Consecration Of The Bronte Mark Lodge, No. 535, At Haworth.

tender memory . There is , as I have said , something almost tragic in the lives of the Bronto family . Shut out from the world , in a lonely district , surrounded by wind-swept moors , with penury at home and few , if any , friends abroad , one can imagine the brooding mind thrown back upon itself , and cm realise the reserve and the shyness which would result . Yet , out of this gloom , this suffering , came flashes of genius , and it can scarcely be doubted that the conditions and

surroundings of the Brontos moulded the minds of the sisters even as the scenery of the country round inspired their wonderful descriptions . It is not perhaps then quite so unreasonable as at first sight it seemed , that the Masons of the Three Graces should , by calling the lodge by this name , endeavour still more to add to its glory and renown . May the new lodge emulate the virtues of the Bronto sisters ! May it be painstaking , persevering , and honest I May it have no fear and need no favour , and may it ever keep strictly before it the grand

Scriptural truths which the teachings of Freemasonry embody ! The Carpenter of Nazareth tells us that the two great Commandments of the Law are love of God and love of our neig hbour . Is not that Freemasonry crystallised ? In . the hands of the founders we now place the destinies of this lodge—theirs is the duty to foster " and cherish it , and theirs is the responsibility for its continued wellbeing . Take up your burdens with all reverence , brethren , and be assured that the faithful , honest discharge of your duties in relation to this new lodge will bring you , not satisfaction only , but lasting and genuine happiness .

I cannot let this opportunity pass without calling attention to the absence from our midst to-day of my worthy and distinguished Deputy . Bro . John Barker , you will all , I am sure , regret to hear , fell seriously ill whilst on a visit to London some six or seven weeks ago . Originally attacked by influenza , complications followed , and at one time his case was very grave . He has , I rejoice to say , recovered considerably , and is now , I trust , approaching

convalescence . He reached home after his illness on Thursday last , and it is earnestly to be hoped that by great care and judicious nursing he will soon become himself again , and that we shall speedily see him take his accustomed place amongst us . And now , brethren , I am going to leave you in the hands of Bro . Atherton . When Bro . John Barker ' s absence became an absolutely certainty ,

Bro . Atherton kindly consented to undertake the installation , and I will venture to say that to hear Bro . Atherton ' s exposition of the ceremony will be a treat which you will all of you thoroughly appreciate . To those who know Bro . Atherton I need say no more and to those who do not—and there can be few here who are in that condition—Bro . Atherton shall speak for himself .

The Installing Master at once proceeded with the function . Bro . H S . Holdsworth being presented to Bro . Atherton by Bro . Richd . Hodgson . The ceremony , it is needless to say , was beautifully rendered , for Bro , Atherton ' s reputation stands very hig h . The Board of Installed Masters was a large one , numbering 25 .

On being placed in the chair , the first W . M . of the Bronto Lodge invested Bro . Richd . Hodgson as temporary I . P . M ., feeling sure he said that should help be needed Bro . Hodgson would speedily respond . After the re-entry of the brethren and the usual proclamations and salutes , Bro . Holdsworth , W . M ., appointed and invested his officers addressing to each appropriate and encouraging remarks . The officers were Bros . Edwin Foulds , S . W . ; Geo . Whitaker , J . W . ; Chas . Mason ,

M . O . ; Jos . Sharp , S . O . ; Wright Wagstalf , J . O . ; Joseph Smith , Treas . j John Spencer , Reg . and Sec . ; Joseph Smith , S . D . ; Walter Whitley , J . D . ; Jos . Sharp , D . C . ; and W . Woodiswis , l . G . As each of these brethren returned from receiving his collar he was met with warm congratulations from his fellows . The usual addresses by the Installing Master completed the proceedings , Bro . Geo . Whitaker was unanimously elected Charity Representative of the lodge .

Before retiring the PROV . G . MASTER , in his own name and in that of the many officers of the province present , offered heartiest good wishes for the prosperity of the new lodge . He took it as a great compliment to himself that in spite of wind and snow so many of his officers had attended , and he could assure the W . M . and the brethren of th 5 B -onto Lodge that they mig ht take it also as an earnest of the goodwill which all the brethren experienced towards the youngest lodge upon the roll .

Bro . G . H . PARKE also offered his congratulations , and referring to the absence of the Deputy proposed that the regret and sympathy of all present that day would be duly registered in the minutes of the proceedings . This was seconded by Bro . W . W . CLAYTON . In putting it the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said the brethren of the Brontii Lodge fully appreciated the motion and wished closely to associate themselves with it . '

The R . W . Prov . Grand Master and the oflicers of Provincial Grand

Lodge then retired . Notices of proposition of six new members were given and the lodge was closed at 545 . An excellent dinner was served at the Bull Hotel at six o ' clock . The W . M . presided , supported by the Prov . Grand Master and his officers . The company numbered about 40 , and after dinner the loyal and Masonic

toasts received a cordial recognition , and a very pleasant evening was spent . We offer , on the part of this journal , our hearty congratulations to Bro . Holdsworth and his colleagues who have started their new lodge under such favourable auspices . We shall watch its progress with interest , and shall have pleasure from time to time in recording its proceedings .

Ladies' Banquet Of The Wellington Lodge, No, 548.

LADIES' BANQUET OF THE WELLINGTON LODGE , No , 548 .

Ihis old-established lodge met at Cannon-street Hotel , on the i 4 ' . h instant , unrlcr the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . Harry Groves . The lodge was opened and the minutes of the previous meeting hiving b ; cn rcid and confirmed , the W . M . raised Bro . H . W . Bailey to the Third Dz « cee , the working being cirried out in an excellent manner . After other business , the bdg ; was formally closed . The brethren and their ladies were then received by the W . M ., Bro . Harry Groves , and Mrs . Groves .

Among those present were Bro . H irry Groves , W . M ., and Mrs . Harry Groves ; Bro . Geo . Freame , S . W ., and Mrs . Freame ; Bro . F . W . Hancock , P . M ., Treas . ; Pro . Andrew Holmes , P . M ., Sec , and Mrs . and Miss Ethel Holmes ; Bro . C . Childs , S . D , ; Bro . I . Laxson , l . G ., and Mrs . and Miss Laxson ; Bro .

E . W . Hathersich , P . M ., D . C , and Mrs . Hathersich ; Bro . W . MUtocks and Mrs . Mattocks : Bros . F . T . Adams , A . Mathams , Dr . Jackson , I . P . M ., and Mrs , Jackson ; Bro . S . P . Catterson , P . M . ; Bro . W . Riminton , P . M ., and Mrs . Riminton ; Bro . H . W . Wybourn , P . M ., and Mrs . Wybourn ; Bro . J . R . Brown and Mrs . Brown ; Bros . H , Baily , D . S . Ross , and W . H . Newall ; Bro . H . Browne and

Ladies' Banquet Of The Wellington Lodge, No, 548.

Mrs . Browne ; Bro . T . A . Whiting nnd Mrs . Whiting ; Bro . A . Martin and Mrs Martin ; Bro . H . Plant and Mrs . Plant ; Bros . J . Crowther and W . H . Caswell Bro .. J . James and Mrs . James ; Bro . J . W . Whale and Mrs . Whale ; Bros . W . T Ottaway and E . A . Brandon ; Bro . W . Corp , Miss Corp , and Mrs . Taylor ; Bro W . E . Cobley and Mrs . Coblcy ; Bro . G . D . Carr and Mrs . Carr ; Bros . W . J

Harris , A . Bovay , W . Scott , A . Bishop , and A . Ball , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors Bros . H . Reed , 2552 ; H . Churchill , 172 ; G . W . Martin , 79 ; J . S . Smith , 1658 ; A . Austin , 2 S 79 ; and G . Plant , 1382 ; Bro . F . Malyon , 79 , andMrs . Malyon ; Bros . E . G . Cooper , 1158 ; J . Balsdon , P . M ., 147 ; S . W . Dannan , 147 ; W . Greenland , S . D . 1961 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .

After ample time had been given for introduction and conversation , and for a few late-comers to arrive , the company adjourned to an excellent banquet , which reflected the highest possible credit on the establishment , and was admirably served under the personal superintendence of the manager . The W . M ., Bro . Harry Groves , presided at the banquet table , being well supported by the officers of the lodge .

When ladies honour Masonic circles with their presence , it is only right that they should be studied in every way , and in making the toast list a short one , the W . M ., no doubt , had this view in mind , as it goes without saying that the fair sex are not lovers of hearing long speeches , especially when there is a dance to follow . In brief , but eloquent , terms the W . M . gave "The Queen and the Craft , " remarking that she had endeared herself to the nation—and long might she reign !

The toast was received with great enthusiasm , and Bro . W . J . Harris gave the National Anthem , followed with a verse of " Rule Britannia . " In giving" The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " the W . M . stated that his name was . 1 household word , and he did everything to promote the cause of Freemasonry . Bro . A . Mathams then gave " God bless the Prince of Wales . ' '

The ladies , at this point , having graciously intimated that the male kind could indulge in the fragrant weed , they were each presented with a bottle of scent , as a substitute for a cigar , which it is needless to record they appreciated . Bro . Dr . J ACKSON , I . P . M ., said it was his privilege , duty , and pleasure to propose "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . Harrry Groves , " which was the toast of the evening , but he felt he could not do it justice . To be a success as W . M . it was necessary that the one elected should be possessed of the many qualifications

for that office , and their good W . M . had shown them , even before he was installed , that he was fully qualified in every way , and they were proud of him . His work that evening in the lodge was done in an exemplary manner and proved that he was a perfect worker in the ritual . He was a sincere and earnest Mason and a good friend , and when he vacated the chair at the end of his year of office , the lustre of that hi gh and important post would in no way be dimmed . ( Great applause ) .

Bro . A . Mathams , who was in splendid voice , then gave , with marked effect , " 1 sing thee songs of Araby . " The W . M ., Bro . HARRY GROVES , on rising to respond had a great reception . He said his sincere thanks were due to them for the kind manner they had received him ; but words failed him to adequately acknowledge the flattering remarks of Bro . Dr . Jackson in proposing the toast . He had endeavoured to do his best as Master , and would continue to do so ; but he was certain he could not excel the I . P . M ., Bro . Dr . Jackson . He loved the lodge , and he felt he could not do too much to promote its interests .

The toast of "The Ladies" was given by the W . M ., who , in eloquent and appropriate terms , heartily welcomed the ladies who had honoured the Wellington Lodge with their presence . The remarks of the W . M . were received with applause , and the toast was drunk with musical honours .

Bro . F . W . HANCOCK , P . M ., said that until he opened the programme he had no idea that he would have to respond to the important toast of " The Ladies , " but in the words of the clown , " Here we are again . " The ladies were there again , and they were delighted to be so , and the members were also delighted to have the privilege of entertaining them . The ladies were enjoying themselves , and on their behalf he had much pleasure in proposing " The Health of Mrs . Harry Groves , " the esteemed wife of their genial W . M ., and it was drunk

with much enthusiasm , which the W . M . acknowledged , thanking them for the kind reference made to his dear wife . During an interval of 20 minutes , while the ball room was being prepared , Miss Ethel Holmes , daughter ot the indefatigable Secretary , Bro . Andrew Holmes , P . M ., charmed the company with her sweet and exquisite singing , which was much appreciated , and a special word is due to her for her efforts ; and Bro . A . Mathams gave , in fine form , " The Death of Nelson . " The company then adjourned to the ball room .

The M . Cs . were Bros . F . W . Hancock , P . M ., Treas ., and W . E . Jeanes , J . W ., and right well did they do their duty . Dancing was continued until the time arrived for a most enjoyable entertainment to terminate , which was undoubtedly a great success , and the W . M ., Bro , Harry Groves , and the Stewards , Bros . G . T . Freame , S . W . ; E . A . Brandon , W J . Harris , A . G . Martin , H . Browne , and A . Holmes , P . M ., Sec , are to be com mended and congratulated upon the result of their labours , and everyone appeared to go away happy with what had been provided for their amusement . Bro . Arthur Kipps ' s band was excellent .

Red Cross Of Rome & Constantine.

Red Cross of Rome & Constantine .

Plantagenet Conclave , No . 2 . A regular assembly of this conclave wis held at the Holborn Restaurant , on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., when there were present Sir Knighti W . J . Armitasre , G . Herald . M . P . S . ; R . H . Adie , V . E . ; J . G . Marsh , P . G . A ., H . P . ; E . M . Money , P . G . P ., P . S ., Treas ., and Recorder ; C . E . W . Boughton-Leigh , S . G . ; I . Briees , l . G . : W . G . Mills , Prefect ; H . Tipper , Herald ; F . A . Powell , W . J . Songhurst , and T . C . Edmonds . Sentinel .

The minutes having been read and confirmed , and the roll of members read , a ballot was taken for Bro . J . P . Robinson , who was unanimously elected , and was regularly installed a knight of the Order . Sir Knight R . H . Adie was then enthroned as Sovereign for the ensuing year , after which Sir Knight C . E . W . Boughton-Leigh was consecrated as Viceroy , both ceremonies being most ably and creditably performed by their predecessors . The following were appointed officers , those present being invested : Sir Knights Armitage , 1 . P . S . ; Marsh , H . P . ; MoneyTreas . and Recorder ;

, J . Btiggs , S . G . ; W . G . Mills , J . G . ; H . Tipper , Prefect ; S . V . Hare , Std . Br . { Powell , Herald ; Songhurst , A . D . C . and Stwd . ; and T . C . Eimonds , Sentinel . Th ; Auditors' report was read and adopted ; showing a satisfactory balance of over £ 29 , against £ 20 the previous year , with no arrears or liabilities . Sir Knight Armitage was decorated with the P . S . jewel voted him by the conclave . The death of Sit Knight Jewson ( recently rrsigned ) was reported , and apologies for absence were rcceivid from

Sir Knights Wm . Bngfis and J . Lewis Thomas . The sum of 10 guineas wa : voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls on the list of Sir Knight Money , and the business being ended , th- conclave was closed . The knights adjourned to bimjuet in the Knights Sjlon , ably presided ovjr by the icw M . P . S ., very general satisfaction being expressed at the flourishing state ot this ancient conclave , both in its work and its finances .