Craft Masonry.

In g iving the toast of "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prinze of Wales , " the W . VI . said he was a most popular Prince , and ever ready to advance any goo 1 ca-ne , especially ¦ Masonry , and thev were proai t > lock up to him as th- ; Heir ti the Ri r'ish t ' lnu . In proposing "The Pro G . M ., Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand 0 . Tilers , Present and Past , " the W . M . said it was indeed a great honour for hi n ta d v si . Thiy mere all greatly indebted to them for their great work ii upholding the dignity of the Craft and in preserving the ancient landmarks , for which they had their deepest

oratitude . In reply , nro . A . Spaull expressed his most hearty thanks on behalf of the G'an 1 Officers for such a cordial reception . The W . VL hid spoken of the ardmus duties ivhich devolved upon the Grand Officers , and as far as he (^ ro . Spaull ) was cincernel , ; t afforded them the greatest possible pleasure todi all thev could to promote the happiness and prosperity of the Craft . He had k . io . vn the VV . M . for a great many years , and he was glad to see him installed into the chair of that illustrious lod-re , which held so hig h a place in the annals nf Freemisinry in prom-ting that gind feeling a ' mong the brethren , and he was confident the pres-nt year would be no exception .

Bro . Shotter , I . P . M ., next presented whit he considered the t > ast of the eveningthat of "The VV . M ., " which was received with acclamation , remarking the place of distinction he held that night gave him the honour of placing it before tHo . brethren . The VV . M . had gained the appreciation of all in the lodge , an 1 he ( the I . P . M . ) was confident that the officers in the lodge would affjrd him all the assistance t ' nat Hy in their power . They were all proud of the VV . M ., and thc coming year was full of ijreat promise and credit . He would ask the brethren to drink to the ' health of theW . M . most heartily , and wish him every happiness and success during his year of office . The toast was most cordially drunk .

Bro . Septimus Croft , VV . M ., m reply , most heartily Lianked the brethren , and appreciated all the kind remarks that had been said of him . That day wis indeed a red-letter day in his life , having been installed into the chair of K . S . —so exalted a position—and his best endeavour would be to do his utmost for Freemasonry in general and the Aldersgate Lodge in particular . He hoped that when he delivered up th ? warrant of the lodge to his worthy success > r it would remain as untarnished as he had received it .

The toast of " The Installing Master " was next proposed by the VV . M ., remarking he knew it would be most cordially receive-i . lt was indeed a great pleasure to him t > be installed by so distinguished a Grand Lodge Officer as Bro . Sir John Monckton , P . G . W ., whose rendering of the beautiful ceremony had deeply impressed the brethren and had thoroughly inspired them . In the naneof the lodg ' , the W . M . wished the Installing Master every bless ' ng .

On rising to respond , Bro . Sir J . B . Monckton , wViorr-c-ivelqiiteanovati > n , thankel the brethren , by no means the first time in the loJg * , as the initil ' ati in c .-re n my ii the Aldersgate Lodge had become quite an insVu'i-m with him . Hi -. vis , in \ eel , very pleased to instal so w . irthy a brother as the VV . VI . O io po ' nt stru-. k him very m IC ' , that was the rapid advancement of their I . G , in obtainine : w ' lich , it h il tik -i ' v n ( Sir

John ) years to reach that position . He eoign-ulited the Ijlge a ' s i uioi its hip a / state and flourishing condition , and also fir the hearty haspita'ity alviys siavi to the brother visiter , who always formed so important a factor . He also paij a hig ' i ounliment to Bro . Capt . Walls for acting as D . of C , which was a ' wiys snch an able assistance to the VV . M ., especially when one saw it carried out with such efficiency . He most cordially thanked the brethren for so kind a reception .

The toast of "The Visitors" received at the hands of the VV . M . hierh culogium , who remarked that there were many dis'inguished breihrcn present , and although manv were not strangers amonf ; them , yet all peseit ad led lustre to the festive biard , and their presence was most imposing in their cerem mi rs . He wiuld enlorse every wvr . l that had been said by Bro . Sir J . B . M nekton wi-. h respect to Bro . Capt . Walls . In reply , Bro . Capt . Walls said itwa = alwiys a great pi : as ire t > ass ' n ' . Br > S ' r John I ) . Monckton , so able an exponent of Freemisiiiry . He wis very phased to attend the lodge at the kind invitation of the W . VL , in wi i n tie Io ige hid a w irthv successor

to the I . P . M . He could not wonder at the VV . Vl . being somewhat nervous in the presence of a P . G . W . of England , but the next time the VV . M . took the chax that nervousness would have gone . Wilh regard to the Aldersgate Lolgie , so far as to numbers , which were prohibitive , although Masonry was a m . ist powerful factor in the world , yet quality vvas preferable to quantity , lt was the first time he had visited the lodge , but he bad known Bro . Georg « Kcnnirg fir over 21 ye-ars , and silong as the lodge had his valuable assistance everything would be admirably executed . Bro . Bullock also most ably responded .

1 he toast of " The Past Masters " was most forcibly presented by the VV . M ., who remarked he fi It somewhat diffident in occupying the position of VV . M ., until he had the unanimous hearty support promised him of the P . Vls ., and only then he most readily accipted the position . Bros . Shotter , P . M ., and Anderton , P . M ., admirably responded . The Worshipful Master gave the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " remarking of the Treasurer that he was one of the dearest and oldest members , an 1 one of the

pillars of the ludge . Of their Bro . Kenning , P . M ., Sec , who came to the help of the lodge in need and at a tine when it would have been difficult for any other brother to take up the tl read and bring the same to such a successful iss-ie as he had done , in fact Hro . Kenning had proved a great friend and the lodge owed him a de ' et cf deep gratitude . 1 he toast was most cordially received .

The Treasurer thanked the W . M . for such kind expressions tawards him . He could not but express his regret at the resignation of Bro . Froim , P . M ., a respected P . M . in the lodge . He also paid a high compliment to the late Secretary , bat was delighted t ) Imd the lodge had such an able Secretary in B . o . G . Kenning . Bro . G . Kenning , Sec , also added his meed of praise to tie lite S icretary , an 1 all

regretted his death . He was proud to he one of the founders of the lodge , he was its lust Ireasurer , two years Master , and now its Secretary . Although it was some 20 years sirce he was Secretary before , yet it give him great pleasure to act in that capacity now in this lodge and it would always be his endeavour to carry out the duties efficientl y for the benefit of the lodge , and any duty he was called upon to perform he wcu'd nost gladly do .

the U ) - „ t , tnf " The Officers" received at the hands of the Worshipiul Master its just pra se , and was ably replied to by the Senior and Junior Wardens . Ihe lylcr ' s toast closed a most eventful evening . An excellent programme of music was provided , under the able direction of Bro . p ' p ' r "I 1 ( P , ofe st > r Guildhall School ot Music ) , P . M . 1706 , 1 S 39 , 21 S 2 , and 2454 , 1 11 ' * ' ' Esex > aD ' v assisted by the Guildhall Ghee Singers—Messrs . Arthur BurftrJ , i-red . Williams , Herbert Simmons , and Charles Hinchliff . Bra . Smith ably presided at the pianofoite .

United Northern Counties Lodge , No . 2128 . A regular meeting was held at the Inns of Court Hitel , Holcorn , oi Tuislay . the il . . ' n ' c ' ' "sent : Bros . R . Davison , W . M . ; R . P . Keates . I . P . M . j VV . B . VW iw- - ; F " ' - 0 x , e >' ' ) - - ' W - " ¦ Uul , 0 : k - S c- W E ' ^ rter , S . D . ; ^ att VVirgrane . J . D . ; G . J . Wood , D . C . ; W . N . Ilaydon , I . G . ; F . B . Wood , Tvi : ' , £ ' T- W- Cha " t . - Moysev , and C . J . Weller , Stewards ; 11 . Even Jen , , V ' 7 n ; J- S . Cumberland , P . M . j VV . F . Smiths ™ , P . M . ; C F . Pringle , P . M . ; H . ,, var j ¦ -. S . Avlinrr . Bolas . Horror . Newton Parl / insnn . Anson Rilnv It c ; Aulin *

' ir ,-fi u " ' 1 < , wn . Happ 4 d , and Walker . Visitors : Bros . Butler , 1087 j Dryden , _'/ « , Horn , J . W . IJ 99 ; Cooper , 145 ; Gerbch , W . M . i 4 j j Barry , 197 ; Jones , k 1 1 ° " ' J-0-2218 ! F ° x , W . M . 90 ; and Williams , J . W . Sao . The baf- 8 ° , was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , healthy tr " * !' "' * ° ' ' '' 5 WaS " , en '' rou » P ' consideration . It exhibited a very ties ) . 1 leof affairs ( thc lodge being worth over £ 119 after providing for all liabiliand it W ? s unan'mously adopted . A ballot was then taken for Mr . A . Reed , jun ., In . 1 ! .. vP r 0 Vin ? unanimous , he was initiated bv the VV . M ., who also passed Bro . Iliiorir

who in 1 ) e K - The chair was then assumed by the I . P . M ., Bro . R . P . Keates , Subl ' imo n mastct l " lanl 1 er . raised Bros . Bevan , Town , Ayling , ar : d Parkinson to the volent In ! .- . . ? a M - - A sum of £ l 0 lo 3 - W 3 S v " led t 0 'he Royal Masonic Bene-, hree p , v ° n a ^ 3 S > to tlle " Henry Sa " 'h " Testimonial Fund . l ' uere were The Id ns , ncxt lodge—one initiate and two joining members , over in „ Ji- , , ^ . ' 03 "I . and the brethren adjourned to a substantial supper , presided '" Wlashioi bjtheWil , " Gcrlach ° rr „ i ? i ya ,, ! mus'cal evening was spent , the contributing brethren being Bros . ' > Wood , Ilaydon , Town , Bevan , and Walker .

Craft Masonry.

Swan of Avon Lodge , No . 2133 . The installation ceremony in connection with this young and prosperous lodge took place in the lodge room , Union Club , Stratford-on-Avon , on the 4 th inst ., when there was a large assemblage of brethren and visitors . The new Master is Bro . VV . Horton , one of the earliest made members , and the Installing Mister was the VV . VL , Bro . Geo . Bird , another cygnet . The ceremony was very impressively performed , the charges

being delivered with great distinctness and earnestness . The music , specially written for the lodge , was excellently rendered by Bro . M iries . The new VV . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . VV . Barnard . S . VV . ; G . VV . Everard , J . VV . ; Rev . J . M . Ward , Chap . ; J . Smith , P . M .. P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; G . F . Kendall , Sec . ; F . Gibbs , S . D .,- S . Petter , J . D . ; B . Bnmford , H . G . ; H . Maries , Org . ; R . L . Greene , Std . Br . ; E . Deer , D . C ; VV . Stanton , Stwd . ; F . VV . Evans , Asst . Sec j and W . Barnard , Charity Steward .

1 he lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to the dining room , where an elegant repast awaited them , provided by the indefatigable and successful Steward , Bro . VV . Staunton . The tables were prettily deco-ated with Ibwers and art drapery , and the coup d ' lvil could not have been more enchanting . After the customary loyal and Masonic toasts , "The Health of the VV . M . " was submitted in suitable terms by Bro . Geo . Bird , who predicted that the new Mister wnuld

well maintain the prestige of the lodge , inasmuch as he hal been a mist constant attendant at the lodges of instruction , and had evinced the greatest z ealin Freem isonry . In responding , the Worshipful Master thanked the brethren for placing him in that responsible position , and said that although he could not hope to emulate some of those who had preceded him , no effort should be wanting on his part to discharge the duties in a manner that would be satisfactory tothise who had hanoured him with their confidence .

Bro . E . Deer then submitted , in eulogistic terms , "The Health ofthe Instilling Master , Bro . Bird , " and commented upon the singularly saccess ' iil manner in whic ' i he had gone through the ceremony that day . When elected to the office the brethren felt that they had made an excellent appointment , but his assiduity ani zea ' , and the efficient manner in which he had acquitted himself of the variiu . duties of his oTicj were worthy of the best traditions even of that young lodge . Bro . Deer cancluled by presenting Bro . Bird with an elegantly desljrnei Past Mister ' s jewel .

In response , Bro . Bird thanked Bro . D ; er for the appreciative manner in which hi had spoken of him . He also thanked his officers for the loyal assistance they had rendered him during his year of office , and attributed much of his success to their hearty cc-operation . He had felt great interest in his work , and if he had given satisfaction to the brethren by the manner in which he had acquitted himself of his duties he felt amply

repaid . He thought it was the duty of everyone appointed to be Mister of his lodge to thoroughly master the duties pertaining to all the Degrees and als 1 to undertake those of Installing Master . He read a letter he hal received from Bro . the Mirq-iis of Hertford expressing his inability to be present , and suggesting that as the lodge was making so much progress it might be found expedient to establish a Mark lodge in connection with it . Bro . Bird promised to bring the subject before the members in due

course . "The Health of the Visitors" vvas given by Bro . Boyden , anj was responded to by Bros . Cooksey , P . G . T . Shropshire , and Beach , both of whom bore testimony to the splendid working of the lodge , which fully came up to anything they had seen . Other toasts followad , and a most enj > yable evening was spent , Bro . Maries presiding at the pianoforte .

West Ham Abbey Lodge , No . 2291 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Town Hall , Stratford , on Thursday , the Gth instant , the-e hci-g present Bros . R . Fielder , W . M . ; G . VV . Kidd , I . P . M . ; G . Gwinn , S . W . j J . Ii . Pavitt , J . W j the Ven . Archdeacon Stevenc , Chap . ; F . C . D . Fenn . Sec . ; C . Mansli . ld , S . D . ; J . Byford , jun ., J . D . ; W . G . Stone , D . C ; G . Bu'h , I . G . ; II . Harrow anil A . C Lowry , Stewards j VV . G . Norman , P . M . ; J . Boulton , P . VI . ; K . Triggs . P . M . ; A . GovierP . M . ; A . Reed

, P . M . ; J . II . Moloney . A . VV . Rubertson , A . Sin-le , T . Purler , C . N . Watts , J Nicketts , K . VVhite , R . Holbroik . T . rtiri-lf . ird , G . R . I ) urr . in \ J . Reynjlls , R . Ayton W . Henry , G . A . McDoiva'l , F . Pluck , T . C . Carter , A . A . Timirell , E . Vallance , VV Maggs , C . R . Walker , IL li . ( Tors-man , E . Sivig » , | . f . Richardson , Ernest Gav , F . Doeksey , F . S . Collier , L . Angell , G . li . Buxton , P . l ' . ' l ) uitt , VV . Volckman , VV . H 1

Ridgley , VV . A . Lever , I . J . Vallance , F . R . Branch , VV . II . Turner , G . VV . Reed , VV . T . Spencer , J . Moore Smith , VV . G . Holland , E . Mayes , and J Pago . Visitors : Bros W . Gladding , J . Ho'land , J . Speller , F . Hamlett , C Wells , | . A . O . bir . i , J . Diy , G , T . Gwinn , Bromhead , 11 . B . Brown , R . C Read , IC . Smith , R . Tarrant , C Reeve , C Wilkinson , J . R . Smith , G . Hamilton , H . Bantick , S . Woidcock , VV . Colling , G . Bird , and W . Beecroft .

The Ldge having been np ? ned , Bro . Pluck was pissed ta the Seonl Degree . The installation ot Bro . G , v > nn was the next business , the ceremonv being performed uy Bro . G . VV . Kidd in a very able manner , Bro . James \ i lulton , P . M , acting as D . C . The VV . M . then appointed and invested the following olTicers : llcji . R . FielJer , I . P . Vl . j J . IT . Pavitt , S . W . ; C . Mansfield , J . VV . ; the Ven . Archdeacon Stevens , Chaa . ; G . Hay , Treas . ; F . C . D . Fenn , Sec . ; J . Byford , jun ., S . D . ; G . Bash . J . D .,- VV . G . Stone , I . G . j H . Barrow , D . C . j A . C . Lowiy and 'I . Threlford , Stewards ; VV . Graves ;

Org . ; and M . Gross . Tyler . The usual handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Fielder , I . P . M ., in recognition of his services durin r the past year . The Auditors' report and balance-sheet , showing a balance of £ 553 , was received ani adopted . Tne W . M . having notified his intention of representing the Biys'Schoal at the next Festival , the sum of 5 a guineas was voted to his list . I his bein ' the seventh year since the formation of the lodge , Bro . F . C . D . Fenn , who has been its Secretary from the first , was presented with a Secretary ' s jewel , bearing the following inscription :

" Presented to Bro . I ' redenck Cr . arles Dutton Fenn , P . M . 171 , by the brethren of the VVest Ham Abbey Lodge , No . 2291 , as a token of their high estimation of his invaluable se rvices as Secretary ef the lodge since its consecration in 1 S . S 9 . " Also an illuminited address on vellum , insc . ibcd : " Presented to Iiro . Frederick Charles Dutton Fenn , P . M . 171 , together with a wa'ch and chain , by the brethren of the West IT am Abb : y Lodge , No . 2291 , as an expression ol th-ir high esteem and appreciation of his indefatigable

e xerlions as their Secretary in promoting the welfare of the lodge from its consecration in 18 S 9 , and as a record of his able , impartial , and efficient conduct as an officer of the lodge , and to express the hope that he may for many years remai n thair Secretary , that the lodge may have Ihe bine fit of his valuable services , and that he maybe blessed vvith a long life , health , happiness , and prosperity . " The watch , which was of a most costly nature , also bore a suitable inscription .

The banquet took place in the Council Chamber , and was enlivened by some excellent singing by Bros . Bush , Ricketts , G . T . Gwinn , Barrow , Branch , Henry , and Edward Smith . During the evening the Secretary gave some interesting particulars with respect to the progress of the lodge . It was con ecrated on the ioth January , iS 3 g , by the late Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke , P . G . D ., G . Sec , who , on that occasion , installed Bro . James Boulton , P . M . 105 G and 2 . S , in the chair . Bro . E . Purdue was elected Treasurer ,

and the following is a list if the first officers : Bros . G . Hay , S . W . ; A . Govier , J . W . ; F . D . C . Fenn , Sec . j M . Gentry , S . D . j VV . G . Norman , I . l ) . j E . Triggs , ' I . G . j A . Reed , D . C ; and G . W . Kidd and R . Fielder , Stwds . Commencing on thatoccason with 19 founders , the lodge has since initiated 54 brethren into the ranks of the Order , and admitted 2 G joining members , tc-day its numbers amounted to 79 . Since its formation , up to tlie end of tlie last financial year ( December , 1895 ) , the lodge has

given the following amounts in Charity : Rival Masonic Institution lor Ajed Masons , £ 204 15 s . ; Royal Masonic Institution for GuU , £ 93 15 s . ; Royal Masonic Institution lor Boys , i ' 1 . 5 15 s . ; West Ham Hospital , £ 124 KSs . GJ . ; private members , £ 37 iGs . Victoria Fund , £ 21 ; Seamen ' s . Hospital , £ 25 ; and Canning Town Medical Relief , £ 21—total , £ 549 lys GJ . Looking atthe nandsom ; balance in hanl—previausly relerred to—this lodge'has much to be proud of .

Doric Lodge , No . 2359 . The regular meetin .. ' of this lodge was held on Saturday , the Sth inst ., at the Didsbury Hotel , IJiddiury . There was a capital muster of brethren present . Tne lodge was opened by Bro . J . M . Veal , VV . M , ani the minutes of the previous meeting being read and conlirmed , the VV . M . performed tie cirenny of passing in a most perfect manner . The secind cerenuny in the sim : Degree wis perfanned b / Bro . C E . Towell , P . M , and the warking tools were presente 1 by Bro . John Walker , S . vV . Tne following brethren were present : Bros . J . M . Veal , W . M . j A . K . Boothroyd , I . P . M .