Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

PRESENTATION TO MISS DAVIS . The Girls' School at Clapham was , on Tuesday last , the scene of a very interesting gathering . The children had all , or nearly all , returned from their holidays a day earlier than usual , the House Committee had anticipated its

ordinary meeting by two days , and a visitor would have found the Large Hall at seven o ' clock filled with children , whose eager looks and bright faces betokened an interest in the proceedings , quite unusual in such assemblies . The entrance of the Chairman of the month , accompanied by the House Committee and Miss Davis , and two or three visitors , was the signal for a great clapping of hands and

other demonstrations of delight on the part of the juveniles , warmly supported by the resident governesses and several ex-pupils . On silence being restored , Bro . FRANK RICHARDSON opened the proceedings . He said : Children , we meet this evening on a very important occasion—an occasion important to all of us , and I hope it will be indelibly engraven on your memories . On this day

twenty-five years ago , when Miss Davis took up her residence as Head Governess , this School was in a very different position in all respects to what it is to-day . This hall had not been built or even thought of . There were only Si scholars to be looked after . Education was considered secondary to household duties , and £ 2600 only was about the amount annually collected at our Festival . Now

we have 241 of you to look after ; an education is given which will not only hold its own with that of any kindred institution in the country , but with very many private schools , and unless at our Festival we collect i , 12 , 000 or £ 13 , , we think ourselves ill treated . Now I venture to say that a part of this great success is due to Miss Davis . No doubt the fact of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales being

Grand Master has induced many to join our ranks , and hence a great increase of subscriptions ; but had we not had a lady here capable of preparing you for your examinations and bringing the School to its present creditable state of efficiency , it is only reasonable to suppose that the subscribers would have been dissatisfied , and that a large portion of the money which has fortunately found its way into

our coffers would have gone elsewhere . The House Committee as the legally elected representatives of the subscribers , as you know , take a great personal interest in everything connected with this Institution and of all within its walls ; they therefore consider themselves well qualified to judge of the excellence or defects of any one ; but so satisfied are they with the state of efficiency into which that lady has brought

this School , that at their last meeting they unanimously passed the following resolution : * ' That , on the comp letion of the 25 th year of Miss Davis's appointment as Head Governess , the Committee desire to record their high sense of the eminent services rendered by her to the Institution , and their appreciation of the ability , the attainments , and the religious and moral influence by which she has

raised the School to its present most creditable state of efficiency . The Committee trust that for many years to come the School may continue to benefit by the services of Miss Davis , whose merits they so fully recognise , and to whose influence the high standard of tone and bearing , which are among the most notable characteristics of the scholars , have been maintained . " The resolution

Miss Davis , expresses in far more eloquent term ;; than I can use the feelings of those whoso mouthpiece I am this evening . I only preside in consequence of the absence , through illness , of our esteemed Bro . Mather . 1 could have wished a brother more eloquent than myself had been in the chair ; but , whatever my shortcomings may be , I must ask you to attribute them to the head , and not to the heart , for I can ,

with all sincerity , assure you that no member of the House Committee could have enjoyed more pleasure and gratification from making the presentation than myself . In your commencement of life , 1 fear , you suffered from the great misfortune of not being the daughter of a Mason —( laughter ) . After , however , having so well and so worthily done such good suit and service to the Craft , and

resided amongst Masons for 25 years , we now look upon you as one of ourselves , and feel that both in heart and spirit you are so . We have , therefore , adorned this volume with some of our symbols ,, while within you will find the colour that prevails is that in which our children are clothed , and which all Masons so justly love and reverence . It only remains for me to deliver this into your hands .

Those of us who are present have affixed our signatures ; the others , as well as the Trustees , will do so shortly , when I trust you will think it worthy of your acceptance , and that it will be something to remind you that , even in this world , merit does not always go unrecognised . Although you have been with us so many years you are only now in the very prime of life , which does not often fall to the lot

of many of us , but it gives the Committee hope that you may for many years be spared to continue and perfect the work so well begun , and that you may enjoy thorough health for it . Miss DAVIS , who was visibly affected and evidently taken by surprise as to the nature of the presentation , replied , thanking the Committee very warmly for the gift . It was ,

she said , more acceptable to her than anything else could have been , and , in addressing the children , said that it was a happy day for her when , 25 years ago , she came into that Institution . She bad thoroughly enjoyed her life amongst them during that time . It was the great aim of her life to help them , and she desired only to know that her counsel and example had resulted in good to them . She told them not to be afraid of work , it would make them so much

happier in every way to be industrious . It was , as they might imagine , a great pleasure to her to have her services acknowledged in this way—she little thought they would have been so appreciated . In conclusion , she expressed a nope that there were many years of usefulness before her . Bro . J OSHUA NUNN also offered his congratulations to Miss Davis , and hoped that many of those present would witness the completion of another 25 years of her genial rule .

The address , with the signatures , occupied four pages , elaborately illuminated on vellum , and bound in Russia , having on the side Miss Davis ' s monogram , with appropriate emblems . The chasteness of design and execution were much admired and gave general satisfaction . It was produced at the office of the Freemason .

Annual Outing Of The Mariners Lodge, No. 24q. -

ANNUAL OUTING OF THE MARINERS LODGE , No . 24 Q . -

The annual outing in connection with this lodge was held on Wednesday , the nth inst ., the place of rendezvous being Parkgate . The party , numbering between Co and 70 , including lady friends , assembled at Woodside at ten a . m ., and were conveyed in a stage coach and two

waggonettes through Birkenhead Park , Upton , 1 West Kirby , Thurstaston , past the beautiful mansion of Mr . Ismay , and , after a splendid drive through beautiful scenery , arrived at the Union Hotel , Parkgate , greatly delighted with the drive . After dinner , which was excellent in quality and well served , the patty adjourned to an adjoining field , where old English sports and pastimes were

indulged in , and a select programme gone through , numerous prizes being competed for , and the ladies were not forgotten . After tea Mrs . White , wife of the W . M ., distributed ^ the prizes , and the remainder of the evening was spent in enjoyment , music and singing being the chief characteristics . A cordial vote of . thanks was passed before leaving to Bro . Acton , mine host of the hotel , for the admirable way in which he had catered and assisted to

the party ' s enjoyment . After a pleasant drive on the return journey , the party reached Woodside about ten p . m ., all delighted with the pleasant and enjoyable day spent , the members affirming that it was the best outing ever they were at in connection with the lodge . The weather was beautifully fine , and the arrangements made by the W . M ., Bro . J . White , assisted by a Committee of the officers , were all that could be desired , and gave great satisfaction .

Summer Outing Of The John Hervey Lodge, No. 1260.

SUMMER OUTING OF THE JOHN HERVEY LODGE , No . 1260 .

On the 12 th instant the summer outing of this lodge took place , about 30 brethren journeying to Taplow by train , where carriages were in waiting to convey them to the Ray Mead Hotel , at Maidenhead , for luncheon , from whence they drove to Burnham Beeches . Upon their

return to the hotel an elegant repast was provided , Bro . Frank Tayler , C . C ., the W . M ., presiding . Alter dinner the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given from the chair and duly honoured . Bro . J ABEZ HOGG , P . G . D ., Treas ., responded in an able manner for " The Grand Officers . " The I . P . M ., Bro . G . T . SALMON , then proposed "The

Health of the W . M ., Bro . Frank Tayler , " observing that they all knew and appreciated the great amount of interest which he displayed in the Craft . The W . M ., in reply , sincecely thanked the brethren for their kind expressions , and assured them that it would be always a pleasure , as he considered it was his duty , to do his utmost for the interest of the lodge and the

happiness of the brethren . The W-M . next proposed " The Health of the Visitors , " trusting that they had been gratified at their visit to the charming spot—Burnham Beeches—which the Corporation of the City of London had so generously acquired about seven years since for the use of the public , and which , he added , comprised 37 s acres , and had cost them over 1 In . rtnn .

Bro . MOUNT BROWN , of 11597 , responded in an excellent speech , and mentioned the fact that his friendship with the W . M . was of nearly 40 years' duration , they having been schoolfellows at the City of London School . The toast of "The Officers of the Lodge" was responded to by Bro . S . H . BAKER in his usual kind and genial manner , after which . the brethren returned to London by rail .

First Annual Garden Party Of Chiswick Lodge , No. 2012.

FIRST ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY OF CHISWICK LODGE , No . 2012 .

A fashionable and largely attended garden party took place on the lawns and grounds of the Star and Garter , Kew Bridge , on Thursday evening , the 12 th inst . The arrivals commenced about six o ' clock , and dancing commenced some hour or hour and a-half later . The idea was

originated by the Chiswick Lodge , and carried out under their auspices . Mr . Brill ' s grounds are admirably adapted for such occasions , while the excellent accomodation afforded in the building itself is so capacious and convenient as to ensure general satisfaction . The grounds on Thursday night were illuminated with numerous fairy lamps and festoons of Chinese lanterns , while at a high eminence the

limelight shed an intensified glow on the scene , bringing into prominence the fountain , which continued to play during the evening , the circles of dancers , and groups of ladies and gentlemen whochattedon theseats or promenaded round the outskirts of the lawn . Refreshments were served , under the active supervision of Miss Benham , in a tent , and the first portion of dance music was furnished by

the juvenile band belonging to the District Schools , Isleworth . Shortly after nine o ' clock the party partook of supper in one of Mr . Brill ' s large rooms . After the repast , which was admirably served , Bro . GARDNER , the Chairman , gave the toast of " Her Majesty , " which was drunk with enthusiasm , and a verse

of the National Anthem was then sung . After an interval the Vice-Chairman , Bro . TVLER , proposed " The Health of the W . M . of the Chiswick Lodge , " coupling witVi the toast the name of Bro . Gardner . In a few words he eulogised that gentleman for the prominent part he had taken in securing so decided a success as was apparent in connection with that evening ' s party . Bro .

Gardner , as most of them knew , was a man of sterling worth ; he was indefatigable as a Mason , and universally beloved in his private and public life . There were none paesent who did not recognise in him all the elements that went to make up a jolly good fellow , ind the right man in the right place . He therefore asked them to drink cordially " The Health of the Chairman and Miss Gardner . "

Bro . GARDNER , in acknowledging the compliment , thanked them for the kind manner in which they had received his name and that of Miss Gardner . He trusted that would not be the last occasion upon which they would meet together , but that that evening's first garden party of theChiswick Lodge would be the precursor of many similar re-unions . As long as he had health and strength he would continue to render what service he could to the organisation .

First Annual Garden Party Of Chiswick Lodge , No. 2012.

After the lapse of a few moments , Bro , GARDNER gave "The Ladies , " to which Bro . WILSON responded ; and dancing was then re-commenced in ah adjacent room to the strains of Mr . J . K . White ' s quadrille band . The various parts of the hotel were decorated with flowers and foliage plants , and dancing , of which the following is a programme , was kept up with zest for some hours : Valse , "My Queen ; " quadrille , "Patience : " polka ,

"Slyboots ; " lancers , "Carmen ; " valse , "Sweethearts ;" quadrille , "Pirates of Penzance ; " valse , "Isis ; " quadrille Pansienne , "Nell Gwynne ; " valse , See Saw ;" lancers , "Forty Thieves ; " valse , "Myosotis ; " and galop , "Bon Jour . " It should be added that Lord George Hamilton , who was unable to be present , forwarded a telegraphic communication asking that all excuses and apologies might be made

to his friends , as other engagements prevented his being among them . Among those present were Bro . and Miss Gardner , Miss George , Bro . Frewenand party , Bro . Clowes and party , Bro . Brill and party , Mrs . K . lomlinson , Mrs . Walden and party , Bro . Tyler and party , Bro . Packer and party , Bro . 'Iyser and party , Bro . Edwards and party , Bro . DicUcy and

party , Bro . ) . D . Ashby , Bro . A . | . Wise , Bio . Pittard and the Misses Pittard , Bro . Defries , Bro . and Mrs . Lifter , Urn . Slatter , Bro . Tappenden , Bro . and Miss Sales , Hro . W . H . Ellis , Bro . and Mis . J Saunders , Bro . A . Bradbury , Bro . F . VV . Lacy , Bro . John Edwards and party , Bro . II . Ewan , Bro . F . W . Wheeler , Bro . T . M . Coleman and family , Bro . W . Lewin , Bro . Wyld and family , and others .

Masonic Presentation At Stonehouse.

MASONIC PRESENTATION AT STONEHOUSE .

A very pleasing presentation was made to Bro . Moxey by the members of the Ebrington Lodge , No . 1847 , at their ordinary meeting on Tuesday , the loth inst . The usual business of the lodge being over , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the refreshment room .

the usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been duly proposed and responded to , the W . M ., in a veiy able speech , informed the brethren that one of their members —Bro . J . A . Moxey—having been appointed to a more lucrative appointment at Sittingbourne , he was about to leave them . The brethren , to mark the deep regard and high esteem in which they held Bro . Moxey , had voluntarily

subscribed towards the purchase of a jewel—a globe , square , and compass . ( Applause . ) Bro . J . H . STEPHENS , P . M ., Sec , then read a letter which he had drawn up . It expressed the regard in which Bro . Moxey was held by his brethren generally , the regret

they experienced at his departure , and a wish that success would atlend him in his new home . Bros . FINCH , FARR , J EWRY , MOORE , FIRKINS , and J . LOSE all spoke in the very highest terms of Bro . Moxey , and the way in which he had been ever ready to render assistance in the working of the lodge .

The Washington Bible.

THE WASHINGTON BIBLE .

The Washington Bible , on which the Father of his country , the immortal Washington , was sworn into office on his inauguration as President of the United States , has on the cover , printed in gold letters , the following words :

" God shall establish . " St . John's L ; dge ( New York ) , constituted , 5757-Burnt down the Sth of March , . 577 ° - Rebuilt and opened . 5770 . Jonathan Hampton , M .

William Butler , S . W . Isaac Horn , J . VV . On the inside , on one of the fly leaves , is the following :

On = Likeness of This Sacred WASHINGTON . : Volume . On the 30 th day of April , A . L . 5789 . In the City of New York , Was administered to GEORGE WASHINGTON , The First President of the United States of America ,

THE OATH To support the Constitution of the United States . This important ceremony was Performed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State of New York . The Honorable ROBERT B . LIVINGSTON

, Chancellor of the State . Fame stretched her wings , and with her trumpet blew , " Great Washington is near , " what praise is due ? What title shall he have ? She paused—and said . Not one—his name alone strikes every title dead .

The bible , on the title page , bears this announcement : — " Sold by Rich'd Ware , at the Bible and Sun , On Ludgate Hill , London : Printed by Mark Baskctt , printer to the King ' s Most Excellent Majesty , and by the

assigns of Kobert Baskett . MDCCLXVII . " New York Dispatch .

The Queen , accompanied by the Prince and Princess Henry of Battenberg , and attended by the members of the Court , left Osborne for Edinburgh on Tuesday evening , and reached her destination the following morning . Alter a brief rest her Majesty visited the International Exhibition , and was presented with an address of welcome , the Royal Archers , or Queen ' s Body Guard for Scotland ,

being in attendance on her . The Royal party were suusequently conducted through the building , and shown the principal objects of interest , returning to Holyrood Palace for dinner . On Thursday her Majesty was to pay a private visit to the Exhibition and also receive the keys of the city , and an address from the Lord Provost anr ! Magistrates of Edinburgh , and in the evening the Court were to leave for Balmoral Castle , when it will make the usual stay Ciusiog the autumn .