Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

DARTFORD . —Temple Lodge ( No . 322 ) . — The installation of Bro . Willoughby Weiss , P . G . Stwd . Kent , took place at the Wilmington Masonic Hall on Monday , the 17 th inst . The ceremony was performed by Bro . Rev . Hayman Cummings , M . A ., Dep . Prov . Grand Master of Kent . The W . M . appointed and invested the following officers for the ensuing year : Bros .

Call-Weddell , M . D ., P . P . G . M . O . Kent , I . P . M . ; W . Tomlinson , M . A ., S . W . ; Jones , J . W . ; Fletcher Beach , M . D ., M . O . j Potter , S . O . ; Harper , J . O . ; Rev . E . C . Britton , M . A ., Chap . ; Rev . H . Cummings , M . A ., D . P . G . M . Kent , Treas . ; E . W . White , M . D ., Sec j and others . Amongst the visitors present were Bros . Rev . Thomas Robinson , M . A ., Prov . Grand Master of Kentj C . F . Matier , P . G . W . j F . Henri Weiss , and others .

British Columbia.

British Columbia .

CONSECRATION OF THE SPALLUM . CHEEN LODGE , No . 13 , AT LANSDOWNE . Three years ago there was not a Masonic lodge in the vast extent of country of which Kamloops is the centre . Now there are three . The new lodge consecrated on the 25 th July , at Lansdowne , called the Spallumcheen Lodge , No . 13 , illustrates the progressive nature of the ancient and honourable Institution . Making its way . sloivly but

surely into the interior of the country , the influence o ( its principles of morality and brotherly love must help in improving the tone of society in general . To the Rev . D . H . Horlock , the late incumbent of Kamloops , must be given the honour of having promoted the formation of Kamloops Lodge , of which he was first W . M . Uuder his fostering wing the Mountain Lodge , Donald , was started .

A more enthusiastic Mason could not be found than Bro . Horlock , and his work in Kamloops was well carried on by Bro . Dr . Clarke , who was the second W . M . of the lodge . On Bro . Horlock removing to England , his place was taken by Bro . Canon W . H . Cooper , who is following in his predecessor ' s steps , the consecration of Spallumcheen Lodge , No . 13 , being the result of his efforts in the cause

of Freemasonry . To a visitor to the little town of Lansdowne it would be a matter of surprise to find a building pointed out as the Masonic Hall . Yet there , sure enough , is a well arranged and very perfectly fitted up lodge room , not very large it is true , but of sufficient room for the impressive celebration of the various ceremonies . The greatest enthusiasm prevailed among brethren in the district when it

was found that a dispensation to open a lodge had been granted by the Grand Master . One brother , Bro . T . Hamill , made and presented the pedestals , working tools , and ornaments , all executed in a most workmanlike manner . Another brother gave the checquered pavement , another the volume of the Sacred Law , so that the furnishing of the lodge was done without cost from pure love of the Craft .

The day for the consecration and installation being fixed , the wives and sisters of the brethren began , some days previously , the preparation of a banquet with which to refresh the weary labourers after the toils of the day were ended , and it was determined that such a banquet , or cold collation , should be provided as had never before been laid on a table in Lansdowne . Right worthily did they carry

out their intentions , for at 9 o ' clock , after a heavy day's work , the brethren , on adjourning to the Town Hall ( for Lansdowne can boast of a town hall as well as a Masonic temple ) , saw such a display of the rich viands of the district as would tempt an anchorite . The chair was taken by Bro . Canon W . H . Hooper , the newly-installed W . M . of the lodge . On his right sat Bro .

Dr . Clarke , P . M ., and on his left Bro . Dr . Garrow , who has just settled in the district . After ample justice had been done to the banquet , and grace had been said , the W . M . proposed "The Queen and the Craft . " He said that Freemasons neveT lost sight of the allegiance they owed to the Sovereign of their native land , and that wherever dispersed over the world

their hearts turned to the country from whence they or their fathers derived their birth . Loyalty had always been a characteristic of a Freemason's heart , and he felt assured it would ever continue so . The toast was enthusiastically received . The next toast was " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Grand Master of Englandi" The CHAIRMAN said that although

Masonry shed a lustre upon all who were its votaries , no matter how high their position might be , still it could not be denied that the patronage of men in high social positions was of incalculable advantage to the Craft . The higher the status of the rulers of the Craft the greater the influence of the Order . The toast was drunk with honours . In proposing "The Health of the M . W . the Grand

Master , and Officers of the Grand Lodge B . C ., " the CHAIRMAN said he had lately met the M . W . G . M . and Officers at the communication of the Grand Lodge just held at Westminster , and he had much pleasure in testifying to the interest taken by them in the extension of Freemasonry , and the efforts they were making to advance the interest of the Craft . He was glad to tell them that

the confidence of the brethren in the Grand Master was exemplified by his unanimous re-election for the present year . Many of the other Grand Officers were also reelected . That was a course he was strongly in favour of , as it secured the services of brethren who had experience in the work of the respective offices . A hearty response was given to the toast .

The CHAIRMAN said the next toast he had to propose was one he felt sure would be received and drunk very heartily . It was that of " Bro . Clarke , P . M ., the Installing Officer . " No one who had listened to the admirable way in which Bro . Clarke conducted the important ceremony of installing the W . M . and officers of Spallumcheen

Lodge could fail of being deeply impressed with his manner , and the perfect manner in which he went through the long ceremony . Bro . Clarke was the best Mason he had met in British Columbia , and he was always ready even at considerable inconvenience to give his valuable help on all occasions when called on . The toast was enthusiasticall y received , and drunk with musical honours .

British Columbia.

Bro . CLARKE , P . M ., thanked the P . M . and brethren for the kind manner in which his name had been received . He always felt it not only a duty but a great pleasure to do all that lay in his power for the good of Freemasonry . He had been for many years a member of the Craft , and had devoted much time to the study of the Constitution and principles of the Order . He rejoiced to see Freemasonry

making such progress in the district , and he would always be ready to help the Spallumcheen Lodge should it be in need of assistance . He again thanked them for the honour they had done him . The CHAIRMAN then gave "The Initiate , " which was responded to by Bro . R . S . HANNA , who had been initiated after the installation , at the request of the W . M .

Kamloops Lodge . " The Health of the Visitors " was given by Bro . G . H . RASHDALL , S . W ., and was replied to by Bro . Dr . GARROW , who said he was about to make their district his home , and he hoped that as soon as his arrangements were completed to offer himself as a candidate for affiliation . Bro . CLARKE , P . M ., then proposed "The Health of the

W . M . and Officers of Spallumcheen Lodge . " From what he had seen that evening of the work that the newlyinstalled officers had done , in the initiation and other ceremonies , he felt assured that the future of the lodge would be brilliant and successful . They had secured a W . M . of great experience , and with a little more drilling the officers acting under him would be perfect in their work . He

looked forward to seeing Spallumcheen Lodge equal to any lodere on the register of B . C The W . M ., in returning thanks for himself and his officers , said he was as surprised as pleased at the way the newly appointed officers had occupied their chairs for the first time that evening . There bad been no bitch in any of the work undertaken , and if they only went on as they

had begun , they would attain to the summit of his ambition , and that was to make their lodge a model for the correctness of its ritual and the perfection ot its working . He considered Bro . Clarke's opinion a very valuable one , as his experience had been so wide and his working so good . He thanked Bro . Dr . Clarke for proposing their health , and for the words of encouragement he had spoken , and assured him , on his own behalf and that of

his brother officers , that they would endeavour to retain the character that had already been given to the new Iodge . "The Health of the Ladies" was then proposed and enthusiastically received , and special thanks accorded them for their hospitality and kindness . " God save the Queen " was then sung , and tho brethren separated , after having spent a most enjoyable evening .

Queensland.

Queensland .

MASONIC BALL AT IPSWICH , BRISBANE . The fifth annual ball under the auspices of the three local Masonic lodges was held on Friday , July 27 th , in the hall of the School of Arts , at Ipswich , Brisbane . The gay demonstration initiated by the brethren of the mystic tie is unquestionably one of the two events that Ipswichians make most of . One is the Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural

Society ' s exhibition , and the other is—well , the heading to this brief sketch tells what it is . Ipswich ladies really lay themselves out in friendly rivalry on this occasion , and , though they do not court admiration , they are graceful patronesses of all who bow at their shrine . They dress well , fashionably , and even elaborately , and no one can look at them and their beautiful attire without awarding at

least silent approval of their toilets . This year , as usual , the affair was managed by a joint Committee of members of the three lodges , of which Bro . A . ] . Stephenson was Chairman j Bro . John Nicholls , Treasurer ; and Bros . G . Vowles and J . B . Sumner , Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively . The decorations were not so extensive as they were in

1 S 87 , but they were equally effective , and in undeniably good taste . There was not a profusion of flowers , but , thanks to the energy of Bro . Whitehouse , there was an abundance of foliage , and that was tastefully arranged round the walls , and was alternately relieved by Masonic emblems and flags , the latter being kindly lent by the Western Star Lodge ( G . U . O . O . F . ) . On each side of the stage were

the letters " G . " and "A . " and above the centre depended a flag bearing the initial letters " I . T . N . O . T . G . A . O . I . U ., "which signify " In the Name of the Great Architect of the Universe , " a crown , & c , and the appropriate word " Welcome . " Credit for the decorations is especially due to Bro . J . C . N . Wilson ( who was chairman of the sub-committee ) , Bros . G . Bradshaw , James Ferguson ,

jun ., W . Henson , Thomas Harrison , J . White , J . H . Curnow , J . Hucker , C E . Simpson , J . J . Petlord , J . Nicholls , J . B . Summer , N . Duncan , and S . Ash . They worked hard , and their labour spoke for them with no uncertain sound . It is needless to say that Bro . Whitehouse was the caterer , and it is also unnecessary to say that his

contribution to the night ' s enjoyment was irreproachable , both in quality and arrangement . Half-past eight had chimed from the clock tower ere the ladies and their attendant lords began to make their appearance , but shortly after that time a steady stream of visitors flowed into the hall , where , long before , everything had been prepared for their reception . Naturally there was a crowd ot sightseers—mostly

of the gentler sex—lining each side of the approaches to the building , and every now and then a subdued murmur of admiration was heard as some unusually handsome costume flitted through the vestibule , and was lost to sight inside the ball-room . Shortly after nine o ' clock the formation of the processional arch of wands under the supervision of the

Marshals , Bros . P . Brown , P . L . Cardew , and A . J . Stephenson , betokened the approach of some dignitary , and presently , to the strains of the orchestra , Bro . T . O . Unmack , M . L . A ., P . G . M ., was escorted round the hall , and finally to the platform , where he was duly received and seated . Besides this brother , the same ceremony was

performed at the reception of Bros . G . Bradshaw , P . S . G . W . ; J . Macartney , P . G . D . ; W . Henson , P . G . D . j and J . H . Curnow , P . G . S ., who , with Bro . Unmack , represented the Irish District Grand Lodge ; Bros . P . Brown , D . D . G . M . j W . H . Johns , and Jas . Ferguson , jun ., representing the Scotch District Grand Lodge ; Bros , A . J . Stephenson , P . D . S . G . W . ; P . L . Cardew , P . P . G . D .

Queensland.

of C ; and H . E . Wyman , D . G . S ., representing n , English District Grand Lodge . S the ' After these distinguished officials had been madewel come with all the pomp and pride of ye ancient Mason rites , the D . C . 's , Bros . Cardew and Browne , and B . Welsh ' gave the signal , and the poetry of motion began , fashioned

to excellent music furnished by a hrst-class orchestra ( under the conductorship of Mr . J . J . Wells ) , who were stationed on a foliage-shrouded dais to the ri ght of the entrance . Hour after hour flew away , chased by flying feet , and speeded by merry speech and dashes of sparklinf wit . °

At last the hour of parting came , all too reluctantl y the dancers took their leave of the decorated building , an , j finally separated under a cloudless sky , and in the keen bracing temperature of a Queensland winter morn .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall . Bro James Brett , P . G . P ., Senior Vice-President , occupied the President ' s chair ; Bro . C A . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., Junior Vice-President , took the chair of Senior Vice-President and Bro . the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . C , occupied the

chair of Junior Vice-President . Bros . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Alfred A . Pendlebury , Asst . G . Sec .-W . Todd , and W . H . Lee were in attendance from Grand Secretary ' s department ; and the other brethren present were Bros . Henry Maudslay , P . G . D . ; F . R . Spaull , D . D . Mercer , Henry Garrod , W . H . Perryman , J . B . Grievej A . " C . Woodward , Charles Dairy , G . P . Britten , W .

Hopekirk , T . Cull , George Read , R . J . Taylor , C . C Dumas P . A . G . D . C ; N . Tracy , H . Cawte , E . West , A . E . Gladwell , H . Massey , W . C . Williams , E . Gooch Johnson , G . R . Langley , H . Hooper , Henry Nuding , John Finch , G . ' Bolton , E . F . Bamber , C . J . Coombs , Henry Deane , A . T . Twyman , C H . Webb , G . L . Moore , Wyndham Hart , N * . Brown , and James A . Clarkson .

The brethren first confirmed recommendations made to the M . W . Grand Master at the August meeting to the amount of £ 305 . There were 2 S cases on the new list coming through lodges in the London district , and lodges at Portsmouth , Grimsby , Berwick-upon-Tweed , Liverpool , Sandport , Exeter , Stoke-on-Trent , Shoreham , Colchester , Handsworth , Loughborough , Chacewater , Leeds , Bristol , Nottingham , Malta , Ipswich , Stockport , East Stonehouse

, and Abingdon . Two of these were deferred , being incomplete , the remainder were relieved with a total sum of £ 740 . This was composed of one recommendation to Grand Lodge of £ 100 , and three of £ 50 each j four recommendations also to the Grand Master of £ 40 each , and three of £ 30 each ; and ten grants of £ 20 each , three of £ 10 , and two of £ 5 each .

Proposed United Grand Lodge Of Victoria.

PROPOSED UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA .

We learn from the Australasian Keystone that a meeting of the General Committee appointed to take into consideration the advisability of establishing an independent Grand Lodge of Victoria was held at Freemasons '

Hall , Collins-street East , Melbourne , on the 26 th July last . Bro . John James , Past District S . G . W . ( E . C ) , occupied the chair , and there were present about 50 members , including Bro . A . Ellis , Prov . G . Sec . ( I . C ) , the Hon . Treas ., and Bro . E . Edwards , jun ., Past D . G . S . B . ( S . C ) , the Hon . Sec .

The Chairman reported that the Sub-Committee appointed the 6 th June had met on the nth of the same month , had adopted a circular letter to be addressed to the W . M . of every lodge , with a schedule attached , to be returned to the Hon . Secretary showing the results of the voting ; that this circular letter had been accompanied by another in which the proceedings hitherto taken were fully

described , and containing voting papers to be signed by those members who were unable to attend their lodge when the subject was under consideration ; and that copies of the proceedings in Freemasons' Hall on the 31 st May , as reported in the Australasian Keystone , had in addition been sent to the country lodges . The report of the Committee on the proposition of the Chairman , seconded by

Bro . 5 . A . CANTOR , Past District G . W ., was received and adopted . It was resolved , on the motion of Bro . ELLIS , Prov . G . Sec . ( I . C ) , seconded by Bro . J . S . BULTERS , P . M ., "That an Executive Committee , consisting of 20 W . and PMasters , with the Chairman , Treasurer , and Secretary as ex-officio members , be appointed , with power to take the

necessary steps to carry out the objects originally contemplated , viz ., to form a United Grand Lodge of Victoria , also to report to a subsequent meeting of the General Committee the nature of the steps they have taken , and to make such recommendations on the general subject as they may deem proper . " The following were elected by ballot to serve on the

Executive Committee , namely : Bros . W . J . Runting , T . Smith , W . T .-C . Kelly , C . H . Bayley , W . Henry , S . Trythall , J . A . Cantor , K . O . Thompson , S . Franklin , VV . F . Lamonhy , J . McKinery , J . Robertson , W . Gane , T . H . Lempriere , W . B . Edwards , J . S . Bulters , C . S . Mason , H . Bannister , G . F . Martin , and W . Davis .

It appears from the reports so far as they had been received to date showed that nearly 1300 had voted for the scheme of a separate Grand Lodge , and only 29 against it * and of these latter many appeared to have misunderstood the movement . A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close .

Last week , Bro . the Earl and Countess of . Mm * town arrived at Russborough House , their seat in the county of Wicklow . Bro . the Marquis and Marchioness of Bute have recently visited their newly-purchased estate , Falkland House , Fifeshire .

A largely-attended meeting was held at Birming * ham , on the 14 th instant , under the presidency of ' . Mayor , when the invitation of the National Rifle Association to select Cannock Chase for their future meetings was heartily endorsed . It was stated in the course of the pro ceedings that Bro . General Lord Wolseley would shortly visit the town for the purpose of distributing the prizes 1 the local Volunteers .