Ladies' Night Of The Crichton Lodge, No. 1641.

The next toast presented by the W . M . was the all important one that of " The Ladies . " He said that the toast of the Empress Q ueen had been received right royally , but many present were honoured by the presence of his own queen that evening . When he was installed a few weeks ago he thought be had arrived at the zenith of his ambition ; but not so , to his mind that ceremony fell short of his position that evening . It was the firrt occasion that such a meeting had been held by the lodge and he trusted that it was the happy augury for many such in the future . The W . M . Bro . V . T . Murche , having resumed his seat ,

Bro . G EORGE GILL , I . P . M ., rose , and in eloquent terms said that the brethren of the Crichton Lodge had thought the present occasion was most fitting to mark their appreciation , and love and esteem for their W . M . and W . Mistress . It gave him very great pleasure in presenting Mrs . Murche with a silver dessert dish , with cream jug and sugar basin combined , and which on that memorable occasion was filled with lovely roses and lilies . He hoped Mrs . Murche would accept the same in the name of the brethren of the lodge as a souvenir of a most happy and auspicious gathering . These remarks were received with acclamation .

Bro . GOI- 'FIN in eloquent and very amusing terms responded to the toast of the Ladies , and remarked how pleased they were to be present and at the manner they had been entertained , and earnestly hoped that on the next occasion they might again have the pleasure of attending . They were , indeed , gratified to see how their honoured sisters had been thought of by the brethren , and it was a proof to thein that Masons were not altogether selfish in their enjoyments .

The next toast was given by Bro . G . GILL , I . P . M ., that of "The W . M ., " who he said was a master mind in the splendid ritual , and a thorough Jonathan in all his works . He had watched his progress for nearly 20 years in Masonry , and whatever duties had fallen to his lot were performed in an exwnplary manner . He had assisted in founding several lodges , but now that he was the Master of his mother lodge eclipsed the whole of the preceding Masterships .

In replying , the W . M ., who was unable to be heard for some time on account of the ovation , said in the first place he must , as was desired by Mrs . Murche to express her heartfelt thanks for such a handsome testimonial , and he assured the company present that he most cordially reciprocated her feelings . On behalf of himself he was gratified to hear such kind words by Bro . Gill , I . P . M ., who was one

of the very best , and would assure the brethren that as he had done in the past , so it would be his very best endeavour to perform the duties devolving upon him to the advantage , and he hoped with the love and affection of the lodge . He would not allow the occasion to pass without thanking the Committee , and especially Bro . C . H . Stone , S . W ., through whose indefatigable exertions the meeting had been brought to such a successful issue .

Bro . C . H . STONE , in a few but forcible remarks , appreciated the very kind words of the W . M ., and assured the ladies and brethren present that he was most happy to be engaged in such a vocation so that the ladies might be included in their festivities , and he trusted that ere long he might be employed in arranging for the summer outing of the lodge , in which the W . M . was deeply engrossed . During the banquet a splendid selection of music was performed by the Salon Orchestra , under the direction of Bro . Archibald Evans , and several vocal solos

were given by Miss Ballard and Bro . Lunnon , accompanied by Bro . E . E . Vinen , P . Prov . G . Org . Surrey . Each lady present was the recipient of a bottle of scent as a souvenir of the occasion . After the banquet the company adjourned to the ball-room , and the rest of the evening was spent in a thoroughly enjoyable manner to the admirable strains of the band .

Masonic Ball At Cromer.

MASONIC BALL AT CROMER .

The ball held at the Grand Hall , Cromer , under the auspices of the Baring Lodge , on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., proved a very great success . The fine dining hall had , under the auspices of Bro . J . and Mrs . Clarke , the manager and manageress , been transformed into a most beautiful ball-room . On the walls and pillars were tastefully arranged , some special Masonic devices , and with the

addition of a plentiful supply of plants , left nothing to be desired . The guests who numbered 90 , arrived in quick succession , and introductions having been effected , the W . M ., Bro . H . W . Churchyard , with his wife , opened the ball . Craft regalia was , by special dispensation , worn , and the effect was very bright and pleasing .

The duties of M . C . were ably carried out by Bro . H . Callow , assisted by Bros . J . Lovelace , H . S . Fowler , and R . M . Ling , Hon . Sec . to the Ball Committee . The band was supplied by Bro . S . Salkind , with the best possible result , under the direction of Mr . G . Mall . Immediately after the "supper dance , " the guests sat down to a recherche supper .

Very briefly the W . M . gave "The Queen and Freemasonry , " Bro . J . L OVELACE , I . P . M ., responding for the Craft . Mr . M . J . CALLOW then submitted "The Ladies , " which found an able respondent in Bro . R . M . LIXG , who expressed the hope that so successful an event would become an annual fixture . ( A pplause . ) The guests then adjourned to the ball-room , where dancing was continued , one and all voting the ball an unqualified success .

Ladies' Night Of The Ebury Lodge, No. 1348.

LADIES' NIGHT OF THE EBURY LODGE , No . 1348 .

The Ebury Lodge , No . 1348 , has at last joined the ever-increasing ranks of those lodges which annually cater for the enjoyment of the fair sex , and must be heartily congratulated on the great success of its first venture . The company which assembled at the Criterion , Piccadilly , mustered nearly 200 , and they found the genial W . M ., Bro . Alfred Atkin , and Mrs . Atkin , waiting to receive them . Every possible arrangement had been made for a successful evening by

the indefatigable Secretary , Bro . H . Fincham . The Treasurer , Bro . Wigley , P . M ., Treas ., and the Secretary were each resplendent in a new collar , presented to them at the last meeting of the lodge and bearing the following inscription : " Presented by the Brethren of the Ebury Lodge on the 21 st anniversary of their initiation as a token of their regard and appreciation of zealous work in the interests of the lodge performed by them during the many years they have held office . "

An excellent banquet was well served in the Victoria Hall , under the personal superintendence of the able manager , Mr . E . M . Thierry . Each lady was presented with a bottle of choice scent as a souvenir of the occasion . A brief toast list was followed by a charming concert , in which the following

Ladies' Night Of The Ebury Lodge, No. 1348.

artistes assisted : Miss Jessie Hotine , Miss Florence Venning , and Bros . Stuart Walker , Alex . Edwards , Mervyn Ward , Herbert Emlyn , Geo . Robins , Frank Kennard , Fred Russell , Fred Stephens , Mart Attwood , Organist ; and T . F . Noakes . " The Queen and Royal Family" was the first toast honoured , after which Bro . DAVIS , P . M ., proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " and expressed his

peculiar pleasure at doing so , as they entered Freemasonry together . The W . M . deservedly enjoyed the good feeling , goodwill , esteem , and regard not only of every member of the lodge , but of a large circle in the Craft . The W . M . was to be congratulated on the fact that during his year the first ladies' night had been held , and they hoped that in future that event would always be a feature of the lodge .

Bro . ROBERTS presented Mrs . Atkins with a handsome silver casket , containing choice flowers , with a suitable inscription , as a souvenir of the occasion . Bro . ALF . ATKIN , W . M ., thanked Bro . Davis for his kind remarks , and the company present for their reception . He took this opportunity of thanking the members of the lodge for the splendid manner in which they hail rallied round him , and he also thanked the ladies for their presence . He tendered sincere thanks for the present to his wife , which he regarded as a very great compliment

Bro . H . FINCHAM , P . M ., Sec , then said it devolved upon him to propose the next toast , which was a very agreeable duty to perform for the first time in that lodge— "The Ladies and Visitors , " including those gentlemen who did not happen to be members of their glorious Craft . To the latter he would ask , had they been in any assembly where they had received greater cordiality and friendship than they had amongst the brethren of Freemasonry ? To the visitors who had been with them before he offered a continuance of that greeting and

cordiality which had been extended to them on previous occasions . To the ladies —God bless them—he offered thanks for their presence , and a most cordial greeting and ^ welcome , with the assurance that everything possible had been done to make them happy and comfortable . As far as regards Freemasonry , it was generally thought that they did nothing but banquet , but he had only to refer them to the Boys' and Girls' Institutions and the Benevolent Institution for Old People .

Bro . COBLEY responded for "The Ladies , " Bro . SUGG , P . M ., for "The Visitors , " and Mr . RICHD . GLOVER for " The Lay Visitors . " The company present included Bro . and Mrs . Alf Atkins , Bro . and Mrs . Sugg , Bro . and Mrs . Foulger , Bro . and Mrs . Pardoe , Bro . and Mrs . Edoxford Hook , Bro . and Mrs . Spencer Payne , Bros . Davis , P . M ., Fowkes , P . M ., and Capt Thomson , Bro . Harry Morris , I . P . M ., and Mrs . and Miss Figgess , Bro . and Mrs . Mervyn Ward , Bro . and Mrs . H . Fincham , Bro . and Mrs . Wigley , and many others .

Masonic Banquet To The Mayor Of Carlisle.

MASONIC BANQUET TO THE MAYOR OF CARLISLE .

On the 3 rd instant the two Carlisle lodges of Freemasons ( Union , No . 3 x 0 , and Bective , No . 1532 ) gave a complimentary dinner to the Mayor of Carlisle ( Bro . George White ) , who is a member of Bective Lodge . The event was quite a unique gathering of the Carlisle Masons , the co-operation of unattached brethren in the city being also invited . It was intended at first to limit the number to 75 , to suit the accommodation of Bro . Koster at the County Hotel , but that number of tickets was applied for within two days , and arrangements

were then made for the use of the County Hall , and altogether about 130 tickets were taken . The brethren wore their full regalia . The chair was taken by the W . M . of the Bective Lodge , Bro . J . W . Hayton , and the Mayor ( wearing his chain of olUce ) occupied the place of honour on his right . There were also at the cross table Bro . J . Gray , W . M . 310 , and a number of Prov . G . Officers , including Bros . Colonel Sewell , Dep . Prov . G . Master ; A . Taylor , P . P . S . G . W . ; E . J . Burgess , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . A . Wheatley , P . P . J . G . W . ; W . P . Gibbings ,

P . P . J . G . W . ; D . L . Thorpe , P . P . G . Reg . ; G . Potter , P . P . S . G . D . ; G . Long , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . F . Grant , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . A . Mounsey-Heysham , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Armstrong , . P . P . G . S . B . ; W . Matthews , P . P . G . S . B . ; W . Pratchitt , P . P . G . S . B . ; R . A . Clarke , P . P . G . D . of C . j C . J . 'Nanson , P . P . G . Purst . ; J . Wharton , P . P . Asst . G . Purst . ; F . Ritson , P . P . Asst . G . Purst . ; W . Pogson , P . G . S . ; and others . The croupiers were Bros . T . Long , S . W . 1532 , J . M . Henderson , S . W . 310 ; and Capt . Saunders , P . M . ( Hon . Secretary of the

Banquet Committee ) . The printed menu and programme was a handsomely got up card , embossed with Masonic badges and the city arms in blue , chocolate , and gold , and bound with blue ribbon , and it contained a very good cabinet-sized picture of the Mayor . The production was a work of art , and a valuable memento of the occasion . The banquet was supplied by Bro . Koster in his customary admirable manner , and everyone had prompt attention shown him .

There were five toasts on the list . " The Queen" was proposed by the CHAIRMAN , who remarked that during her Majesty ' s reign there had been 1900 new Masonic lodges formed . Bro . J . GRAY proposed "The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . of England , and Officers of Grand Lodge , also the Provincial Grand Officers . " Bro . Colonel SEWELL , who responded , observed that if theySvere to take a plebiscite as to who was the most popular man in Europe , the answer , he believed ,

would be universal , "The Prince of Wales . " ( Applause . ) In Paris he was thought a Frenchman , in Berlin he was thought a German , and wherever he went he was a cosmopolitan at home among all nations , and universally respected . The Grand Lodge of England , he observed , had existed from 1717 . There were different kinds of government before that , but in that year the first Grand Lodge of England was formed . Those who composed it little thought that in the course of time it would become the powerful social instrument it is . ( Hear , hear . )

Besides himself , there were two Grand Officers of England in this province . Bishop Ware had been Grand Chaplain of England ; and there was also Bro . George Dalrymple . The Provincial Grand Lodge dated from 1771 , but no great amount of action was taken until 1813 . It had flourished exceedingly . As Provincial Grand Superintendent of Cumberland , he would like to ask the brethren to do their ( best to resuscitate the Union Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Carlisle . ( Applause . )

" The Health of the Guest , Bro . George White , P . S . W . Bective Lodge , his Worship the Mayor of Carlisle , " was proposed by Bro . HAYTON , who spoke of the Mayor ' s valued services on the Town Council , and referred to him as a native of the city and a self-made man , who , by his own industry and perseverance , had made himself a high and respected citizen . Bro . White , like many others , tried once to make his fortune in other cities , but he returned to Carlisle unsuccessful . The bells did ring on his return , but he was not aware it was recorded that they

said " Turn again , George White , thrice Mayor of Carlisle . " ( Applause . ) He also alluded to the Mayor ' s connection with Bective Lodge , and mentioned the voluntary assistance he had given the lodge years ago when it was in financial straits . He hoped the time was not far distant when Bro . White would occupy the chair of King Solomon in his mother lodge . ( Much applause . ) This , the largest gathering of Freemasons ever held in Carlisle , would long remind him 0 t the high esteem and fraternal feelings of his brethren .