Royal Arch.

Zetland Chapter , No . 603 . A regular meeting of the chapter was held at the Masonic Hall , Bath-road , Cleckheaton , Yorkshire , on Friday , the 22 nd ult . Present : Comps . J . T . Last , M . E . Z . ; Wm . Allatt , P . Z . 258 , ( hon . mem . ) , as H . ; Jas . Clough . J . ; Wm . Sharp , P . Z . ; S . H . Stocks , P . Z . ; H . E . Hodgson , S . E . ; Alfred Woodhead , as S . N . ; S . Mortimer , P . S . ; C . F . Forsdaw , A . S . ; W . H . Hudson , as Janitor , and other companions . Comps . Walker DysonP . Z . 290 , and Jas . Tindall , 302 , were visitors .

, The meeting was of considerable interest to the members inasmuch as the business consisted of the election and exaltation of Bro . George Blackburn , P . M . 603 , a worthy and respected member of the Zetland Lodge , who had attained the ripe age of 72 years , and who was desirous of increasing his Masonic knowledge . The exaltation ceremony was conducted by Comp . Last , M . E . Z ., after which the historical , symbolical , and mystical lectures were given by Comps . Allatt , P . Z ., Mortimer , P . S ., and VV . Dyson , / 2 ine eiecuon as

Jr ... QO . or me cnapter umuers aur me ensuing year IC ^ UILCU . auuuws : Comps . Saml . Law , M . E . Z . ; Jas . dough , H . ; S . Mortimer , T . ; J . T . Last , P . Z ., S . E . ; , Geo . Blackburn , S . N . ; Chas . F . Forshaw , P . Z . ; R . F . Rogersdn , ist A . S . ; A . Powell , 2 nd A . S . ; W . H . Hudson , Janitor ; and Saml . HaHiday , Treas . A . number of current accounts and chapter fees were directed to be paid . After apologies for the unavoidable absence of several companions the . chapter was closed , and the companions dined together .

Ezra Chapter , No . 1489 . The usual quarterly convocation of this chapter was held on Friday , the 5 th inst ., at the Cock , Highbury , the following members being present : Comps . R . W . Huntley , M . E . Z . ; H . A . Huntley , H . ; T . V . Mills , J . ; J . E . Walford , P . Z ., Treas . ; Edwin George , P . Z ., Scribe ; A . Dottridge , P . Z ., P . S . ; D . Legg , Janitor ; J . W . Sparrow , P . Z . ; I . Keizer , J . Keizer , and several other companions .

The minutes of the last convocation having been read , and no further business being offered , the chapter was closed and the companions adjourned to a uaciciuet at which Comp . R . W . Huntley , M . E . Z ., presided . After the usual loyal and other toasts had been given and dnly honoured , a very pleasing ceremony took place , it being tbe presentation of a valuable gold watch to Comp . Edwin George , P . Z ., with the following inscription engraved on the dome : " Presented to Comp . Edwin George , P . Z ., as a token of esteem and in recognition of his valuable services as Scribe E . to the chapter . January , 1900 . "

Comp . R . W . Huntley , in handing the testimonial to Comp . George , spoke very highly of the past services he had rendered , not only to the chapter , but to the Craft generally , more especially in connection with the various Masonic Institutions , and he trusted that the day was far distant before they lost his valuable services , which were always freely given and energetically carried out . Comp . George ' s health having been enthusiastically drunk , he returned thanks in a few well-chosen words , and after a very pleasant evening , the proceedings terminated in the usual manner .

Eccentric Chapter , No . 2488 . At the annual installation meeting of this chapter , held at 33 , Golden-square , some excellent work was done , the installation and exaltation ceremonies being all rendered in a manner worthy of all praise . Comp . Imre Kiralfy took the post of P . S . at a moment's notice in first-class style . The members present included Comps . F . Dangerfield , P . Z ., M . E . Z . ; J . R . Cleave , P . Z ., P . G . J . Surrey , H . ; Lionel W . Harris , I .: Walter Clifford : W . Sergeant Lee , P . Z . ; VV . Singleton Hooper , P . S . ; I .

Hawkins , P . Z . ; J . Kift , Org . ; J . D . Langton . P . Z . ; E . Lockwood , Willie Drew , and many others . Visitors : Comps . C . Norman Jones ; T . Simpson , J . 1196 ; E . L . Berry , I . P . Z . 321 ; Newton Crane , J . 2377 ; W . W . Lee , P . Z . 1524 , and others . The minutes were confirmed , and the Audit Report , showing a substantial balance in hand , was adopted . The following Principals were installed into their respective chairs by Comp . Hawkins , P . Z ., this being the first occasion on which an installation ceremonv has been performed in the chapter , viz ., Comps . J . R . Cleave , P . Z ., M . E . Z . ;

Lionel W . Harris , H . ; and Walter Clifford , J . The various officers were invested , and Bro . Willie Drew , 157 and 245 S , was impressively exalted into R . A . Freemasonry . Comp . Dangerfield , LP Z ., was presented with a handsome P . Z . ' s jewel , and _ appropriately acknowledged the gift . Ten guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution on the M . E . Z . ' s list , and a donation made to "A Brother ' s Bed . " Chapter was closed , and a choice banquet was afterwards served at the Eccentric Club .

A few toasts were afterwards given , and after " Loyalty to the Throne and Fidelity to Freemasonry " had been heartily received , Comp . F . Dangerfield , I . P . Z ., proposed "The Three Principals . " He said they all knew the value of Comp . Cleave , whether in lodge , chapter , or club , and the other two Principals had shown in an excellent way that evening of what they were capable . The M . E . Z . replied that the Principals thanked the companions for ths trust reposed in them , and the H . and J . concluded with the remark that they pledged themselves ta a faithful performance of the same .

Co .-np . Willie Drew responded for " The Exaltee , " and said the ceremony that evening had impressed him more than any he had gone through . Comp . J . D . Langton , P . G . Std . Br ., acknowledged "The Visitors , " and was followed by Comp . Newton Crane , who said he was glad to be present again and enjoy the hospitality of the Eccentric . He knew it was usual for the visitors to speak of the way in which the work had been done , and he had heard many dinners paid for in that way .

He did not know the work could be as well done as he had seen it that evening , and he thought that chapter could give points to his own . The M . E . Z . then gave " The P . Zs . " That toast included Comp . Chapman , who was doing his duty at Kimberley ; Comp . Dangerfield , I . P . Z ., who had had a pleasant year ; Comp . Hawkins , the Installing Principal ; and Comp . Sergeant Lee , whose working they all tried to imitate . Comp . F . Dangerfield , I . P . Z ., responded . "The S . E . and Treasurer" was followed by "The Officers , " for which Comps , W . S . Hooper , S . E . ; Imre Kiralfy , and others replied .

Instruction.

Instruction .

STAR CHAPTER , No . 1275-A meeting was held on Friday , the 12 th instant , at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-slieet , Camberwell , S . E . Present : Comps . Thomas Grummant , M . E . Z . ; J . H . Curcton , P . Z ., H . j Hy . Cornford , J . ; C . H . Stone , P . / ., Scribe K . ; G . H . Lewis , P . Z ., Scribe N . ; J . Block , P . Z ., P . S . ; W . Dawson , Wal Jcffery , Frampton , Blake , Ca « s , Higgs , H . C Turner , Morris , Grazebrook , Pascoe , and J . STargett

. . ..,. ,,.. The minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Fred . Blake personating the candidate , who also was elected a joining member , he being P . S . of the Stcrndale Bennett Chapter , No . 2182 . Comp . J . H . Cureton , P . Z ., H ., was elected M . E . Z . for to-night ( Friday ) , Letters of inability to attend were read from Comps . W . R . Barr , I . / .., and S . J . Derham , P . Z . , After " Heaity good wishes , " the chapter was closed .

ISLINGTON LODGE , No . 1471 . The usual weekly meeting was held on Tuesday , the iGth inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , when there were present Bros . F . H . Johnson , W . M . ; H . B . Harding , S . W . ; A . E . Turner , J . W . ; W Hancock PM Preceptor ; A . I-. Hardyment ( W . M . ) , Asst . Preceptor ; CM . Coxon . P . M ., P . P . G . D . Herts , Treas . ; J . Duncan , P . M ., Sec ; M . Relph , S . D . ; E . P . I ' ischer , J . D . ; A . Noel I . G . ; 1 . E . Thomas , II . J . Kembell , jun ., E . Lucas , J . Horstead , C Bone , K II . Hall , and E . A . Spencer ,

Instruction.

. . T . lodge was opened , and the minutes read and confirmed . The ' ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Horstead being the candidate . The ancient charge was given . Bro . F . H . Hall being an E . A . was elected a member of the lodge and withdrew . The ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . Bone being the candidate . Bro . Harding was elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and appointed his officers in rotation . The lodge was then closed .

BRONDESBURY LODGE , No . 269 S . A very successful meeting was held at the Earl Derby , High-road , Kilburn , on Monday , the 15 th instant , when the members of the Duke of Connaught Lodge of Instruction , No . 1524 , who hold their weekly meetings at the Windsor Castle , 135 , Lower Clapton-road , paid a visit to this lodge , and very ably carried out the work of the evening . The folloiving members of the visiting lodge occupied the offices as follows ; Bros . J . Brown , W . M . ; Crisp , S . W . ; Islip , P . M ., J . W . ; ElsdenS . D . ; Thomas ,

, J . D . ; Greaves , I . G . ; and Alfred Rusby , P . M ., Treas ., in the regretable absence of the Preceptor , Bro . G . Edwards , through illness , acted as I . P . M . and Preceptor . There were also several other members of the lodge who were present . The company , numbering over 40 , included Bros . Ives , P . M ., Wild , Punter , Feisrel , Roberts , Barker , Saunders , and Lynch , of 1524 ; A . F . Hardyment , Preceptor ; R . ] . Campbell , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Willsmer , Sec ; C . J . Greaves , Wilson , Bore , Ridgway , W . G . Coxen , G . Coxen , H . Dunnaway , acting Org . ; Powell , Aylett , Fraser , Line ,

Palmer . Segar , Pearce , Golby , Wood , Wyatt , Ferguson , Brown , Gawthrop , P . M . ; Spiegel , P . M . ; Oldrey , Emery , Robertson , Priest , P . M ., Sec . St . John's Lodge of Instruction ; J . H . Clemens , P . M . ; Simmonds , Cutts , Patterson , M . Clemens , and others , of the lodge . The ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . Punter acting as candidate . The following Sections of the Lecture were very admirably worked by the following brethren : ist Section , Bro . Rusby , P . M ., assisted by Bro . Islip ; 2 nd Section , Bro . Rusby , assisted by Bro . T . Fcistel ; 3 rd Section , Bro . Crisp , assisted by Bro .

Rusby ; 4 th Section , Bro . Rusby , assisted by Bro . Crisp ; and 5 th Section , Bro . Rusby , assisted by Bro . Roberts . The lodge was closed in the Second Degree , and Bros . Priest , P . M ., and Oldrey , jun ., were elected members , and , on the proposition of Bros . Campbell and Hardyment , the brethren of the Duke of Connaught Lodge of Instruction , who had so successfully carried out the respective duties of the evenings were unanimously elected honorary members , and the thanks of the members wer , most cordially tended to the visiting brethren , and responded to by Bros . Brown and Rusby .

To Many Friends In Many Lands. A Mystic Tie.

TO MANY FRIENDS IN MANY LANDS . A MYSTIC TIE .

While yet the year is young I send you greeting , My friends of years , and friends of yesterday j Think not that I forget , though time is fleeting ; Once taken to my heart of hearts , ' tis there you stay . # A friend once made , is made a friend for ever ; 1 never change but hold you all most dear ; Remember this and distance shall not sever ,

Without your memories life would be most drear . To brethren , whereso ' er dispersed on land or water , I speak in tones that ye can understand ; And to you all I say , if ye have sought her—Mnemosyne , * ye are a chosen band .

Though seas divide us , years are onward rolling , Time -with his hour-glass beckons us amain ; We cannot linger , naught are we controlling , But we remember all our loss and gain . Our loss and gain , yes many have passed over The other Bide into the great unknown ; But let us cherish our new friends . Moreover Let us be sure we reap as we have sown .

If we are faithful to our friends and brothers , They will be faithful too until the last ; So then I say to all my friends and others , Forget me not till life be overpast . EMUA HOLMES , Author of "At the Oakenholt . " Dovercourt , 1900 .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . T , G . WALKER , No . 610 . The funeral of Bro , Dr . Thomas Greaves Walker was held on Friday , the 12 th inst . The first portion of the service was held in the beautiful church of St . Mary Redcliffe , Bristol , where the deceased held the office of sidesman . The clergy present were the Revs , j . B . De la Bere , M . A ., R . H . Harvey , M . A ., C . W . Jacob , M . A ., G . Hitchings , E . F . A . Hext ( rector of St . Mary's , Walton ) , and E .

C . West ( St . Matthew s , Moorfields ) . As the procession entered the church , the organist , Mr , J . W . Lawson , played " O rest in the Lord , " and besides the customary service , which was full choral , the choir sang " On the resurrection morn " and" Peace , perfect peace . " Thn interment was at Redcliff cemetery , the officiant at the concluding portion of the service being the Rev . E . F . A . Hext . Amongst those present were Bros . J . S . Gover , W . M ., S . G . Moxey , P . M ., T . Church , H . J .

Savery , E . I . Neale , and G , Langford , representing the Colston Lodge , No . 610 , of which deceased was a member ; while the medical profession was represented by Drs . H . T . Rudge , J . M . M . Thomas , Hedley Hill , Logan , and Taylor . There were also present Messrs . T . P . Ritchie ( churchwarden ) , W . Olive , A . Hawley , and A . Board ( sidesmen ) , J . F . Francombe , H . W . Neal Clark , Moor , and Perrott ( from the Prudential Assurance Company ) , Norris ( United Patriots' Benefit Society ) , Mills , and C . J . Knight . There were many wreaths .

FAREWELL TO A FREEMASON . —A supper was held at the Royal Star Hotel , Maidstone , on Wednesday , the ioth instant , after the usual monthly meeting at the Hall , to give a send off to Bro . A . W . Page , a volunteer of the West Kent contingent of the Imperial Yeomanry . Bro . L . W . btansell , W . M ., after the repast , proposed the toast of " Good luck to Bro . Page , " which was heartily received , and Bro . J , B . Groom , Sec , recited the Poet Laureate ' s poem " To Arms , To Arms . " Bro . Page replied to the toast in suitable terms , announcing his intention to do his duty , whatever happened . Patriotic songs , including "The Absent-Minded Beggar , " were sung , and a collection on behalf of the War Fund realised £ 1 Cs .