Craft Masonry.

able and loving terms , which were as loyally received . As also the toast ot " The Pro . G . M ., Earl Amherst ; Dep . G . M ., Earl of Warwick ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " who the W . M . said were deserving of the deepest gratitude of the whole Craft for the untiring interest they always took in the cause of Freemasonry . In presenting the toast of " The W . M ., " Bro . A . E . Oxley , I . P . M ., said he had been entrusted with the gavel for the first time in that capacity , but he had not the

words to fully justify the toast , and he should have liked the presenting to have fallen into other hands . However , he would do his best . He had watched the career of the W . M . for many years , and it was a thoroughly good one , both in the lodge and in other capacities . Bro . Gale had earned the love and esteem and wa <* respected by all with whom he came in contact , and in installing him as W . M . of the Grays Valley Lodgeits destiny could not have been placed in better hands , and he asked the brethren to drink to the toast in bumpers .

On rising to respond , the W . M . received an ovation , for which he thanked the brethren for their heartiness and enthusiasm . Also to the I . P . M . he tendered his sincere thanks for his kind remarks . It was the second time he had been installed and occupied the chair of K . S ., he had performed the duties from the bottom to the top , and also had been appointed Prov . G . O . of the Province of Bucks , which he highly esteemed . He dearly loved the Crays Valley Lodge , and would do his utmost to promote its best interests . No lodge could exist without new blood , and he earnestly hoped that the brethren would introduce good men and true , so that the same continued success of the

lodge might be fully maintained . He thanked the brethren most heartily for such a cordial reception . The W . M . next presented the toast of " The Visitors " in a most cordial manner , and hoped the brethren would always honour the lodge by their presence , which always gave them great gratification . He coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Stone , W . M . 1641 , and Cross , P . M ., Sec . 2242 . Bros . Stone and Cross replied in most cordial and appreciative terms , thanking the brethren for their hearty reception and also for their generous hospitality . Bro . Cross also ably advocated the attendance of the brethren at lodges of instruction , thus enabling them to fulfil the duties as had been exemplified in the working of the ceremonies that

evening . Bro . S . Gale , W . M ., next presented the toast of " Bro . A . E . Oxley , I . P . M . and Installing Master , " who was one of the best . He had been initiated in the lodge , passed through every office with great credit , and was a thorough good Mason . It would be hard to meet a more genial and kind-hearted brother , and who had proved himself beyond reproach . It gave f . im ( the W . M . ) infinite pleasure to present the Past Master's jewel , and allow him to pin it to his breast . It was most efficiently earned , and the desire of the brethren was that the G . A . O . T . U . might long spare him to wear the same in the lodge . _

_ The inscription was as follows : " Presented to Wor . Bro . Arthur Ellis Oxley , P . M ., by the members of the Crays Valley Lodge , 2147 , as a token of esteem and in acknowledgment of his valuable services as W . M . 1 S 99—1900 . " In reply , Bio . A . E . Oxley , I . P . M ., thanked the brethren most sincerely for the very cordial words spoken of him , which he felt were hardly deserved . However , his earnest wish was that he might wear that beautiful jewel , so unanimously voted and presented to him , in that lodge for very many years . He would most assiduously assist

the W . M . ( who was a most worthy brother and also his uncle ) during the coming year , and also continue as a Past Master , even to being an old fossil , and not desert the lodge as some Past Masters had done , and should be most ready and willing to do all he possibly could for the welfare and success of the lodge . The W . M . next gave the toast of " The Past Masters , Treasurer ard Secretary , " and remarked upon the manner some of their worthy number remained in the lodge , and were always ready and competent to perform any duty they were called upon to

perform . Of the Treasurer , Bro . Hy . Tyrer , P . M ., the W . M . thanked him for the great interest he had always taken in the lodge since its consecration , and who was one of trie founders . Of Bro . R . J . Pugh , P . M ., their worthy Secretary , the W . M . most cordially thanked him for again accepting that position . He had the good of the lodge at heart and had always taken the greatest interest in its welfare . Nothing was too great a trouble to him , and he was ever cheerful and ready to devote his time and energy forthe good of the lodge and the W . M . hoped be would retain the position for many years

to come , for with him it was in safe keeping . In reply , Bro . Cookson , P . M ., thanked the W . M . for his kind remarks , and also the brethren for so hearty a reception . He had always made an effort to attend the lodge as his predecessors and trusted to long continue to do so . Bro . R . j . Pugh , Sec , also highly appreciated their cordial reception . It gave him very great pleasure at seeing the prosperous state of the lodge , and congratulated the brethren on the unanimity of feeling which pervaded the lodge . He hoped the W . M .

would have some initiates during the year so that the prosperity of the lodge might continue . The little he was able to do for the lodge was to him a labour of love and a recreation fiom his ordinary vocation . He trusted he should attend in the future as in the past , and promised the same loyalty of service . In proposing the toast of " The Officers , " the VV . M . stated they were a set of which any lodge might be proud , as he knew they were all capable and efficient . He urged them to attend punctually and regularly , which their acceptance of the various positions

required . Bro . L . Pugh , S . W ., thanked the W . M . for his kind remarks of the officers who would prove that they deserved them by acting up to his wishes . Their best thanks were due to the W . M . for bringii g them up to town , giving them such a glorious night , and for the musical treat in which they had so fully participated .

The Tyler ' s toast closed one ot the pleasantest evenings ever spent in the lodge only too soon . An excellent programme of music was arranged by Mr . Walter James , most ably assisted by Miss Kate Welley , Miss Marie Lotz , both loudly encored , and Mr . James ' s Concert Party , Mr . W . E . Manatan , Mr . Lindley Darby , Mr . Charles Lawrence , Mr . Walter Fullerton , and Mr . Walter James .

Th <* jewel was manufactured by Bros . George Kenning and Son and gave great satisfaction .

Royal Rose Lodge , No . 2565 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . MAJOR J . AUSTIN CARPENTER . WELCOME HOME TO BRO . CAPTAIN A . HOWELL , C . I . V . This installation was held at the headquarters of the 3 rd V . B . the Royal Fusiliers ( City of London Regiment , on the 12 th instant . There was a targe gathering of the brethren and visitors , among the latter being Bros . A . J . Taylor , P . M . 1791 ; Arthur Carpenter . 25 . 16 ; Louis Harleld , 2771 ; E . Holland , 2771 ; and others .

The ledge was duly opened by the W . M .. the minutes read and confirmed , and Bro . Major J . Austin Carpenter , the out-going W . M ., was again installed as W . M . for the ensuing year , the ceremony being performed with much solemnity and earnestness by Bro . Capt . R . J . H . Eccles , P . M . The officers of the lodge were then invested as follows : Bros . Captain R . J . H . Eccles , P . M ., I . P . M . ; T . D . Long , S . W . ; Captain C . Benidge , J . W . ; Colonel C . G . Broivn , Treas . ; Captain E . Pugh , P . M ., Sec ; Lieut .-Colonel T . E . Carey Bates , D . of C ; Col .-Sergt . A . J . Smith , S . D . ; Col .. 1- . / - t ? / " - „* , „ ., 1 n . rv . i c-.. t wi n . n * . ' ..-..... 1 e \ . i ^ n , Mn ... u . « .. D ..- »

, , and Col .-Sergt . Viney , Stwds . ; and Sergt . Instructor E . Sanders , Tyler . The interest of the evening was greatly enhanced by the presence of Bro . Capt . A . Howell , who commanded the men of the Royal Fusiliers , who formed part of the City Imperial Volunteers lately returned from South Africa , Capt . Howell , as a member of the lodge , was warmly greeted by his brother officers and the N . C ofiicers of the regiment who form the lodge . The banquet was held at the head-quarters of the regiment .

The toasts of "The Queen and tne Craft" and "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " were proposed in suitable terms by the W . M . After "The Grand Ollicers " had been honoured , The I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " congratulating him on having entered into a second year of office . In reply , the VV . M . expressed his thanks , adding that it was seldom a Mason was fortunate enough twice in succession to be Masterof a lodge , and he remarked he would be glad to see more N . C . officers in the lodge . The W . M . then proposed in kindly terms " The Health of Capt . Howell , " congratulating him upon his safe return and upon the admirable work he had done while commanding G Company of the C . I . V . ' s—work that had received high commendation

Craft Masonry.

rom Col . Mackinnon—and reference was also made to Bros . Lieut . Reilly and Sergt . Hall , members of the lodge , who are still in South Africa with the Service Company attached to the line battalion . Bro . Capt . Howell , in his reply , stated that the welcome that touched him as deeply as any he had received since his return to England , was that of the lodge . He thanked the W . M . for his kind words , and the brethren for their reception , and he was glad to be back among them . All members of the lodge would be interested in heating how the men of the regiment conducted themselves while on active service . He personally

felt on leaving that he was not so much an officer of the C . I . V ., but still Captain of B Company of the old regiment , and that on many a long night he had thought of his brother officers and the regiment and wondered what they were doing . He gave expression to the anxiety of all ranks to fulfil the expectations of the regiments from which they had been selected , and their solicitude that nothing might occur whilst at the front which should in the slightest degree reflect disadvantagously upon the Volunteer Force , the honour of which they felt was in their keeping-, and that opportunity would be given

of proving to carping newspaper critics , who , so often cast a slur on the utility of the Volunteers that they were capable of standing side by side and doing their duty with the regular forces . He was proud to say that the men from the Royal Fusiliers acted with the steadiness and coolness of old hands , even in their first action checking with their field g lasses each others' sights , the cheerful way all bad borne great fatigue and suffering and many privations , also the way the men marched and fought clearly proved once and for alt that in the future the Volunteer Force of this country are competent and willing to act if called on with the Regular Army .

"The Health ofthe I . P . M . " was drunk and replied to ; also that of " The Visitors , " Bros . Taylor and Harfeld replying . Replying for "The Past Masters , " Bro . Capt . Pugh , P . M ., made reference to the interest shown in the lodge by the late Bro . Capt . Gordon-Carey , who had been mainly instrumental in its foundation and early success , the mention of his name giving rise to a reception which showed how greatly he was esteemed , and how keenly his loss was felt by every member of the lodge . The musical talent was of an unusually high standard , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the evening .

Instruction.

Instruction .

KIRBY LODGE , No . 2 G 3 . ANNUAL FESTIVAL . This lodge of instruction was started in 1 SS 9 under the title of the Clarence Lod ge of Instruction , the name being subsequently altered to the " Kiiby , " to perpetuate the memory of the late Bro . W . H . Kirby , Preceptor . The efforts of the founders have met with very great success , and many students of the ritual find the lodge a useful

preparatory school for the Emulation Lodge of Improvement . The working done at the ninth annual festival held at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras , on the 20 th inst ., reflected the highest credit upon the Preceptor , Bro . George Rankin , especially as all the workers are young Masons who had never previously worked the Sections at a festival . There was one exception , Bro . Allsop , who kindly filled a gap at a few hours notice in a very creditable manner .

Amongst the brethren present were the following Grand Officers : Bros . Harry Manfield , G . Treas . ( the President of the Festival ); R . Clay Sudlow , P . G . S . B . ; 1 . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . ; W . G . Kentish , P . G . S . B ., * P . Nairn , P . D . G . D . C j and Sir Forrest Fulton , P . D . G . Reg . The total number present was about 170 , and included Bros . Geo . Rankin , Preceptor ; W . R . Bennett , P . M . ; D . D . West , P . M . ; C . Lewis , P . P . G . D . Essex ; A . M . Barnard ; Wm . Baker , W . M . 2205 , and F . W . Ward , 31 , Secretaries ; H . Pritchard , P . P . G . Treas . Middx . ; F . C . Van

Duzer , P . M . ; R . Newton Crane , P . M . 2397 ; J . P . Fitzgerald , P . M . ; Manuel , P . M . ; and many others . Lodge having been opened , the First Lecture was worked by the following brethren : ist Section , Bro . Fred . Coysh ; 2 nd Section , Bro . Allan Fuller ; 3 rd Section , Bro . Colver Gordon j 4 th Section , Bro . G . E . Dadswell ; 5 th Section , Bro . J . M . Payne ; 6 thSection , Bro . R . H . McLeod ; 7 th Section , Bw . T . W . Allsop , P . P . G . D . of C . Bucks . Where all did so well it would be invidious to make distinctions , for in every case the enunciation and punctuation were particularly good , and evinced careful and

thoughtful study . A vote of thanks to the workers was unanimously passed on the proposition of the President , Bro . Harry Manfield , G . Treas ., seconded by Bro . W . G . Kentish , P . G . S . B . Bro . Rankin , the Preceptor , returned thanks , mentioning that all the workers were young Masons , two having been initiated during the year , and not one of their number had worked a section at a Festival previously . He thanked Bro . Allsop for coming forward to fill a gap , and assured the brethren that the workers considered it an honour to represent the lodge . The President was elected an honorary

member , and the lodge was closed . The dinner which followed was presided over by Bro . Harry Manfield , G . Treas ., who subsequently proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . " The Grand Officers " was humorously proposed by Bro . W . R . Bennett , and in reply Bro . J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B ., having alluded to the distinguished services of the Pro G . M . and Dep . G . M ., said he would leave the toast in the hands of Bro . Sudlow . With reference to the remark of the proposer that he ( Bro . McLeod could not have done the work performed by his sen in the Cth Section that evening , this

was quite true . It was a treat to listen to working which was so instructive , and he wished it was more generally done in Craft lodges when time permitted . The Preceptor might well be proud of his staff as he naturally was of his son ' s work . Bro . R . C . Sudlow , P . G . S . B ., also replied . He said it was a duty on the part of the Grand Officers to be present whenever opportunity afforded on occasions such as this , and in this way to lend encouragement to the excellent work done at lodges of instruction . In the Kirby Lodge , through the excellent Preceptorship of Bro . Rankin ,

they were quite sure of hearing good work , and that evening had been no exception . As he was generally considered a critic , he would like to say that the standard of excellence was extremely high . For the intellectual treat given them and the hearty reception , he returned hearty thanks . Bro . R . Newton Crane , P . M ., proposed " The President , " and said that knowing Bro . Manfield personally he was enboldened to propose his health . It was a great honour to be asked to take the chair of a Craft lodge and in this respect he was

reminded of the logs that went down with the current of the river where he came from in ' America . He had been in some lodges where they had run the old logs down the stream . They simply could not help themselves but they had to go because it was their turn . To be elected to the highest office in Masonry was a great thing , and the highest thing that could occur in the career of any Mason . It was a remarkable thing that in this country where there were so many Masons , so many anxious to get on in the Craft , that the lodge should put its finger on one man and say " we want you . " There was

one other greater compliment than being elected Grand Treasurer , and that was to be elected President of this lodge of instruction . Some might stumble into the position of Grand Treasurer—and many would like to know how the accident could be brought about—but it was a sporting chance for a Grand Officer to be brought into the chair of a Festival such as this . They hid selected for their Chairman that evening one of the best fellows in the world , and one of the best Masons in England . Bro . Harry Manfield , G . Treas ., in his response , said he had afforded Bro . Crane

a peg upon which to hang a very happy speech . He felt nervous about presiding over such a lodge with such a reputation and such traditions , and considered it a very great privilege . The lodge had had several distinguished and honoured Presidents , and he ventured to think it was not to himeelf personally but to the position which he held that he owed the honour . He could assure them that it had been an extreme pleasure to preside over such a gathering . In proposing "The Kirby Lodge of Instruction" he might have said " Oar worthy selves , " for by their kindness he was now a member , a privilege which he highly valued . One of the best features of

Masonry were the lodges of instruction , and tnat night he felt a privilege in presiding over one of the most successful of them . It was the custom forthe Chairmin to indulge his audience with some statistics . That was not his intention , and he would merely say that that lodge had fully maintained its well-deserved reputation during the past year . In evidence of that he wouldonly allude tothe brilliant working they hid seen . If they took into consideration the fact that the Sections were worked by men who had only just come into Masonry , it was evidence of the sound working taught . He believed that lodges of instruction had exerted a greit influence in Misanry . Speaking of his