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one Present G . Officer , a weakness amply recompensed , however , by the distinguished officers present to grace this anniversary , among wnom he would couple with the toast Bro . Beach , M . P ., who had torn himself from his duties in Parliament at this juncture in the affairs of nations , to honour and enjoy the society of the Royal AIasonic gunners . Bro . Beach had for some 30 years ruled the conjoint Province of Isle of Wight and Hants , the most interesting and important of all Misonic provinces whether from a Royal , Imperial , Masonic , or artillery point of view—the Isle of Wight being the home

of our Royal Mistress , the Solent enclosing Portsmouth the head quarters of the navy on which the nation relied for its line of defence , and Hants , including Aldershot , the head quarters of the army , these conjointly representing the strength and stability of the British Empire ; while gunners rejoice that the first ruler of Bro . Beach's province , blunder of Grand Lodge , Grand Secretary , and first introducer of Royalty into modern Masonry , was the artilleryman Bro . Thos . Dunckerly , master gunner of Admiral Boscawen ' s llae-ship .

Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Grand Master of Hants and Isle of Wight , who was warmly greeted bath when alluded to by the W . M . and on rising to respond , said he had accepted the hospitality of the Ubique Lodge on former occasions , and with undiminished pleasure he found himself again among the gunner brethren and rejoiced to see the lodge so flourishing . Hiving entereel Misonry at an early part of his life , he saw no reason to repent the high standard at which he rated Freemasonry when young . He was convinced that Freemasonry was a grand institution , and capable

of affording great good to all who joined . The further he had advanced the more he had become convinced that his first judgment was goo I . This lodge had opportunity cf proving ail over the Empire through its members , thit they hid lessons entrusted to them of showing by their outer life that they appreciate those lessons , and that Freemasonry is more than a name , is a real and intrinsic Order . Freemasonry , also , has great Charities , but there is a personal Charity noble as these—that which min can show tj man in time of distress by which they may b : sure they have achieved one great walk of We and hive done something also for their Order . " "

Bro . Lieut .-Colonel Ritchie , P . D . G . S . B ., in proposing "The Heilth of the VV . M ., " said : The VV . M . was so well known throughout the Royal Artillery that words were unnecessiry to describe his excellent qullities . The W . M . hal been for some years in the lodge , and had marked his career as a Mason by more than ordinary research into Masonic annals . From historian of his regiment , he had aim > st become the historian of artillery Masonry . The W . M . and himself were old comrades , and bid worked for many years shoulder to shoulder for the good of their regiment , heartily and loyally .

They gave up private interests for its service , and their sole object had been the regiment . The Ubique Lodge was lucky in getting so efficient a Master , whom it had been his proud privilege to install . Bro . Major R . II . Murdoch , R . A ., W . M ., replied that words failed him to adequately express his feelings to the brethren . In attaining the chair he had their voices , when vacating the chair he would hope to have deserved their bves . It is a position of the highest distinction to preside in the Craft , especially in the lodge of the Royal Artillery . The 190 members represent every grade of officer , Warrant Officer , Master Gunners , and Staff Sergeants—from the Field-Marshal to the last joined

Battery-Sergeant-Major , serving in all quarteis of the globe and propagating the mystic art everywhere . This makes the position and cares of W . M . of the Ubique Lodge unique , and he would endeavour to exercise his high functions to the satisfaction of the brethren and the vast interests of the regimental lodge . If the brethren will give him four Degrees to work at each meeting there is no greater favour he can desire . "The Immediate Past Master" was proposed by the W . M ., who remarked that Masters resembled tea leaves , the strength and quality of which could only be tested after they have been in hot water , and during the reign of his predecessor it was not possible there could be even a ripple to disturb the peace and harmony of the lodze .

Bro . Capt . Jenkinson , in responding , thanked the brethren for the unfailing support they had given him during his momentous and prosperous year . " The Installing Master " had introduced the W . M . into' Masonry , and now had placed the copestone in the ablest and most impressive manner , for which the VV . M . tendered his heartiest thanks . Bro . Col . Ritchie , P . D . G . S . B ., returned thanks , and expressed the hope that the roll of the lodge would exceed 200 during the W . M . 's year .

The toast of "The Past Masters was responded to by Bros . Major Hansard , R . A . ( who had been twice in the chair ); Capt . Weston , P . S . G . D . Kent ; and VV . Shackleton , P . M . ; that of "The Visitors" by Bro . Rev . If . VV . Turner , M . A ., G . Chap . Surrey , a frrsona grntissima in thc Ubique ; J . O . Cook , VV . M . 913 ; and Hazeland , P . G . W . Hong Kong ; and of "The Officers , " by Bros . Prower , S W . ; Maj . Cooper , J . W ., P . J . G . W . Cheshire ; and Capt . Cecil Reynolds , P . G . S . B . Hong Kong . The markedly successful . and happy evening closed with the toast of " All Poor and Disticsseil Masons , " which was acknowleelged by a generous addition to the Biker Column Fund .

Kingswood Lodge , No . 2278 . The first regular meeting of the season was held on Saturday , thc 1 . 1 th inst ., the brethren attending being Bros . J . Gravatt , VV . M . ; [¦' .. Blinkhorn , l . P . M . ; A . Ingram , S . W . ; C . C . Renaud , | . W . ; J . Petch , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; J . F . Bell , P . P . G . S . B ., Sec ; Ii : N . Beningfield , S . D . ; II . R . Bower , J . D . ; F . Page , P . M ., I . G . ; J . G . Cobb , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Dr ., D . C . ; A . A . Kelly , Org . ; C . Nicole and

D . Taylor , Stwds . ; T . Williams , Tyler ; C . M . Coxon , P . M .. P . P . G . D . ; E . II . Moore , P . M ., P . G . S . ; R . W . Nicole , P . M . ; A . Franklin , J . E . Little , A . Donald King , H . II . Broughton , J . II . Johnson , G . II . Redding , and S . Duller . Visitors : Bros . A . ) . Clarke , P . M . 1 O 09 ; M . Weiss , 45 ; II . R . Grice , S 34 ; E . W . Collingridge , D . C . 1 C 77 ; C . A . Hooper , P . M . 1 G 13 ; W . Medwin , P . M . 1 ( 113 ; and G . Redding , P . M . 917 .

The lirst business of the meeting was to take a ballot for Mr . Sydney Butler , which proving favourable he was duly initiated . Bro . A . Ingram was elected VV . M . for the ensuing year ; Bro . J . Petch , P . M ., was re-elected Treasurer ; Bro . C . M . Coxon was re-elected as the Lodge Representative on the Charity and Finance Committees of the Province ; and Bro . T . Williams was re-elected Tyler . Bro . Weiss was proposed as a joining member of the lodge . The VV . M . elect intimited his desire to represent the lodge as Steward at the Boys' Centenary Festival , the sum of three guineis was therefore voted as the lodje contribution to his list , and in a very short time a considerable sum was subscribed by the brethren .

After dinner the usual toast list was gone through , varied by an excellent programme of music , which had been arranged by Bro . R . VV . Nicole . Songs were given by Bros . Johnson , King , Beningfield , G . Redding , A . C . Little , G . II . Redding , and Bower , which were ably accompanied by Hro , A . A . Ivtlty , Org ., and a recitation was given by Bro . A . Clarke .

A very enjoyable evening was spent , and the VV . M . miy congratulate himself that the last meeting of his term of office was not the least successful of a very succcesslul year .

Ravenscroft Lodge , No . 2331 . The installation meeting tf the above lodge wis held at the Red Lion , High Barnet , Herts , on Saturday , the 7-ili inst ., when Bro . J . II . Catchpnle was installed as W . M . by Bro . S . 11 . Wright , l ' . M ., who worked the ceremony in such a perfect manner that it was a real treat to the brethren present . The W . M . ( Il .-o . J . II . Catchpole ) invested his ofiicers as follows : Bros . IC . RawlinsonS . W . ; | . HumeI . W . ;

, , W . Curry , Tr . as . ; A . T . Richardson , Sec ; II . II . Fearis , S . D . ; G . Smith , P . M . -- . | , J . D . ; R . E . Dingle , D . C . ; J . J . Sargent , I . G . ; Major C . T . Bowra , A D . C . ; J . ( horn ar . d VV . II . ^ kinn ; r , S : w . ' s ; and J . Halle , Org . ; and wnkcd the crcmo . iy of initiation , including the charges , in such an easy m inner , as was mentioned by the visitor , liro . Nelson , who responded at the binq let ' ¦ That it was more like an old Past Master who had been in the chair several times . "

Ihe visitors present were Bros . VV . J . Jom ; s , P . M . 170 S ; ] . C . liitho , 170 S ; VV . I Batho , VV . M . 170 S , Ac . ; W . Syrlemore , P . M . 12 SS ; C . S . Nelson , P . M . and W . M . 1702 ; J . L . Syme , 1303 ; F . VV . Robinson , 21 S ; IC . VV . Peterson , 1531 ; Jl . 1 . Adam .-, 1305 ; VV . J . Lewis , 2302 ; VV . J . Penin , ifi-, S ; S . Morris , 1 O 5 S ; 1-C . I ' . mery , 1930 ; U . G . Mintjn , 1711 S ; A . VV . Newman , 179 ; and G , 15 . Wood , V - ¦ 2 l- '> IM ' . f' . l " . Herts . The members of t-ie lodge present were Bros . G . Arnold , P . M . ; J . Hudson , P . M . ; L 11 . Gunn , P . M . ; M . Powell , l . P . M . ; B . ^ tockman , VV . 11 . Skinner , S . Smyth , F . Dowdall , VV . L . Robinson , VV . | . Royston , 11 ¦ Sylvester , P . Sylvester E . J . E . Fear , and G . G . Grammer .

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Ordnance Lodge , No . 2399 . The above lodge held its installation meeting on Friday , the 13 th inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Mount Pleasant , Plumstead , when Bro . George Dyer , S . W . and W . M . elect , was installed into the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom . The lodge was opened by Bro . H . Crowdy , W . M ., who concluded his year of office by initiating four-candidates , Messrs . S . Crouch , G . W . Rennard , W . J . Goiden , and F . W . Ilolbrow . Bro . Capt . Woollett , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., then , at the request of the

W . M ., undertook the office of Installing Officer , and in due course installed Bro . Dyer as ahnve . The new W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . H . Crowdy , l . P . M . ; I . Wheatley , S . W . ; R . Rawlinson , J . W . ; Capt . G . Penstone , Treas . ; H . F . Furlong , Sec . ; W . Steer , S . D . ; E . Reynolds , J . D . ; E . Woods , I . G . ; W . Alwood , D . C ; A . Carter , R . Price , T . Davies , and B . Hubbird . The addresses were mist impressively rendered and Bro . Woollett was awarded a hearty vote of thanks for his

services , the same to be inscribed on the minutes of the lodge , tor which he briefly returned thinks . Bro . Crowdy was presented with a handsome Past Master's jewel to mark the appreciation of the brethren of his work as Mister during his year of office and as a token of their esteem and regard for him personally , for which he returned his thanks . " Hearty good wishes " were tendered by the visitors present , and then the lodge was closed .

The banquet was partaken of in the handsomely decorated assembly room- of the temple , and was well served , and among the other brethren present were Bros . Cipt . G . Spinks , P . M . and P . M . 1536 , P . P . S . G . W . ; ] . Bilton , P . M . and P . M . 153 C ; G . Ingle , P . M . and P . M . 153 G ; W . Sinnett , P . M ., P . M . and Sec . 1536 ; C . Jolly , P . M , Hon . P . M . and Sec . 1472 , P . M . and Sec . 21 S 4 , and P . P . A . G . D . C . Essex : J . Bedfows ,

A . Carter , F . Widgery , W . Baker , W . Kenny , R . Price , H . Gomez , W . H . Turton , W . M ., A . McQueen , S . W ., H . Jacobs , [ . W ., F . G . Dickson , Sec , and J . Rose , all of 13 ; II . Pamni-nt , VV . M . 700 ; W . Long , j . W . 700 ; J . O . Cook , W . M . 913 ; E . M . Taylor , j . W . 913 ; K . Morgan , j . W . 1472 ; F . Reed , W . M ., A . Hill , S . W ., and A . Simmonds , J . W . all of 1530 ; and A . Liker , W . M . 3 G 9 .

1 he usual Grand Lodge toasts were proposed and honoured , that of " The D . G . M . and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was responded to by Bro . Capt . Woollett , who spoke reverently of those distinguished brethren who were the subject of the toast , then up spake Bro Crowdy , l . P . M ., and he , in pleasing laneuage , without at all too much fuss , asked the brethren to drink "The Heilth of the W . M . " He slid their esteemed B .-o . Dyer would not only be a good worker and a credit to the lodge in that respect , but they would find him to be a courteous and genial Master and a friend to any member ot ths

lodge . If they wanted to see the best qualities of a W . M . brought to the front give him plenty of work and they would then see thit they had a W . M . prepared in every way to discharge the high and important duties of his exalted office to their sitisf utioti . Bro . Dyer , who was received with cheers , acknowledged the graceful terms with which his health had been proposed and the hearty reception the brethren give it . He felt he should not be wise in attempting that evening to express all that he felt at their ardent kindness , because any words of his , such at least as he could conmmJ at thit moment , would be utterly inadequate for the purpose , but if he could not find word *

that night , he hoped , by a careful , if not an exemplary course of conduct in the future , and by his endeavours , during his year of office , to win their respect and sho , v his gratitude by work , and so make up what he failed in words . That time 12 months heshjulJ have to leave the chair as many a good Mason and Master had done before him , an J when he surrendered the unstained and unsullied warrant of the lod ^ e into the keeping of his successor , might it be at the end of a year of office , as successful and pleasmt as had ever lightened the labours and cheered the eff jrts of any of the excellent Masters who had gone before hiiii !

1 be toast of " The Installing Officer " was then given , the W . M . in proposing it saying that every brother must hive been impressed by the eloquent working of Bro . * Woollett . Bro . Woollett , in response , very biiefly thanked the W . M . for his kind words , and could only say that both as a founder and as its Master he had always taken a deep interest in the welfare of the lodge , and if he had done the installation to their satisfaction he was only too pleased to have had the opportunity of working it .

The VV . M . tien did honour to ' ' The Past Masters of , and belonginf to the Lodge , " a very proper way of putting it , for unfortunately " the Past Misters belonging " are in many lodges mere dummies , but in that district they were as much respected and held in as high estimation as the P . Ms . " of " the lodge . He knew now what the work of the Past Masters was and their immense utility in maintaining the structure and welfare of the lodge , and he had not the least doubt that before the end of his year of

office he should know the truth of the old saying that the Past Masters " were the bickbone of the lodge . " Their good old friend Uro . Capt . G . Spinks still stuck to them and gave them the benefit of his invaluable advice on all occasions . He wis pleased to see Bro . J . Bilton , P . M ., and welcome him home again . Bro . Bilton had been in the hands of the Americans and Spaniards and came safely out of the light . They were pleased to see their old friend Bro . C . Jolly , P . M ., " belonging " and hon . member , and he asked them to drink the toast with a good lire , and they did .

Bro . Bilton , who had just returned from staff service in Chini , was well received , and his cheerful response to the toast was frequently applauded . He said , as they were all aware , it was some three years and a half since he left them to go to China , and now he was pleased and glad to be with them once again . He often wondered how they were going on during that time , but when he saw the Fri-emasoit , which he regularly received every week , he found out that at least once a year they were prospering and keeping up the prestige of the lodge for good work and good hospitality . When he left there of of thereFrench

Hong Kong were plenty men war — , Russian , and others—but ours were there , and all right , and nothing to be afraid of . ( Cheers and laughter . ) On their way home , just off Gibraltar , the ship he came home in was stopped by a Spanish gunboat , which fired at them two or three times , and then boarded them ; but directly he told thc Spanish captain that he must be at Plumstead and at the installation of the Ordnance Lodge , the captain said— " Go away , my boy . " The captain of the steamer got into London two days before his time , and so he ( Bro . Bilton ) was with them that night-, and hoped to be with them for many years to come .

liro . Capt . Spinks said he was proud to be a Past Mister of the lodge . It was his first appearance since the installation of Bro . Crowdy , 12 months ago ; but he was one of those who had retired from active service , and it took a great deal of rest to knock him up . He wished the VV . M . a successful year of office , and health to preside over an united and hippy lodge . Bros . Woollett , P . M . ; Ciowdy , P . M . ; and other Past Masters also acknowledged the toast .

The toast of " The Visitors "—of whom there were some rS present—having been proposed , Uro . Turton expressed his regret at not being able to be present at the earlier working of the lodge , but was glad to be in time to hear the addresses so splendidly rendered by the Installing Officer . Their delivery was a lesson to him . He thanked them for their hospitality , and for the grand musical treat afforded them that night .

Bro . Pa 111 in cut was more fortunate than liro . Turton , for he had seen not only the initiation of the four candidates , but the whole of the ceremony of installation , and , as Bro . Turton said , it was a grand Masonic treat , and on behilf of the Nelson Lod ^ e , he thanked them for their kind invitation and cordial reception . Bro . J . Cook apologised for not attending their meetings through the past year .

There was an old saying— " The King is dead ; long live the King ; " and it wis so in Masonry ; no sooner was one Master out of the chair than another wis in . His own year of ollice was drawing to a close , but his lodge would , as their lodge had done that day , remove thc old king and put another in his place . He heartily thanked them for their genial reception of the visitors . Bro . Morgan and others also responded .

" lhe Ollicers" were toistcd , and the lyler s toist filled up the measure of a most enjoyable function . Hro . Fowler had charge of the musical arrangements , and the fine singing of Miss Nellie Beare , Miss Annie Cheal , Bros . Walford an J Filler , and Mr . Hirry Leslie , and the euphonium solos of liro . Parsons , added a rare chirm to the procec lings . Bro . II . Furlong accompanied the singers on the piano admirably .

Tin * Qm * i'N entertained at her dinner party , at Windsor , on Wednesday last , the Duke of Connaught , Bro . Lord Wolseley , Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lome , Princess Lciningen , Bro . Lord and Luly Wantige , B . o . Lord and Lady Brassey , Licnt .-Col . Murray , and Colonel Howies .