Craft Masonry.

l . W . ; Rev . VV . II . Baynes , P . G . C , Chap . ; A . Keymer , P . M ., I . G . ; and R . G . Bradley , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , D . C . Bro . J . Cunliffe , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., VV . M . elect , was presented by Bro . Bradley , and the ceremony was admirably rendered by Bro . J . W . Clayton , who was highly complimented by all present He also presented the working tools in the respective Degrees , and proclaimed the W . M ., who

was duly saluted . The addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , brethren , and the officers were impressively given by Bro . Bradley , P . P . G . D . C . The following were invested for the ensuing year : Bros . Julius S . Sommers , S . W . ; William Cross , J . W . ; Joseph Royle , Treas . ; John Partington , Sec ; Thomas Bradley , S . D . ; Wm . Woodcock , J . D . ; I . H . Walsh , I . G . ; J . W . Clayton , I . P . M ., D . C ; R .

Oldfield Brierley , Org . ; Dr . G . D . Mackintosh and W . H . Nutter , Stewards ; and Clement Rostron , Tyler . The following were present : Bros . W . B . Turner , W . M . ; T . Forrester , P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; Joseph Cunliffe . P . M ., P . G . Stwd .: W . H . Hargreaves , J . VV . ; J . Rovle , Leyland Eceles , P . M ., Sec . ; W . Cross , S . D . ; R . G . Bradley , Dr . G . D . Mackintosh , C . Rostron , R . Peel , J .

Partington , W . II . Sutter , J . W . Clayton , I . P . M . 703 ; J . Sumner , G . Tootel , P . M . ; G . Lancaster , E . Smith , J . Jolly , Holland , F . J . Marsden , J . Mosley , T . Loftus , H . Pilling , I . Newhouse , A . Keymer , P . M . ; R . O . Brierley , G . S . Smith , P . M ., P . G . Org . ; G . A . Myers , P . M ., P . P . G : D . C ; John Slyman , P . P . S . G . D . ; Rev . W . H .

Baynes , P . G . Chap . ; John G . Christian , P . G . S . of W . ; Hawthorn R . Thornton , P . M . ; J . M . Clarkson , P . M . ; A . Gibson , W . M . ; and W . R . Branwood . At the banquet which subsequently followed thc usual loyal and other toasts were given , and the pleasure of the evening was greatly enhanced by a large amount of talent with songs and other contributions .

STOCKPORT . Unanimity Lodge ( No . 2 S 7 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the VVhite Lion Hotel , when the following brethren were in attendance , viz .: Bros . James Alfred Cookson , S . W . ; A . J . Hewett , J . W . ; Charles Dawson , P . M ., Treas . ; James Cookson , P . M .. P . P . G . T ., Sec ; L .

lagger , S . D . ; D . Walmsley , J . D . ; G . W . Healey , l . G . ; John Leigh , P . M ., D . C , P . P . G . P . ; Champion , Org . ; George McClelland , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; William Lancaster , P . M . ; William Shepherd , P . M . ; Thomas Thorniley , P . M . ; R . C . Blakehurst , P . M . ; William Shepherd , P . M . ; G . A . Eyre , John Wakefield , J . Preston , J . Lee , jun ., John Hurst , and John Clarke , Tyler .

Visitors : Bros . C . D . Cheetham , P . M . 993 . P . P . G . D . ; Wm . H . Peak , P . M . 993 , P . P . G . D . C . ; Wm . Walmsley , W . M . 323 ; John B . Fields , S . VV . 322 ; Wm . Lowsby , S . W . 2231 ; E . Edmondson , Org . 323 ; and J . Winter , 10 4 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Twenty guineas being voted from the Charity Fund of the lodge to the Royal Masonic Institution for

Boys , several brethren announced their intention to serve as Stewards and contribute donations to the Boys' School Festival , when Bro . Lord Egerton , Prov . Grand Master , had signified his intention to preside . The five Stockport lodges are making a special effort this year to augment thc funds of the Institution , the Secretary , Bro . J . M . McLeod , having visited the Unanimity Lodge last month , and the

manner in which he advocated the claims of the School has , ever since his visit , been the subject of conversation that a more able official in connection with any Institution , they , the Charity Representatives had never had the pleasure of listening to than Bro . McLeod . The Charity Representatives of the five lodges had been specially invited on thc occasion of the visit of Bro . McLeod . The W . M . was

unable , through a severe cold to be present , and Bro . Blackhurst , P . M ., who was to have taken the Third Degree was unfortunately late in attendance , and at a moment ' s notice Bro . C . D . Cheetham , P . M . 993 , took the chair and raised Bro . Joseph Lee , sen ., to the Sublime Degree of M . M . in a most impressive manner . A vote of sympathy was paned to Bro . A . J . Hewett , J . VV ., who had lost by

death his wife and his mother , both dying the same day . The lodge was then closed . At the social board afterwards , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and the Charity bag collection , which is a special feature at all meetings , realised a goodly

amount . The evening was very pleasantly passed with numerous songs and recitations , and the praise of every one was most eulogistic of Bro . Cheetham , who is well known and highly esteemed for his generosity to both the London and local Charities .

The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close one of the pleasantest meetings of the present year .

SUTTON . Wallington Lodge ( No . 1892 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 28 th ult ., at the Station Hotel , Bro . A . H . Salter , the W . M ., presiding . Messrs . Duncan Stewart and Frederick Charles Baker were duly initiated , after which Bro . James Andrews , W . M . of the Ebbisham Lodge , and W . M . elect , was

presented and installed into the chair of the lodge . The ceremony was performed by Bro . Salter , assisted by Bros . Norton and Ward . Bro . Andrews invested the following officers for the ensuing year : Bros . A . H . Salter , I . P . M . ; J . Salter-Whitcr , S . VV . ; Walter J . Baker , J . W . ; John G . Horsey , Treas . ; W . Pike , Sec ; VV . Churchill Sabine , S . D . ; Samuel T . Baker , J . D . ; Francis Carter , D . C ; G . C . Burry , Hon . Org . ; Dr . T . Wilson Aird ,

I . G . ; and I . I ' . Jones , Stwd . The brethren subsequently dined together , amongst the guests being the Rev . E . L . G . Houndlc , Dr . VV . Gripper , Bros . A . Johnson , C P . Lovelock , ) . O'Connell , F . Tomlin , C A . Hardwick , W . R . Church , ' J . Wilson , W . O . Reader , W . J . Green , and C Gibbs . During the after proceedings Bro . Salter was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel .

TEDDINGTON . Sir Charles Bright Lodge ( No . 1793 ) . — This popular lodge met at the Clarence Hotel , on Wednesday , thc 27 th ult . Among those in attendance were Bros . Miiller , W . M . ; F . L . Chandler , P . M . 1656 , P . P . G . P ., S . W ., VV . M . elect ; J . E . Ruffell , J . VV . ; R . VV . Forge , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; R . ' VV . Warner , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , Sec ; VV . R . Plaford , P . M ., S . D . ; T . Middlewick , D . C . ; E . J . Packington , Org . ; Capt . T . C Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., G . Std . Br ., R . J . Williams

Craft Masonry.

and E . Hall . Stwds . ; Finch , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV . ; W . J . Porter , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; VV . Middlewick , P . M . . : Windeatt , P . M . ; and others . Among the numerous visitors were : Bros . E . Rogers , P . G . Stwd . ; Broquct , W . M . 209 ; Neville , W . M . 1767 ; Hatton , VV . M . 2246 ; Barnsdall , P . M . 25 ; G . Davis , P . M . 167 ; Beard , P . M . njfi ; Harvey , P . M . 13145 and Mason , P . M ., 132 S .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and conlirmed , Bro . F . L . Chandler was duly installed as W . M . The following appointments and investitures were made : Bros . ] . E . Ruffell , S . VV . ; VV . R . Playford . P . M ., J . W . ; R . VV . Forge , P . M ., Treas . ; E . W . Warner , P . M ., Sec ; W . Smith , S . D . ; J . Barnes , J . D . ; T . Middlewick , I . G . ; E . J . Packington , Org . ; B . J .

Williams . D . C . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , E . Hall , T . Playford , and R . Goff , Stwds . ; and J . Gilbert , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Miiller and a vote of thanks accorded to him as Installing Officer . Bro . Lord George Hamilton , P . P . G . M . Middx ., and Bro . H . Room , P . P . G . Sec , sent apologies for non-attendance . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted .

The lodge was then closed , and a banquet followed . Upon the removal of the cloth , the VV . M . gave the long list of toasts in a happy manner that was both striking and original . Bro . Finch responded on behalf of " The Provincial Grand Officers . " Amongst others , Bros . E . Rogers , G . Davis , and Beard

responded for " The Visitors . " Bros . Miiller and VV . Middlewick for "The Past Masters , " those hard-working and efficient officers . Bros . Forge and Warner received quite an ovation on rising to return ' thanks for " The Treasurer and Secretary . ''

Under the general and zealous superintendence of Bro . Packington , Org ., an excellent programme of instrumental and vocal music was carried out . Among the performers were Bros . E . Hall and VV . Middlewick , and Messrs . Walter Tomcy , Kornateki , F . Ruffell , and Harry Goring . The last named being particularly good .

THORNE . St . Nicholas Lodge ( No . 2259 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the ioth inst ., when there were present Bros . A . L . Peace , I . P . M . ( acting W . M . ); J . Constable , Sec . ( acting S . W . ); P . Barber , J . W . ; F . Buckland , 242 , S . D . ; G . Eland , J . D . ; VV . P . Robotham , Org . ; E . Horst , I . G . ; VV . T .

Chambers , and E . Simpson , Stwds . ; F . Pine , Tyler ; R . R . Marsdin , and W . Hallgarth . Visitors : Bros . F . A . Buckland , 242 ; and Sam Smith , 242 . Bro . Hallgarth was duly passed to the Degree of a F . C . A vote of condolence was passed to the family of the late Bro . T . W . Tew , and in token of grief the lodge and brethren were in mourning . It was decided to hold a lodge of instruction once a month .

WALSALL . St . Matthew ' s Lodge ( No . 539 ) . —For some time past rapid strides have been made in Freemasonry in this town of multifarious trades and occupations , a new lodge having been established during a comparatively recent period , under whose banner a large number of brethren have taken shelter . Another instance of the vitality of the

Craft is the successful celebration of the Festival of the above lodge , which took place on Thursday , thc 4 th inst ., at the Dragon Hotel , when Bro . Joseph Edward Dolman was installed as VV . M . for the ensuing year by the retiring W . M ., Bro . A . Dewsbury , the ceremony being performed in a most admirable manner . Amongst the members present were the following : Bros . F . Jones , P . M ., P . P . D . G . M . ;

] . Newman , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . ; F . VV . VVillmore , P . M . ; J . Moseley , I . P . M ., P . G . S . ; S . B . Whenay , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; J . Tindall , P . M . ; F . E . F . Bailey , P . M ., P . P . A . G . S . ; E . S . Hildich , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; C Taylor , P . G . S . ; F . Gnosill , J . W . ; S . Nicklin , J . D . ; A . Thocker , I . G . ; F . W . Smythe , N . II . Hume , and J . Wright , Stwds . ; A . W . Gould , Org . ; W . VV . Daughty , D . Power , M . F .

Harrison . lC Bayley , F . VV . Cross , J . Griffin , VV . Sherrott , II . McConnall , D . Watt , J . Butler , and others . The following visitors were also present : Bros . Lieut .-Col . Bindley , D . P . G . M ., G . D . Eng . ; E . Forrester , 2474 ; C . F . Baker , 41 S ; VV . Smith , 2474 ; i- ' •Howson , 41 S ; J . Carver , 2474 ; H . Wilkins , 6 9 6 ; E . Hurst , 2474 ; A . G . Bays , 2474 ; W . Paise , J . W . 2474 ; H- Spencer . W . M . 662

M . Barker , P . P . G . W . ; E . Mallard , P . M . 1537 ; U Ashmall , W . M . 1039 ; E . M . Scott , P . M ., P . G . S . ; W . Webster , W . M . 1941 ; II . Palethorpc , VV . M . 6 9 6 ; T . J . Barnett , 526 ; J . Waine , 52 G ; F . VV . Lavender , 2474 ; G . B . Bradley , W . M . 526 ; C VV . Sutton , 2474 ; and G . Ridsdalc , and others . The lodge was opened , and when the brethren below the

rank of I . M . had retired , the installation of Bro . Dolman into the chair of King Solomon took place . The brethren were th en admitted and informed of what had taken place , who saluted the newly-installed W . M . in the usual manner . Bro . F . Jones made a few remarks in reference to the retiring W . M ., stating that he had a very pleasing duty to perform , lie said that Bro . Dewsbury , during his year of

office , had worked with an assiduity which few before him had done . He had not bcen unmindful of one of the great fundamental principles of the Order—Charity—in fact , he had been very mindful of it—and it was with very great pleasure that he presented him with a charity jewel , which he placed upon Bro . Dewsbury ' s breast . I le alluded to thc time devoted to the oflice by Bro . Dewsbury and the large

amount of money he had from time to time been able to take up to London during his year as Worshipful Master . The presentation having becn made amidst applause , Bro . Dewsbury thanked Bro . James for the kind words he had said of him , and assured the brethren that the Charities were near his heart , and it had becn a very great pleasure to him to do what he had in connection with the Massnic

Charities . The W . M . then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . A . Dewsbury , I . P . M . ; F . Gnosill , S . VV . ; C I ' aylor , P . G . S ., J . VV . ; E . S . Hildich , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; F . W . Smyth , Sec ; S . Nicklin , S . D . ; A . Thockcr , J . D . ; J . Williams , P . M ., P P . G . P ., D . C ; J . 11 . Sanders , l . G . ; N . II . UUIIIL ; I '' . W . Cross , and j . Wright , Stewards ; and W .

Davis , 1 y k r . After the lodge had becn closed , Bro . Lieut .-Col . Bindley said hc was compelled to leave them , but before doing so he spoke of the very excellent manner in which the Installing Master had performed his duties that day , and the gallant Colonel complimented the officers of the lodge for their work generally .

Craft Masonry.

A banquet was afterwards partaken of in the Guildhall Assembly Room , which had been handsomely decorated for the occasion by Mr . J . H . Wright , ar . d the tables were a magnificent spectacle , reflecting great credit upon the caterer , Bro . Roberts , and his wife . The VV . M . presided , being sunoorted on his right by Bros . F . James , M . Barker , and T . J . Barnett , and on his leltbythe I . P . M ., Bro . A . Dewsbury , Bros . Dr . Willimore

P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., and F . E . F . Bailey , P . M . The vicechairs were occupied by Bros . F . Gnosill , S . VV ., and C . Taylor , J . W . The glee party consisted of Bros . Whenay , Forrester , Thocker , and Gould , who sang grace . When the refreshment had been disposed of , The W . M . said the first toast upon the list was that of "Thc Oueen and the Craft , " which he submitted , Bro .

Whenay singing the " National Anthem . " The Chairman informed the brethren that the next toast was that of " II . R . II . the Prince of Wales , Grand Master of England . " He said that toast appeared to them in a double sense—it appealed to them as Masons and Englishmen , and referred to the great interest the Prince took in Masonry . The toast having been duly honoured , Bro . Taylor gave

" God Bless the Prince of VVales . " The Chairman then proposed "The Pro CM ., the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom ; the Deputy G . M ., the Right Hon . the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He said he had not had the pleasure of attending Grand Lodge , but he had seen some of its membere perform their duties in connection with the consecration of the Hatherton Lodge

in Walsall , and he hoped that during his year of office he should be able to visit Grand Lodge , and see for himself the imposing ceremonies . The Chairman next gave " The Prov . G . M ., the Earl of Dartmouth , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and said they had present a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master and three present officers of Provincial Grand Lodge , which he thought was very

gratifying , and he coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Barnett , Howson , Moseley , and Barker . Bro . Howson , in responding , said he had no idea when he came of having to respond to the toast , but he esteemed it a great pleasure to do so , and spoke of the harmonious way in which the members of Provincial Grand Lodge worked together . Bro . Barnett said it was a source of regret that his name

was down to respond to that toast , as it placed him in a very difficult position , but he must say he had been in even more difficult positions than that . He thought the Province of Staffordshire might congratulate itself upon the position it occupied , and he was very proud to be connected with it . They had at their head the Earl of Dartmouth , who he believed had undertaken the work with thc determination to do what he could for Masonry in Staffordshire . After

referring to the high character of the work of Provincial Grand Lodge , he said he thanked the Chairman for coupling his name with the toast . Bro . Moseley , in a few appropriate terms , said he thanked them for coupling his name with the toast , and informed the brethren that Provincial Grand Lodge would be held in Walsall on May Sth , and he hoped they would all bear that date in mind .

Bro . Jones proposed "The VVorshipful Master . " He said he knew sufficient of Freemasonry to know that when the brethren gave their votes for a Worshipful Master , they had sufficient confidence in him that he would do the work well . There were times in a lodge when there was a lot of work to do , and there were others when there was very little , but whether thc work was much or little he believed the members of St . Matthew ' s Lodge had acted

wisely in the selection of Bro . Dolman . A good report had already been received in his favour , and he could assure him that during his year of oflice he would receive the hearty and loyal support of thebrethren of the lodge , lie congratulated him upon his position , and wished him hearty good luck . The toast having been received with great enthusiasm , Bro . Dolman replied . He thanked Bro . loncs forthe kind

words he had said about him and the brethren for tiie hearty manner in which they had received the toast . He hardly knew how to thank them sufficiently , but hc did so from the bottom of his heart , lie should do his best to uphold the prestige of St . Matthew's Lodge , but he could promise them one thing , that he was not going to indulge in long speeches—he would rather do plenty of work . Hc concluded by thanking them one and all for the hearty

reception they had given the toast . Bro . Hildich proposed "The Masonic Charities . " He said hc was not aware that hc had to propose that toast until he came to the lodge , but it was one of such deep interest to them all that it required very few words from him to recommend it to their notice . He pointed out that the Province of Staffordshire compared very favourably with any other province in England , mainly due to the exertions

of Bro . Barker , and with regard to their voting power , he believed it was perfect . There was very little difference between Stafford and some of the other provinces , and from what he had ascertained , St . Matthew's Lodge was fourth in the A Fund , and fifth in thc B Fund . In St . Matthew's Lodge they looked upon Charity as the chief corner stone of the Masonic building , and the best return they could get for their money was that it assuaged and

softened thc pangs of poverty and brightened the declining years of their aged brethren . After the toast had been drunk , Iiro . Barker replied in a somewhat humorous speech , and stated that it afforded him great pleasure to visit St . Matthew ' s Lodge . A great deal had been said about the depression in trade , but he was glad to say that there was no depression in the subscriptions to their Charities ' and he believed Bro . Hildich

, was one of the best Charity Stewards in the province , and he thought he would be right if hc said he was one of the best in the country . lie thanked them for coupling his name with the toast , and for the hearty manner in which it had been received by the brethren . Bro . Bailey proposed " The Visitors , " and in doing so ,

said it was an excellent thing to visit lodges , and he could assure the visiting brethren that he and the other members of St . Matthew's Lodge were delighted to see them . Bro . Mallard replied , stating that he considered himself a bit of a critic in Freemasonry , because lie had the opportunity of visiting a great number of lodges in the adjoining County of Warwick , including the City of Birmingham-I le was not going to say the St . Matthew's Lodge did the