The Craft Abroad.

Bto . J . Irvine , I . P . M ., in returning thanks , said hc looked upon the Past Master of any lodge as the cream of thc Craft . There was no doubt that if the Past Masters were able to perform their duties creditably it was a great incentive to the other members . He wished the brethren to know that thc W . M . was yoing up as Steward for thc Gills ' School and would be pleased to have their suppoit . Bros . Mogford , Capt . Knightley , Jcfferics , Paiker , McLeod , P . G . S . B ., S-c . R . M . I . B ., and other brethren replied for "The Visitors . "

" The Officers was duly honouied before the pleasant ptoce-edm js teuuuiiled . Bro . VV . VV . Atter had arranged a capita' programme of music , in which hc was ably assisted by Bros . Arthur Weston , L . C . Wilkinson ( violin ) , S . J . Derham ( flute ) , and Dick Welch .

Wirral Lodge , No . 2496 . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held at the Claughton Music Hall , Biikenhead , on Thursday , the 4 th instant . There was a large attendance of brethren present , especially of visitors , and the installation ceremony was witnessed by 20 Installed Masters . The lodge was opened by Bro . James Gamlin , VV . M ., assisted by his officers , and after the routine business had becn completed , Bro . George Proudman . P . M ., S . VV .,

was presented by Bros . J . Gamlin , P . P . G . D ., and l ' . E . Tomlinson , P . M , the duties of Installing Master being most effectively performed by Bro . Owen Jones , P . P . G . S . B ., who was highly complimented for the admirable manner in which the duties had been tendered . The address to the brethren generally was given in a masterly and impressive manner by Bro . Gamlin . The following brethren were appointed and invested by the Worshipful Master as the officers for the ensuing year : Bros . A . II . Rigmaiden , S . VV . ; Jas . Woodcock , J . W . j J . T . Thompson , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., Treas . ; Richard Powell ,

P . P . G . Stwd ., Sec . j A . C Coveney , P . M ., P . G . D ., D . C ; James Smith , S . D . ; Millward Hughes , P . P . G . O ., J . D . ; J . Carter , I . G . ; J . J . Elliott , J . Taylor , R . Rowland Hughes , and Dr . Laird Pearson , Stwds . ; W . A . Weston , Hon . Org . ; and H . VV . Holtaway , Tyler . The next duty of the new W . M ., Bro . George Proudman , was , as he remarked , a very pleasant and important one , it being to call upon Bro . Thomas Shaw , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., to present , on behalf of the brethren , the retiring W . M ., Bro . Gamlin , with an illuminated address and jewel ; in doing this , Bro . Shaw said that it gave him very great pleasure to present them as a mark of their esteem and to show the

high appreciation in which Bro . Gamlin was held , and it was the wish of every brother in the lodge that he might live many years to wear the jewel , and that when his family looked upon the address in years to come they would see the respect and esteem in which their father was held by the brethren of the Wirral Lodge . Bro . Tomlinson was then called upon by the W . M . to ask Bro . Gamlin to accept , on behalf of the brethren , a beautiful bracelet set with diamonds and sapphires , for Mrs . Gamlin . This duty having been feelingly and gracefully performed , Bro . Gamlin , in a few well chosen remarks , thanked the brethren for the beautiful and valuable presents , which he said would be treasured by both himself and his wife .

The lodge having been closed , the brethren retired to the banqueting toaai , where a dinner of the most recherche character was served . At the close of the banquet the VV . M . gave the first toast , that of " The Queen , " and said : For the first time from this chair I have the great privilege and pleasure in proposing the toast of the Queen . During the Co years ot her Majesty ' s haqpy and memorable reign , her dominions have been extended in every quarter of the globe , and we , her subjects at home , enjoy a freedom unknown to our ancestors and a prosperity unexampled in the history of any nation the world has ever seen . At the present time

the feeling of loyalty which actuates the nation is unsurpassed , and we , as Masons , on this important occasion , offer our most hearty congratulations to her Majesty on the remarkable and unique period which her reign has reached , and for the marvellous effect which the success of that reign has produced upon the respect of the whole civilised world . I am sure we all express an earnest hope that no shadow will c > nie over the year to mar the celebration of her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee , the Goth year of her reign . No Monarch in England has reigned so long , no Monarch has reigned so wisely and so well , and none has enjoyed so continuously and so increasingly the love and respect of their subjects .

The toast was most enthusiastically received by the brethren , a congratulatory telegram being sent to hcr Majesty , which was graciously acknowledged hy her Private Secretary , Sir Arthur Bigge .

The Health of the W . M . was proposed by Bro . Gamlin . He spoke of the pleasure it gave him in proposing it . He felt perhaps even more pleasure than he did on thc last occasion when a similar toast was proposed , as there was less sense of responsibility . The brother who was succeeding him , he was sure , possessed all the skill , ability , and tact needed to guide thc lodge , and he hoped the VV . M . would have health and strengh to perforin thc duties .

Bro . George Proudman , W . M ., in rising to respond , received quite an ovation . He said he regarded the Mastership of a lodge as one that could not be easily undertaken and as one of great importance . It was in that sense he felt his incapacity to follow so able a Master as Bro . Gamlin had been , but he could say his heart was in the work , that his services were at the disposal of the lodge , and that he would do his utmost to make his year of office acceptable to the brethren . Other Masonic toasts were submitted .

"The Visitors" was responded to by Bro . the Rev . Dr . Knox , P . P . G . Chap ., who said : I am not here to utter altogether a paneg ) ric , but rather a philippic , from the things which have stiuck me in my observations of Masonry . ist . The lessons learnt so aptly within the lodge should be practised outside . 2 nd . Criticism should be based upon knowledge ; most frequently it is founded upon ignorance ; but in the Fourth Degree knowledge of individual character was most reliable . The Fourth Degree was to most Masons , old and young , most impoitant , because most searching . It was the place of a man amongst men , and a brother among brethren ; a place where each

character was criticised , because when men met frequently together at the Fourth Degree in this convivial way , their natures and actions would naturally be open , unfettered , and laid bare to the inspection of their companions ; hence it became an arena of investigation of character , which forced home in every thinking Mason ' s heart the conviction that he and his actions become an influence and example among his brethren , and this is true , because the criticism of him has been founded upon intimate knowledge and intercourse . 3 rd . That , above all , no Mason could divest himself of the claims of his solemn obligation , and remember that he should ever be ready to lend

An aim of aid to the weak , A friendly hand to the friendless ; Kind words so short to speak , But whose echo is endless . Thc world is wide , these things arc small ; They may be nothing , but they are all .

The members present , in addition to thc officers mentioned , were Bros . Peter Duff , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; J . K . Simm , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; W . Getley , F . R . Wilson , J . W . Barber , H . A . Baty , and A . Rutherford . Among the numerous visitors were Bros , the Rev . Dr . Knox , P . P . G . Chap . j Robt . Edwards , P . G . Chap . Jersey ; G . H . Brown , P . M . 537 , P . P . G . W . ; John Armstrong , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; E . G . Mason , P . M ., P . P . G . D . j VV . Richmond , VV . M . 2 G 7 , P . P . G . Stwd . ; George Wild , W-M . 537 ; J . McLeavy , VV . M . 477 j II . V . Fearn , W . M . l ^ G ; II . Dutton , VV . M .

' 2 / oj R . Parry , P . M . 127 G ; J . Clarke , Prov . A . G . Sec . ; A . Saunders , P . M . 477 ; J . I ' ruddah , P . M . 241 ; Dr . Brewer , S . W . 2433 J | . H . Jones , W . M . IOIJ ; F . Mmshull , I . G . 1393 ; Sam . J . Carr , Sec . ly / i , ; J . II . Jackson , P . M . G 05 ; R . Robinson , P . M . 477 ; J . Fraser , P . M . G 05 ; and otheis . Letters of apology were read fiom Bros . Col . C A . Whitney , P . M . ; the Rev . G . R-Johnson , P . M ., P . P . G . Chap . ; F . T . Kinsman ; Col . C . S . Dean , P . S . G . W . ; VV . V . Robinson , Prov . A . G . D . C ; G . F . Bird , P . P . A . G . Sec . ; Richard Newhouse , G . Std . Br . Eng ., Prov . G . Sec ; J . E . Perrin , VV . M . 2375 i and others .

An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music was rendered by Bros . Millward Hughes , Weston , G . Wild , and Wilson , Walter Baker ' s rendering of the Worshi pful Master ' s song being well received . Bro . Proudman is a founder of the lodge and is an earnest Freemason . lie isa last Master of the Royal Victoria Lodge , No . 1013 , West Lancashire ; a Royal Arch Mason ; a member ol the Masonic Order of the Knights of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine j a K . H . S ., and Knight ol St . John the Evangelist .

The Craft Abroad.

North Kent Lodge , No . 2199 . The installation meeting of this lode , c was held at the Masonic Hall , Bcxley Heath , on Satuiday , the iilh inst ., and was a great success in every way . There was a full attendance of nieinbcis and friends , and tlie piocccdings from Inst to last leflected the greatest cicdit on all concerned . Hio . K . Hargreaves Rogers ' s term of oflice has been a memorable one , for during the period he has been elected Sheriff of London , and the lodge is justly proud to nutiibei so distinguished a citi / en amongst its members . Those

pvesent included : Hrm . K . 11 . Rogers , W . M . j G . RattLliil Steel , I . P . M . j Newton Dunn , S . VV . ; I '' . Corbett , | . W . j II . Lawrence Fry , Chap . ; T . Jenkins , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; G . B . Chapman , P . P . G . S . ot VV .. Sec . ; O . O . Dale , VV . M . 299 , S . D . ; D . J . Pitt , I . G . ; E . Whomcs , Org . ; W . J . Weaving , A . Gill , J . Butlci , F . G . Harris , A . Marshall , R . Marshall , J . fillingham , E . R . Boulter , T . G . Haynes , J . T . Davison , VV . E . Lucas , P . M . 1 S 37 ; and VV . Royle , lyler . Visitors : Bros . Ralph Gooding , P . M . 1 ,

P . G . D . ; | . D . Grifiin , Ireas . 1 , P . G . D . ; VV . Russell , P . M . 77 , P . G . T . ; N . R . Livett , P . M . Ss ?; C . Hind , P . M . 29 . 1 ; C . Bcrrall , S . D . 1 S 37 ; R . C . Halse , 1 S 1 ; B . Grant , VV . M . 2502 ; S . C . Phillips , S . VV . 2 SO 2 ; A . P . Barratt , 2502 ; E . Vaughan , 23 ; W . II . Haylis , . 00 ; II . Grirnwade , 2001 ; VV . Greig , P . M . 299 , P . P . G . P . ; J . VV . Gaze , P . M . 170 S ; 11 . T . Bailey , I . P . M . 17 m ; J . S . Barrass , Chap . 192 S ; E . Wood ^ ioj F . Bevan , P . M . 1706 , P . P . G . Org . Essex ; !•' .. Dalzell , P . M . 2000 , P . P . G . O . Surrey ; G . May , 2 uuo ; and II . Surcombe , tool .

Lodge having been duly opened and the usual routine business disposed of , Bro . Steel , P . M ., installed Uro . Newton Dunn as VV . M . for the ensuing year , performing thc office in an able and efficient manner that it would be dilficult lo excel . The Wardens ' chairs were occupied by Bros . Griffin , P . G . D ., and VV . Russell , P . G . Treas . The following ofiicers were appointed and invested : Bros . R . Hargreaves Rogers , 4 ( 13 , I . P . M . j F . Corbett , Sec . 1 S 39 and 1973 , S . VV . ; O . O . Dale , VV . M . 299 , J . VV . ; Rev . II . Lawrence Fry , 1209 , Chap . ; Thos . Jenkins , P . M . 299 , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; G . B .

Chapman , P . M . 27 and 209 , P . P . G . Supt . of Works , Sec . ; D . J . Pitt , S . D . ; A . Marshall , J . D . j Geo . Ratcliff Steel , P . M . 1 and 2499 , P . G . S ., D . Cj Edmund Whomes , Org . ; VV . J . Weaving , I . G . ; A . Gill , Stwd . ; and VV . Royle , Tyler . A handsome Past Master's jewel was handed to Bro . R . II . Rogers , who then presented the lodge with a costly banner , which was accepted in a few appropriate words by the VV . M ., on behalf of the lodge . The banner is a model of design and colouring . On a back ground of light blue , thc scroll work shows up prominently r . nd every character is

admirably finished . At the top appears " Notth Kent Lodge , No . 2499 , and immediately beneath this is a facsimile of the Shrieval Bad g ^ , with thc crest painted in correct heraldic colours . Thc centre piece is an excellent painting of St . Mary's Church , Bexley , as it now exists , and below this is an " Invicta . " The inscription which follows is " Presented by Bro . R . Hargreaves Rogers , VV . M . 1 S 9 G-7 , Sheriff of London , 1 S 96-7 . " Bro . T . Jenkins , P . M . and Treas ., was rc-appointcd Charity OJiccr and the business of the lodge terminated .

'I he brethren then partook of an excellent banquet served under tha superintendence of Bro . W . Stevens , of Bexley , in first rate style . The room was nicely arranged for the occasion , and the table decorated with choice azileas , spireas , drac ; e las , & :., supplied by Messrs Harris and Son , Crook Log , which were afterwards forwarded ta the Bexley Cottage Hospital , by command of the W . M . After the removal of the cloth a pleasant time was spent in toasting and harmony .

City Lodge , No . 2514 . The yearly installation meeting of thc above lodge took place on the evening of th ; 2 Sth ult ., the meeting being held at the Alexandra Hotel , Dale-street , Liverpool . There were present about Go brethren , largely representative of the Province of West Lancashire . The ceremony of installing Bro . Robert Pruddah as the W . M . for theensuing year was elficiently performed by Bro . Dr . Utting , P . M ., and the officers invested were

Bros . Charles Arden , C . C , I . P . M . j VVilliam Dickson , S . W . ; H . P . M'Laughlin , J . W . j Joshua Weaver , Treas . ; Edward Taylor , Sec ; C . M . R . Dickson , S . D . ; John J . Bell , J . D . j T . Knccn , l . G . ; R . Mountlield , Org . ; VV . II . Landers and VV . Unsworth , Stwds . ; and S . 11 . Perry , P . M . 2215 , D . C . A musical after-banquet programme was provided by Bros . Bain , M'Laughlin , Ashley , Beard , and others .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Jerusalem Chapter , No . 1 S 5 . This chapter met for the dispatch of business at Freemasons' Tavern , Great Oueenstreet , on the 9 th inst . Among those in attendance were Comps . Major T . C ~ Valls , P . / .., P . D . G . D . C , as M . E . Z . ; Harfeld , P . Z ., Ireas ., as II . ; G . Davis , P . Z ., S . E ., as J . j Witthaus , S . N . ; Nathan Moss , J . P ., P . Z . ; A . Hardy , P . Z . ; and Johnstone , ist Asst . Soj .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the election of Principals and oilicers for the year ensuing resulted as follows : Comps . Blankley , M . E . / .. ; Hills , IL ; Witthaus , J . j G . Davis , P . Z ., S . E . j Hambly , S . N . ; Harfeld , P . ' / .. ; Treas . ; Johnstone , P . S . ; and T . C Edmunds , P . Z ., Janitor . A vote of thanks was passed to the M . E . Z . and a Past Principal ' s jewel voted to him . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Comps . Eislemann , M . E . Z . ; Blankley , H . ; Hills , J . ; Cleghorn , P . Z . ; Staley , P . Z . ; Dr . Frye , P . Z . ; and others . The conclave was then closed . A dinner followed .

" lhe Health of the Oueen having been proposed , ! was drunk with acclamation , and the brief proceedings shortly afterwards were brought to a conclusion .

Zetland Chapter , No . 603 . This recently-resuscitated chapter held its first installation meeting for several years on Friday , the 15 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Tofts , Cleckheaton , when Comp . S . H . Stocks , P . Z ., was re-installed M . E . Z ., and the remaining chairs were filled as follows : Comps . Wm . Sharp , II . ; J . T . Last , J . j Sam . Law , S . E . ; S . Mortimer , S . N . ; James Clough , P . S . ; A . Woodcock , ist A . S . ; II . E . Hodgson . Treas . ; and F . Newsome , Janitor . Comps . IL S . Holdsworth , P . Z . 44 S , P . P . G . S ., and J . W .

Monckman , P . Z . Goo , P . P . G . S ., acted as Installing Companions , the former giving the customary addresses . The remaining visitors included Comps . J . Lane Fox , M . E . Z . 20 S ; Richd . Hodgson , P . Z . 448 ; and Wm . Fielding , 448 . The ballot was taken for Bros . John E . Helmsley and Robt . J . Bateman , both of Lodge 603 , and John L . Parke , S . VV . Lodge 2261 , as candidates for exaltation in the chapter , and for Comp . A . Woodhead , Coo , as a joining member—all were duly elected . A candidate for exaltation was proposed , after which the chapter was closed . After the banquet , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

In proposing the toast of "The Visitors , " the M . E . Z . gratefully acknowledged the valued services of the Installing Masters , not only at the present meeting , but also at the previous meetings of the chapter since its resuscitation , and he assured the visiting companions that they would at all times be welcome guests at the regular meetings of the chapter . Comp . Holdsworth , P . Z . 44 S , P . P . G . S ., responded to the toast . He thanked the

M . E . Z . and companions for the hearty reception given to the visitors , and on behalf of himself and Comp . Monckman stated that their services to the chapter had been a labour of love aud they esteemed it a privilege to have been given the opportunity of rendering assistance to the chapter on its new start , and the officeis were at liberty to command their services at any time they were needed , but from what he knew of them h ; was ot opinion that such services would not be much required .

The toast of "The M . E . / .. " was proposed in felicitous terms by Comp . J . W . Monckman , P . Z . boo , P . P . G . S ., and in responding , Comp . Stocks , M . E . Z ., thanked the companions for the hearty manner in which hia health had been drunk ; it was nine years since he was installed into the chair of the chapter , but as it had not worked in thc meantime he looked upon it as only one year and

this was his re-election ; with the hearty manner the chapter was now being worked and the number of candidates that were knocking at the door he had confidence that the chapter would do good work and be prosperous , he would do his best—ayen at hia advanced age—to make it successful . Other toasts lollowcd .