Craft Masonry.

Sec ; P . Wilson , S . D . ; W . E . Catesby , J . D . ; W . Jaques , I . G . ; T . Carmichael , D . C ; "VV . J . Oldfield , J . Chapman , and W . R . Hoare , Stwds . ; and S . Ellis , P . M ., Tyler . The addresses to the VV . M . and Wardens were then given by the Installing Master , and the Dep . Prov . G . M . closed the ceremony with a most impressive rendering of the Charge to the brethren . The Auditors' report and balance sheet were received and adopted , and the W . M . elected to represent the lodge on the Provincial Charity and Finance Committees .

There were several proposal . for initiation *] and joining , and aftev " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed . After the banquet ; the usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured . The Dep . Prov . G . M ., in responding to the toast of "The Provincial Grand Officers , " expressed the pleasure it had afforded him to be present , and congratulated

the lodge upon its position . He then proposed in most cordial terms " The Health of the W . M ., " which was enthusiastically received by the brethren and ably responded to . The W . M . then proposed "The Installing Master , " alluding in the kindest terms to Bro . Mercer ' s labours in the formation and founding of the lodge , his work during the first year of its existence and the general success which had _ crowned his efforts , and concluding by presenting him with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel .

Bro . Mercer , in response , thanked the W . M ., Dep . P . G . M . and brethren for their kind and generous appreciation of his efforts , and said that although prior to the consecration of the lodge he had experienced many anxious moments , he felt amply rewarded by the great success which had attended their first year ' s work . " The Visitors " was responded to by Bros . VV . G . Smith , W . M . 1728 ; S . Hussey , W . M . 2045 ; F . S . Priest , P . M . Unity Lodge ; J . Williams , S . W . 154 S ; and Holmes , J . W . 2256 . An excellent programme of music added very much to a happy and most enjoyable evening .

Royal Arch.

IRo ^ al Hvcb ,

West Kent Chapter , No . 1297 . The installation meeting of this highly successful and flourishing chapter was held at the Crystal Palace , Sydenham , 3 . E ., on Saturday , the 12 th instant . Present : Comps . W . H . Growse , M . E . Z . ; Win . Thomson , H ., M . E . Z . elect ; Percy Hennell , J . ; Chas . Thomson , P . Z ., S . E . ; G . A . Maull , S . N . ; Geo . Lavington , P . S . ; R ,

Grisenthwaite , ist A . S . ; B . T . Drayner , 2 nd A . S . ; C . Patrick , P . Z ., Janitor ; H . j . Lavington , P . Z . ; W . Ormond , P . Z . ; G . H . Finch , P . Z . ; J . E . Fox , P . Z . ; Wm . Cock , P . Z . ; C . W . Fox , P . Z . ; W . Scott , J . W . Dring , and General Wm . F . Bartleman . The visitors were Comps . Thos . Grummant , P . Z . and S . E ., 1275 ; G . H . Jenning , J . 1328 ; j . D . Ingall , S . N . 133 S ; and Chas . Hy . Stone , P . Z . and S . E . 1901 .

The minutes of the previous convocation were read and confirmed . Th * s report of the Auditors was presented and adopted , which showed thechapter to be in a very sound financial position . A Conclave of Installed First Principals was formed , and Comp . Wm . Thomson , H ., M . E . Z . Elect , was installed into the first chair by Comp . "Wm , Cock , P . Z . The Conclave of First Principals was closed , and the Conclave of Second Principals was formed , and Comp . Percy Hennell , J ., installed into the second chair by Comp . W . Cock , P . Z . The Conclave of Second Principals was closed , and a Conclave of Third Principals was formed , and Comp . Geo . Lavington installed into

the third chair by Comp . W . Cock , P . Z . The three installations were carried out in a masterly and most perfect manner by the Installing Principal , Comp . Wm . Cock , P . Z ., for which he had special thanks from the chapter . Comp . T . Grummant , P . Z ., acted as D . C . The companions were admitted , and Comp . Wm . j . Lavington , P . Z ., was elected Treasurer of the chapter . The M . E . Z . invested his officers forthe ensuing year as follows : Comps . Chas . Thomson , P . Z ., S . E . ; G . A . Maull , S . N . ; Wm . J . Lavington , P . Z ., Treas . ; R . Grisenthwaite , P . S . ; B . T . Drayner , ist A . S . ; J . W . Dring , and A . S . ; Wm . Scott , Stwd . ; and Chas . Patrick , P . Z ., Janitor . A ballot was taken

forComp . Major-General Woodburn Francis Bartleman , Sandeman Chapter , attached to Lodge Independence with Philanthropy , No . 391 , as a joining member , which was carried unanimously . Also a ballot was taken for Bio . Walter Blenkarn , St . Mark ' s Lodge , No . 859 , for exaltation , which also was unanimous . ^ The M . E . Z . rose , and said a most pleasing duty devolved upon him , which was to present the I . P . Z ., Comp . W . H . Growse , with a P . Z . ' s jewel , "for the very efficient manner in which he had carried out the duties of First Principal during his year of office . " The l . P . Z . was a most capable and efficient worker , and richly deserved the jewel so

unanimously accorded him b y the companions . He had great pleasure in presenting it , and it was their earnest desire that he might live many years and grace the West Kent Chapter . Comp . W . H . Growse , l . P . Z ,, very gracefully accepted the jewel , which would be highly appreciated by him as a mark of their esteem and affection . He had endeavoured to perform the duties as ably as possible , and should at all times be ready to render whatever assistance might be required from him . He most heartily

thanked them . A sum of live guineas was voted to the South African Fund , " to relieve urgent cases of distress among brother Masons in the Transvaal , " a beneficence characteristic of the chapter . The M . E . Z ., in words of very deep emotion , paid a very high tribute of respect to the late Comp . R . H . Crowden , P . Z ., _ Treas ., and it was resolved that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow , expressing their deep sympathy with her in her great loss .

The business ot the chapter ended , it was closed , and the companions adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was much appreciated . The cloth removed , the M . E . Z ., in very able and eulogistic terms , presented the toast of "The Queen and R . A . Masonry , " and spoke of her illustrious leign and the love she evinced to the whole of her subjects , in whose hearts she reigned . Her last gracious act in visiting the sister isle would never be forgotten by them , and especially after the tribute her Majesty paid to those of her brave subjects who had fallen at the front in their country ' s cause of right and justice .

The toast of * ' H . R . H . the M . E . G . Z ., " the M . E . Z . stated was always accepted by them in most loyal and loving terms . It was a source of deep gratitude to the G . I . A . M ., who had saved his Royal Highness from the hands of the assassin , and on which he had received congratulations from all parts of the world , which showed the love and the esteem he was held in by all classes . The election of his Royal Highness to the position of M . E . G . Z . for the 36 th year was also a convincing proof of his work in R . A . Masonry , and he hoped that he might live many years to be their most excellent head .

The toast of "The Pro G . Z ., G . H ., G . J ., and the rest of the Grand Oflicers , Present and Past , " was next duly proposed , and received by the companions most cordially . Comp . VV . H . Growse , l . P . Z ., proposed the toast of "The M . E . Z . " in words of high eulogium , which he was sure would be received with the enthusiasm it so richly deserved . The M . E . Z . was not only a natural brother of their esteemed S . E ., but was

a companion who had done so much both in the lodge and chapter , and by dint of hard work had achieved the high position of First Principal , upon which one and all most heartily congratulated him . He would be supported by a capable body of officers , who would carry out their duties with eclat and maintain the high standard of efficiency which had hitherto marked the Principals of the chapter , who wished him a most successful year of oflice .

ln reply , the M . E . Z . observed that the many kind things the l . P . Z . had said of him almost made him blush , but nevertheless he was very gratefully obliged for the manner the toast was given and received . He was indeed proud of his position , which he should not have attained had he not bten approved by the companions . There was a great disappointment , the exaltee not being able to be present on account of sickness , because

the Principals had thoroughly prepared themselves for the ceremony of exaltation . He strongly recommended the younger oflicers to steadily progress through the various ollices , which was most beneficial to them , and would enable them to efficiently perform the duties when they arrived at the chairs to which they all aspired . He most heartily thanked the companions for the great kindness always shown him in the chapter , as also the brethren in the West Kent Lodge .

The toast of "The Co-Principals H . and J . " was most ably presented by the M . E . Z . The II . and J . most cordially responded . The M . E . Z . next proposed the toast of " The Installing Principal , Comp . Dr . W . Cock , P . Z ,, * ' who was really the backbone of the chapter , inasmuch as he always most

Royal Arch.

kindly undertook those important ceremonies , which was no reflection on the other Prin . cipals in the chapter , but rather an excellent testimony to his valuable services which he renden d . He had been asked to undertake the duties at a moment ' s notice and his reply was that he would do all he possibly could . His work in the chapter was always marked with geniality and kindness , and he was ever ready to assist the junior officers in their respective duties . There was no companion who could possibly do more , and the present happy state of the chapter was largely due to his excellent services . The M . E . Z . said that Comp . Dr . Cock was indeed their mainstay and backbone , and he asked that the toast would be received in bumpers .

In reply , Comp . Dr . Cock ( who received quite an ovation ) said it certainly to him was a very great pleasure to initiate such worthy companions . He looked forward to performing those ceremonies , which was always a great inducement to attend , and not allow himself to get rusty . He thought every Past Principal ought to keep himself up to the work . . It had been to him one of the happiest meetings in the West Kent Chapter . He had also referred to the great loss the chapter had sustained by the death of the late esteemed TreasurerComp . R . H . CrowdenP . Z ., a blank which would not

, , be easily forgotten , but the choice of the companions had fallen upon Comp . W . J . Lavington , P . Z ., who would certainly prove a worthy successor . He most heartily thanked the companions for the very great friendship always evinced towards him . The M . E . Z . next proposed , in most complimentary and eulogistic terms , the toast of "The I . P . Z ., Comp . W . H . Growse , " which was very ably responded to by the I . P . Z ., who remarked that he thanked the companions for the cordiality shown him ,

He had done his utmost to follow in the footsteps of his worthy predecessors in the chair and especially of P . P . Comp . Dr . Cock , whom he tried to emulate . He also tendered his best thanks to Comp . Thos . Grummant , P . Z ., Preceptor of the Star Chapter of Improvement , from whom he had learned the principal portion of Royal Arch Masonry , Likewise he thanked Comp . C . Thomson , S . E ., who had assisted him most ably during the past year . He had left the chair with pleasant memories and had had a very happy year of office .

The toast of "The Visitors , " received at the hands of the M . E . Z . a most cordial greeting , and was responded to by Comps . Thos . Grummant , P . Z . ; Chas . H Stone , P . Z . ; and J . D . Ingall ( Auckland ); who eulogised the excellent working and hospitality shown them . Comp . Incrall most heartily thanked them on behalf of the Colonial companions .

The M . E . Z . next proposed the toast of " The Past Principals , " who were the pillars and support of the chapter and on whom all could rely . Comps . Cock , P . Z ., Finch , P . Z ., Fox , P . Z ., and Osmond , P . Z ., very ably replied . The toast of " The S . E . and Treasurer , " was most cordially proposed by the M . E . Z ., who congratulated the chapter and himself on having two such excellent officers .

Comp . Lavington , P . Z ., Treas ., thanked the companions for' the honour done in electing him to the office . He should do his best to copy the late esteemed Treasurer , and emulate him who was one of the most genial of companions . Comp . C . Thomson , P . Z ., S . E ., also thankfully responded . The M . E . Z . next proposed the toast of "The Officers" in commendable terms ,

which was duly responded to by Comp . R . Grisenthwaite , P . S . The Janitor ' s toast closed a happy and eventful meeting . Some excellent harmony was rendered by Comps , Dr . Cock , C W . Fox , Chas . H . Stcne , Chas . Thomson , T . Grummant ( Reciter ) , the M . E . Z ., Osmond ( Reciter ) , and C W . Fox ( Reciter ) .

Henley Chapter , No . 1472-At the recent installation meeting of the above chapter , which is held at the Three Crowns Hotel , North Woolwich , Comp . C . Jo'ly , P . Z . 913 , P . Z . and S . E . 2184 , P . P . G . S . B . Essex , M . E . Z ., installed Comp . James Palmer as M . E . Z ., Comp . Laitas H ., and Comp . Ross as J ., the full ceremony , with the addresses , being perfectly worked by him as Installing Officer . The officers were invested , and the whole of the companions , with their visitors , afterwards banqueted together .

Comp . Jolly having served the office of M . E . Z . four times in this chapter , and having only received one jewel and bar , he was presented with a handsome and valuable gold watch , suitably engraved , as a mark of the esteem of the companions , and for valuable services rendered to the chapter since its consecration , of which he was a founder and first S . N .

Scotland.

Scotland .

Clydesdale Lodge , No . 556 . There was a large gathering representative of the members of the Province of the City of Glasgow at a special meeting of the Clydesdale Lodge , on the 9 th instant , when the principal attraction was the presentation to the I . P . M ., Bro . William Falconer , of a Past Master's jewel , gold , and set with diamonds ; a roll top desk , and , for hisgood lady , a gold watch and chain and gold bracelet . Bro . J . Hibick , W . M ., made the presentation in the name of the members and others who had subscribed , and in doing so

congratulated Bro . Falconer on the success which hc , by his influence and management , had procured for the lodge during his two years' occupancy of the chair in the East . Bro . Falconer , who suitably replied , has been a very active Mason in Scotland since he became a member some eleven years ago—April , 1 SS 9 . He has , since 1 S 90 , been in constant membership in the Grand Lodge of Scotland . He has filled the offices in Prov . Grand Lodge of Glasgow , of President of Stewards , B . B ., and is at present Prov . Grand Junior Warden . He is a member

of the C 01 respondent Circle , Quatuor Coronati Lodge , 2076 , and in his connection with the Glasgow Evening Nc-. as under the nom de plume of "The Mallet , " has done much towards improving the condition of Freemasonry in the west of Scotland . In response to a widely-expressed desire among members in Glasgow , there was published , with the sanction of the M . W . Grand Master , in 1891 , the Scottish

Masonic Record , which was successfully conducted by Bro . Falconer , who was appointed by the proprietors of the G . asgoa Evening Ne ; us to manage and edit the Record . Scotland , however , has never taken kindly to M isonic m igazines , and after a little over two years the Masonic Record was withdrawn for want of sufficient support . Bro . Falconer is highly respected in Masonic circles in Scotland , and , in addition to Craft honours , is a Royal Arch Alason , a member of the Knights Templar , Red Cross of Constantine , and of the Rosicrucian College of the West of Scotland .

Instruction.

Jnstmctton .

STAR CHAPTER , No . 1275 . The weekly convocation was held at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-street , Camberwell , S . E ., on Friday , the nth instant , at S p . m . Present : Comps . Cornford , M . E . Z . ; H . C Turner , H . ; VV . Dawson , P . Z ., J . ; J . H . Cureton , P . Z ., Acting Preceptor ; C . H . Stone , P . Z ., S . E . ; J . F . W . Morris , S . N . ; Stanley , P . S . ; Geo . Thompson , S . W . Ballard , and W . H . Growse . The minutes of convocation of May 4 th were read and confirmed . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Geo . Thompson personating the candidate . Comp . J . H . Cureton , P . Z ., proposed , seconded by Comp . Wm . Dawson , P . Z ., "That Comp . H . C Turner , H ., occupy the position of M . E . Z . on Friday next , " which was carried unanimously . The business of the chapter ended , it was closed .

A grand afternoon concert , in aid of the Metropolitan Hospital , Kingsland-road , will take place at Queen ' s Hall on Tuesday afternoon , 22 nd instant . Almost every singer and actor of eminence in London will perform , and there will be such a success th ^ t an early application for tickets is advisable .