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was opened in the Second Degree , and on the return of the candidate he was duly passed to the rank of Fellow Craft , and thankfully addressed the lodge on his promotion . The lodge was then closed in the Second Degree , and the W . M . again took his chair . Bro . Gove , Treasurer , presented his annual financial report , which was deemed

satisfactory under the recent depression of the lodge , and great hopes of revival were expressed , not without reason , as notice was given for three joining members , and of four candidates for initiation . The bye-laws were read . Bro . Bigwood was elected Tyler . After some discussion on matters concerning the future interests of thc lodge , it was closed at ten o ' clock .

CHESTER—Cestrian Lodge v No . 435 ) . —On Thursday , the 15 th inst ., the brethren of this lodge celebrated the festival of St . John , at the Grosvenor Hotel , when Bro . A . G . Smith was duly installed W . M . for the year . Thc ceremony was performed by Bro . T . M . Lockwood , P . P . G-. S . of W . and rearing W . M . Thc newlyinstalled W . M . appointed the following brethren as his

officers : Bros . T . M . Lockwood , I . P . M . ; J . Pye , S . W . ; S . Spencer , J . W . ; W . M . Lightfoot , S . D . ; C . Duncan , J . D . ; E . Cuzner , P . G . O ., Org . ; E . Minshull , Treas . ; S . W . Ramsden , Sec . ; D . Baynes , Tyler . Among those present were Bros . H . Lloyd , G . J . D . England ; J . Osw . ll

Bury , P . J . D . North Wales ; W . Matthews , P . P . G . A . D . of C ; f . Salmon , P . P . G . S . D . ; F . A . Dickson , P . S . J . W . C ; J . F . Rounthwaite , W . M . 428 ; Stanhope Bull , P . G . S . of W . ; W . Matthews , P . P . G . A . D . of C ; A . Forrest , P . M . 241 ; G . Wood , P . M . 424 ; W . Johnson , P . M . 371 ; and othas . A banquet followed .

HAYLE . —Cornubian Lodge ( No . 450 ) . —The above lodge celebrated St . John ' s Day , on the 30 th ult . For thc first time in the history of the ancient Order a Wesleyan minister was installed Worshipful Master of a lodge of Freemasonry . This unique event took place at the above lodge , and thc Rev . George Kennedy , who has Idled the oflice of l . W . during thc past year , was thc

brother installed . The ceremony of installation was very impressively performed by VV . Bro . Gilbert B . Pearce , P . M ., in the presence of the following Worshipful Board of Installing Masters : Bros . John Poole , John Roscwarnc , P . P . G . S . ; C . Ellis , P . P . G . S . D . ; John P . Smith , P . P . G . S . D . ; Dr . Mudge , P . P . G . J . W . ; John Coombe , P . P . G . J . D . ; G . H . Eustice , P . P . G . S . B . ; Frank Harvey ,

P . P . G . S . of W . ; F . H . Pool , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . G . O .-born , W . Huthnance , Wm . Husband , James Pool , George Stevens , H . J . Warren , G . Pearce , H . Trevithick , members ot Cornubian Lodge ; J . Hccking , 580 ; W . H . Kinsman , 1 : 1 ; and H . S . Hill , 223 . The W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . II . H . Trevithick , I . P . M . ; Bigglestonc Spray , S . W . ; Thomas Mills , l . W . ; G . B . Pearce , P . M .,

Chap . ; Frank Harvey , P . M ., Treas . ; J . P . Smith , P . M ., Sec ; W . J . Jordan , D . C ; Frank Vivian , S . D . ; Capt . Woolcock , J . D . ; J . Rogers , Org . ; Richard Hawkins , I . G . ; J . Bazeley and R . Hoskin , Stewards ; and J . V . Bray , Tyler . VV . Bro . Coombe , P . M ., was re-elected Steward of the Charities , the W . M . remarking that Bro . Coombe was never happier then when he was securing comforts to

others . The statements of accounts presented shoivcd that the receipts for the year were £ 150 , and there was a balance in hand of £ 17 , after £ 20 had bee . paid on the new lodge account , on which £ 135 still remain to be paid . The brethren subsequently celebrated the festival of St . John at a sumptuous banquet , served by Miss Olver , White Hart Hotel , W . Bro . the Rev . George

Kennedy , the newly-installed Worshipful Master , presiding . When dessert had been laid , the W . M ., in felicitous terms , gave the loyal toasts , speaking of the G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as a whole-hearted Englishman , an honoured Mason , and one to whom all looked up with loyal and respectful confidence . "The Health of the Pro . G . M . ( thc Earl of Carnarvon ) " was drank at

the bidding of W . Bro . Husband . XV . Iiro . Harvey proposed "Thc Prov . G . M . of Cornwall , " and had the whole company heartily with him in describing thc Earl of Mount Edgcumbe as a model Provincial Grand Alaster , governing the Provincial Grand Lodge with consummate tact , firmness , and courtesy . VV . Brn . Roscwarnc gave "The D . Prov . G . M ., Col . Peard , "_ nd VV . Bio . Huthnance

"The Prov . G . L . of Cornwall . " To th . latter toast VV . Bro . John Hocking , jun ., P . P . G . J . W ., responded , feeling sure that thc working of their Prov . G . L . was 1 qual to lhat of any province . This was due to the zeal and energy of the Prov . G . M ., who had most wisely encouraged lodges to provide halls of their own . The Prov . G . L . was never numerically stronger , and its charities never more

liberally supported . Next came the toast of the evening" The W . M . of Cornubian , No . 450 , " and it was received must enthusiastically . It was heartily submitted by W . Bro . Pool , the senior P . M ., who was pleased to say without hesitation that during his membership of thirty years no one hail filled the Master ' s chair more worthy oi esteem , respect , and confidence than its present occupant .

W . Bro . Kennedy responded in a most able speech , which , We regret , the demands on our space will not admit of our giving this week . It was received with loud and long continued applause , and we hope to report it fully in our next . W . Bro . Mud . r , in very hearty fashion , proposed "The Visitois , " and W . Bios . | . Hocking , jun ., W . H . Kinsman , I . P . M . 121 ; H . S . Hill ' , I . P . M . 223 ; and f . Lovell ,

jun ., Prov . G . O ., responded . " Thc . I . P . M . " was rapturously applauded , and W . llro . Trevithick warmly recognised valued assistance received from the Past Masters . " The I . M . " was also given , with well-deserved eulogy ot the manner in which W . Bro . Gilbert Pearce performed the installing ceremony . Other toasts followed , and the W . M . made a graceful reference to the special brotherly courtesy he had received from the S . W .. Bro . Birrcrlcston Snrav .

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might be exalted to the Mastership . A very pleasant evening was spent , Bro . Lovell contributing most efficiently to the harmony . SPALDING . ' — Hundred of Elloe Lodge ( No . 469 ) . —The brethren of this lodge held their annual festival of St . John ' s on Thursday , the 8 th inst ., being the date of their regular lodge . The lodge was summoned

for four o ' clock , at which time there was a fair muster of the members and several visiting brethren . The lodge was opened by Bro . Barrell , I . P . M ., P . P . G . A . D . C , who expressed regret , which was shared by all the brethren present , that their worthy and respected W . M . was through ill-health prevented from joining them . The minutes of last regular lodge were read by Bro . E . Cammach , Org .,

and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee was submitted to the brethren , and , although there had not been any initiations and the expenses of the year had been heavy , the accounts showed a fair balance in the hands of thc Treasurer , and the funds were deemed to be in a satisfactory condition ; the expenses attending the reception of Prov . Grand Lodge having been met , by the liberality

of thc brethren , without impeaching upon the lodge funds . The acting Master announced that the next business was the installation of Bro . Martin Perry , M . D ., who had been unanimously elected at the last general lodge to the chair of K . S . The lodge was then passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Woodrow , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., having taken thc chair , Bro . Barrell presented Bro .

Martin Perry to receive the benefit of installation . The ancient charges having been read by Bro . Cammach , Org ., acting Sec , and Bro . Perry having given his consent thereto , hc was duly obligated as a Master elect . The lodge having been raised to the Sublime Degree , and thc brethren below thc rank of Installed Master having retired , thc newly-obligated Master elect was duly installed

in thc chair of K . S ., according to ancient custom . On the rc-admission of thc M . M . ' s , thc newly-installed Master was saluted , and having becn proclaimed in thc East by Bro . Barrell , P . M ., was greeted by thc brethren in the usual manner . The brethren having taken their seats , Bro . Barrell delivered the address to the W . M ., and presented him the charter of the lodge and working tools of

a M . M . The W . M . then invested Bros . J . Laming as S . W . ; J . Benner as J . W . ; Rev . G .- A . Moore , P . P . G . C , Suffolk , Vicar of St . John the Baptist ' s Church , Spalding , Chap . ; E . Cammach , Sec . and Org . ; Woodrow , D . C . ; A . Harrison , S . D . ; E . Hancock , J . D . ; J . R . Capps , Std . ; and Hensman , I . G . ; addressing to each of them a few appropriate words of admonition , enforcing punctual

attendance at the lodge meetings , and a zealous attention to their lodge duties . The several officers having been conducted to their respective chairs by the Installing Master , the lodge was called off to refreshment . On return to labour the lodge was reduced to the Second Degree , and the W . M . duly saluted , proclaimed from the West , and greeted . The lodge was then further reduced to tbe First

Degree , and Bro . Barrell again duly proclaimed the installation from the South , and gave the usual addresses to the Wardens and brethren , and the ceremony , which had been performed throughout with marked ability and precision , was brought to a close . At this stage , Bro . Barrell having retired at the request of the W . M ., Bro . Harrison , S . D ., called the attention of the brethren to the

services Bro . Barrell had rendered to , and the liberality the lodge had received at his hands since his initiation into Freemasonry , more especially during thc past year ; when , with the knowledge that the meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge would during the year be held under thc Hundred of EUor Lodge banner , Bro . Barrell accepted for the third time the onerous post of Secretary , and , in the most

zealous and indefatigable manner , not only performed the heavy duties appertaining to the Secretary ' s office , but as P . G . A . D . C . bore the chief part of the burden in making those necessary arrangements consequent upon entertaining the Prov . Grand Lodge , the result of which was so creditable to thc Hundred of Elloe Lodge , and had elicited the warm plaudits of the Provincial officers and of

the brethren generally . Bro . Harrison suggested that the lodge should , therefore , on this occasion depart from its usual course and mark with some lasting proof of approval services so valuable , and proposed " That a gold Past Secretary's jewel be presented to Bro . Barrell , the expense to be paid out of the funds of the lodge . " The proposition was seconded by Bro . Cammach , Sec . and Org ., and warmly

supported by the W . M ., Bro . Laming , S . W . ; Bro . Symes , P . M . ; and several other brethren , and on being put to the lodge was unanimously carried by acclamation . On Bro . Barrell's return to the lodge , the W . M . informed him of the resolution passed in his absence . Bro . Barrell expressed his gratification at the compliment passed upon him , the more so as it was

unexpected , and stated that he felt highly honoured by such a proof of the goodwill of the brethren , and that what he had done had been for the love of Freemasonry , and for trie warm interest he ie . t in the prosperity of the Hundred of Elloe Lodge . Bro . Barrell then proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring W . M . for his conduct in the chair during the past year , stating that the retiring W . M .

had marked his year of office by several acts of munificent liberality , one of which had greatly added to the voting powers of the lodge in the Masonic Charity elections , and that it was a source of great regret that through illness thc retiring W . M . was not in lodge that day . The proposition was seconded hy the W . M ., and met thc

unanimous support of the brethren . A resolution was then passed that a letter of condolence be forwarded to Bro . Bates , P . M . 469 , P . P . G . J . W ., testifying the sympathy of the lodge with him in the severe bereavement he had recently sustained through the death of his wife . The proposition met the full support of the brethren , Bro . Bates beintr the nlilcst- m _ n . lv ,- nf tv , ~ in . i «» _ .. ^ < -- ¦ ' :-

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wishes" were then given by the following visiting brethren from their various lodges : Bros . Rev . A . G . Moore , Chaplain 469 , P . P . G . C . Suffolk , from 1 / 4 ; Rev . B . Matthews , from 1562 ; C . W . Morris , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Norfolk , from 107 ; and Carter , S . D ., from 9 85 . The usual inquiries having been made , the lodge was closed in form by the W . M ., the proceedings having afforded great

satisfaction to those present . The brethren then adjourned to the board room of the Exchange , where a most recherche ' banquet was served by Host Bro . S . R . Harper . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given by the W . M ., and heartily received . The toast of "The Past Officers " being responded to by Bro . Woodward , P . M ., P . G . S ., "The Health of the W . M . " was given by Bro . Barrell in "

that ready and happy manner for which the speeches of this expert brother arc always remarkable . The toast having met with a most cordial reception , the W . M . replied , thanking the brethren for their kindness , and expressing a hope that his year of office would be a prosperous one for the lodge , and their meetings productive of much pleasure and profit . Bro . Benner proposed " The

Health of thc VV . P . Masters , " of whom he said the lodge could boast several who , having passed the chair , did not cease to take an interest in lodge affairs , and who were always ready to promote the welfare of the lodge , and afford instruction to its members . The toast , which was received with great cordiality , was responded to by Bro . Woodrow , P . M . " The retiring W . M . and Officers " was

next proposed by Bro . Woodrow , and responded to by Bro . Symes , P . S . W ., who expressed his regret that the I . P . M . was not present to respond to the toast , and thanked the brethren on behalf of thc retiring W . M . and those officers whose privilege it had beenjto carry on the work of the lodge during the past year , stating that " it was the hope of reward which at all times sweetened labour , " and

that thc reward they hoped for they had now received , viz ., thc approval of their brethren , and the satisfaction of having worked for thc credit of thc lodge to which they had the honour to belong . They were all proud , and justly proud , of thc Hundred of Elloe , and he trusted those who succeeded would endeavour to maintain that prestige which the lodge held in thc province as one where

the working was equalled by few , and excelled by none . Bro . C . W . Morris , P . M . 107 , P . P . G . D . C . Noifolk , in a very happy manner proposed " The Health of the Newlyinvested Officers , " urging them to be attentive to their duties , and impressing on them that the successful working of a lodgecould only be accomplished by each brother making himself thoroughly conversant with his own

duties , and faithfully endeavouring to perform his allotted task . The toast was responded to by Bro . Laming , S . W . " The other Lodges in thc Province " was given by Bro . Abbott . "The Visiting Brethren" was given by Bro . Laming , S . W ., and responded to by Bro . C . W . Morris , P . M . 107 , who expressed the pleasure it always gave him to visit Spalding , where he could hardly call himself a

stranger . He then proposed "Success to Masonic Charities , " in doing which he gave some valuable advice relative to the judicious exercise of this distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart . This always acceptable toast among Masons having becn heartily received , was responded to by Bro . Woodward , P . M . 469 , P . G . S ., who urged the brethren to practise Masonic charity , and to let

thc outside world see b y their walk and conversation their Masonry was something more than a mere name ; pointing out that the commencement of another year was an opportune time to review the past , to square accounts with their consciences , to reflect on their shortcomings with a determination in future to act up to their professions , and to be true to their solemn obligations . The address of this worthy brother was listended to with marked attention

and warmly applauded . Bro . Barrell , P . M ., then gave " The Ladies , " which was responded to by Bro . Abbott in his happiest vein of good humour . The Tyler ' s toast brought the meeting to a close , and the brethren retired highly gratified with a pleasant evening . During the evening Bros . Woodrow , Abbott , Barrel ! , and Symes enlivened the proceedings with some capital songs and recitations .

BIRKENHEAD . —Mersey Lodge ( No . 477 ) . —For many years this lodge has occupied a high positii n in the estimation of all good Masons , and its prog : ess has been so regular and happy that it is now found that " fresh quarters" will have to be provided . This necessity has long been visible , and we understand that it is proposed to remove the lodge to 9 , Hamilton-street . On Thursday ,

the 8 th inst ., the members of this lodge held their ai nual installation at the Masonic Chambtis , Argyle-street , and the lodge room towards the close of the proceedings was inconveniently crowded . Among those present we : e a number of Provincial Grand Officers , including Bros . J . Salmon , P . M ., and P . P . G . S . D . ; Thomas Chesworth , P . M . 724 and 1576 , and P . P . G . D . C ; F . A . Dickson , P . G . J . W .

Cheshire ; Jos . Bratton , P . P . G . S . of W . ; J . W . Ballard , P . M . 724 , and P . G . Purs . West Lancashire ; W . J . Chapman , P . M . 1609 ; and a number of other Past and Present Masters . The lodge was opened according to ancient custom by Bro . W . Bennett , W . M ., who , after initiating a new member into the First Degrees of the Order , opened the lodge to the Third Degree , when Bro . J . Salmon , P . P . G . S . D ., proceeded to instal Bro . Frederick Thompson as

the new W . M . for the next twelve months . The proficient way in which the work was performed was highly satisfactory , and justly merited the high encomiums passed to Bro . Salmon at the conclusion of the ceremony . Thc following were installed by the newly-elected Master as his officers for the ensuing year : —Bros . W . Bennett , I . P . M . ; S . Jones , P . M ., Sec . ( unanimously re-elected ); Donald Fraser , P . M ., Treas . ( re-appointed with acclamation ) ; A . K . Gardiner , S . W . ; J . T . Thompson , J . W . ; E . Evans , g i . nr _ ¦ ___ : . T . .. .,- _ , ,, _ . ^^_ -. ¦