed Bro . M . r . Grev , P . M ., who left

that town some 11 years ago to assume the duties of Harbour Master at Warkwork Harbour . Bro . Grey , P . M ., & c , in responding said it gave him great pleasure to once more visit his mother lodge and to find it so prosperous , and to receive so hearty a greeting from his brother members . Bro . D . Cameron , 1119 , also lesponded . Other toasts followed .

MARPLE . —Benevolence Lodge ( No . 336 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 1 st inst ., at the Jolly Sailor Inn , when there were present Bros . Ralph Andrew , VV . M . ; J . E . Steward , P . M ., acting S . VV . ; Herbert Finch , P . M ., P . G . D . of C , acting J . W . ; Wm . Caldwell , S D . ; Joseph Boardman , J . D . ; J . Crompton , Sec ; T . Mather , I . G . ; J . Osbaldiston , Tyler ; Hemy Jackson , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Sherwin , Kirby ,

and Phythian . Visitors : James WiLon , VV . M . 317 ; Jonn Bladon , P . M . 317 , P . P . G . A . D . of C . East Lane . ; Hodkinson , 320 ; Shenton , 3 61 ; Woodall , iu 6 ; Mark Stafford , 3 G 1 ; and R . R . Lisenden , S . D . 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes uf last meeting confirmed , Mr . J . E . Radford was balloted for , and unanimously elected to became a member ot the lodge , and was afterwards duly initiated into the mysteries ot Freemasonry by the W . M ., who also presented and explained

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the working tools and delivered the E . A . 's charge in a highly satisfactory manner . The S . D ., Bro . Wm . Caldwell , delivered a lecture on the first tracing board to the candidate . There being no further business , " Hearty good wishes " were expressed by the visitors , and the lodge was closed in

peace and harmony . The brethren afterwards had tea , and a very pleasant evening was spent . Since the meeting we have been very pleased ' to hear that the honour of Provincial Grand Deacon has been conferred upon Bro . J . E . Steward , who richly merits it .

SOUTH SHIELDS , —Hadrian Lodge . ( No . 1970 ) . —On Tuesday , the 4 th inst ., the usual monthly meeting of the memhers of this lod ge was held in the Freemasons' Hall , Fowler-street . The lod ge was opened by Bro . Thos . Coulson , W . M ., Prov . G . J . D ., supported by Bros . Thos . Potter , I . P . M . ; J . J . Athey , P . M ., S . W . ; Wm . Davidson , J . W . ; and other officers . The minutes having been read by the Secretary , Bro . j . Hepple , and

conhrmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . R . W . Thompson , which proving favourable , the candidate was initiated by Bro . Thos . Potter , I . P . M ., the working tools being explained by Bro . Wm . Davidson , J . W . Bro . Peter Thompson was afterwards passed to the degree of Fellow Craft by the VV . M ., the working tools being presented by the S . W . There being no other business the lodge was closed in love and harmony .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

PERCY LODGE ( No . 198 ) . —This lodge met on Saturday , the Sth inst ., at Bro . Langdale's , the Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , Islington . Present : Bros . Gribbell , VV . M . ; Gellen , S . W . ; Galer , J . W . •Pearcy , Preceptor ; C . Lorkin , Treas . ; A . VV . Fenn ' er , acting-Secretary ; Bird , S . D . ; Manger , I . G . ; Houghton , Gush , and Powell . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed .

Bro . Houghton offered himself as a candidate , was examined and entrusted . Lodge was opened in the Second Degree and the ceremony of passing rehearsed , Bro . Houghton being the candidate . Bro . Fenner worked the Third , and Bro . Gush the Fourth Sections , assisted by the brethren . Lodge was resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Gellen was elected VV . M . tor the next meeting . Lodge was then closed and adjourned .

CAMDEN LODGE ( No . 704 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the Gth inst ., at Lincoln ' s Inn Restaurant , 305 , High Holborn , when the following were present : Bros . Snodin , W . M . ; Cobb , S . W . ; Trant , J . W . ; Trinder , Treas . ; Simpson , Sec ; Fitzpatrick ^ S . D . ; Sayers , I . G . ; and Bro . Fieldson ( visitnr ) . The

lodge having been opened in due form , the First Section of the First Lecture was worked by Bro . Simpson ; Second by Bro . Snodin ; and the Third by Bro . Fitzpatrick . The ceremony of initiation was afterwards rehearsed , Bro . Fieldson offering himself as the candidate . Bro . Cobb was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed in due form and in perfect harmony .

LANGTON LODGE ( No . 1673 ) . —This prosperous lodge of instruction recommenced its weekly meetings on Thursday evening , the 7 th inst ,, at the Mansion House Restaurant , Queen Victoria-street . Bro Clay Sudlow , P . M ., Preceptor of the lodge , occupied the W . M . s chair , and worked the ceremony of initiation in a most perfect manner . The other offices were filled bv the

following : Bros . Fletcher , S . VV . ; Barnet , J . W . ; Steingraber , S . D . ; Hallowes , J . D . ; Seton , I . G . ; J . Tanqueray , Preceptor ; and J . D . Langton , Sec . Among the others present were Bros . Garland , Gunn , Marshall , Sumner , Bishop , and Pocock . The visitors were Bros . A . Couldrey , 30 , and Charles J . Royal , 16 53 , Sydney . After the ceremony of initiation the VV . M . gave the charge , and the brethren were called from labour to refreshment

and from refreshment to labour . Bro . Truman Tanqueray worked the Fourth Section of the First Lecture , which gave the brethren another proof of his great knowledge ot the ritual . Several brethren having been elected joining members the lodge was closed . VVe may add that the working of this lodge of instruction is strictly " Emulation , " and that its meetings are held every Thursday evening , at six o'clock , in a very commodious room of the Mansion House Restaurant .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

WEST KENT CH 4 . PTER ( No . 1297 ) . —A convocation of this chapter was held at the Thicket Hotel , Anerley , on Saturday , the 8 th inst . Present : Comps ' . Ribert H . Crowden , M . E . Z . ; William Lake , H . ; Bern . Fullwood , J . ; Thos . Perrin , N . ; VV . Lavington , A . S . ; Dr . Bazley , Org . ; Fanshawe ; and Church , Janitor . The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , Bro . H . Windybank , C . C ., Burgoyne Lodge , No . 902 , and George C . WinkworthWest Kent

, Lodge , No . 1297 , were dul y exalted into Royal Arch Masonry by the M . E . Z ., Comp . Robt . H . Crowden . Comp . Lavington , in the absence of the P . S ., undertook the duties of that office , much to the satisfaction of the companions present . Many companions sent apologies for their absence owing to their being out of town . There being no banquet the companions separated directly after the ceremony .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

WHITEHAVEN . —Fletcher Lodge ( No . 213 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , the 31 st ult ., Bro . W . B . Gibson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., presided , supported as follows Bros . Thos . Atkinson , S . VV ., P . G . Stwd . ; B . Craig , | . W „ P . G . D . C ; J . Routledge M . O . ; E . Sutherst , S . O . ; " | . H . Hartley , J . O . ; J . Kothery Sec . and Keg . ; F . T . Ailatt , S . D . ; J . Cooper , P . P . G .

Urg ., Org . ; Sam . Woodhead , I . G . ; Thos . Richarson , Tyler ; Geo . Dalrymple , P . M ., G . A . D . C . ; VV . Bedford , and others . The minutes were confirmed and the ballot taken for two candidates for advancement , and both were accepted . Bro . T . H . Nesbitt , 1004 , being in attendance was advanced to the Honourable Degree of Mark Master , and the lodge was then closed .