Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

The lodge was called off and on . The lodge was resumed in the Second Degree , and Bro . Hale having answered the usual questions , was entrusted and retired . The lodge was resumed in the Third Degree , and Bro . Hale raised in due form . The lodge was resumed in the First Degree . The W . M . rose for the first time , and dues were collected .

Bros . F . M . Hale and A . W . Le Crew , of the mother lodge ; T . Underwood , P . AL 1679 ; and H . T . Telling , 21 S 2 , were all unanimously elected joining members of the lodge . It was proposed and seconded by Bros . Martin , P . M ., and Stunt , P . M ., that a vote of thanks be passed to regular officers for vacating offices for the Blackheath brethren on this night , and carried . The lodge was then closed .

IVY LODGE ( No . 1441 ) . — -The usual weekly meeting of the above lodge was held on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., at the Railway Tavern , Battersea Rise , S . W ., when there were present Bros . Pidduck , W . AL ; Tavernor , S . W . ; Ingram , J . W . ; Carter , P . M . 14 H , Preceptor ; George , Sec . j M . Wills , S . D . j Bradbury , J . D . j Gill , I . G . j Higerty , P . M , 1444 , P . P . J . G . D . Surrey ; Collick , P . M . 1585 ; Boswell , Pratt , and Smith .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Pratt being the candidate . Bro . Higerty , as a candidate for the Second Degree , having answered the questions in a most satisfactory manner , was duly entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . Higerty was duly advanced to the

Degree of F . C . The lodge closed down to the First Degree , and after dues were collected , the W . AL rose for the first and second times , when Bro . S . VV . Tavernor , S . W . 1441 , was unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting . A special vote of thanks to the W . M . was ordered to be recorded for his excellent working . The W . M . rose for the third time , and after " Hearty good wishes " tie lodge was closed .

JERSEY . —EMULATION * LODUE ( NO . 244 ) . —The usual weekly meeting of this lodge was held at the British Hotel , Broad-street , St . Helier's , on Tuesday , the 12 th inst ., when there were present Bros . Jos . Lesbirel , 244 , W . M . ; W . H . Edmunds , 319 and 17 S 0 , S . W . ; F . P . Le Boutiller , 244 , J . W . ; J . Caton , 244 , Preceptor ; L . P . Hespiradoux , 244 , Sec ; A . P . Le Sauvage , 1003 , S . D . ; las . Wright , 1003 , J . D . ; F . VV . Simon , 1003

I . G . j Wm . Smith , 145 S ; J . Alardment , 17 S 0 ; Wm . Newman , 1003 ; A . de Beauchesne Syvret , S 77 ; Tom Parris , 244 ; and C . Baker , 244 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of passing was then rehearsed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . The W . AL rehearsed the Degree of F . C Bro . Hespiradoux gave the charge and explained the tracing board . The lodge was resumed to the First

Degree with the usual formalities . The W . AL on rising for the first time , ordered the dues to be collected . On rising for the second time , Bro . VV . H . Edmunds was unanimously elected W . AI . for the next meeting , and appointed his officers in rotation . On rising for the third time , the usual routine business having been dispatched , and nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed . During the evening the lodge was called off and on .

The Recent Festival Of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

THE RECENT FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The following new lists and additions to lists have been received since the publication of our last report : Lodge LONDON . £ s . d . S 71 Bro . A . T . Dealer , additional 1 1 o ( raising his list to £ 190 16 s . )

22 7 „ H . Longman , additional 220 ( raising his list to £ 40 19 s . ) ' 743 j > C E . Ferry , additional 3 3 ° Unattached ( raising his list to £ 00 iSs . ) Bro . O . Philippe , additional 10 10 o ( raising his list to £ 294 . ) „ Geo . Stagg ( new Stwd . ) , new list ... 10 10 o

PROVINCES . Lodge DEVONSHIRE . 135 S „ H . P . Jarman , additional 7 10 0 ( raising his list to £ 52 ios . ) ESSEX . ' 457 » J . C . Hopwood , additional 10 10 0 ( raising his list to £ ( rj ys . )

HlClUTORIISIIlRE . 2 $ 2 m- » C . E . Keyser , additional 315 o 0 ( raising his list to £ Go 2 14 s . ) LANCASHIRE ( EAST DIVISION ) . 1723 „ T . Alagee ( new Stwd . ) , new list ... 10 10 o 17-3 11 Alderman John MillsJ . P . ( new Stwd . ) , new list ... 10 10 u

STAl'i-ORIJSHll'l * . „ VV . II , Bailey , additional _ 105 o 0 ( raising his list to £ 194 5 s . ) SURREY . 1149 „ F . Flood , additional 110 ( raising his list to £ 135 9 s . )

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

INSTALLATION OF HRO . 11 * . . / . REES AS I'ROV . ( IRANU MASTER ( S . C . ) OF NEW ZEALAND The imposing ceremony of installing a Prov . Grand Master took place on February 3 rd in the Freemasons ' Hall , Princes-street , Auckland , when 140 brethren were present , of which number fully 50 were Alasters and

Past Masters of lodges . The Communication of the Prov . Grand Lodge ( S . C . ) opened the ceremonies . Bro . W . McCullough , P . Depute G . M ., presided . The lodge room presented an attractive appearance , the steps of the dais being rendered gay with pot

plants and baskets of flowers , while shrubs in pots were also distributed about the floor . Fronting the Grand Alastcr's seat was thc chair for the brother about to be installed . This was covered with a beautiful skin , while handsome coloured rugs were spread upon

The Craft Abroad.

the intervening space on the floor between the two seats . When the ordinary proceeding of the Scotch Grand Lodge was concluded , Bro . G . S . Graham , D . G . M . ( E . G . ) , was received , attended by the officers of the District Grand Lodge ( E . G . ) . Visiting lodges were subsequently received as follows -. Prince of Wales , Remuera , Harmony Waitemata , Lodge of Life

( Thames ) , St . Andrew , Ponsonby , and Ara . Representatives were also present from many other lodges , including brethren from Tarnaki and Waikato . The Masonic choir was in attendance , and rendered the musical portion of the service in good style , Bro . Pirie conducting . Bro . W . 1 . Rees was received with honours when he

entered the lodge . The brethren of the Irish Constitution formed an avenue , through which the P . G . M . elect proceeded to the chair fronting the dais . On his right were seated Bros . J . Buchanan ( one of the oldest Past Masters of Ara Lodge ) and W . Anderson , P . G .

S . M . ( S . C ) . On the left of the candidate were seated Bros . G . S . Graham , P . G . M . ( E . C ) , and H . P . Moat , R . W . M . Ara Lodge . Before the ceremony of installation commenced the choir sang the anthem " Incline Thine Ear . " Bro . W . MCCULLOUGH addressed the brethren . Hesaid

they had assembled that evening to take part in an important ceremony , both to Freemasons and to the brother to , whom they purposed to do honour . Such an occurrence reminded them forcibly of the absence of one who was accustomed to preside in the lodge . He referred to the late P . G . M ., Bro . G . P . Pierce , whose death left a blank that required filling . When a

successor was looked for , none found greater favour in the eyes ol his brethren than Bro . William Joseph Rees , P . G . Sec . It had also pleased the M . W . G . M . of Ireland , the Duke of Abercorn , to nominate Bro . Rees to that distinguished position , and that choice had met with the most universal approval of the brethren of the Irish Constitution . Personally , he felt gratified at

having to install Bro . Rees . To one so skilled in Masonic matters it was unnecessary that he should be reminded of the duties of his high office . Still he would say that the position was one of great responsibility , for the prosperity and even the existence of Masonry in this province under the Irish Constitution depended to a great measure on the talent , activity .

and zeal of the Provincial Grand Master . He required special tact and ability , and these capabilities he believed Bro . Rees possessed . He congratulated him upon being chosen to fill such a high position . The choir then sang the anthem , " In Jewry is God Known , " after which Bros . G . S . Graham and W . Anderson advanced Bro . W . J . Rees to the dais and

presented him for installation . Bro . GRAHAM said he was fully confident that the selection made by the M . W . G . M ., the Duke of Abercorn , was fully warranted . Bro . ANDERSON remarked that no more worthy brother could have been selected for the position than Bro . Rees , as he was held in esteem by all .

Bro . the Rev . Gould then engaged in prayer . The anthem , " Before Jehovah ' s Awful Throne " was next sung , after which Bro . T . Cantely , P . G . S ., S . C , read the ancient charges , and the obligation was taken . The choir then rendered " Behold How Good and Joyful . " Bro . Rees was then invested with the insignia of office , and was handed to the chair by Bro . McCullough .

The choir sang " May God direct thy footsteps , " after which Bro . McCullough saluted Bro . Rees . Trumpet calls were played , and Bro . J . Ellis , P . M . Lodge De Burgh Adams , Taranaki , gave the proclamations with honours , the choir rendering appropriate anthems . Bro . Graham next tendered his congratulations and retired , being indisposed . Letters of congratulation

were read from Bros . A . S . Russell , P . M ., and G . W . Basley , two of the oldest Past Alasters of Lodge Ara . A similar letter of congratulation was read from Bro . M . Niccol , P . M . Bro . Dr . KIDD , P . G . Chaplain , then delivered a short address to the brethren . He referred to a similar gathering 17 years ago , when Bro . G . P . Pierce

presided . A graceful tribute was paid to the memory of the late P . G . M . The speaker referred in eulogistic terms to the Alasonic career of Bro . Rees , pointing out that he was initiated in 1 S 68 , and had progressed through the various minor offices until he was chosen as P . G . Secretary , where he received a lilting training for his present distinguished position . Dr . Kidd then

read St . Paul's apostrophe to Charity , which he remarked was peculiarly applicable to the present time . At the present crisis in Freemasonry in New Zealand he considered that Charity to all brethren was especiall y requisite , and he would commend that thought to those present . The Prov . Grand Lodge of Ireland was then opened

by Bro . REES , who delivered a brie ! address to the brethren . He explained that the office was the gift of the AI . W . G . M . of Ireland . It was purely his own pleasure whom he appointed . The lodges might recommend a brother , but the Grand Master appointed . In his own case he might state that he was a Mason of 20 years' standing , and for a long time the whole of

the correspondence , both with subordinate lodges and Grand Lodge , was in bis hands , so that his knowledge of the Craft and Masonic intimacy with the rules in Ireland was very exceptional . He had not sought the position , but having been nominated had bowed to the

decision of the Grand AIaster in the matter . He trusted to be able to perform his duties in a manner to justify the choice of the Grand Master . He must say that he valued highly the honour done in selecting him , although he did not hanker after the position , and would be willing to resign it to-morrow . Hc must

The Craft Abroad.

also state that he felt very thankful for the kind ex . pressions in the letters from Bros . Russell and Basley who were old members of Lodge Ara , and also Bro . Al ' Niccol . As to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand , he must say he had no sympathy with the movement as he considered it premature . Of the three Constitutions the Grand Lodge of Ireland was perhaps the most favourable to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand but

there were certain forms to be observed . He Would refer to one matter—that was the illegal detention of the warrants of those lodges that had gone over . Until those warrants were unconditionally surrendered he

should not recognise any lodges worKing under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand , although many of his oldest Masonic friends had gone over , men whom he knew to be actuated by none but honest motives . The following Grand Lodge Officers were appointed .-

Bro . D . A . Niccoll , Inspector for Otago district and Deputy for the South Island . „ John Ellis ... Inspector for Taranaki district „ W . F . Brooking S . G . W . „ A . Blacke J . G . W .

„ Kev . Ur . Kidd li . Chap . „ J . R . Hanna G . Treas . and Sec „ W . Finlay S . G . D . „ A . Barrett J . G . D .

„ W . P . Moat G . Reg . „ J . Grant G . D . of C . „ J . Squires G . S . B . „ W . O . Skeet G . Purst . „ A . C . Turner "i

: ; A : H ! vVright " ::: ::: (**¦* . „ R . Kilpatrick J „ E . Tonge , G . Tyler . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the lower hall , where ample refreshments were supplied by Mrs . Tonge .

District Grand Lodge Of New Zealand.

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND .

A special meeting of the District Grand Lod ge ot New Zealand ( E . C ) , presided over by the D . G . M ., Bro . Graham , was held on the 20 th February to receive Bro . the Earl of Onslow , P . S . G . W . ( E . G . ) . The

Scottish and Irish Constitutions were represented , and there were in all about 94 present . The lodge was constituted in the presence of the Grand Lodges . The District Grand Lodge of England was opened and visitors were duly received , and the final signature was that of the Earl of Onslow as visitor .

Lord Onslow was received on behalf of the three Constitutions according to his rank , a Sword Bearer preceding him , and a staff of four officers from each Constitution accompanying him . Bro . GRAHAM , in his opening remarks , referred to the compliment which the District Grand Lodge had

received in the presence of such a distinguished officer of the Grand Lodge of England as the Earl of Onslow , and although Lord Onslow had not taken an active part in the Craft in New Zealand , he had afforded the District and Provincial Grand Lodges much valuable advice and assistance upon Masonic matters . He

concluded by wishing Lord Onslow and Lady Onslow every good wish for their future welfare . They had the privilege of welcoming his Excellency on his arrival in the colony , and he now , on behalf of the English Constitution , had great pleasure in wishing farewell to his Excellency and Lady Onslow , and wishing them all

happiness in their future career , with the hope that they would have nothing but pleasant recollections of their sojourn in New Zealand . Bro . GRAHAM then called on Bro . W . J . RE ^ P . G . M . ( S . C ) , who said that he fully appreciated , on behalf ot the Constitution which he represented , the

compliment paid to himself and the Grand Lodge which he represented , in being asked to be present to take part in this farewell to Lord Onslow , and on behalf of the Irish Masons he re-echoed the kind wishes of Bro . Graham for the happiness and welfare of their 1 distinguished brotherthe Earl of Onslowand his family- ]

, . Bro . MCCULLOUUH then spoke . He said : RigM j Worshipful Sir , —You have been good enoug h to afford me an opportunity of expressing to Bro . Lord Onslow fraternal good wishes for his welfare and happiness from the brethren holding under the Scotch Consul" ' .: : _ it .:.. ... n .. ln » nl . l ... t .. ' ,. i- I „ , vi ,: ttr /» 1 llltl

expressing the feelings of all present when 1 say we a regret the departure of so distinguished a man , and > universally esteemed a Mason . The presence of Lor Onslow in this lodge forcibly reminds us how per ect 1 the chain , and how unbroken are the strands ol tn silver cord which binds the members of the y < . silver coro wnicn uinos ine meinuns u . •¦ - ,

throughout the world . As a member of the 1 Or . Lodgo of England , the oldest and the greatest Alasoi body in the world , Lord Onslow in accepting the in * , tion of tbe District Grand Master has laid the brf ™ under an obligation , and the compliment pa > d . Switch and Irish Constitutions in being invitei * 1

present is highly appreciated by them . Bro . McCu 1 h then referred to the efforts made by Lord U" * . ^ further the cause of Freemasonry in giving adv' . assistance to the heads of the Masonic J j rater J New Zealand , adding that although Bro . ™ ^ ing of had not taken a very prominent part in the w ( e 5 t Freemasonry , yet his efforts had been ol the > _ 0 ( d . .,-. . .. .- _ f . IJ .. \ .. mmA Ull ASSUrl *!! , " , „ ? to iraii 11 c tuuviuutu „ j

enenc cne ^ . -- : tvci " Onslow that no more loyal citizens of the Emp ^ j to be found than the Masons of New f ?'' ' tr )' 1 none held dearer the claims of love for their their Queen , and their Craft . nks K * ' * "* Lord ONSLOW , in replying , expressed tiu "