Annual Banquet And Ball Of The Ranelagh Lodge. No. 834.

ANNUAL BANQUET AND BALL OF THE RANELAGH LODGE . No . 834 .

A banquet in connection with the above lodge was held on Friday evening , the 2 nd inst ., at the Criterion Restaurant , Piccadilly . Ladies were invited , and the brethren appeared ( by special dispensation from the Grand Lodge ) in full Masonic garb . A magnificent banquet was provided in the grand saloon by Messrs . Spiers and Pond , whose catering , it is needless to say , gave great satisfaction . The

company having devoted their attention for a considerable time to the consumption of the many good things placed before them , The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed the toast of " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Oueen and the Craft , " followed by " The Health of the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " both of which were received with due honours .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in excellent terms , proposed " The Health of the Ladies and Visitors , " stating that the ' presence of so many distinguished brethren and ladies added much to the enjoyment of the proceedings . This was replied to by Bro . HUBBARD , P . M . of the Lily Lodge , Richmond . Bro . COFFIN , P . M ., gave in appropriate terms "The

Prosperity of the Ranelagh Lodge , and the Health of the W . M ., " of whom he spoke in an eulogistic manner , and that toast having been duly acknowledged , " The Press " was proposed by the WORSHIPFUL MASTER , and responded to by Mr . J . G . LOCKS . The Tyler ' s toast was then given in the usual terms . During the banquet Bareham's band played some

excellent selections . A ball was afteiwards held in the Prince ' s Room , and a well-arranged programme of dancts was led off by the W . M . Bros . Arthur and Hubert Cragg were most efficient M . C . 's , and did their best to secure the comfort of the guests . Altogether the proceedings were of a most enjoyable nature , and fully upheld the reputation the Ranelagh Lodge

has gained for the superior nature of its entertainments . The lodge is in a most flemishing condition . Bro . H . Purdue , P . M ., is the Secretary , and a genial and energetic one he has proved himself to be . Amongst the company present were Bro . H . W . Blake , W . M ., Mrs . Blake , Mr . Turnham , Mrs . Turnham , Mrs . Pearce , Mr . E . Turnham , Miss Turnham , Bro . C .

Dopson , I . P . M ., Miss Dopson , C . Dopson , jun ., Miss Bengeman , Mr . Lord , Mrs . Lord , Bro . J . L . Baker , P . M ., Mrs . Baker , Mr . Gray , Mrs . Gray , Bro . Coffin , P . M ., MIS . Coffin , Bro . VV . J . Coplestone , J . W ., Mrs . Coplestone , Bro . J . Doncaster , S . W ., Bro . W . J . and Mrs . Bowles , Bro . F . and Miss Craggs , Bro . B . Lucas , S . D ., Mrs . Lucas , Mr . Jarvis , Mrs . Jarvis , Bro . H . Purdue , P . M ., Sec , Bro .

J . Sims , P . M ., Miss Hallett , Bro . W . E . Purdue , Miss A . Ingram , Miss L . E . Purdue , Bro . J . G . Ingram , Mrs . Ingram , Bro . Wootten , Mrs . Wootten , Miss Wootten , Bro . Hubbard , P . M ., Miss Hubbard , Miss Cooper , Bro . A . J . Hardwick , Mrs . Hardwick , Bro . H . Broadbridge , Miss Gaston , Bro . Edward Lucas , Mrs . Lucas , Mr . Baird , Miss Ogston , Mr . Fyfe , Mrs . Fyfe , Bro . R . Gerbert , Mrs

Gerbert , Bro . S . Segar , Mrs . Segar , Bro . H . Hewitt , Mrs Hewitt , Mr . J . G . Locks , Mr . Wills , Mrs . Wills , Bro . VV W . Williams , Stwd ., Mrs . Williams , Bro . W . E . Barker , Mrs . Barker , Bro . W . lceton , Mrs . lceton , Bro . H . Williams , I . G ., Bro . A . Williams , D . C , Mrs . Williams , Mrs . Bull , Mrs . Foreman , Miss Florence Vause , Mr . George , and Mr . Dyson .

Ladies' Night At The Kingsland Lodge, No. 1693.

LADIES' NIGHT AT THE KINGSLAND LODGE , No . 1693 .

The brethren of the above lodge had the pleasure of welcoming the members of the fairer sex and friends to their Masonic home at the Highbury Railway Hotel , on Tuesday last . The proceedings fully maintained the reputation established by the lodge at similar meetings in former years , affording considerable enjoyment to the large

company assembled , and reflecting great credit on the executive responsible for the arrangements . The members did not , however , allow the gratification of welcoming the ladies to inteifere with their Masonic work , for the lodge was opened early in the afternoon , and , as usual , the three Degrees were on the agenda . Owing to the severe indisposition of Bro . G . F . Snook ,

W . M ., he was reluctantly compelled to leave the lodge work in the hands of Bro . R . P . Forge , I . P . M ., who performed the ceremonies with his accustomed ability . Bro . G . R . Dix having been raised to the Third Degree , Bros . W . Bishop , J . G . Wade , W . Dee , and C . F . Wood were passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . Ballot was then successfully taken in favour of Mr . Thomas Birtwho was

, impressively initiated . Other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the reception rooms , where . the ladies had assembled . After a short interval , the company—numbering about 120—sat down to an excellent banquet , served under the personal superintendence

of the worthy hest , Bro . Baker . The room presented an animated appearance , having been tastefully decorated with flags and emblems , and prettily illuminated with fairy lights . The flowers which adorned the tables were kindly supplied by Bro . Ball . After dessert , " The Queen and the Craft" was duly honoured .

Bro . R . P . FCRGE , I . P . M ., then said the pleasing task had fallen upon him of submitting the next toast , and asking all present to drink to "The Better Health of the VV , Master . " They had all been extremely sorry to hear of the illness of Bro . G . F . Snook , W . M ., who would not allow the evening to pass without coming amongst them , and he had done so at great disadvantage to his health

The company present would therefore join heartily in wishing Bro . Snook better health . Bro . G . F . SNOOK , W . M ., in reply thanked the I . P . M . for the kind manner in which he had submitted the toast and the ladies and brethren for the spontaneous reception accorded it . Since his connection with the lodge the ladies nights had been one of his greatest delightsand he hoped

, it would be many years before they were discontinued . He had eagerly looked forward to that evening since his installation as W . Master , and was very sorry his health had failed him , and had excluded him from fulfilling his duties in the lodge room . He would have been keenly disappointed had he been prevented from coming amongst them , and he had therefore attended against the doctor ' s

Ladies' Night At The Kingsland Lodge, No. 1693.

orders . He trusted that up to the present the ladies and brethren had enjoyed themselves , and he was sure the attention they would receive from the courteous M . C , Bro . R . P . Forge , I . P . M ., and the excellent music which would be provided by Bro . W . Wright , the musical director , would meet with their approbation , and lhat they would spend a pleasant night . Although he should not be with

them very long , he greeted them all with a hearty welcome , and hoped they would go away with a happy recollection of the 6 th March , 18 SS . " The Ladies" was next given by Bro . R . P . FORGE , and responded to by Mr . ELLIOTT , jun . An adjournment was then made to the reception rooms , where some excellent music was provided by Bro . W .

Wiight , under whose direction the musical arrangements throughout the evening were carried out in a highly creditable manner . The banquet room having been prepared for dancing , the lengthy programme ot dmces was gone through in a spirited manner , Bro . R . P . Forge , I . P . M ., performing the duties of M . C . in his usual genial and

courteous manner . The company separated at a late hour , having spent a very pleasant and happy evening , thanks to the excellent arrangements made for their comfort . Amongst others , the VV . M . was supported by Miss Snook , Miss Yates , Bro . C . and Miss Townley , Bro . and Mrs . Job , Bros . j f . Caseley ,

S . W . ; C Killick , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Herts ; W . T . H . Mayer , J . W . ; Jas . Cooper , P . M ., Treas . ; A . VV . Fenner , P . M ., Sec ; H . C . Turner , S . D . ; T . VV . S . Holden , J . D . ; W . WhitteU , D . C . ; J . Potter , A . D . C . ; L . Simon and H . J . Hazel , Stwds . ; Bro . and Miss Forge , Miss Sargent , Bro . and-Miss VV . Jones , Bro . C . L . Clark , Bro . H . Sprake , and Bro . Dickins .

Presentation To Bro. Geo. Brown P.M., Preceptor Of St. George's Lodge Of Instruction, No. 140.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . GEO . BROWN P . M ., PRECEPTOR OF ST . GEORGE'S LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 140 .

On Friday , the 17 th ult ., a large party of brethren , chiefly members of the St . George ' s , No . 140 , Wickham , Pythagorean , New Cross , St . Paul ' s , Amity , and ether lodges met at supper at the Poitland Hotel , Greenwich , to do honour to our well-known and esteemed Bro . George Brown , P . M . The chair was occupied by Bro . Dr . Dundas Grant , W . M . of 140 , and the excellent repast supplied by the host , Bro . Boncey , was the subject of the greatest

approbation . After the usual Masonic toasts , the CHAIRMAN proposed "The Health of the Guest of the Evening . " He pointed out the distinguished services rendered to the cause of Freemasonry in general and to the members of St . George's Lodge of Instruction , No . 140 , in particular , by Bro . Geo . Brown during the ten years he had held office as

Preceptor . It was not , however , in that capacity alone that he had deserved well of them , but as a Past Master and Secretary of the lodge , and as a genial , painstaking , and . kindly Mason and man , he had drawn to himself the respect and love of all those brethren among whom he moved . Bro . Dr . Grant wished it to be distinctly understood that the gift which was to be presented was in no

respect a compensation for the debt the subscribers felt themselves under to their brother , but only a recognition of the obligation , which was not by any means extinguished . Before the toast was drunk Bro . Dr . H . VV . ROBERTS , P . M ., P . P . G . W . Middx ., who , with Brcs . VVm . Rowley , S . W . 1924 , and F . W . Cash , VV . M . 1559 , had organised and carried the testimonial into execution , was called upon

to give an account of the origin and progress of the event . He expressed the sincere pleasure it had given the promoters to find how readily their suggestion was taken up , and how glad the brethren showed themselves to subscribe to this testimonial . The gathering then assembled , large as it was , did not by a long way represent the number who felt their indebtedness to Bio . Brown , and who gladly

seized that opportunity of acknowledging it . Bro . Roberts then uncovered for Bro . Brown ' s acceptance a handsome wilting table and chair , the former bearing the following inscription : "Presented to Bro . George Brown , P . M ., by members of the St . George ' s Lodge of Instruction , as a mark of their esteem and appreciation of his valuable services as Preceptor . February

27 , 18 SS . " The CHAIRMAN congratulated Bro . Brown , and conveyed the further good wishes of the brethren , who drank his health with enthusiastic acclamation . Bro . BROWN , who was sincerely moved at this display of kindly feeling , expressed his sense of the inadequacy of his services to the great reward offered him , and the great pleasure it had given him to do the work ot the lodge of

instruction , as well as whatever Masonic work he undertook , "with his might . " He hoped to be long permitted to use the conveniences afforded by his beautiful writing tabic for the prosecution of his labours in connection wilh the Craft . The prosperous condition of the lodge of instruction was a great source of pride and gratification to him , and he would always do his utmost to maintain it in

its present satisfactory state . The toast of "The Organisers , Bros . Roberts , Rowley , and Cash , " was happily proposed by Bro . NUDING , P . M ., cordially accepted , and felicitously responded to . Among other toasts were those of " The Chairman " and of " Bro . W . Noak , the Grandfather of the St . George ' s

Lodge . " Several excellent songs and recitations were contributed , and Bro . J . Shepherd , J . D . and Organist of the lodge , presided at the pianoforte with his usual skill . This very interesling presentation was the occasion of a particularl y enjoj able evening , of which those present will long retain the happiest recollection .

Juvenile Fancy Dress Ball At Leicester.

JUVENILE FANCY DRESS BALL AT LEICESTER .

An exceptionally interesting feature in connection with the corporate celebration of the Silver Wedding of the Most Worshipful Grand Master was the holding of a

highly successful juvenile fancy dress ball , when over 500 attended , by the invitation of the Mayor ( Bro . T . Wright P . M . 1391 , P . P . G . R . ) and the Mayoress , who received their youthful guests in the municipal buildings , the whole suite of spacious rooms being thrown open and filled by the delighted children . Amongst the various pleasing cos-

Juvenile Fancy Dress Ball At Leicester.

tumes may be mentioned the tastefully designed dress of , lady Freemason , as worn in character , by Miss Partridcrp daughter of Bro . S . S . Partridge , P . A . G . D . C . Eng ., § , ' much respected D . P . G . M . In the evening the Mayor and Mayoress held a gran , ]

reception , invitations having been accepted by nearl y n 50 o amongst whom were the whole of the brethren connected with the five local Craft lodges , who were clothed in the beautiful and diversified badges of the Order , by special dispensation of the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Earl Ferrers . '

Annual Banquet Of The Corinthian Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1382.

ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE CORINTHIAN LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1382 .

The above lodge met at Bro . VV . Clarke ' s , George Hotel Milwall Docks , li ., on the Gth inst ., to hear Bro . J . Delve s ' P . M ., practise the installation ceremony , and afterwards to adjourn to the annual banquet . The following brethren were present : Bros . J . Delves , P . M . ; VV . Millington P . M . ; C . Searell , P . M . ; J . Carnaby , P . M . ; G . Sidders | Morrison Smith

P . M . ; J . , P . M . ; G . , P . M . ; R . Stewart P . M . ; J . Horrocks , VV . Blois , VV . Greatorex , J . Smith , Ft ' Pitt , G , Blackburn , B . Barcham , C . Maddox , E . Penniston ' C . Chatlield , F . Bassett , H . Hawkins , F . Raymond , } , Syme , J . Klein , S . Marsh , J . Hicks , T . Goble , C . Brid geman , H . Hedger , E . Brindley , H . Garrad , T . Russell , G , Seage , G . Saunders , E . Stoneham , W . Clark , R . Allen

D . Russell , C McLeod , G . I urton , A . Delves , R . Perry F . Wright , J . Bullions , W . Morris , S . Hill , VV . M . elect ; W . Raiker , W . M . ; and S . G . Bonner , Sec . The lod « e having been opened , the minutes were read and confirmed . 1 he officers were Bros . J . Delves , W . M . J . Carnaby , S . VV . ; J . Morrison , J . W . ; Penniston , S . D . ' ; Pitt , J . D . ; and Saunders , I . G . Bro . Horrocks presided

at the organ . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , after which Bro . J . Millington , P . M ., presented Bro , Raiker , VV . M ., to the Installing Master to receive the benefits of installation . The Secretary then read the ancient charges and regulations , and the obligation of VV . M . was repeated by Bro . W . Raiker , W . M ., after which the lod ge was opened in the Third Degree . All the brethren below

the Degree of W . M . having retired , Bro . W . Raiker , W . M ., was installed into the chair of K . S . The lod ge was then resumed to the Second Degree . The first charge having been given , the lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and all the brelhren weie then admitted , and saluted the W . M . The W . M . then appointed the olficers as follows : Bros . S . Hill , S . W . ; J . Carnaby , P . M ., as

Treas . ; S . G . Bonner , Sec . ; Millington , P . M ., as D . C , ; E . Penniston , S . D . j R . Pitt , J . D . ; G . Saunders , I . G . ; J . Horrocks , Org . ; B . Barcham and A . Delves , Stwds ; and R . Stewart , P . M ., as Tyler . It was proposed by Bro . BONNER , and seconded by Bro , W . MILLINGTON , P . M ., that Bros . E . Bridgeman , 1 S 15 , and G . Bridgeman , of the mother lodge , become members ,

which was carried unanimously . Bro . E . BRIDGEMAN suitably replied . The correspondence was then read , and the lodge closed , Afier the banquet the loyal toasts were given and duly responded to by the brethren . Bro . J . MILLINGTON , P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " said there had not been much work for the

VV . M . to do that evening ; but he was always there , able and willing , and more especially he attended the lodge of instruction . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in replying , said for himself he thanked the brethren , and , whilst he had found great help from the lodge of instruction , he huptd and should be pleased if the younger brethren would attend .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed the toast of the evening , saying , there was a toast which they all must notice that night , namely , that of " Bro . Delves . " Theyall knew that he could do the installation ceremony with any brother in the lodge , and that he was always willing to do it when he was required . Bro . J . DELVES , P . M ., the Installing Master , in reply ,

said that he was suffering from a severe cold and neuralgia , but he had done the ceremony to the best of his ability , and he hoped in a fortnight he might carry out the duties of the evening better . If the way he had worked that evening pleased the brethren , it would greatly satisfy him . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , proposed "The Health

of the Host , " and Bro . VV . CLARK , in a few chosen sentences , cheerfully replied , and thanked the biethren for the hearty manner in which they had diunk his health . Bro . C . SEARELL , P . M ., gave the Tyler ' s ] toast , and

the brethren departed , after spending their usual " Happy Coiinthian " meeting . The following contributed to the enjoyment of the evening : Bros . F . Bassett , J . Horrocks , G . Sidders , P . M-i J . Smi ; h , G . Smith , P . M . ; J . Hicks , R . Pitt , G . Saunders , C . Bridgeman , Goble , and J . Bullions .

The Freemasons And The Poor Of Margate.

THE FREEMASONS AND THE POOR OF MARGATE .

On Wednesday , 22 nd ult ., the members of the Union Lodge gave their third annual dinner to the aged and deserving poor of Margate , in the Foresters' Hall , when 250 people of both sexes were entertained to a most substantia ! dinner . It is now two years since the excellent anci praisewoithy movement was started by the members of the Union Lodee , and each vear it has obtained increased sup-0

port . The dinner consisted of roast beef , roast legs mutton , roast veal , hams , and Christmas puddings , an there was abundance of everything , and the old pe ° P thoroughly enjoyed the good things provided . VVe may mention that the dinner and tea were again provided oy Mr . J . Hume . w The Stewards were Bios . E . H . Rayner , H . Wooton , vv-1 Hark * H Man „;„ , v 1 Vl „„ r „ I Rriahlirst . B . > - "

Moore , W . Hearsey , and F . Stanley . ' 1 he following on thren acted as carvers : Bros . F . W . Willett , Jones ^ ac > T . Goodyear , C . D . Smith , A . Wootton , J . Healing . J ' Lewis , J . Fagg , F . Perry , G . H . Chexfield , J . ThursW" . N . Tannenbaum , G . F . Brown , W . Crawford , E . tr ° " Bro . G . H . Akhurst , and the following ladies and brew waited at the tables or otherwise assisted : Mrs . an " Willett , Bro . H . Wootton , Miss Goodyear , Miss Dauno , Miss Masu , Mrs . and Miss Healing , Mrs . Turner , w »