Mark Masonry.

of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , and Bro . Hayes , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . for that period , and Bro . C . Coupland , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . Kent , was unanimousl y re-elected Treasurer . A P . M . ' s jewel , of the value of five suineas . was voted to the W . M .

for services rendered to the lodge , and after he and Bro . Hayes had severally returned thanks , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Bro . Capon ' s ' hostelry in Thomas-street , where refreshments were provided , and a few hours were spent in toast and harmony .

MIDDLESBOROUGH . — Middlesborough Lodge ( No . 276 ) . —On Monday , the 5 th inst ., the installation meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , Martin-road . Bro . T . C . Davison , W . M ., presided , supported by a large body of members and visitors . The minutes having been confirmed , the chair was taken by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . G . O . and

Prov . G . Sec , who proceeded to install the W . M . elect , Bro . W . J . Watson , and he appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . T . E . Davison , I . P . M . ; James Hogg , S . W ., Treas . ; Hy . Sherwood , J . W . ; Robert Wilkinson . M . O .-. Chr . Tavlour . S . O .. Sec : Robert

Bamlett , J . O . ; J . M . Meek , R . of Mks . ; T . M . Wigham , S . D . ; W . Holloway , J . D . ; Robert Braithwaite , I . G . ; John Storrow , Stwd . ; and James Ingram , Tyler . Subsequently the brethren assembled in the banqueting room , and enjoyed an excellent repast , under the presidency of the W . M ., the evening being enlivened by songs .

MALTON . —Fitzwilliam Lodge ( No . ' 277 ) . — This lodge held their anniversary on Tuesday , when Bro . J . W . Marshall , P . G . J . D ., was installed W . M ., the Installing Officers being Bros . T . B . Whytehead , P . G . M . O . and P . G . Sec , and J . Marshall , P . G . J . W . The other officers were duly installed as follows : Bros . John Hudson , P . P . G . I . of W ., I . P . M . ; A . W . Walker , S . W . ; J . B . Nichols , P . P . G . S . B ., T . W .: T . M . Goldie , M . O . ; John Buckle ,

S . O . ; M . Williamson , J . O . ; Rev . W . G . Chilman , P . G . Chap ., Chap . ; A . W . Walker , Treas . ; W . J . Marshall , Sec ; A . J . Taylor , R . of M . ; G . Fitchett , Org . ; R . J . Smithson , D . of C . ; W . R . Metcalfe , S . D . ; E . R . Spiegeehalter , J . D . ; C . R . Staniland , P . G . O ., I . G . ; and W . Stockdale , Stwd . and Tyler . A banquet was afterwards held at the Talbot Hotel , served in the excellent style for which Bro . Fitchett is so famous .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

PLYMOUTH . —Royal Veterans' Encampment ( No . 10 ) . —The annual meeting of the above Encampment was held at the Huyshe Masonic Temple on the 31 st ult ., to install Sir Knt . J . T . Bond as Eminent Preceptor for the year ensuing . The ceremony was conducted by the retiring Preceptor , the Eminent Sir Knt . W . Trevena , P . P . G . S . B ., assisted by Eminent Sir Knts . the Rev . T .

W . Lemon , P . E . C , P . P . G . P . ; J . B . Gover , P . E . C , P . P . G . T . ; L . D . Westcott , P . E . C , P . P . G . M . ; E . Aitken Davies , P . E . C , P . P . G . D . C . ; I . Watts , P . E . C , P . P . G . T . ; J . Austin , P . E . C , P . P . G . Exp . j R . Lavers , P . E . C , P . P . G . S . B . j and J . D . Cobbledick , E . C , P . G . S . B . ; both of Holy Cross Preceptory . The officers were invested as follows : Eminent Sir Knts . E . Aitken Davies , ist Capt . ;

J . D . Barker , and Capt . ; J . Austin , Treas . ; J . B . Gover , Reg . j J . James , Capt . of Lines ; F . B . Westlake , Prelate ; G . R . Barrett , St . Br . ; 1 . Watts , Swd . Br . ; and W . H . Phillips , Guard . The Fraters adjourned to the annual dinner at Watts' Globe Hotel . Among the visitors were the Eminent Sir Knts . J . E . Curteis , P . E . C , Grand Arch Chancellor England ; J . Gidley , of Holy Cross Preceptory ; and Farr , of Lodge Fidelity , No . 230 .

WIGAN . — FaithT | Preceptory ( No . 13 ) . —The annual meeting of this preceptory was held at the Masonic Hall on Thursday , the ist inst . 'The preceptory was opened by Sir Knt . W . Johnson , assisted by the following : Sir Knts , R . B . Seddon , Constable ; W . Goodacre , as Marshal ; J . G . Christian , as Sub-Marshal ; S . A . Oliver , P . E . C , Prelate ; J . D . Murray , P . E . C , Recorder ; J . P . Simpson ,

C . of G . ; and several others . The muster roll having been called , and the minutes of the previous meeting having been read , Bro . S . Farmer was duly installed and saluted as a Knight Templar . Sir Knt . J . D . Murray then assumed the baton , and Sir Knt . Robert B . Seddon , the E . C . elect , was duly presented and installed as E . C , for the ensuing vear , and saluted

accordingly . The newly-installed E . C . then appointed his officers as follows : Sir Knts . W . M . Wylde , Constable ; W . Goodacre , Marshal ; J . P . Simpson , Sub . Marshal ; J . M . Kerr , Prelate ; J . D . Murray , Reg . ; J . G . Christian , Capt . of Guard ; G . li . Cliff , Almoner ; S . Farmer , Std . Br . ; and S . A . Oliver , Treas .

The alms having been collected , the preceptory was closed in due form , and the sir knights , at the after proceedings , congratulated themselves on the now healthy state of the preceptory . All honour to those who are doing their best to bring the Faith Preceptory to the front once more , and we wish them every success .

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE . — Royal Kent Preceptory ( No . 20 ) . — -This preceptory was opened at the Freemasons' Hall , Maple-street , on Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., by the E . Preceptor , Sir Knight J . J . VVilks , assisted by his officers . The V . E . Provincial Prior , Sir Charles James Banister , P . G . C . of England , & c , and the E . P . P . Sub-Prior , Colonel lames Monks , P . G . S . B . of

England , were received under an arch of steel and saluted . The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed . Letters of apology were received and read from Sir Knights R . A . Luck , H . Maddison , Watson , Logan , Bousfield , Bailey and others . The E . P . elect , Sic Knight C . R . Fry , was presented to the E . P ., Sir Knight J . J . Wilks , who installed hissucccssor

mostadmirably . I he following officers were thenappointed -. Sir Knights H . Hotham , Prelate ; T . J . Armstrong . Constable ; E . Marsden , Marshal ; W . F . Carmon , Reg . ; M . H . Dodd , Sub-Marshal ; C . D . H . Drury , Captain of Guard ; Seymour Bill , Chamberlain ; John Usher , Std . Br . ; and Kennedy , Equerry . The preceptory was visited

by bir Knight Allison . There was a good attendance of sir knights . P . E . P ., Sir Knight Adam Winlow we were pleased to welcome in improved health . Two candidates were proposed for installation . The V . E . Provincial Prior , Sir Knight C . J . Banister , complimented the P . E . P ., Sir Knight Wilks , on the impres-

Knights Templar.

sive manner he installed his successor , and offering his very fraternal regards to the E . Preceptor that he would have a successful year , which had begun so well , and was very sorry that he could not remain to join the knights at the banquet and have the pleasure of proposing his health . The banquet was served in the dining hall to the satisfaction of all present . The loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to , and a most enjoyable evening was

spent under the presidency of the E . P ., Sir Knight Charles R . Fry . YORK . —Ancient Ebor Preceptory ( No . 101 ) . — The annual meeting of this bod y took place a few day ' s ago at the Masonic Hall , St . Saviourgate , when Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P ., presided , in the absence of the E . Preceptor through illness , and installed Bro . Christopher Palliser as Eminent Preceptor . The following officers were

appointed : Bros . W . Brown , Constable ; W . H . Cowper , Marshal ; T . B . Whytehead , P ., Reg . and Treas . ; Rev . W . Valentine , Chap . ; A . H . H . McGachen , ist Herald ; J . T . Belk , 2 nd Herald ; W . B . Dyson Vexillum Belli ; M . F . W . Williamson Beauceant ; Augustus Harris , Swd . Br . ; W . Watson , Capt . of Guards ; and P . Pearson , O . G . Bro . J . S . Cumberland , P ., whose retirement was announced , was elected an honorary member of the preceptory .

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Red Cross of Constantine .

YORK . —Eboracum Conclave ( No . 137 ) . —The annual meeting of this body was held on the ist inst . Bro . W . B . Dyson , M . P . S ., presided , supported by his officers and brethren . Bro . Harry V . Millbank , 133 , was advanced to the Order , after which the chair was taken by Bro . T . B . Whvtehead . P . S .. who installed Bro . William

Brown , as M . P . S ., and Bro . G . Balmford , as V . E . The officers were then appointed , and the St . Peters Commandery of St . John having been opened Bro . W . Brown was admitted to the Order and enthroned as Commander by Bro . T . B . Whytehead . After the close of the ceremonies the brethren to the number of 12 , met at supper and passed a pleasant evening .

Weymouth Freemasons And Bro. Admiral Sir W. King-Hall.

WEYMOUTH FREEMASONS AND BRO . ADMIRAL SIR W . KING-HALL .

As already announced , the valuable work done by Bro . Sir W . King-Hall , K . C . B ., of The Elms , Sutton Bonnington , has met with some recognition ; and he has been awarded a long-service pension . The gallant admiral has long taken an active part in Freemasonry and all that

pertains to the Craft , and for many years he has been connected with the All Souls' Lodge , No . 170 , at Weymouth . During the Russian War he commanded Her Majesty ' s ship Bull Dog up the Baltic , and carried the flag of the Commander-in-Chief ( Sir C . Napier ) at the capture oi Bormasund on the iGth August , 1 S 54 . During the bombardment the enemy showed a flag of truce , which he went

in to acknowledge . The fortress was surrendered on his demand , and the flag of truce used by him on that occasion was presented to All Souls' Lodge . The fortress was occupied by 2235 men , and only surrendered after a severe cannonade . The news of this—the first success in the war—was received with great enthusiasm throughout

Britain and France ; and the gift of Bro . Sir W . King-Hall was highly esteemed by the Freemasons of the district and the lodge who secured the trophy . The brethren have now written to Bro . Sir William congratulating him on being awarded the long-service pension , and stating that the flag of truce still hangs on the wall of the lodge to keep his memory green .

New Masonic Hall For Pontypridd.

NEW MASONIC HALL FOR PONTYPRIDD .

On Monday , the 3 rd May next , the foundation-stone of a Masonic Hall , to be erected at Pontypridd by the members of the Merlin Lodge , No . 1578 , will be laid with full Masonic ceremony by the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Sir Geo . Elliot , Bart ., D . C . L ., assisted by the W . D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Marmaduke Tennant , the Prov . Grand Officers , and

the members of the various lodges , when it is expected that a large number of distinguished brethren will attend . The Prov . Grand Lodge will be opened in the Town Hall at 11 . 30 a . m ., immediately after which a procession will be formed , and the brethren will proceed to the site of the new hall . Immediately after the ceremony , the brethren will reform and return to the Town Hall , when the VV . M . elect

for the ensuing year , Bro . Stephen Lewis , J . W ., will be installed by the W . M ., Bro . Joseph Sprague . A luncheon will be served at thc New Inn Hotel at 3 p . m ., and a ball will be given in the evening by the members of the Merlin Lodge , at which non-Masonic friends will be present by invitation . Brethren desirous of attending , or having non-Masonic friends invited , should communicate at once with

the Secretaries to the Ball Committee—Bros . R . Male , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg ., and J . F . M'Clune , I . G . The Merlin Lodge was consecrated in May , 1876 , and now numbers 71 members . Thc brethren were recently fortunate enough to acquire a piece oi freehold land , and the cost of the new hall about to be erected thereon , including the purchase money of the site , will , it is estimated ,

amount to , ( , 2000 , which it is intended to raise by shares allotted only to members of the lodge . We must not , however , omit to mention , as a proof of the great interest the R . W . Prov . G . M , takes in the province , that he has promised the brethren of the Merlin Lodge a donation of £ 100 towards the expenses of erecting and embellishing the new hall .

Conversazione Of The Wilberforce Lodge, No. 2134, At Hull.

CONVERSAZIONE OF THE WILBERFORCE LODGE , No . 2134 , AT HULL .

This lodge , consecrated on the 5 th February last on temperance principals , has attained great success and position in the Craft . On Friday , the iGth inst ., the brethren held their first conversazatione in the Cobden Hall , which was largely attended by the brethren and their lady

friends . Amongst those present were the W , M ., Bro . T . T . Davis ; Bros . Mackaill , S . W . ; F . Vivian , S . D . ; Gillitt , P . M ., Treas . ; Macgarr , Sec ; Vessey King , Org . ; Sewell , Stwd . ; Burdall , Tyler ; and visitors from Nos . 57 , 250 , 1605 , 7 . 14- and 2060 ,

Conversazione Of The Wilberforce Lodge, No. 2134, At Hull.

The first part of the programme consisted of the following : —Pianoforte duett—Bro . and Mrs . Vessey King ; song— "Thy Face" —Bro . F . Vivian ; song— " Dolly's Revenge" —Miss Hebblethwaite ; song— "Any vinders to mend "—Bro . Meanwell ; song— " The sleeping camp "Bro . Guy Hayler ; violin solo—Mr . Breaker ; duett" Flora and Zephyr " —the Misses Hebblethwaite ; song" Bradshaw ' s Hniflf . " fpnrorA . IV—Ri-n 17 v /; ., ;* ,,. cnn ^

"Many a mile away "—Miss A . Hebblethwaite ; song—¦ " Rocked in the cradle in the deep " —Bro . Meanwell . An adjournment was then made to the refreshment room , where an excellent repast was provided by the Tyler , Bro . Burdall , and Bro . Guy Hayler . After which a ball took place in the hall , and was thoroughly enjoyed by all

present . Bro . G . Leigh acted as M . C . ; the Stewards being Bros . F . Vivian , S . D . ; Guy Hayler , 2 oGg ; Vessey King , Org . ; and J . Meanwell . The officers and brethren of the lodge gave an entertainment to their children and friends on Monday , the 19 th inst ., which the young folks heartily enjoyed .

Masonic Ball At Lichfield.

MASONIC BALL AT LICHFIELD .

After an interval of several years the local Freemasons , on the gth inst ., held a ball , under thc auspices of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 1039 , which was numerously and influentially attended . The gathering took place at the George Hotel , the excellent assembly room being tastefully decorated for the occasion with plants and evergreens .

Lady Hilda Mosley was the lady patroness , and the patrons were Bros . G . S . Tudor , Prov . G . M . of Staffordshire ; Col . Foster Gough , Deputy Prov . G . M . of Staffordshire ; and Frank James , P . D . P . G . M . of Staffordshire . The following members of lodge 1039 acted as Stewards : Bros . James Clark , P . M ., P . G . S . W . ; J . J . Perkins , I . P . M . ; C Trigg , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . ; A . ' Barnes , P . M . ; G .

Ashmall , W . M . ; W . W . Weston , S . W . ; F . Harper , J . W ., P . G . S . ; and A . Smyrk . The company numbered about 100 . Bro . J . H . Gladman ' s band was in attendance , and performed an admirable selection of music . Dancing commenced at nine o ' clock , and was kept up with zest until an advanced hour of the morning . At midnight a firstclass supper was served in a most satisfactory manner b y the respected hostess , Mrs . Owen .

Lecture On "The Great Pyramid And Freemasonry."

LECTURE ON " THE GREAT PYRAMID AND FREEMASONRY . "

At the George ' s Hall , Stonehouse , on the 12 th inst ., Bro . John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Devon , of Torquay , delivered a most lucid and interesting lecture on " The Great Pyramid and Freemasonry . " Amongst the large number present were : Bros . Thomas Bayly , P . M . 1 S 9 , P . P . G . T . ; Robt . Rae , P . M . 189 , P . P . G . ; T . W . Lemon , P . M . 1 S 9 ,

1205 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Edwin Prout , W . M . 189 ; William Olliss , P . M . 189 ; A . S . Hendry , P . M . 1 S 9 ; George Hawkins , I . P . M . 1 S 9 ; Charles Croyden , P . M . 189 ; R . Pike , P . M . 230 ; Colonel Healy , P . M . ; G . R . Barrett , P . M . 2025 , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . B . Gover , P . M . 70 , P . P . G . A . D . C ; J . R . Lord , P . M . 1247 , P . P . G . S . Wks . ; J . Moysev , P . P . G . J . D . ; H . Millar , P . M . 223 , P . P . G .

D . C . ; J . Gifford , P . M . 2025 , 105 ; W . M . Robins , 1 S 9 ; Charles Dunsterville , S . W . 189 ; J . B . Moulder , I . G . 189 ; F . R . Thomas , J . D . iSg ; J . N . 0 . Ward , S . D . 1 S 9 ; J . Gidley , P . M . 2025 ; P . G . L . Pearce , P . M . 1247 ; G . Jackson , P . M . 1 S 9 ; Thomas Morgan , P . M . 1402 ; R . Brickwood , 2025 ; A . W . Whit , P . M . 1136 ; R . Carter , S . D . 202 ;

J . Oldfield , J . D . 202 ; J . Weale , 2025 ; C E . Wingate , 159 ; W . Jenkin , P . M . 1212 ; John Griffin , 2025 ; S . R . Lillicrap , 70 ; E . J . Knight , P . M . 202 ; John J . C Elliott , W . M . 1212 ; James Gifford , P . M . 105 , 2025 ; Charles S . Blight , 1205 ; John Moon , 1847 ; G . Firkins , 1847 ; JShepheard , 1205 . At the conclusion a unanimous vote of shanks was accorded to the lecturer .

The Gavel Club.

THE GAVEL CLUB .

This club being now a successfully established fact , a brief description will no doubt interest Masons generally . The Gavel Club was founded about two years ago by Bros . F . T . Bennett , W . Hicklin , G . Kennaby , H . Pritchard , and R . C Sudlow , who conceived the idea that something might be done to promote social intercourse amongst some

of the members of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement . The idea was quickly put into execution , with Bro . H . Pritchard as Hon . Sec and Treas ., the result being that a most pleasant gathering takes place every Friday evening , at the Freemasons' Tavern , immediately after the close of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement . On looking through the rules of the club we find that

not only must every candidate for membership be a member of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , but that no member or visitor can visit the club unless he has attended " Emulation " on the same evening . Thus we see that The Gavel Club consists exclusivel y of working Masons . There is a Charity Fund in connection with the club , and be it said to the credit of the members , that they contribute

an equal proportion to the Charity Fund and Club Expenses Fund , the former being considerably augmented by the assistance of small lines . On the 3 rd instant the annual dinner of the club was held , when upwards of 40 members and visitors sat down to an excellent repast , provided by Gaveller Madell , the manager of the Freemasons' Tavern . Gaveller Sudlow

occupied the President ' s chair ; Gavellers Dawson and Kennaby the Vice-Presidents '; whilst Gavellers Pritchard and Terry acted as Stewards . The speeches were few and brief , and the Gavellers are evidently of opinion that there are better ways of enjoying oneself than making and listening to long speeches . After the toast of "The Queen" had been given , the

Loving Cup—a huge siWer cup in the shape of a gavelwas passed round , in a manner peculiar to Gavellers . Later on the President proposed "The Gavel Club , " and coupled with it the name of the Hon . Secretary and Treasurer , who briefly responded .

The remainder of the evening was occupied with vocal and instrumental music , and concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to Gaveller Sudlow for so ably presiding . On the 15 th instant the first effort of the club was made , in the direction of an Invitation Cinderella , which , in success , far exceeded the anticipations of the most sanguine .