An Evening With The Old Folks At Croydon.

AN EVENING WITH THE OLD FOLKS AT CROYDON .

Following up a suggestion made by Pro . A . J . Dixie at , 1 c Old Peoples' Christmas Entertainment in Januarv , a imber of brethren had made arrangements to visit them n one of their meeting nights in the hall of the Institution M he evening selected wa * Tuesday last , but in consequence . ., t .. o ,-np inrlpmpnrv nf thp ivp-lthpr found themselves tne \ Lni —~ -j —

or c .. » v ... .......... „ ,-v small in number at the place of rendezvous . 1 here XBros . James Terry , P . M . 22 S ; A . J . Dixie , J . VV . 453 ; R VV . Galer , VV . M . 13 O 6 ; F . Ashton , 1507 ; W . Staley , ,-07 : Bacon , 1 S 39 ; nnd VV . Syclemore , 12 SS . Although 0 few they determined to proceed , and a little after six o ' clock found them plodding through the snow to the Old ? r . u , 0 > Hnmp . at Crovdon . where thev vvere most cordially

iece ived by the Matron , Miss Norris , vvith whom they had a conl forting cup of tea . As soon as the Old People had assembled in the hall , Bro . lames I erry , the indefatigable Secretary introduced them , and to the best of their ability commenced the evening ' s entertainment . Having first gained the sanction of the ladies to allow their elder brethren to enjoy the fragrant

weed vvith the visitors , Bro Syclemore sang " Queen ot the Earth , " playing his own accompaniment . Miss Mary and Miss Annie ( Later followed vvith a duet in D by A . Diabelli . Bro . VV Stayley sang "The Village Blacksmith " Having gone thus far , and seeing the Old Boys enjoying their smo ^ e ( and possibly getting dry ) , they thought it time to attend to their requirements and also to see to the creature

comforts of the ladi- s , so , with the assistance of Miss Norris , who found some glasses , the visitors produced what they had broug ht vvith them to satisf y thn different fancies of both sexes . One brother in addition brought a box of French creams , another a plentiful supply of calfe , others cigars and tobacco , another a half-pound packet of tea for each , and another two very handsome oleographs for each resident .

Renewing the entertainment , Hro . F . Ashton sang " Resignation , " Bro . A . J . Dixie gave a comic recitation entitled "Peterkin Peep , " Bro . " W . Stayley sang the "Stirrup Cup , " Bro . J . Terry gave a recitation "Daniell versus Dishclout , " Bro . Syclemore sang "To-morrow will be Friday , " the Misses Galer a duet entitled " I he Great Globe Quadrilles , " Miss Annie Galer "I'Argentine , " Bro .

Ashton sang "The Lost Chord , " Bro . A . J . Dixie recited a nursery rhyme in two versions "The House that Jack Built , " Bro . Stayley sang "Tell me , Mary , how to woo thee , " Bro . Dyer , one of the residents gave a recitation "Claude Melnotte ' s Defence" from the " Lady of Lycn =, " Bro . Syclemore sang "The Skipper , " Miss Mary Galer played " Marche aux Flambeaux , " Bro . Ashton sang " 1 he Sea is England s glory , " Mrs . Bonorandi sang " Far o ' er

the waves of the rolling Ocean , playing her own accompaniment , ard , as an encore " I he Reign of the Roses , " and lastly Hro . Syclemore "God save the Queen . " Bro . DIXIE expressed the kind feelings vvhich had prompted those who had come down to visit the Old Folks , and trusted at no very distant date to see them again if they had succeeded in entertaining them . Bro . J AMES TERRV , in a few well-chosen remarks , on behalf of the residents tendered their sincere thanks to the brethren who had so kindly visited and amused them .

Annual Festival Of The Wandsworth Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1044.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE WANDSWORTH LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1044 .

The annual festival of the above lodge took place on Tuesday , ist instant , at the East Hill Hotel , Wandsworth . The lodge having heen opened , there vvere present Bros .

Higerty , P . M ., P . J . G . D ., W . M . 1044 , 3 s W . M . ; Black , VV . M . 1564 , as S : W . ; G . J . Jones , P . M . 1563 , as J . W . ; Carter , P . M . 1044 , Preceptor ; Cleaver , Sec ; Ellis , S . W . 1044 , S . D . ; Alciatore , S . D . 1044 , J . D . ; Gompertz , S . W . S 60 , I . G . ; Boulton , P . M . ; Lee , P . M . ; Springett , Buckton , Gerhold , Heath , R . Bell , Frost , Tavener , Baker

Cowley , Wright , Graham , Bigley , Gill , and many others . Among the visitors were Bros . Louis Beck , P . M ., P . P . G . O . Middx . and Surrey ; Gompertz , P . M . S 60 ; Sharp , Richmond , 902 ; and Prince , 902 . The niinutes of the preceding meeting having been read and confirmed , the Second Lecture vvas worked by the

following brethren : ist S ction , Bro . Gompertz ; 2 nd lection , Bro . Carter ; 3 rd Section , Bro . Bigley ; 4 th Section , Bro . Black ; 5 th Section , Bro . Cowley . 1 he W . M , was congratulated on the excellence of the work performed by the above brethren . The lodge vvas closed in flue form after several new members had been enrolled .

The brethren then adjourned to the dining ; hall , where an excellent dinner vvas served by the host , Mr . Whale . At I ' Sc 0 I > clu 5 ion _ the usual loyal and Masonic toasts vvere given and received in an enthusiastic manner . Bio . SHARP then rose to propose " Success to the Wandsworth Lodge of Instruction , " and in the course of

. "eloquent speech said that he had come a long distance to so H 'uc % e > anc * ' le was niuch gratified in having done , He said it was almost unncessary to propose its PaH V i . ' " as that was a , ready secured . Bro . Sharp Die S . ° nipliments to the executive officers , and exmessed his admiration at the excellent work performed by the section wooers .

'lie s ° EAVER * '" re P ' y > stated that he sincerely hoped cal | eH CCeSS ° ' ' ' te e was an accomplished fact , and he u on the young members to assist in assuring it . Perm ' IGLFY - P ' . then proposed the toast of "The self ^" r " Oncers" in a neat speech , expressing himalthou l u that the workin £ "Emulation , " and -. ! . . * " ne had onlv heen n mpmtipr n short- limp hp fpll

Uver Y Proud of his connection vvith the lodge , presided g y / L ° able a body of teachers and officers . 'hanUin , t GERTY ' CARTER , J ONES , and CLEAVER replied , Visitor *? _ brelnren for the trust placed in them , and the Ti , , ! ° 'heir kind and flattering remarks . : GOMPPO -M- Proposed the " Visitors , " Bros . BECK and Bros ^ P ' n £ - and Beck ger - ' owley -- Frost ' Carter ' Gil 1 ' "' > Cleaver » rneetino- " ? ° ' r'buted songs and recitations , & c , and the adiourn , !? " ° f a most enjoyable description , did not J 0 Ur | . until a late hour .

u ' -ow to ° n IST £ COMMENCING . — An Illustrated Guide of no pages Myers & r P « ably from £ 10 to ^ 2000 ; " three stamps , ""[ ADVTJ * 9 I Euston-rd ., London . Telephone No . 7541 .

Annual Festival Of The Grand Masters' Mark Lodge Of Instruction.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE GRAND MASTERS' MARK LODGE OF INSTRUCTION .

The Anniversary Festival of this important lodge of instruction wa * ht-ld at Freemasons' Tavem , on Wednesday last , the 16 th inst . The lodge met previously at SA . I * ed Lion-square , and there vvere present Bros . Alfred

Williams , Treasurer ; C . F . Matier , Secretary ; Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , C . F . Hogard , John Ramsay , J . L . Mather , and B . R . Bryant , members of Permanent Committee ; Eugene Sweny , J . Manvvaring , Geo . Graveley , J . Brittain , T . C . Poore , P . G . I . G . ; George Powell , P . G . S . ; Major George Lambert , P . G . D . ; Jabez Church , Charles Belton , F . Bennett , W . Vincent , and the following

visitors : Bros . John Barnett , jun ., C . E . Keyser , D . G . McLeod , F . H . Doggett , M . Mildred , John Read , W . Manclark , J . Baber , K . J . Noisey , T . H . Lane , C . Probyn , W . H . Bale , H . E . T . Bennett , W . Bigg , H . Harris , M , Raege , and many others . The lodge vvas duly opened by Bro . Matier , and Bro . T , Poore delivered the lecture on the tracing- board , at the

conclusion of vvhich , on the motion of R . VV . Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , seconded by Bro . Alfred Williams , a unanimous voce of thanks vvas accorded to Bro . Poore for trte perfect 1 endering of the lecture . The chair vvas then taken by Bro . Rev . H . Cummings , arid the minut . s of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and it was resolved that the days of meeting be altered to the first and third

Fridays in January , February , March , October , November , and December . Un the lecommendation of the Committee the following vvere elected : Bros . Alfred Williams . Treas . ; C . F . Matier , . Sec ; W . Vincent , Preceptor ; and the latter brother assumed the chair as W . M . Bro . E . Sweny , proposed , and Bro . J . L . Mather seconded a hearty and cordial vote

of thanks to Bro . C . F . Matier for his services during the past three years as Preceptor . R . VV . Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke vvas unanimously elected as honourary member . The Committee were then unanimously re-elected as follows : Bros . C . F . Driver , E . J . Hoare , J . L . Mather , C . F . Hogard , G . Cooper , J . Ramsey , B . R . Bryant , R . Berridge , J . Moon , Lord J . Taylour , Frank Richardson , A . Tisley .

tiros . J . L . Mather , and C . H . Driver vvere re-elected as Auditors . Several brethren were then elected as members , and the lodge vvas closed . Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , P . G . W ., presided , and was supported by the Secretary , Bros . C . F . Maties , P . G . Warden ; Major George Lambert , T . C . Poore , and many other Grand Officers and brethren .

After the banquet , which was an excellent one , The CHAIRMAN proposed the toast of " The Queen and Mark Masonry , " vvhich vvas dulv honoured , andTin giving that of "The M . W . Grand Master , the Prince of Wales , " remarked that his Royal Highness vvas cosmopolitan in his Masonry . Not only vvas he the head of the Craft , but also of the Koyal Arch , Mark , Rose Croix , and Knight

Templars , in each of vvhich he took very great interest , and to whose affairs he devoted a great deal of his valuable time . The CHAIRMAN then gave what he described as a comprehensive toast . They had , he said , a large and illustrious array of Past Giand Masters , to whose active exeitions on behalf , of the Mark Degree they owed their present position as a Giand Lodge . He was happy to say they vvere all ,

vvith the unfortunate exception of the Duke of Albany , still alive . Their present esteemed Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Kintore , and the Deputy Grand Master Lord Egerton , of Tatton , vvere much devoted to the Mark Degree , and they owed him and the Grand Masters vvho had preceded him a large debt of gratitude . He called on Bro . the Rev . H . Cummings , Grand Chaplain , to respond on behalf of the

Grand Lodge . Bro . CUMMINGS thanked the Chairman on behalf of himself and the other Grand Officers , and said that if these noblemen who had ruled over them had pei formed their d uties so efficiently he was quite sure the present officers vvere equally ready to devote their time and talents for the benefit of the Order . The worthy brother who sat on the

left of the Chairman , he meant Bro . Matier , invariably succeeded in all he undertook , and the Grand Mark Masters Lodges of Instruction vvas fortunate in having so able and energetic a brother to direct their destinies . As one vvho believed in the ritual being accurately rendered , he thought they vvere quite right in endeavouring to perfect themselves in it by such means as that Grand Lodge of Instruction

offered . He had in common no doubt with many present often seen candidates so disgusted by the slovenly manner in vvhich a ceremony had been performed as to discourage them from proceeding in Masonry , but that vvas not now the case . The saying that whatever was worth doing vvas worth doing well , applied vvith as much force to Masonry as to to anything else .

Bro . Major GEORGE LAMBERT then rose to propose "The Heilth of the President of the evening , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke . " This he did in his usual happy and genial 11 anner , paying many well-deserved compliments to the subject of the toast , and concluded by asserting that he never came across a brother during his long Masonic career who had discharged his duties so ably and efficiently .

He was glad to find ihat Bro . Gierke had become a member of the Grand Masters' Lodge of Instruction , and he congratulated the brethren on having such a distinguished brother amongst them . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , in reply , said that Shakespeare had told them that man in his time plays many parts , and not the lea ^ t pleasant of the many parts

he had to play was vvhen coming among his Mark brethren . His thanks vvere due to Bro . Lambert for all he had said about him . It vvas 29 years ago that he had occupied the chair of a Mark lodge , and he vvas very glad indeed to be able to take part in the present working and ritual of the Mark Degree . As Grand Secretary of the Craft , he could say there was no antagonism , they worked on different

lines only , and there vvas room enough in the world for both . The toast of "Success to the Grand Mark Lodge of Instruction" vvas next given , the CHAIRMAN remarking that a large proportion tf the success that had already attended the Iodge vvas due to the wise and thoughtful administration of the brother who sat on | his left , Bro . Matier .

Bro . MATIER , in reply , said he could add little to the historical account tf the Grand Mark Lodge of Instruction , he could say , however , that during the past year they had held 12 meetings and they had tried to work the Degree reverently , and had endeavoured to explain , not only the ritual they had to deliver , but the reasons for that ritual .

Annual Festival Of The Grand Masters' Mark Lodge Of Instruction.

That night he ciMdered they slatted with increased prosperity , f rim tie fait that Hro . Col . Shad . veil H . Clerke , who had filled so many positions in Masonry had i-onouied them by pr < siding . H . f ,. re s ttmg down Bio . Muter said he took Decision to refer 10 ihe cominu fc .-twal nf the Mark Benevolent Institution , vvhich was to be presided over by Earl Amnersc . They ha I up to that time 124 Scewuds and

he trusted the brethren vvjuld assist him in making the Festival in every way wo thy of the Jubilee year . In conclusion , Bro . Matier said he would do everything in his power to make that Iodge , the " Emulation Lodge " of the order of which he was so proud . The toast of "The Visitors" was next proposed and responded toby Bro . Rev . Joseph Baker .

The CHAIRMAN then gave in very complimentary terms , ' The Health of Bro . Poore , " who had so ably given them the lectures on the tracing boards . Bro . POORE responded . The toasts of "The Preceptor , " Bro . Vincent , followed by that of " The Committee , " responded toby Bros . J . L . MATHER and C . H . DRIVER , concluded a very pleasant and successful meeting .

West Lancashire Masonic Benevolent Institutions.

WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS .

An important meeting of the Benevolent and Charity Committee of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Western Division of Lancashire ( Bro . ihe Ri « ht Hon . the Earl of Lathom , Prov . G . M . ) was held on Friday afternoon , the 1 Ith inst ., at the Park Hotel , Preston . Bro . Kobert Wyhe ,

P . P . S . G . W ., presided , and tiro . H . VV . Johnstone , P . P . J . G . D ., tilled the vice-chair . The Chairman , Bro . Wylie , and the Prov . G . Sec , Bro . Goodacre , were unanimously appointed to conduct the next elections of candidates on the foundation of the Koyal Masonic Benevolent Institutions —the Royal Masonic Institu ion for Boys and the Royal Masonic Institution for Guls ; and Bro . Johnstone , the

ViceChairman , was appointed a deputy representative in the absence of one of the representatives . Petitions for grants from the Prov . Grand Lodge Fund of Benevolence were submitted on behalf of a number of distressed brethren and widows , and the sum of £ 185 vvas voted for their relief . The Prov . G . Sec , Bro . GOODACRE , represented that the present voting powers of the province were as follows :

Boys'School , 500 votes ; Girls'School , 600 ; Old Men ' s Institution , 800 ; and Old Women ' s Institution , rjoo . Petitions were received for candidates for each of these Charities , and particular cases vvere taken vvith a view of securing their election . Alter the business of the day had been disposed of , a conversation ensued as to the mode in vvhich the Queen ' s

Jubilee should be celebrated . It vvas stated that it had already been decided to obtain from the various lodges as much money as pes = ible , to be distributed in Charity ; but it was explained that the following instituti . ns vvould participate in the benefits of such " celebration distiibution" : —Koyal Masonic Institute for Boys and Girls , the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , the Hamer

Masonic Institution for Aged Freemasons , and the Alpass Masonic Institution for Aged Widows of Freemasons . Si me lodges , it vvas stated , had forwarded to the chief office substantial subscriptions , amounting in several instances to upwards of £ 50 . Geneial satisfaction vvas expressed with this proposed foim of the Jubilee celebration , and the meeting vvas closed vvith a vote of thanks to the Chairman .

The Leeds Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.

THE LEEDS MASONIC EDUCATIONAL AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The ioth annual report of this admirable Institution has just been issued . It sets forth that not only has the capital account received a large accession , and the revenue , so far as subscriptions go , been increased , but there has been a decrease in expenditure in consequence of fewer demands .

The increase to the capital has been as follows : three brethren have constituted themselves Patrons by the payment of ten guineas each , namely , Bros . G . VV . Balfour , M . P ., Goderich Lodge ; and Geo . H . demons and J . Corrie , Zetland Lodge . Bro . Hargreaves had become a Patron and several brethren had become Life Governors by the payment of five guineas each . The Goderich Lodge

has subscribed £ 21 for the endowment of the two Deacons ' chairs ; the Zetland Lodge £ \ o ios . for the endowment of the Treasurer's chair ; and the Excelsior Lodge £ 5 5 s . for the further endowment of the W . M . ' s chair ; also by a legacy bequeathed to the Institution by the late Mrs . Lee , who during her lifetime vvas a zealous friend and regular subscriber , and by her will left £ 50 in aid of its

funds , which after the payment of duty left £ 45 , and that sum has been paid by her executors—making in all additional capital of £ 148 igs ., vvhich added to previous balance makes £ 1496 1 is . 2 d . The fund is invested as follows : £ 1036 us . 3 d . has been expended in thepuichase of £ 1000 Four per Cent . Stock in the Leeds Corporation , and a further purchase of , Ciso Three-and-a-half pcrCent .

in the same Corporation . The remainder of the capital is in the Leeds and County Bank . The revenue account for the year is as follows : annual subscriptions , £ 67 ; interest on investments , £ 43 14 s . iod . ; bank interest , £ 2 17 s ., which added to £ 3 : 8 s . 2 d . brought over from last year makes £ i ] j ios . The payments for the education of children have amounted to £ 6753 . 2 d . ; incidental expenses , £ 11 7 s . 6 d . ; leaving a balance of £ 38 15 s . 4 d . to carry

forward to next year . There are no . v on the books nine boys and four girls , but in a short time the total will be reduced by four . The educational cost as compared with the previous year shows a reduction of £ 48 . The President for 1887 is W . Bro . Major Moore ; Vice-Presidents , W . Bios . R . Wilson and Rev . Dr . Smyth ; Treasurer , Bro . Cowbrough ; Hon . Sec , W . Hro . Lowry ; with Trustees and permanent and elective Committees . This report is deemed to be very satisfactory .

HOLLOWAY ' S PILLS , —Important for the Delicate . —It is difficult to determine which is the more trying to the human constitutionthe damp , cold days of autumn and winter , or the keen , dry , easterly winds of spring . Throughout the seasons good health may be maintained by occasional doses of Holloway ' s Pills , vvhich purify the blood , and act as wholesome stimulants to the skin ,

stomach , liver , bowels , and kidnevs . 'Ibis celebrated medicine needs but a fair t ial to convince the ailing and desponding that it will restore and cheer them without danger , pain , or inconvenience . No family should be without a supply of Hollaway ' s Pills and Ointment , as by a timely recourse to them the first erring function may be reclaimed , suffering may be spared , and life saved , — [ ADVT , ]