Christmas Social Party Of The Blair Lodge, No.815, At The Hulme Town Hall, Manchester.

Wray as joining members , and Bro . David Foulkes as rejoining member , and declared successful in each case . Bro Ephraim Harris , P . M ., explained the first tracing board , and then assumed the chair of K . S :, and passed Bro . j . VV . White to the Second Degree , after which Tiro . H . L . Rocca , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D _., explained the second tracing board , and subsequently closed the lodge . The brethren passed a very pleasant evening around the social board .

Ball Of The Royal Savoy Lodge, No. 1744.

BALL OF THE ROYAL SAVOY LODGE , No . 1744 .

This lodge give a graiid ball on Wednesday , the 13 th tnsl ., at Freemasons' Grand Hall , which was largely attended by members of the lodge and visitors , together with the ladies who are indispensable on such occasions , who were all dressed in most becoming and fashionable

costumes , which graced many a pretty face . The following were the Committee to carry out the arrangements , and in every respect most faithfully did they perform theirduties : Bros . J . VV . Smith , VV . M ., President ; C . J . Knightley , Vice-President ; H . VV . Field , Treasurer ; H . Dickey , Hon . Secretary ; G . Mordey , R . Ross , D . C . ; VV . M . Stiles , I . P . M . ; VV . A . Scurrah , and J . Willing ,

jun ., P . M . Stewards : Bros . W . H . Barling , J . D . ; J . Bishop , T . Crane , G . Clarke , R . Dipple , J . Greenfield , P . M . ; J . Glynn , C . H . Holland , I . G . ; C . Horton , G . _Hvams _, VV . Jaques , S . D . ; R . Nadenik , E . Percy , W . S . ; Dr . J . Powdrell , J . C . Smith , J . W . ; and J . Terry , P . M . At midnight , after the first part of the programme was over , the company adjourned to supper , which was a hot

one and well served , in the Crown Room and the Glee Room , to which ample justice was done to the abundant hospitality of the Royal Savoy Lodge . In the Crown Room the supper tables were presided over by President Bro . J . VV . Smith , VV . M . ; Hon . Sec , Bro . H . Dickey ; Committee , Bros . Jas . Willing , R . Ross , W . M . Stiles , G . Mordey ; Stewards , Bros . VV . H . Barling ,

T . iCrane , E . Perry , W . Jaques , J . Bishop , G . H . Holland , R . Nadenik , Dr . J . Powdrell , and J . C Smith . In the Glee Room , Vice-President , Bro . C J . Knightley ; Treasurer , Bro . VV . H . Field ; Committee , W . H . Scurrah ; Steward , J . Glynn . We are confident that all who had the pleasure of an invitation wish it may be an annual one . We think such

festivities are of much good , as they bring the members of a lodge and their friends more together , and make Masonry not only tolerable with the ladies , but thoroughly approved , and the principles and tenets of the Craft upheld by the fair sex . Dancing was kept up with enthusiasm , the company dispersing about five o ' clock on Thursday morning , after an evening's thorough enjoyment .

Banquet Of The Pattenmakers' Company.

BANQUET OF THE PATTENMAKERS' COMPANY .

The livery dinner of this ancient Guild took p lace at the Holborn Restaurant on Thursday , the 14 th inst . Bro . Capt . George Lambert , F . S . A ., P . G . S . B ., the genial Master of the Company , occupied the chair , and among the principal guests were Bros , the Right Hon . Lord

Mayor Staples ; Admiral the Hon . Sir H . Keppel , G . C . B . ; Admiral Sir VV . Hewitt , V . C , K . C . B . ; Sheriff Clarke ; Major-General Sir Charles Warren ; Sir J . McGarel Hogg , Bart ., M . P . ; Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . Sec ; Col . Howard Vincent , M . P . ; Capt . Philips , P . G . D . ; H . D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal ; Clout ( Warden ) ; Major Joseph , Master of the Gold and Silver Wyre Diawers ' Company ; Barrow Emanuel , M . A . ; James Terry , Sec .

R . M . B . I . ; Richard Clowes ; VV . M . Bywater , P . M . 19 R . Spice ; Charles Greenwood , P . G . S . B . ; A . J . Beer ; C . VV . Hudson ; VV . H . Pannell ; T . F . Peacock ; D . P . Cama ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . A . D . C . ; F . Stohwasser E . Jackson Barron ; R . Herve Giraud , P . G . D . ; T . Shipp ; Brackstone Baker , P . G . D . ; Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; George Kenning ; Col . Harding , G . A . D . C . ;

A . F . Godson , D . P . G . M . Worcestershire ; the Rev . O . Thompson , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . Dr . Maguire ; Dr . Mickley ; Capt . Thornhill , F . R . G . S . ; Capt . Bowyer ; and Youle ( Clerk ) . After an admirable dinner , served in the style in vogue at the Holborn _Restautant , the Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts , that of the " Navy , Army ,

and Reserve _borces" being acknowledged by Bros . Admiral Sir H . Keppel , Admiral Sir VV . Hewett , and Major-General Sir C . Warren . In responding for the toast of his health , the LORD MAYOR , having reciprocated the kindly feeling expressed by the Master , said when he first entered the room he thought by the display of flags and banners that they were

coming to some military entertainment , but another glance showed him that the decorations on the banner : ; were rather the types of the victories of the great commercial city of which the Master had spoken than of any warlike body . Referring to the victories which the Corporation had won from its earliest days , his lordship said the first victory might be said to be at the time of William the

Conqueror , when they obtained from him the triumph of allowing every man to be equal before the law , which had not been the case previous to his arrival . They obtained a victory over the oppressions of the nobles , a victory over the tyranny of kings , victories over disease , victories over famines , victories over insurrections from within and troubles from

without , victories over dishonest men , and victories in point of fact which had brought the City of London to that which it now was . What might be regarded as their last victories were the victories of cleanliness , purity , good air , and good water over , the deficiences of our forefathers . ( Cheers . ) The Master had remarked , in one of his speeches , that they were able to sit down and enjoy this

festivity in peace . Was not that a victory of London ? ( Hear , hear . ) The Corporation and the great City companies had possessed a great force in the country , which had been exercised for the general benefit , and not for any advantage of their own . Holding the responsible position of representative of the City of London , he was proud to

refer to these triumphs . ( Cheers . ) He was elected Lord Mayor by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens , and he hoped he would hand down the office , which was one of great dignity , unsullied to his successors , and that a long line of Lord Mayors might still receive from time to time , the hospitality of the Pattenmakcrs' and other livery companies . ( Cheers . )

Banquet Of The Pattenmakers' Company.

The toast of " The Houses of Parliament " having been proposed , and acknowledged by Col . DUNCAN , M . P ., and Bro . Col . H . VINCENT , M . P ., Bro . the LORD MAYOR gave " Prosperity to the Pattenmakers' Company , " and associated with the name of its Master ( the Chairman , Bro . Captain Lambert ) , of whose services in many capacities , but especially in connection with this Company , his lordship spoke in most eulogistic terms . The CHAIRMAN

having replied briefly , but in his usually happy manner , proposed "The Masters of the City Companies , " which Was duly honoured and acknowledged , and Bro . Warden CLOUT , the Master elect of trie Pattenmakers , having replied for "The Wardens , " and IVtr , C . J . _SHIOIVEE for "The Visitors / ' the list was closed with the health of "The Clerk , " to which Bro . YOULE briefly replied . Some excellent vocal and instrumental music , under the direction of Miss Mary Belval , was given during the

evening , Bro . Chaplin Henry being one of the artistes . It may also be mentioned that Bro . T . J . Hamp , the courteous and able manager of the Restaurant , was presented by the chairman before tile banquet came to an end with an elegant Masonic silver cigar case in commemoration of the event , and bearing the following inscription : — "To Mr . T . J . Hamp , for his kind and polite attention to the Court and Livery , from Capt . George Lambert , F . S . A ., Master of the _Pattenmakers' Company , March , 18 S 4-5 , 1 SS 5-6 . "

Annual Masonic Banquets.

ANNUAL MASONIC BANQUETS .

BANQUET OF THE SINCERITY LODGE , No . 1 S 9 , PLYMOUTH . The annual Christmas banquet in connection with the Sincerity Lodge , No . 1 S 9 , Plymouth , was held on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., at Bro . Walter ' s , Farley Hotel . An excellent dinner was provided . The VV . M ., Bro . Edwin Prout , presided , and was supported by Bros . Col . Healy , I . P . M ., P . D . G . S . W . ; George R . Barrett , P . M . 1 S 91255 ,

, 2025 , P . G . S . D . ; T . S . Bayly , P . M . and Treasurer 1 S 9 , P . P . G . Treas . ; E . L . _Maunsell , P . S . O . ; J . Griffin , P . M . 70 , 2025 , P . G . J . D . ; E . A . Davies , P . M . 1099 , P . P . G . S . of VVks . ; the Rev . T . VV . Lemon , M . A ., P . M . and Chap . 1 S 9 , P . P . G . Chap . ; A . Brickwood Hutchings , Mayor of Devonport , P . M . 2025 , P . G . O . ; A . Latimer , P . M . 1 S 9 ; C . Croydon , P . M . 1 S 9 ; VV . Ollis , P . M . ; George Hawken ,

P . M . 1 S 9 ; A . S . Hendry , P . M . 1 S 9 , who kindly filled the J . W ' s . chair ; J . Dampney , P . M . 1 S 9 ; F . Codd , P . M . 1 S 9 ; J . Gifford , P . M . 105 , and Sec . 2025 ; George Jackson , P . M . 1 S 9 ; A . W . White , P . M . J 136 ; J . F . Burns , VV . M . 202 ; C . Dunsterville , S . W . 1 S 9 ; J . Ward , S . D . 1 S 9 ; Frank R . Thomas , J . D . 1 S 9 ; J . B . Moulder , jun ., I . G . 1 S 9 ; Charles F . Hocking , S . S . 1 S 9 ; S . H . Phillips , J . S .

1 S 9 ; VV . M . Robins , 1 S 9 ; E . J . Rattenbury , R . N ., 1 S 9 ; R . D . Howland , 711 , Port Elizabeth ; F . G . Pinkham , 10 5 j E . A . New , iSg ; and T . Veale , 230 . The VV . M . apologised for the absence of the esteemed Secretary , Bro . R . H . Rae , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., and the genial J . W ., Bro . G . A . Broome , from indisposition . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Two excellent violin

solos were given by Bros . Codd and Hendry . Some capital songs were rendered by Bros . Hocking , Howland , Pinkham , Rattenbury , Moulder , Thomas , Veale , Dunsterville , and Robins , and exceedingly good recitations by Bros . Croydon , Hawken , and Dampney . Bro . A . Latimer , P . M . 1 S 9 , ably accompanied on the pianoforte . A most pleasant evening was spent .

BANQUET OF THE EBRINGTON LODGE , No . 1 S 47

MILLBAY . The annual banquet of the Ebrington Lodge , No . 1 S 47 , svas held on the 13 th inst ., at the Imperial Hotel , Millbay , Bro . VV . H . VV . Macey , W . M ., presiding . Ihere were also present Bros . R . Hurrell , I . P . M . 1 S 47 ; J . H . Stevens , P . M ., Sec . ; G . lillery , VV . M . 159 ; H . Mortimer , I . P . M . 159 ; B . S . Johns , P . M . 159 ; Fred . R . Goodear , I . P . M .

223 ; H . B . M . Millan , Henry Trethewy , P . M . 159 , 202 ; VV . H . Williams , J . W , ; Fred . Barnadell , 105 ; B . Michel ! , Chap . 1 S 47 ; A . C . Titherly , D . C ; Robert Selmon , J . W . 139 ; John Griffin , 131 ; W . Radmore , 159 ; J . Merrifield , 1847 ; Thomas Pooker , J . D . 156 ; Thomas May , W . M . 1099 ; Henry Rogers , S . W . 1099 ; G . Firkins , 1 S 47 ; J . Masters , A . D . C ., J . Masters , P . S . VV . ; J . B .

VV . Fox , 223 j J . H . Blackell , P . M . 1099 ; H . G . Harding , I . G . ; T . Geach , S . W . ; VV . J . Newell , 156 ; G . Sweet , I . G . 1 S 47 ; T . Teague , J . Moore , P . Brendon , 105 ; J . T . _Roolte , J . Tyacke , 105 ; E . Pinhey , 159 ; Charles A . Nicholson , P . M ., Treas . 1 S 47 ; A . R . Lethbridge , P . M . 1 S 47 , P . G . S . of Wits . ; James Lose , P . M . ; Richard Lose , P . M . ; Wm . Kennedy , J . D . 1205 ; Wm . Sutton ,

J . Moat , 159 ; VV . Cutchffe , 15 6 ; J . A . Moxey , M . R . ' Moxey , 12 S 4 ; E . Richards , 131 ; H . Luscombe , 155 ; and VV . Sweet , S . S . 1212 . After the loyal and some of the Masonic toasts had been disposed of , Bro . J . Lose , P . M ., gave "The VV . M . of the Ebrington Lodge , Bro . VV . H . W . Macey . " He said he had known Bro . Macey for a great number of years , and

from his experience of him he believed he would fulfil the duties of his office with the utmost facility and good judgment . 'The Worshipful Master , after replying to the toast of his health , called upon Bro . Stephens to give " The Health of Bro . R . Hurrell , I . P . M . " Bro . Stephens said there was no need for him to eulogise Bro . Hurrell . 'Those who knew him valued his services to

the lodge and Masonry better than he could tell them . He had never failed to carry out the duties which had devolved upon him while in the chair of the lodge , and he had done his utmost , though yielding to none , to please everyone . But while proposing his health a more pleasing task fell upon him—that of presenting Bro . Hurrell with a testimony of the esteem in which they held him . The timepiece

which he now gave in the name of the lodge to his brother was the unanimous gift of the members . He had fairly won it , and he ( the speaker ) hoped that he would long live to enjoy it . The presentation consisted of a handsome marble timepiece with gilt fittings , surmounted by a bronze bust , and bearing the following inscription : " Presented by the brethren of Lodge Ebrington , 1 S 47 , to Bro .

Robert Hurrell , P . M ., in appreciation of his Masonic zeal during his year of office . January 13 th , 1 SS 6 . " Songs and selections of music were given during the evening , among the contributors to this portion of the entertainment being Bros . James Lose , Kennedy , Rickeard , C . Sutton , VV . H . VV . Macey , and others . A very enjoyable evening having been spent , the company separated at midnight .

Masonic Testimonial To The Rev. W. Whittley.

MASONIC TESTIMONIAL TO THE REV . W . WHITTLEY .

In making the presentation at Plymouth recently of a gold watch to W . Bro . the Kev . VV . VVhittley , on behalf of the brethren of the Three 'Towns , VV . Bro . WM . DERRY , who presided on the occasion , remarked that , unfortunately for them , by the removal of Bro . VVhittley to

London they had suffered a great loss . During his residence among them he had been a very active Mason , and bad done much to widen the borders of Masonry . He had gone through the various offices in Lodge Harmony with the greatest credit to himself and bcriefit to the lodge : He : promoted the institution of the Lodge St . Maurice , I BS 5 J at Plympton , and officiated as its first Master . He had

promoted the institution of the Lodge Prudence , 1550 , in Plymouth . He had occupied the office of P . G . S . VV . to the satisfaction of all the brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge , and gained the warm esteem of the P . G . M ., Lord Ebrington , who would have been present that evening but that his Parliamentary duties prevented . Bro . VVhittley had been heart and soul in the Masonic educational

movements in the province . He had been a member of the Committee for the Relief of the Deserving Poor , and through bis exertions much good had been done by that body . He had never allowed a case which had been submitted to him to pass by without careful inquiry and judicious treatment . On the 23 rd of last month , through his exertions in London , the Board of Benevolence had been

induced to make the somewhat unusually large grant of £ 100 towards the relief of a worthy brother of the province who , through illness , had become distressed . The town had , through the Mayor , presented a testimonial to Bro . VVhittley for his exertions on the Committee of the Mendicity Society of the town , and as a mark of the general high esteem in which he was held by his late fellow

townsmen . Masons felt they could but follow that excellent example , and as a mark of their recognition of his services to the Order and their esteem , he ( Bro . Derry ) was deputed to present him with that handsome watch . He hoped Bro . VVhittley would be long spared to wear it , and he was sure that whenever he had occasion to use it he

would have before him a pleasing remembrance of his absent brethren in Devon . Bro . COVER also bore testimony to the valuable services rendered by Bro . VVhittley in the province . Not only had he been active in that lodge , but throughout the lodges of the Three Towns .

W . Bro . VVHITTLEY , with much feeling , expressed his warm appreciation of the kindness shown him by the brethren . He should never forget it . He should always continue a member of Harmony Lodge , and ever bear in mind his pleasing connection with Devon , and be ready at any time to give what services he could for the benefit of the province . — Western Mornine A _' CWJ , Jan . 16 th .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . MAJOR GENERAL SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY . The above distinguished officer died suddenly at sea , on the northern coast of Queensland , on the 2 nd December last . He was seized with malarial fever whilst cruising off the coast of British New Guinea a week previously , and the case was considered so serious that the medical officer advised an immediate return southwards to Australia . Major General Scratchley was in 1 SS 4 appointed her

Majesty ' s High Commissioner for the British Protectorate of New Guinea , and was at the time of his death performing the duties of his office . Sir Peter was the youngest son of the late Dr . Scratchley , of the Royal Engineers . He served in the Crimea , and throughout the Indian Mutiny , accompanying an assault party in the final siege and capture of Lucknow . In the year 1 SG 0 the Victorian ( Australia ) Government applied home for an officer of

Engineers to superintend the erection of defences , and General ( then Captain ) Scratchley was selected for the post . He entered with much zest into the volunteer movement of the colony , and received the honorary appointment of Lieut .-Col . of the Volunteer Engineers . It was during this period that our departed brother became a member of the Masonic Fraternity , he being initiated in the Meridian Lodge of St . John , 729 ( E . C ) , Melbourne . In 1 S 6 4 he

returned to England , and as a recognition of his Indian services was promoted to the rank of Alajor . After holding several important positions under the War Office , he was commissioned to advise the Agent-General of Victoria in the _putchase of arms and munitions of war . In 1 S _77 he became Lieut .-Col ., and the following year accompanied Sir Wm . Jervoison an official mission to Australia . Subsequently Col . Scratchley retired from active service with the

rank ot Major-Gen . Asstated , Gen . Scratchley again went to Australia as High Commissioner of New Guinea , and was created K . C . M . G . by her Majesty in May last . The remains of our distinguised brother were landed in Melbourne , where Lady Scratchley resides , on the 15 th of December , and two days later the interment was conducted with full military honours in the St . Kilda cemetery .

In the cortege were two battalions of the Victorian Militia and a battery of field artillery , whilst Sir II . B . Loch , Governor of the colony , was present , together with military representatives from Queensland , New South Wales , South Australia , and Tasmania , Knights and Companions of SS . Michael and George , foreign consuls , and other dignataries .

Bro , Sir Charles Warren was presented , on Friday , the 15 th inst ., at a meeting of Cape Merchants , with a handsome testimonial in recognition of his recent services in Bechuanaland . Our distinguished brother has since been promoted by the Queen , for the same services , to be Major-General in Egypt with the command of the forces at Suakin .

Owing to her recent indisposition the Princess of Wales was unable to accompany his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on his visit to Eaton Hall , or to be present with him at the opening of the Mersey Tunnel . The Prince too , in consequence of the Ouecn opening Parliament in

person , was under the necessity of breaking his visit by returning to town immediately after the ceremony . But his Royal Highness was to return to Eaton Hall to-day ( Friday ) , and prolong his visit till Monday next , instead of terminating it as originally intended to-morrow ( Saturday ) .