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more songs being sung , and further evidences given of the ability of the brother who presided at the piano . To hear such music as the Gresham brethren were fortunate enough to be in a position to introduce on this occasion was a treat indeed , and one that is not very often to be enjoyed .

CROYDON . George Price Lodge ( No . 2096 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 14 th inst ., at the Greyhound Hotel . The lodge having been opened by the W . M ., Bro . F . Cambridge , P . P . G . Org ., the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . N . C . Crew was passed to the Second Degree . The Treasurer

read the audited balance sheet , and congratulated the W . M . and brethren on the financial position of the lodge . The accounts were unanimously adopted , and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Bro . W . G . Goode , S . W ., the W . M . elect , was then presented and installed into the chair , the ceremony being very efficiently performed by Bro . Cambridsre . The following brethren were appointed and

invested officers , viz .: Bros . E . C . Holdsworth . S . W . ; J . C . Leaver , J . W . ; Rev . E . D . L . Harvey , P . P . G . Chap ., Chap . ; H . M . Hobbs , P . P . j . G . W ., Treas . ; J . D . Langton , P . P . J . G . W ., Sec . ; F . VV . Leaver , S . D . ; C . Holden , J . D . ; E . C . Leaver , I . G . ; Dr . J . Wayte , D . C ; J . H . Price , Stwd . ; and VV . Lane , Tyler . The following members of the lodge were also present : Bros . Jones ,

Broad , Hayward , H . J . Strong , P . P . G . W . ; 1 . S . Fraser , P . M . ; and F . T . Ridpath , P . M ., P . G . D . Visitors : Bros . F . Knight , 1185 ; Rev . R . Patterson , 155 6 ; S . Whitford , 1321 ; J . D . Hunt , 15 ; G . J . Judge , l . P . M . 1178 ; J . S . Cumberland , P . P . G . W . Yorkshire ; Alison Lister , I . G . 1965 ; A . Lambert , W . M . 1556 ; J . Case , 1556 ; W . Fox Hawes , W . M . 463 ; W . S . Lincoln , S . W .

534 ; VV . Burn , S . W . S 5 S ; J . Stephens , P . M . 206 ; C . Hornby , 1 S 05 ; A . Lester , 1309 ; and H . Yates , 21 S 2 . Letters regretting their inability to be present were read from Bros . F . West , D . P . G . M . in charge ; G . P . Merrick , P . P . G . Chap . ; George Price , P . G . Treas . ; and J . D . Langton , P . P . J . G . W . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to

the banquet , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the W . M . presented to Bro . Cambridge , I . P . M ., the Past Master ' s jewel which had been voted to him at the last meeting . Bro . Cambridge had prepared an excellent programme of music , which was admirably carried out by Bros . Lester , Yates , and Lister .

EAST MOLESEY . Frederick West Lodge ( No . 2222 ) . —On the loth inst . the members of this lodge assembled at the Castle Hotel , in goodly numbers , although there was no business on the agenda , and were rewarded by witnessing some work unexpectedly . By request of the W . M . of No . 201 , a brother who had been initiated and passed by him

was brought forward to be raised to the Sublime Degree in this lodge , and the ceremony was admirably performed by Bro . David-Hughes , P . M . 901 , W . M . The lodge being closed , the brethren partook of an elegant supper provided by Host Bro . Mayo , after which a most agreeable hour was passed in the charming covered terrace overlooking the river , which has just been constructed .

ELSTREE . Kingswood Lodge ( No . 227 S ) . —The first installation meeting of this successful lodge was held at the Plough Inn , on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., when the report of the year's work proved highly gratifying to the members and interesting to the visitors . Bro . Rawson Kelley , P . P . G . W . West Yorks ., W . M ., was supported by Bros .

lohn Petch , P . M ., W . M . elect ; G . Ii . Lake , Deputy Prov . G . M . ; ] as . France , P . P . G . S . B . West Yorkshire , S . W . ; J . G . Cobb , J . W . ; C . M . Coxon , S . D . ; J . F . Bell , P . M . 1613 , J . D . ; H . T . Nell , P . M . 45 , D . C ; Victor L . Tapling , Stwd . ; R . W . Nicole , T . Wye , E . Blinkhorn , P . M . 1471 ; A . C . Halestrap , P . M . 1471 ; J . VV Rattenbury , W . Kennedy , G . A . Parkinson , and others .

Visitors : Bros . W . Hancock , S . D . 2191 ; G . F . Baker , l . P . M . 303 ; W . R . Shutt , P . P . G . D . C Middx . ; A . Whitby , 45 ; VV . H . Bolt , S . D . J 1563 ; J . Kershaw , 212 S ; Arthur J . Clark , l . P . M . iG 2 ; T . C Taylor , 45 ; VV . Graves , Org . 16 S 5 ; C . A . Hooper , S . D . 1613 ; H . J . Sturgen , 1613 ; C . Bullock , Prov . G . Sec . ; G . Harlow , P . M . 1613 ; F . Harlow , P . M . SCi ; C . E . Wright , P . M .

1400 ; and VV . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes confirmed , and Bro . G . E . Lake , Deputy Prov . G . M ., then assumed the chair , and installed Bro . John Petch as the second W . M . oi the lodge . The officers appointed and invested were Bros . J . G . Cobb , S . W . ; C M . Coxon , J . W . j W . Pheasant , Treas . ; W . H . G . Ball , P . M . 45 , Sec ; 1 . F .

Bell , S . D . ; H . T . Nell , ] . D . ; E . H . Moore , D . C ; R . W . Nicole , Stwd . ; Thos . Wye , I . G . ; and T . Williams , Tyler . Bro . Lake , the Installing Master , having delivered the usual addresses , the Auditors' Report was received , showing very satisfactory balances to the credit of the lodge and Benevolent Fund , and unanimously adopted . Bro . G . E . Lake , Deputy Prov . G . M ., addressing the

brethren , said he regretted being obliged to leave so early , but before doing so he desired to express his gratification at the highly satisfactory state of the lodge . It had attained considerable success during the past year and would no doubt continue to do so in the future , and become one of the foremost in the province . He heartily congratulated the members on the result of the first year ' s work , and the

W . M ., Bro . Petch , on attaining the chair of so successful a lodge . He regretted very much his inability to remain later , but his feelings were tempered by the thought that he had been able to attend and render service , however slight , to the brethren of the lodge . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Deputy Prov . Grand Master for his kindness in acting as Installing Master . The W . M . presented Bro . Rawson Kelley , I . P . M ., with a handsome

Past Master ' s jewel in recognition of his valuable services to the lodge , and the gift was appropriately acknowledged . The W . M ., previous to closing b ' the lodge , expressed his intention of serving - as Steward at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and hoped to be cordially supported by the members . An excellent banquet was followed by the usual toasts , which were heartily proposed and received .

" I he Queen and the Craft having been honoured , The Worshipful Master proposed "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " remarking that the toast was

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always well received in Freemasonry , and justly so , as his Royal Highness was undoubtedly a zealous Mason , and was ever ready to render assistance for the benefit of the Craft . "The Grand Officers " was submitted by Bro . Hancock , S . D . 2191 , who referred to the brethren included in the toast as a most distinguished , worthy , and hard-working

body . It was scarcely necessary to say anything of their merits , as the brethren knew the interest taken by the Grand Officers in the Order , and their readiness at all times to assist the M . W . G . M . For those reasons the Grand Officers had perfectly secured the good will and affection of the Craft . Bro . Blinkhorn , P . M . 1471 , proposed "The Prov . G . M .,

the Deputy Prov . G . M ., and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and said it was a matter of much regret that the Prov . G . M . had been prevented from being present , but it was the sincere wish of all the brethren that the illness of his son would not be of a serious nature . They had , however , been honoured with the presence of the Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Lake , whose performance of

the installation ceremony had been much appreciated . He regarded it as a great honour for such a young lodge to be so well patronised . It was early days yet to speak of what the lodge would do , but they hoped to be a credit to the province , and although not particularly numerous , they would be select . He was certain he could assure the Prov . G . M . that in the Kingswood Lodge there were members

who knew their duty to the Craft , and whose efforts would strengthen Masonry in Hertfordshire . Bro . C . Bullock , Prov . G . Sec , in reply , said he laboured under two disadvantages . In the first place , he was comparatively unknown , and almost a stranger to them , but that fault he hoped to remedy if the same hospitality as he had received that evening was extended to him on future

occasions . Secondly , he had to respond for his two superior officers , who would no doubt have given the brethren speeches of much more eloquence . Bro . Halsey , P . G . M ., was prevented from attending by domestic affliction , but they all hoped to see him among them again soon . With regard to Bro . Lake , D . P . G . M ., as his successor , he believed him to be a man whose whole heart was wrapt

up in Masonry and the Province of Herts . Bro . Lake ' s one aim in Masonry was to see the province become a credit to the Craft in general , and if they argued from the work put before them that evening , they need not fear . A Provincial Grand Secretary was an humble and modest individual , had to obey commands , and go where he was sent , but he occasionally met with an oasis in the desert , and then he was as

happy as he had been that evening . The great pleasure of the Prov . Grand Officers was to see the province goon well , and they knew a good lodge when they saw it . They also thought that that lodge , although a young one , was going to be one of the most successful and satisfactory in the province . The Kingswood Lodge had shown them during the past year what it meant to do for the Charities of the

Craft , and that was a great satisfaction , for after all the very root of their Masonic life was Charity . He hoped when he visited them again they would not look upon him as a stranger , and he regretted he was not in a position to attend at the time the lodge was consecrated , which was just before his appointment as Prov . Grand Secretary . Since that period there had been additions of three lodges ,

all of which were going on well , and it was pleasing to know there was not one lodge in the province who was not going on satisfactorily . He congratulated the members of that lodge from the bottom of his heart , and that was no mere form of words , for the working was invested with an earnestness that one seldom heard . He might mention the fact that the Provincial Grand Lodge would be held under the

auspices of a lodge with which he had the honour to be connected at Berkhampstead on the 25 th July , when they hoped to see a very large number of brethren present . The best way to get there was to go to Watford , and then it was but three stations . It had given him great pleasure to be favoured with an invitation that evening , and he should make it his endeavour to visit them again and report to the

Provincial Grand Master the satisfactory manner in which that comparatively young , but extremely successful and growing , lodge was progressing . "The Health of the W . M . " was given by Bro . Rawson Kelley , I . P . M ., who expressed the pleasure it afforded him to propose the toast of his successor , who had worked hard for the lodge for the last 12 months . The lodge was indebted for its admirable working to the W . M ., assisted

by Bros . Cobb and Coxon , the present Wardens . They congratulated Bro . Petch on attaining the position of the second W . M ., and he ( Bro . Kelley ) was proud , as the first VV . M ., to hear the Prov . G . Sec . " say the lodge had made its mark and stood in a high position . Bro . Petch was well worthy of the honour conferred upon him , and the provincial authorities would doubtless note his admirable and excellent work-.

Bro . John Petch , P . M . 1471 , W . M ., expressed his gratitude to the l . P . M . for the manner in which he had proposed the toast . The l . P . M . had spoken in glowing language , but whatever he had said had been expressed in the goodness of his heart , and he therefore thanked him

most sincerely . He might mention that they had received several telegrams from brethren in connection with West Yorkshire , and they were proud to be identified with that province . He thanked the brethren present very much for their kindness .

Prosperity and Success to West Yorkshire " was next given by the W . M ., and responded to by Bro . France , P . P . G . S . B . West Yorkshire . Bro . V . Tapling , in submitting " The Visitors , " said that in a small lodge such as theirs they could congratulate themselves upon the number present . Although it was not a large meeting , they were all friends and brethren , and

were all called together b y the bond of sympathy and fraternity which existed only in Masonic lodges . He appreciated a gathering such as the present , and , more than all , the feeling which had prompted the visitors to attend . As members of the lodge they should congratulate themselves that there were those present who had come a great distance to attend . Those feelings the visitors had towards them , they reciprocated , and bade them a hearty welcome .

Bros . G . Baker , l . P . M . 303 , and J . Harlow , P . M . 1613 , returned thanks . Bro . C . M . Coxon , J . W ., then gave "The Masonic Charities , " and expressed his pride that a toast of such importance should be placed in his hands , although he felt he was not qualified to do justice to it . In that new lodge they had made a point , he trusted successfully , of doing something to mark the commencement of their career with

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respect to the Charities . They met together and enjoyed themselves , but they ought not to lose sight of those great Charities for which they as Masons should do all in their power . He was proud , indeed , to have the opportunity of representing that lodge as its first Steward , and although it was taken up at short notice , his list amounted to £ 40 , and Bro . Nell followed him with ^ 47 . He was glad to know

, the W . M . had completed the trio by consenting to serve for the R . M . I , for Boys , and he hoped the members would make his list a good one , for it would be something to their credit if with but 26 members they could head the list of contributions from Hertfordshire

" The Officers" was given , and responded to by Bro . J . G . Cobb , S . W ., and the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . Bro . W . Graves presided with ability at the pianoforte , and Bros . T . Taylor , V . Tapling , and others , contributed vocal selections , and materially assisted in an enjoyable evening .

HAMPTON COURT . Woisey Lodge ( No . 1656 ) . —A very successful meeting of this lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel on the 9 th instant . Among those present were Bros . R . Drummond , W . M . ; E . Dare , P . M . 2032 , S . W ., W . M . elect ; H . Sapsworth , P . M . 2032 , J . W . ; J . Featherstone , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; W . T . Peat , Sec . ; T . Grant ,

S . D . ; H . Bond , J . D . ; J . Spooner , I . G . ; F . Figg , Org . ; J . Hunt , D . C . ; J . Smith , Stwd . ; Capt . Walls , P . P . G . W ., I . P . M . ; J . Gilbert , Tyler ; F . Chandler , P . M ., P . G . P . ; R . VV . Simpson , and R . W . Rice . There were many visitors , among them being Bros . W . Carter , P . M . 141 ; George Davis , P . M . ; VV . J . Mason , W . M . 2246 ; and others .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the Auditors' Report was received and adopted . Bro . E . Dare was then installed as W . M . by Bro . Drummond , assisted by Bros . Chandler , as S . W . ; Sapsworth , as J . W . ; Capt . Walls , as D . C . ; and Featherstone , as I . G . The following appointments and investitures

then took place : Bros . Sapsworth , S . W . ; T . Grant , ] . W . ; J . Featherstone , Treas . ; W . T . Peat , Sec . ; H . Bond , S . D . ; J . Spooner , J . D . ; J . Hunt , I . G . ; F . Figg , Org . ; J . Smith , D . C ; R . W . Rice and R . W . Simpson , Stwds . ; and J . Gilbert , Tyler . A Past Master's jewel was presented and a vote of thanks passed to the Installing Officer . The ballot was then taken on behalf of Messrs .

C R . Smith and W . Flack , and , it proving to be unanimous , they were impressively initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Bros . Col . Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . ; R . H . Thrupp , D . P . G . M . ; J . F . H . Woodward , P . G . S . B . ; H . Room , P . G . Sec ; f . W . Ockenden , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ;

and others . The VV . M . gave a notice of motion— "That Bro . Howard Room , P . G . Secretary of Middlesex , be elected an Honorary Member . " Bro . Capt . Walls also gave a notice of motion— "That the sum of £ 2 10 s . be voted to the Pension Indemnity Fund R . M . I , for Boys . " The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was capitally served by Bro . J . Mella and assistants .

1 he customary toasts followed . In giving the toast of " The VV . M ., " the l . P . M . said that Bro . Dare was a Mason of experience , and that the work of the lodge would be well performed . That evening he ( the W . M . ) had g iven a taste of his quality by performing the ceremony of initiation in a manner that left but little to be desired .

The Worshipful Master , in reply , said that as an initiate of the Woisey Lodge , he felt proud in occupying the position of its Master . He had endeavoured during his membership to do his best for the lodge , and he would continue to do so . He mentioned the somewhat remarkable circumstance that every officer invested that night was an initiate of No . 1656 . In conclusion , he stated that with the aid of the Past Masters and the assistance of Bro . Peat , their energetic and able

Secretary , he felt confident that his year of office would be a pleasant and happy one . Bros . Carter , P . M . 141 ; Mason , VV . M . 2246 ; and others , ably responded on behalf of " The Visitors . " The other toasts received full justice . An excellent programme of music was carried out by Bros . Figg , J . Miles , W . T . Peat , T . Grant , and others . The proceedings throughout were of a most enthusiastic character .

MANCHESTER . Lodge Of Fortitude ( No . 64 ) . —The annual Festival of St . John the Divine in connection with the above lodge , which consists of Past Masters of lodges in the East Lancashire Province , took place on Friday evening , the 13 th inst ., at the Queen's Hotel , when there was a good attendance of brethren . The W . M . of the lodge , Bro . Peter Royle ,

P . P . S . G . D ., presided , assisted b y his principal officers , Bro . Jenkins , S . W ., Bro . Meakin , J . W ., and others . Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Bros . J . Barrett ( Mayor of Bolton ) , Prov . S . G . D ., VV . Forrest , W . M . 221 , and others . The installation of the new Master , Bro . J . VV . Taylor , Sec . 64 , P . M . 221 , and P . P . S . G . D ., was then proceeded with , the installation

ceremony being performed by Bro . Clement R . Beswick-Royds , P . G . D . of England . After the installation ceremony had been most effectively performed , the new VV . M . appointed his officers as follows : Bros . P . Royle , l . P . M . ; Jenkins , S . W . ; Meakin , J . W . ; Halliwell , Treas . ; Schuster , Sec ; Austin , S . D . ; J . Heelis , J . D . ; Sir Thomas Sowler , I . G . ; and Jones , Tyler . After the investiture of the officers , the brethren sat down

to a recherche banquet , at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , the new W . M ., who presided , being heartily congratulated upon the honour conferred upon him by being elected to the chair of K . S . in that lodge , an honour which was deserved by him for his services , not only to the Lodge of Fortitude , but to the Craft generally throughout East Lancashire . The Worshipful Master suitably responded , and a very pleasant evening was spent .

MARYPORT . Perseverance Lodge ( No . 371 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , the 10 th inst ., for the purpose of installing Bro . Jos . Ward , the W . M . elect , into the chair of King Solomon for the ensuing year , the following brethren and visitors being present : Bros . Jos . Ward , W . M . elect ; S . Bettoney , S . W . ; T . W . Melrose , J . W . ;