Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

of funds poured into its Treasury . He could answer feir one extremity of the country which was perhaps scarcely known to many of thc brethren , but which was well-known to him , the poor and net very popular province of Cornwall . That province had not perhaps done much , but it was increasing its support , and he thanked the . brethren belonging to that province for doing something towards

redeeming its name , and coming lo its festival . But he bad to propose the Health of the Chairman , although it was not for him . in his grace ' s presence , to speak at great length . He would however say of him that he was regarded as a genial friend , anti a popular neighbour by those amongst whom he lived . He was also looked up in as a true Bro . Mason and an excellent Prov . Grand Master .

Last but not least he was a man who whenever he undertook to do anything did it well , as he had that night . The noble Earl concluded by proposing " The Health of the Chairman . " The Chairman in replying , said as a matter of course he was gratified by the way in which the brethren had received his name and also by the kind , the flattering

af . d friendly terms in which Lord Mount Edgcumbe had submitted it to the brethren . In passing , he must congratulate his lordship upon the magnificence of thc subscriptions from his province , which must be the envy of all the provinces but one , the Province of Herts . ( Hear hear . ) He ( the Chairman ) certainly hoped that when he undertook a duty he did it , if not well , at least to the best of

his ability . It was very gratifying to him to see before him such a large assemblage , and it was equally gratifying that under his presidency such an ci . otmous subscription had been made to this excellent charity , which they they were met to do honour to . He trusted that when they were assembled for matters of peace and charity there was such heartiness among Englishmen that they

would not forget their country . He was convinced it was so in this assembly by thc ringing cheers which followed Lord Mount Edgcumbe's remarks about the sacrifices every Englishman would make for his native land . Not only was it so here , but it was also thc case in the colonies , for he could assure the brethren that not only their brother Masons , but their countrymen who were not Masons in

the colonics were as heartily , loyally and truly Britons as we ourselves , and only required organization ancl system to give full support to the country from which they sprang whenever it might be in danger . ( Prolonged Cheers . ) He trusted with Lord Mount Edgcumbe , that lugubrious anticipations might not be realised and tbat the brethren might never be assembled at a meeting of a less Masonic

nature than they were then . He also hoped the future festivals , not only of this charity , but of the other charities , might be as successful as that one . ( Cheers . ) Col . Creaton proposed "The Sister Charities . " In thc Girls' School , twenty-five extra children had recently been admitted , and at the Boys' School , preparations were being made for admitting thirty more boys . These additions

would of course entail additional expenditure , but he trusted that the brethren would follow the example which had been shewn that night and support those other two Institutions as liberally . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . F . Binckes replied , and commenced his observations by congratulating thc Benevolent Institution on the splendid success it had just had . He knew that the

country was suffering from what was commonly called " commercial depression , " and we all had our sympathies and anxieties . But in the midst of all the country's depression the Masonic Institution were well supported . It appeared to him an absolute fact , and it was one that carried to his mind a large amount of satisfaction that whatever might be thc distress that aggravated the world at

large the heart of Masonry was so sound that its Institutions never suffered . He read the reports of other Institutions outside Freemasonry which told him that they all suffered more or less by sacrificing their invested funds to make up their income from year to year . Freemasons ' Institutions however never appeared to lack the support which they want » d . After all said and done this was a

very good testimony borne by Freemasons themselves to the admirable organisation and management of the Institutions . He congratulated the Benevolent Institution on its success , and trusted that in future years it mi ght have still further success . He now came to a melancholy portion of his duty , to announce that through illness Bro . Little , the Secretary of thc Girls' School , was

absent , but he hoped that this would not in any way lessen the support to be given to that school . He hoped rather that it would have a larger amount of support . He was happy to say tint for himself God had given him strong health , and he was able to exercise it on behalf ofthe Boys' School . That he should always exercise , and he hoped the brethren would rally round the

Royal Masonic Institution for Boys at the next festival , when the Duke of Connaught would preside . Bro . Raynham W . Stewart , P . G . D ., proposed " The Health of the Stewards , to which Bro . Joseph Smilh , President of the Board , replied ; and after Bro . C . Hutton Gregory , P . G . D ., had proposed " Thc Ladies , " the brethren joined thc concert parly in the temple , and spent the

remainder of the evening in listening to a musical entertainment , which , under the direction of Bro . S . L ^ hmcyer , was performed by Madame Licbhardt , Miss Webster , Madame Thaddeus Wells , Miss Blanche Navarre , Miss Iklene Acnim , Mr Dudley Thomas , Bro . Fredk . Penna , Mr . Stanislaus , Mr . Henry Horscraft , and Bro . Wilhelm Ganz .

Bro . the Rev . K .. J . Simpson , Past Grand Chaplain , will preach a sermon on behalf of the Colonial and Continental Missionary Society , at St . Jude's Church , Mildmay Park , on Sunday next , the 17 th inst . Bro . the Rev . Dr . Abbott , Head Master of the City of London School , has been elected a member of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Cmft lir-Miita .

ROBERT BURNS LODGE ( No . 23 ) . —The meeting of this lodge for the installation of W . M . was held on the 4 th inst ., at Freemason ; ' HaU . There were present on the occasion Bros . VV . A . Malony , W . M . ; G . R . Shervill , S . W . ; F . J . Robins , J . W . ; Tho-- . " Wingham , P . M ., Treas . ; John Dyte , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Lindner , S . D . ; J . S . Hodson , J D . ; M . D . Loewenstark , I . G . ; and C . Wynne

Assis . Sec . The following were amongst the visitors present : —Bro ? . Col . Burdett , P . G . M . Middx . * , Hyde Clarke , P . G . M . St . Columbia ; Fredk . Walters . P . G . D . Middx . ; Matthew Cooke , P . M . ; John Coutts , P . G . P . ; J . R . Gallant , P . M . ; J . L . Culpin , II . C . Levander , H . J . Gabb ' , Henry Venn , Sir John Palm < r , f . Austin , George Coleman , Wm . Kirley , W . H . Holroyd , H . Dodson , Sir C . J . Palmer , I .

Reinhan ' t , Chas . Martin , Wallace Wells , A . S . VVielde , J . L . Thomas , F . Arnold . Thc members present were Bro ? . Wm . Dunn , A . Millar , J . Sanson , J . VV . Harvey , Fredk , VV . Farmer , Wm . Andrews , F . Btiggs , Wm . Brown , J . B . itson , H . J . B itsoii , Thos . Vernon , W . Ponsford , J . Hutchinsip , G . A . DjrVon , S . Morccro ' t , S . L . Ford , E . " VV . Collins , J . D . Bellamy ,

b-sides several other brctheti . The lodge was opened in due form and ihe minu'es of the last lodge were read . The VV . M . then opened the lodge in theSeconel and Third Degrees ancl Bro . Dunn was raised to the degree of M . M . Afterwards Bro . W . A . Malony W . M .. duly presented Bro . G . R . Shervill , S . W ., VV M . elect , for installaii . m , and Bro . VV . Watson installed hirn as W . M . for the year ensuing .

the proclamations and salutations in each of the degrees hiving been fevcrally performed , thc following officers were appointed by the VV . M . : Bios . Robins , S . W . ; Lindner , J . W . ; Hodson , S . D . ; Locwcn-tark , J . D . ; Wynne , I . G . ; John Dyte , Secretary ; Deacon , Assist . Secretary ; Blcy , D . C ; Wilson , P . M ., W . S . The W . M . then inves ' . ed Bro . W . A . Malony , P . M ., with a

P . M . s jewel , unanimously voted to him at the list meeting of thc lodge . Bro . Malony in a short pddress thanked the brethren for the great honour they had done him in presenting him with such a mark < jf their esteem and regard , and assured them of his lasting attachment to the lodge , and the interests and welfare of the brethren . Nothing more presenting itself in the shape of business for

the brethren to dispose of , thc brethren closed lodge , and adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern , where a splendid installation banquet was prepared by Bro . Best , and superintended by him and his manager , Bro . E . Dawkins . 'the toasts were subsequently proposed and honoured . After the toast of " The Queen , " and " The M . W . G . M ., " hacl been proposed and drunk , the W . M . proposed "The

Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and Grand Officers , " ancl referred to Col . Burdeit , as a Grancl Officer who took a lively interest in Freemasonry , ancl as one under whose active encouragement Freemasonry had made rapid strides that were unexampled , more particularly in his own province . Col . Burdett , he said , had also endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact , anil hence he was

one of the most popular of Provincial Grand Masters . Another Past Grand Master , Bro . Hyde Clarke , who was present , was one of the most able as well as the most agreeable of men , who hael a world-wide reputation as a distinguished and accomplished scholar , whose vast knowledge of men and things was only equalled by his love of Freemasonry . After Col . Burdett had responded , Bro .

Hyde Clarke made a few humorous observations about thc name of the lodge , which he reminded the brethren was founded before Robert Burns was bern . As may bi imagined , these remarks created considerable amusement . Bro . W . Watson , P . M ., the father of the lodge , responded for the P . M . ' s , and stated that this was the fortieth installation meeting of the lodge that he had attended . The

toast of "The W . M . " was proposed in very complimentary terms by Bro . W . A . Malony , P . M . Bro . Shervill , W . M ., in responding , thanked the members of the lodge for having elected him to that high office . It was an office he mi ght well be proud of , for the Robert Burns Lodge was a very famous lodge , and was distinguished alike by its antiquity , its charity , and the harmony and

fraternal feelings which prevailed amongst the brethren . In return for the confidence of the brethren which had been bestowed on him he promised to use his best endeavours to promote the prosperity of the lodge and the happiness of all its members . The other toasts were altcrwards given and responded to , and the brethren separated . The musical arrangements , which were most ably conducted ,

were entrusted to Bro . J . S . Hodson , and gave the greatest satisfaction to the members and visitors of the lodge . PHCENIX LODGE ( No . 173 ) . —This very prosperous lodge having some weeks ago debated the sutject amongst its brethren as to whether an entertainment could not be given to the lady friends of the members of thc lodge , it was determined to give a ball , and a

committeehaving been constitutccl , they arranged that thc ball should be held at the Freemasons' Tavern on Monday , Feb . 4 th . The ball accordingly took place in thc large hall . Thc W . M . and Committee , Bros . Phillips , Finch , Allen , Blyth , Wiles , Foxlcy , Culverhouse , Burford , Colwill , Bolding , and Bros . Davie and Giiterbock , as joint Hon . Sccs ., were early in attenelance to receive the company , who commenced to arrive soon after 9 o ' clock . Bros .

Phillips and Boldmg acted as M . C . ' s . Dancing was commenced at 9 . 30 , and continued until one , when supper was served in thc Crown-room , the W . M . in the chair . A most recherche , ample , and elegant supper was served by Bro . Best , and the attention was admirable . The W . M ., in proposing " Prosperity to the Phcenix Ball , " said that thc brethren felt they owed a debt of gratitude to the ladies . It was the ladies who so carefully tended the brethren on their return from the lodge ; who greeted them with a

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

cheering smile of t ncouragement and congratulation when they arrived Lorn-, wearied after the laborious working of the lodge , and the slight refreshment of the banquet ; it was the ladies w ! o encouraged them to work and excel in Masonry ; and w : y ? Because they found that Masonry made them better men , better husbands , better fathers , he was even about to say better sweethearts , and in the

desire to acknowledge the ladies' appreciation of Masonry the breihrm h . id invited them to this ball , which , as this was the 6 rst attempt on thc part of the Phcenix brethren , he could not but say was a great success , there being 13 6 present , a goodly company for the first try . He hoped the ladies would continue to support Masonry , and render the hall an annual success . The toast of "The Ladies , "

proposed by the . VV . M ., was responded to b y Bro . Davie , who in very felic ' toas terms thanked thc brethren ancl gentlemen tor so heartily drinking their health , and assured the brethren of the ladies' continued support , mere especially as long as they invited them to thc annual ball of the

I'ho-mx Lo Ige . Dancing was then re-commenced , and continued until ihe early morning , every one on leaving expressing how enjoyable an evening hacl been spent ; the catering and arrangement of Bro . Best having given the greatest satisfaction , as also the orchestral arrangements vvlrch were provided by Chapprll and Cn .

LION AND LAM 3 LODGE ( No . 192 ") . —The regular meeting of th ' s lodge was held at the Terminus Hotel , Caiinon-stiee r , on Thursday , ihe 7 th ins * . There were * present Bros . Edward Jones , VV . M . ; Henry Legge . s-w- * ''" Fellows , J . W . ; George Kenning , P . M . and Treasurer ; T . Cohu , I . P . M . ; George Newman , P . M .-, George Al . bott , P . M . ; E . King , I ' . M . ancl Steward , VV . T . Rirkwood ,

S . D . and Secretary pro . tem . S . T . Lucas , J . D . ; E . I . Kellerway , D . C ; W . H . Lee Davies , Org ; ' it H . Goddaid , Thomas Fisher , W . Figes , J . Cook , G-o-gc Borer , J . Lorkin , It . li . Bright , Robert Clark , C . G . Sparrow , R . ' ) . Sutherland , K . J . Dart , G . T . Smith , John Kent , Charles Caun , B . Perkins , John Crotty , Janus Copclin , Thomas Agutter , H . A . Carter ancl Edwin Hunter . Visitors

Bras . G . C Voung , S 20 ; T . Cr . icknell , 1524 ; VV . Hallett , W . M . 781 ; J . N . Thompson , 1693 . The lodge was opened in the First Degree , and the ballot was taken and declare ! to be- unanimousl y in favour of Mr . | . Quy and Mr . Thomas Parker , who were then regularly initiated intoFrcemas-inry . Thc lodge was opened in the Seen 1 Degree , and Bro . John Crotty answered thc usual questions ; the lodge was then

opened m the Third Degree ancl the said brother was raised to the sublime degree of a M . M . Thc lodge n as resumed in the First Degree and the lodge regularly proceeded toeleeta W . M . for the e-nsuing year . The choice eif the brethren was unanimously in favour tf Bro . Henry Legge , S . W . The election of a Treasurer feir Ihe ensuing year was next taken , aud Bro . George Kimiing was declared to be unanimousl y

re-elcctccl . Bro . Kenning having expressed his thanks to the lodge fir their continued confidence , the Aueiit Committee was elected with the addition of Bro . II . A . Carter , T . Fisher , and R . If . Goddard from amongst the members . Notice of motion was given by Bro . George Newman , P . M ., seconded b y Bro . R . Bright , th > t a P . M . jewel value ten guineas be presented to Bro . E . Jones , the VV . M . in

recognition ol his services during Ihj . pa-lyear . The ledge was then close ! in due form and adjourned . At the banquet which followed , the usual toasts having been regularly disposed , of the I . P . M ., Bro . T . Cohu , gave in felicitous teims "The Health of the W . M ., " and congratulated him upon the efficiency of his working . Thc W . M . having responded prop- sed " Thc Health of Bro . Legge , S . W ., thc VV . M .

elect , " whom he vvishee ' . as he had no cdoubt he would have a prosperous year of office . Bro . Legge having expressed his thanks for the hearty reception the brethren had given to the toast , promised to do his utmost in keeping up thc prestige and traditions of an old lodge like thc Lion and

Lamb , which stood high in Masonry for its liberality to thc several Institutions and to thc Ciaft in general . Thc leasts of the P . M . 's , Treasurer and Secretary pro . tem . and the Officers all met with a equally hearty reception , and Ihe Tyler's toast , brought one of thc most agreeable meetings of the year to a close .

PERFECT ASHLAR LODGE —( No . 1178 ) . —The regular meeting of this well established lodge was held at thc Bridge House Hotel , Southwark , on Thursday 7 th ins * - ., Bro . F . Garbet , W . M ., opened the lodge . He in an able manner initiated Messrs . G . and W . Wainwright , Callingham , Stockweil , and Tomlins , and passed Bro . Allen , to the Second Degree . On the motion made by

Bro . W , T . Lover , P . M ., and duly seconded , il was unanimously resolved , that ten pounds bc taken from the lodge funds and bc spent in purchasing a Life Governorship of the Royal Benevolent Institution Male Annuity Fund in name of the W . M ., for the time being . The amount to bc placed on the list of the W . M ., who was representing the lodge at the forthcoming Festival . Some candidates were

proposed for initiation at the next lodge meeting . Brc . Willetts ( 1076 ) was unanimously elected a joining member . After business a good banquet was served under the auspices of Bro . G . H . Spencer , which gave generJ satisfaction . The regular toasts were given mid responded to . After a few hours of an agreeable reunion the brethren separated . There were present Bios F . H . Ebsworth ,

P . M ., Treasurer ; F . Walters , P . P . G . D . Middlesex , P . M . Secretary , Dr . Dixon , P . M . ; G . J . Grace , P . M ., D . C . J . H . Harmsworth , P . M ., W . S ., C . Deakin , P . M . ; J . Stock . S . W ., T . Simpson , J . W ., J . J . Bell , S . D . ; P . Quinccy , J . D . ; G . II . Foreler , I . G ., besides some 40 members . There were several visitors . KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —On the

tjth inst ., this lodge held its installation meeting at the Club House , Kennington Oval , when there were present Bros . Higgins , W . M . ; Reeves , S . W ., W . M . elect ; Walls , P . G . O . Middlesex , J . W . ( Freemason ); Kohlcr , S . D . ; Speedy , J . D . ; Webb , I . G . ; Page , P . M ., P . G . S ., Treasurer ; Stuart , P . M . 141 , Secretary ; Everett , I . P . M . ; Koch , P . M . ; Gardener , P . M . ; Drysdale , P . M . ; Pope , P . M . ; Honeywell .