Craft Masonry.

The toast of "The Initiates" was proposed and responded to by Bros . F . Burns , J Rrickland , and C . N . Cox . ' The toast of "The Visitors" was proposed by Bro . Jeffrey , P . M ., and responded fn bv Bros . Leroy , Joseph , P . P . G . D . Warwickshire , and Petch , P . P . G . Std . Br . Herts , . 11 of whom united in expressing approbation of the excellent working of the lodge under Bro . Carroll , and anticipating a continnance of the same under the newlyinstalled Master . ... , , j At intervals between the toasts an excellent musical programme wis readsrji utdir the supervision of Bro . E . C . Holmes , Org .

Eldon Lodge , No . 1755 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . C . J . TONKIN . The brethren were favoured with fine weather for the annual festival at the Masonic Rooms of the Royal Hotel , Portishead , on Saturday afternoon , the 14 th inst . It was the occa sion of the installation meeting of the above lodge . There was a large attendance of members and visitors , among whom were a _ goodly number of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers and brethren from the neighbouring provinces . The officers

„ r « ent were Bros . J . H . Staffard , W . M . ; J . Turner , I . P . M . pro tern . ; C . J . Sin , S . W . ; Thomas Cox , J . W . j A . J . Tonkin , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd ., Treas . ; E Davey , P . M ., Org . ; H . W . Call , S . D . ; A . R . Knee , J . D . Pro tern . ; F . G . Moore , P . M ., D . C ; J . W . Roberts , I . G . ; and Frank Simpkins , Tyler . The numerous rnmnanv of distinguished brethren and visitors included the following : Bros . E . Fry-Wade . P . G . Sec . ; W . H . Rice , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; C . L . Thomas , P . M ., P . P . G . Std Br .: F . G . Dimery , P . M ., P . P . G . Purst . ; C . P . Billing , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . ; W K . Thomas , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Works ; J . W . Harris-Hall , P . M . ; W . T .

Shapland , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; E . T . Bradford , F . C Ellis , W . "L . A . Pizzey , 1 . Ijiwther . H . Sheppard , Henry Marsh , George Bowen , P . M . 1060 ; A . H . Meek , W . B Stephen , H . H . Clements , W . R . Maby , W . E . Wadley , A . H . Wiles , James Holmes . F . 1 . Hatton , P . M . 6 S ; S . H . Gibson , 6 S ; Rev . T . Theophlius , P . S . G . W . Monmouthshire ; W . Stafford , Charlie Pfeiffer , P . M . 6 S , P . M . 1833 , P . P . G . D . ; T . M Davey , W . M . GS ; George W . Myers , 6 S ; J . H . Fulford , 6 S 6 ; W . T . Rugman , 1 W . 103 ; C G . Hickman , 2257 ; J . P . Tay , 2257 ; VV . P . Lambert , 13 SS ; Alfred M . Crinks , 6 S ; A . Hellyar , GS ; and others . Apologies for non-attendance through illness , professional engagements , and other

causes were received from Bros . R . C . Else , D . P . G . M . Somerset ; Dr . C . A . Wigan , P M . 6 S 6 ; J . R . Thebridge , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; A . Jefferies , P . M . ; Capt . E . W . Harvey , Edward Tedder , P . M . ; F . S . Gardner , C . J . E . Grubb , P . M . ; H . W . Mackenzie , I . P . M . 1750 ; W . J . O'Rorke , P . M . ; Capt . W . Powell , P . P . G . Treas . Devon ; J . B . Gilley , A . Dodge , W . M . 1388 ; and others . After the preliminary lodge business had been disposed of , Bro . _ W . Rice was unanimously re-elected to represent and serve the lodge on the Provincial Charity Organisation Committee . Then followed the chief item for which the brethren had

assembled , namely , the installation of Bro . Charles Joseph Tonkin , S . W . and W . M . elect , who was regularly installed into the chair by the Prov . G . Secretary of Somerset ( Bro . E . Fry-Wade ) , who ably performed the ceremony in the unavoidable absence through indisposition ot the Dep . Prov . G . Master , Bro . R . C . Else . Bro . C . J . Tonkin at once proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows ; Bros . J . H . Stafford , I P . M . ; T . Cox , S . W . ; H . VV . Call , J . W . ; the Rev . A . W . M . Weatherley , P . M ., Chan . ; A . I . Tonkin , P . M ., Treas . ; E . Davey , P . M ., Sec , ; A . R . Knee , S . D . ;

J . VV . Roberts , J . D . ; F . G . Moore , P . M ., D . C . ; C . W . Noble , Org . ; A . H . Wiles , I . G . ; A . H . Meek and G . Bowen , P . M . 10 G 0 , Stwds . ; and F . Simpkins , Tyler . The W . M . presented , on behalf of the lodge , a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , suitably engraved , to Bro . Stafford for his efficient services during the past year . A telegram of " Hearty good wishes" was sent from the lodge to Bro . E . Tedder , P . M ., who was prevented from being present by illness . After lodge was closed , the customary banquet was held , over which the

newlyinstalled W . M . presided . The W . M . had first the honour to submit" The King and the Craft , " a toast which , he said , they had hardly had time to become acquainted with in that particular form of words . Loyalty to the Sovereign of the country was the duty of every Englishman , and it was a duty that was cheerfully discharged by _ every member of the Masonic Order . In consequence of his Majesty ' s long connection with the Craft as G , Master , they had especial cause to honour his name , and to wish him a long and prosperous

The toast was splendidly received , and was followed by " God save the King . " The W . M . next proposed " The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught ; the M . W . Pro G . M ., the Right Hon . the Earl Amherst ; and the rest of the G . Officers , Present and Past . " He ( the W . M . ) considered that the Masonic Order was most fortunate , on the retirement of their former Grand Master , in having such a distinguished and able Mason as the Duke of Connaught ready and willing to fill the position of G .

Master . The Duke had ruled for many years over the important Province of Sussex to the satisfaction of everyone . The Freemasons of England might rest content and assured that he would faithfully discharge the duties of the Grand Mastership . The Pro Grand Master was a very zealous and hard-working Mason , and the officers and past officers of Grand Lodge were noted for their splendid work in Craft Masonry . This toast was likewise heartily honoured .

The W . M . next claimed attention whilst he gave in a very hearty manner " The R . W . the Prov . G . M ., Bro . the Right Hon . Viscount Dungarvan ; the W . D .-p . Prov . CM ., Bro . R . C . Else ; and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He reminded the brethren of the splendid work of the Prov . G . M . in Freemasonry , and trusted that he would return from his gallant service in South Africa safe and sound . He sincerely regretted the esteemed Deputy Prov . G . M . was not in more robust health , and , in conclusion , paid a tribute of praise to the officers and past officers of the

province . Bro . E . Davey , replying , returned his most sincere thanks on behalf of Prov . G . Lodge . As for himself , his service to the Craft had been a love-labour . As a result the Provincial collar followed , and he should always value the distinction . He would eave it to the brothers who had to follow him to deal more particularly with the duties of Prov . G . Lodge Officers . Bro . C . P . Billing , Prov . J . G . W ., in replying , complimented the W . M . on the skilful way in which the toast had been proposed . No point had been overlooked . The W . M . had turned a thought to the Prov . G . Master at the front , fighting for his

country . He had referred to the Prov . G . Lodge Officers , among whom was their esteemed Deputy , whom they all cherished . Further kind expression had been made ot those holding office at the present time . Looking around among the brethren they saw many who had been decorated with the purple ; but promotions in Freemasonry were different to those in every day life . Their brother , the President of the United States , was lying dead because of envy , hatred , and malice . Now , Freemasons do not envy a brother promoted to office or position . He was sure their hearts went out in sympathy in the present sad circumstance to their American brothers and to the American nation .

Bro . F . G . Dimery , P . P . G . Purst . Somerset , regarded ft an honour to respond . The Prov . Grand Lodge of Somerset was looked upon with much esteem in other provinces , and was noted for its work in the Charities . They in West Yorkshire considered that the premier province , but the Province of Somerset stood very high indeed . .. The W . M . drew the attention of the brethren to the toast of " lhe Installing

Master . " ( Applause . ) Personally , he thanked the Wor . Prov . Grand Secretary for consenting to take this part in the ceremony . The Installing Master had made the work in the lodge a complete success . He had given a perfect specimen of working in Craft Masonry . The goodness and kindness of the Prov . Grand Secretary was well known in Somerset , where he was held in high esteem , and the toast was commended to the brethren with all enthusiasm .

On rising to reply , Bro . Fry-Wade , P . 3 . Sec , was very heartily received . He candidl y confessed that he would rather be performing the ceremony of installation than making an after-dinner speech . lie thought after-dinner speaking should be done oydeputy , and that some one should do the work for them ! The Installing Master was a necessity at these festivals . If there was no Installing Master , there would be no

? | ' . " ' chair , which would be a fact to be deplored by all the brethren . It was a satisfaction that so worthy a brother had been installed in the chair that day . They Knew how difficult it was for anyone to take the place of the D . P . G . M . of Somerset as instalime Master . They knew how well Bro . Else performed the ceremony with which nehad been so constantly familiar for so many years . He ( Bro . Wade ) only hoped mat upon this occasion he had filled a eao , and that another year the W . M . elect would

Craft Masonry.

be installed by the D . P . G . M . They must not forget that their Deputy was not getting younger . He ( the speaker ) would have preferred to have seen the work done that day by the I . P . M . or a P . M . of the Eldon Lodge . He thought it could not be put too forcibly that it was the duty of the outgoing Master to instal his successor . He earnestly hoped there would be a P . M . of 1 755 who would take up the ceremony , and no doubt perform it much better than he had done . He ( Bro . Wade ) would beglad to render any assistance , and thanked the brethren for the kind way they had treated the toast .

The I . P . M . submitted the popular toast of "The Worshipful Master , " which was well received . They had seen " during the past 12 months , and indeed during the last few years , the good and excellent qualities of the W . M . They had no fear as to the welfare of the Eldon Lodge under his rule . They would all do their bsst to support him , and they all very heartily and very sincerely wished him a happy and prosperous year of office . He trusted that this pleasant and joyoui evening was a typ : oE the entire reign , and that all success would attend his rule .

The W . M . briefly returned his thanks , and assured the brethren of his ready service at all times . He was desirous to do hi ; best for the lodge and for the Craft , and hoped to earn their approbation at the end of his term . Bro . Billing proposed " The LP . M . " He said they possessed grateful hearts and their gratitude now went forth to the I . P . M . for the capital way in which he had done

his work . He had not spared himself . The ritual work had been up to the standard , and the hospitality of the lodge , if possible , excelled during the year . In all sincerity and in truth they were grateful to their LP . M . for the excellent way in which the lodge had been carried on . Their I . P . M . had been a credit to himself and an honour to the lodge .

The I . P . M . suitably replied , referring to the pleasant and able assistance rendered him by his officers . Bro . Cox , S . W ., proposed "The Past Masters of 1755 , " who , he said , were second to none . They had done their work well . They attended the tree tings of the lodge regularly , and it spoke well for the status of the lodge when it had such a splendid body of Past Masters . They were brethren who delighted in the ritual work of Freemasonry and in the various Charities connected with our Order .

Bro . Rice , as the senior P . M ., suitably and feelingly replied ; and was followed by Bro . Stafford , I . P . M ., the junior P . M . The W . M . proposed " The Visiting Brethren . " He cordially welcomed those from other lodges , other provinces , and other countries . He referred to the Masonic landmark , which conferred the privilege of visiting throughout the globe . Several brethren replied , including Bros . C . Pfeiffer , P . M . 1 S 33 ; Myers , 6 S ; S . Gibson , GS ; Hickman , 2257 ; and W . Stafford ( Bermuda ) .

The W . M . proposed " The S . W . and Officers of 1755 . " Hesaid the S . W . was a thoroughly reliable officer and a true Mason . He ( the VV . M . ) ventured to predict that in 12 months' time he would make a model Master . He felt sure the J . W . and the other officers would do their duty . The Senior and Junior Wardens replied to the toast , promising their best services . Bro . W . K . Thomas proposed " The Masonic Charities . " He said no one could have attended the recent great Masonic gathering at the Albert Hall without being

impressed with the vastness of the Masonic Charities . Personally , it was a pleasant surprise to himself to learn the immense sum that had been collected during the reign of the King as G . M . Some might regret the cost of working the great Central Masonic Charities , but all must admire their vastness , which he hoped would long continue . They worked admirably for Charity in Somerset . In the Eldon Lodge they had an able representative on the Somersetshire Organisation in Bro . Rice , who was steeped in Charity and good works . The brethren of the Eldon Lodge had shown by their Masonic spirit that they valued the Charities , for they had subscribed liberally thereto .

Bro . Rice replied , and said he had neve r appealed for any money for Charity that had not been readily granted . Masonic Charities had grown and were growing . The Boys' School in 1856 educated 25 ; they were now educating 293 , and were spending £ 100 , 000 on the new school in Bushey Park . The Girls' School in 18 75 educated 48 , and to-day they had 26 7 on the books , including a child of a dear brother of that lodge who had passed away . The sum of £ 2 , 000 , 000 had been subscribed for these Charities during the King ' s reign as Grand Master . Of that they must not be too proud , for that virtue was almost too sacred for speech .

The Tyler s toast seemed a most appropriate one to follow Bro . Rice ' s reply , and the brethren separated a little before nine o'clock , as many desired to catch the last train for Bristol . _ A good musical programme was arranged , some capital songs being interspersed between the toasts and the replies thereto , Bro . J . H . Fulford ably accompanying on the pianoforte .

Merit Lodge , No . 463 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . J . W . COULSON . The installation festival in connection with Ihe above lodge took place on the iGth instant , at the George Hotel , Stamford Baron , when Bro . J . W . Coulson , S . W ,, was installed W . M ., the ceremony being performed by Bro . Lieut .-Col . H . H . Costobadie

, I . P . M . Bro . Coulson afterwards invested his officers as follows : Bros . F . W . Everdell , S . W . ; F . W . Kent , J . W . ; Rev . E . F . Buckton , Chap . ; D . Bloodworth , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Knott , P . M ., Sec . ; F . Evans , Asst . Sec . ; H . V . Cobbold , S . D . ; C . Gray , J . D . ; J . C Billing , Org . ; G . W . Pinner , I . G . ; T . Booth , P . M ., D . of C ; F . J . Lovett and G . Chapman , Stewards ; and G . Goodley , Tyler .

Horwich Lodge , No . 2324 . PRESENTATION TO BRO . W . M . VARLEY , P . M ., PROV . ASST . G . D . C . WEST LANCASHIRE . The first meeting after the vacation of this very prosperous lodge was held at the Bridge Hotel , Horwich , on Tuesday , the loth instant , when the following brethren were present : Bros . W . W . Glover , W . M . ; James Ryder , S . W . j F . Thornham , j . W . ; the Rev . T . Storey-Bates , P . G . C , Chap . ; R . Hampson , Treas . ; VV . M . Varley ,

P . M ., P . A . G . D . C , Sec . ; James Kay , S . D . ; R . Harrison , J . D . ; R . Bates , D . C ; G . H . Whitaker , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Org . ; T . Eddleston , I . G . ; J . H . Hadfield and R . Court ( acting Tyler ) , Stwds . ; E . W . Buckley , J . Watts , G . C Kenyon , Chas . H . Field , William Booth , John Taylor , J . G . Dickinson , G . Prickett , H . Barker , James Gooden , Arch . Cowper , and Alfred Sadler . Visitors : Bros . G . J . Crutchlsy , Sec . 1161 ; Harold C Bates , 1032 ; Thos . Humphrey , I . P . M . 17 S ; W . H . Philips , W . M . 730 ; W . G . Goodacre , 2600 ; Hy . Dickinson , 2 S 7 U . S . A . ; J . A . BennettI . G . 112 G ;

, Thos . Allen , 1032 ; Peter Yates , 730 , P . P . G . P . ; and John Haydock , 1032 . The W . M ., Bro . W . W . Glover opined the lodge , and the minutes ot the previous meeting were read and confirmsd . The ballot was then taken for Mr . Jonathan Pondlebury , which proving unanimous in his favour , he was initiated into the mysteries and privileges of antient Freemasonry by the W . M . in a most excellent and praiseworthy

manner . The working tools of the Degree were given by Bro . F . Thornham , J . W ., and the charge by Bro . J . II . Hadfield , Stwd ., in a very able style . Bro . G . Prichett having previously answered the customary questions , was passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft by Bro . VV . W . Glover , W . M . The Second Degree tools were given by Bro . j . Ryder , S . W . The lodge was then closed , after the expression of " Hearty good wishes " from the visiting brethren .

The brethren adjourned to the social board , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drunk and honoured . The W . M ., in proposing "The Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " alluded in very complimentary terms to Bro . W . M . Varley , P . M ., Sec , who had b ; en appointed to the rank of Prov . A . G . D . C , adding that the honour was well deserved by Bro . Varley fo r his sterling woik for the general good of the Craft , and the brethren of

the Horwich Lodge , to show their appreciation ot his good qualities as a Mason and as a slight recognition for his services on behalf of Lodge No . 2324 , had unanimously subscribed to make him a present of his Provincial Grand Lodge full dress suit and case , and he ( Bro . Glover ) had very great pleasure in handing it to him on behalf of the brethren and hoped he would live a very long time to wear it and to do honour to the lodge .

The gilt plate on the leather case bore the following inscription : " Presented to W . Bro . W . M . Varley , P . M ., Secretary , Provincial Assistant Grand Director ol Ceremonies West Lancashire , by the members of the Horwich Lodge , No . 2324 . September 10 th , 1901 . "