Craft Masonry.

Bro . Mountford , I . P . M ., on rising to respond , received a hearty greeting . He said he thanked them very much forthe way they had received him , and for anything he had done for the lodge he was amply repaid by their kindness . The year iSyG had been a very anxious time for him and them all , but thev laid too much stress upon what he had done . He had had ample support from the Past Masters and his officers , and every consideration from them all . For the future they would be as numerous as they ever were , but they would have to be careful wfoin they received as initiates . Under the

W . M . ' s reign the true interests of Freemasonry would be well considered , and they should all work as true Masons . There were some who sneered at Freemasonry , but there was something in their Order that there was not in any other society . He thanked all these who bad loyally supported him , and made special reference to Bros . Tickle , P . M ., and Fred . Eckstein , and stated he should never forget thtir great assistance . He honoured the jewel and no other , if he ever received any , could he value more than that , the jewel of a Past Master in his mother lodge .

At the requestof the W . M ., Bro . Mountford , I . P . M ., gave " The Installing Master , Bro . Fred . Eckstein . " He said that he was particularly indebted to him for doing the wcrk which he ought to have done . Twelve months ago he stated that he hoped to instal his successor , but a short time after he was installed his business arrangements were all upset , and he had to spend three days in London and three days in Birmingham , o that he had not the time to woi k up to do the installation ceremony , as it ought to be done properly , but the Installing Master had done it beautifully . At a short notice , he went

to Bro . Fred . Eckstein—whom they all loved—and told him that he did not feel in a lit slate to instal his successor , and Bro . Eckstein consented to act , and he had no hesitation in saying that the installation ceremony could not have bcen better performed , and he should never be able to repay him for his great efforts . No toast that had been proposed that evening , with the exception of that of the W . M ., would be received with sreater enthusiasm than the toast of the Installing Master , Bro . Frederick Eckstein .

In response , Hro . Frederick Eckstein , I . P . M ., stated that his first duty was to thank the I . P . M ., Bro . Mountford , for the eloquent way he had proposed the toast . He was their servant , as were all the Past Masters , and what he had done that evening was what he was always prepared to do for that his mother lodge , which was a labour of love and delight , and if he had given satisfaction that was his reward , but so many kind things had been said of him which he appreciated . Might he add that during his 20 years membership he had secured their friendship , which was very gratifying to him .

In submitting the toast of "The Past Masters , the W . M . observed that the lodge could not get along without them , and they were al ways ready with their great assistance and the best thanks of the members were due to them . He coupled the names of Bro . C . Braid , P . M ., the " Father" of the lodge , and Bro . J . Tickle with the toast . Bro . C . Braid , P . M ., responded , and said that he had been an absentee from the lodge for many years but he was thankful to hear that the time was arriving when they

would again be prosperous . Bro . Eckstein s working of the installation ceremony was splendid and had never been equalled in the lodge , with the exception of Bro . Henry Marston , the great tragedian , and he had no doubt the lodge would return to its former glory . Bro . J . Tickle , P . M ., also acknowledged the toast , observing that it was the proudest thing of his life to say that he was initiated in , and was a Past Master of , the Urban Lodge .

"The Visitors" was heartily proposed by the W . M . and responded to by Bros . J . J . Thomas , P . P . G . T . Bucks , and C . Nelson , VV . M . 1702 . " The Treasurer , Secretary , and Officers " was next given , and the very happy evening terminated with the Tyler's toast . An excellent musical programme was contributed to by Miss Emilia Monteith Webb ( a very able pianist ) , Miss Lilian E . Gardner , Bros . Chas . Braid , P . M ., and Paul Alliston , P . M ., Mr ! G . Ingleton ( recitations ) , and Mr . F . R . Ridley ( violinist ) . Special mention should be made of Miss Lilian E . Gardner for her sweet and exquisite singing . Miss Florence Gardner was an able accompanyist .

Granite Lodge , No . 1328 . Last Saturday evening , the 13 th inst ., at the Holborn Restaurant , Holborn , witnessed a most happy assemblage of the brethren of this distinguished lodge , and a large number of visitors , to do honour to the installation of Bro . Charles Smith , a highly esteemed member of the lodge . Bro . Edward Faux , VV . M ., presided , supported by Bros . Charles Smith , S . W ., W . M . elect ; V . J . R . Longman , J . W . ; Fred . West , P . M ., P . G . D ., D . P . G . M . Surrey , Treas . ; J . L . Thomas , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C ., P . P .

G . W . Middx ., Sec ; H . F . Gidden , S . D . ; II . Parkinson , J . D . ; Maj . R . Payne , P . M ., D . C . ; F . Lang Day , A . D . C ; Chas . T . Rayner and J . G . Wyatt , Stwds . ; R . Philip Upton , I . P . M . ; W . J . Mason , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Surrev ; W . T . Tonkin , P . M . ; R . White , P . M . ; F . H . Hardcastle , J . B . Boyle , G . A . Lanedown , G . B . Godson , E . P . Woodman , W . H . Arnold , W . II . A . Mundell , C . Gabriel , A . J . Hewitt , R . Coad , and C . Patrick , P . M ., Tyler . The visitors were Bros . Henry J . Dumas , P . G . D . ; A . J . R . Trcndall , P . A . G . D . C ; Col . Peters , P . G . S . B . ; R . Glasspool , 723 , 1201 , P . P . G . S . B . Isle of Wight ;

C . M . Coxon , P . M . 1471 , P . P . G . D . Herts ; T . J . Wood , 15 S 5 ; J . Duncan , P . M . 59 i J . J . Thomas , 753 , P . P . G . T . Bucks ; II . Theobald , W . M . 1672 ; A . England , S . D . 1216 ; W . Rapley , J . W . 1987 ; W . J . Stratton , P . M . 753 ; W . Hancock , P . M . 2191 ; H . J . Abrahams , W . M . 25 S 0 ; W . Unwin , 1614 ; L . Lipscomb , 1479 ; L . S . Burt , S . W . 7 G 6 ; J . Griffiths , 122 S ; S . Gabrill ; R . B . Chessum , 13 ( 15 ; W . Prevost , S 61 ; C II . Mabey , f 173 ; ILL . Sarson , 2000 ; W . Griffiths , 1228 ; W . Emerson , 45 ; VV . Laing , 2611 ; VV . J . Fisher , P . M . 2190 ; Arthur Saunders , 1 S 03 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .

The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting having bcen read and confirmed , Hro . R . Philip Upton , I . P . M ., then occupied the chair , and installed Bro . Charles Smith as W . M . The working of Bro . Upton was carried out in an excellent tnanntr , for which he deserves the highest praise . The new W . M . then appointed and invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Edward Faux , I . P . M . ; V . J . R . Longman , S . W . ; H . F . Gidden , J . VV . ; Frederick West , P . G . D ., Treasurer ; J . L . Thomas , P . Asst . G . Dir . of Cer ., Secretary ;

H . Paikinson , S . D . ; J . J . Smith , J . D . ; F . L . Day , LC ; T . Wilson , P . M ., D . C . ; C . T . Rayner , A . D . C . ; J . G . Wyatt and W . H . Arnold , Stwds . ; and C . Patrick , P . M ., Tyler . The delivery of the customary addresses was most ably and impressively rendered by Bro . R . Philip Upton , who was listened to with marked attention . The W . M ., in presenting a Past Mister ' s jewel to Bro . Edward Faux , I . P . M ., stated that

his first duty was a very pleasant one , and he hoped he would have long life and ever remember the time when he was the Master of the Granite Lodge , and they all appreciated his valuable services and great efforts . The jewel bore the following inscription : " Granite , 132 S . Presented to Bro . Edward Faux , P . M ., as a token of esteem . Feb ., 1 S 97 . " In acknowledging the jewel , Bro . Faux stated that he should ever prize it .

O her business followed , after which the lodge was closed and the brethren partook of a suierb banquet . At the close of the repast , the W . M . said : The first toast I have the honour to ptopos : is "The Queen and the Craft . " Her Most Gracious Majesty has now entered upon the Goth year of her reign , that being the longest reign in English history , and I trust that she may be spared for many years to rule this most peaceful and prosperous country .

The next toast that I have the honour and privilege to propose is " The M . W . G . M ., lhe Piince of Wales . " Considering the many public duties he has to perform , he devotes a great deal of time to Freemasonry and had now been the Grand Master for the past 21 years , and all Masons knew how ever ready and pleased he ' was to render assistance in everything appertaining to Freemasonry . Ihe next toast was "The M . W . Pro Grand Master , the R . W . Deputy Grand "lastrrand the rest ot the Gr nd OfficersPresent and Past" which was proposed by

, , , 'he W . M ., who said : I am glad to ( ind we are honoured this evening with the presence of several distinguished Grand Officers in the persons of Bros . Henry J . Dumas , »* Je * * J A . J . R . Trtndall , P . A . G . D . C ; Col . Peters , P . G . S . B . ; Frederick West , ' G . D . ; and J . L . Thomas , P . A . G . D . C . Whenever lhe Grand O . licers attend the GianittLed ge they can always rely upon meeting with the very heartiest reception and good wishes of the brethren , and I am indeed honoured by their attendance at my installation .

Bro . Henry ] . Dumss , P . G . D ., whose name was associated with thi toast , responded m a very eloquent speech . . I he I . P . M ., Bto . Edward Faux , proposed "Thc Health <¦( the W . M ., Hro . Charles smith , " and said it was a pleasure to him to submit the toast , which would , he felt sure , ° e received with great enthusiasm . He was a modest brother , but his working that night showed that hc had taken great care to work up the ritual , lie took the greatest interest in the Craft and hc wished him from his heart a very happy and prosperous year of

Craft Masonry.

Bro . Charles Smith , W . M ., on rising to respond , received quite an ovation . lie said : 1 am deeply grateful to you , Bro . Faux , for the terms in which you have proposed the toast , and likewise to the Grand Officers ani brethren for ths Masonic spirit in which they have received the same . I feel most deeply thc honour which you have conferred upon me in p lacing me in the chair . There are several visitors present who have assisted me in learning the rituil , and I have for several years attended lodges of instruction . 1 can assure you 1 will carry out my duties to the best of my ability , and , I trust , to the satisfaction of myself and the members and to the credit of the Granite Lodge . ¦

The Worshipful Master then said : I have now the p ' . ea sin » duty to propose ' l'he Visitors . " The lodge is always delighted to have plenty of guests at their gatherings and to give them a hearty welcome , ancl 1 trint they hiv : been satisli : d with the w > rk in the lodge and the entertainment . We have to-night a go idly array of visit irs , and I b » g to j jin the names of Bros . VV . Ilinock , P . M . 2191 , and J . Dutcw , P . W . 59 , with the toast . Bro . Hancock , P . M ., responded : He stated that it wis 11 it his first visit by many

There were several very distinguished visitors present , which mi'le it very difficult for him to acknowledge the toast in adequate terms . He had worked with the VV M in the ritual for many years , and he thought it wis the duty of tliDse who ciuld give instruct an to do so , and they were always amply repaid when they saw that their pupils had benefited thereby . He was proud to see the excellent work that evening by the W . M . arid the [ . P . M ., who were two ot his most honoured pupils . The W . M . was a very old friend of his , and he was delighted to have been present at his installation .

Bro . J . Duncan , P . M ., also responded , remarking that the W . M . would prove equal to any emergency . In giving " The Installing Master , Bro . R . Philip Upton , " the VV . M . said : All those that were present in the lodge must have been very much impressed by the excellent way Bro . Upton performed the installation ceremony . He is an ardent Mison and takes a very great interest in Freemasonry , and spires no trouble in everything he does for the interests of the lodge . The toast was drunk with acclamation , and

Bro . R . Philip Upton , P . M ., was enthusiastically received . He said it was a great pleasure to him to have had the honour to install the W . M ., and they had worked together for a long time . He felt very much indebted to the I . P . M ., Bro . Faux , for allowing him to act as Installing Master . He had been called an old fossil , but he did not feel one , and if he could do anything for their good old lodge he would be only too happy .

In submitting the toastof " The Immediate and other Past Masters , " the VV . M said : Bro . Faux , the I . P . M ., during his year of office did his wark in a very efficient manner , and you all know how ably he went through all the offices he filled , and that his great services were appreciated . Then , as to the Past Masters , they are always willing to render any assistance , and I am quite sure they are all endeared to and appreciated by the members .

THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER . In rcsponse . Bro . Faux . I . P . M ., stated that , as their late Master , he tried to do his best , but he was now amongst those who were the actual backbone of the lodge and he had to thank them ( the Past Masters ) for their great assistance while he was in the chair . Bro . Major R . Payne , P . M ., also responded , and said that something that evening had been mentioned about old fossils , and he ought to be silent as stone could not

speak . As a Past Master of 10 years' standing he was glad to see the lodge in great prosperity and might it always be so . He and the other Past Masters were deeply grateful to the members for the . viy they were always received . The W . M . proposed " The Treasurer and Secretary , " and said : Their association with the lodge had bcen over a great number of years , the Secretary being one of the Founders ; both had taken high honours , being Grand Officers , and with their able assistance I look forward with much pleasure to a hippy term of office as Mister .

Bro . J , L . Thomas , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C , Sec , said he hid to respond in a dull opacity as the Treasurer had had to leave to catch his train . Their Treasurer wis excellent and his great services were much appreciated . He was initiated in the loJge and he ( Bro . Thomas ) initiated him , and ha hid gone on in Misonry with great pogress , as he was a Grand Officer and second in the Province of Surrey . As to himself as

Secretary , he had the lodge dearly at heart and felt the deepest interest in its welfare . He belonged to other lodges , but the Granite was dearer to him than any , and it was an honour to be the Secretary of such an important lodge , and it was a pleasure to do all he could for it . He was going to Gibraltar for two months , but he would be back in time for the May meeting , and in conclusion , he wished the W . M . everything he could wish himself .

In submitting the next toast , the W . M . said : The last toast that 1 have the privilege to propose th is evening is " The Officers of the Lodge . " Although it is the last , it is far from the least in importance , for we all know that however efficient a Mason may be , the success of a lodge mainly depends upon the officers . They were all good men and true , and I am quite sure they will perform their duties with zeal and in a manner creditable to themselves and to the lodge , and 1 couple with the toast the name of the S . W ., Bro . Val J . R . Longman .

Bro . Longman , in response , said that he would do his utmost to assist the W . M ., and if it fell to his happy lot to be hereafter elected Master of the Granite Lo Ige , he , hoped to be received with the same trial as the VV . AI . had been . The Tyler's toast ended a very pleasant and memorable night , and one that will be long remembered . The W . M . had provided a splendid vocal entertainment , which was carried out under the able direction of Bro . VV . Emerson , and the following also took part Madame Laura Brown , Miss Greta Williams , who received a well deserved encore , Mr . Percy Mordy , R . LO ., Mr . Hubert Gray , Mr . Walter llengler , and Bro . Wallis Arthur ,