Craft Masonry.

Lee , Maud , Goad , Copper , Davis , Shirhng , Leach , Hall , Speck , MrKenzie , Truckell , Gilbert , and Foley . Visitors : Bros . G . H . Bassett , W . M . 1579 ; E . Foley , 21 GS ; J . K . Pitt , P . M . 4 63 ; M . Siegenberg , VV . M . iSS ; J . E . Poole , , o 0 i ; VV . H . Weeks , 15 S 5 ; G . S . Denney , I . P . M . 1 G 07 ; G . D . Stevenson , P . M . 214 S ; H . T . Thompson , P . M . 742 ; \ V . Norton , 907 ; L . Brooke , 1326 ; B . T . Whitehead , 1329 ; A . Reed , 1563 ; George White , P . M . 975 ; George

Jackson , P . M . 1 G 25 ; D . Reckie , 5 ii ; and F . H . Ebsworth , P . M . 117 S . After the confirmation of the minutes of the preceding meeting , and the adoption of the accounts cf the lodge for the past year , showing a balance in hand of £ 61 3 s . 4 d ., the ballot was taken for Messrs . Pain , White-Held , and Farmer , and , proving unanimous , they were duly initiated inlo Freemasonry , the W . M ., Bro . Johns , performing the ceremony in an able manner . Bro . Arthur

VVatts , VV . M . elect , was then presented by Bro . T . Duffield , P . M ., D . C , and duly installed into the chair of K . S ., Bro . Johns , VV . M ., rendering the ceremony in a highly impressive manner , the addresses to the VV . M ., Officers , and brethren eliciting general and hearty praise . Bro . Watts , W . M ., then appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . H . T . Meadows , S . W . ; John Hampson , l . W . ; Wm . Carey , P . M ., Treas . ; Edmund 1 . Morgan ,

P . M ., Sec ; F . P . Langford , S . D . ; George Horwill , J . D . ; Charles M . Morris , I . G . ; Thomas Duffield , P . M ., D . C . ; George Bull , A . D . C ; Percy Leach and George Hall , Stwds ., and Young , Tyler . The first duty devolving on the newly-installed Master was a pleasing one—the presentation to the I . P . M ., Bro . Johns , of a handsome jewel , unanimously voted by the brethren at the December meeting , which was presented in feeling terms , and suitably

acknowledged by Bro . Johns , who prized very highly the honour confened upon him . After voting the sum of £ 10 ios . to the list of the W . M ., who will represent the lodge at the forthcoming festival of the Boys' School , receiving a proposition for membership , and the hearty congratulations ot the brethren , the lodge was closed . The biethren ihen adjourned to the banqueting table ,

Bro . Pearce catenng in his usual excellent style . The toasts of "The Oueen and Daft , " "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and "The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " having been duly honoured , Bro . Johns , I . P . M ., rose and presented the toast of the evening— "The VVorshipful Master , " which was very heartil y received , congratulating Bro . Watts on his installation into the chair of K . S . The I . P . M . referred to the

various offices filled by the W . M . in the lodge and to the esteem in which he was held by all the brethren of the lodge , appealing to the brethren one and all to support their newly-installed Master . He wished the VV . M . a very happy and prosperous year of office . Bro . Walts , VV . M ., in thanking the brethren for the confidence reposed in him by electing him as W . M ., appreciated very highly the honour they had conferred

upon him . He had been a member of the Leopold Ledge for manyyears , and had filled the various offices allotted to him to the best of his ability . As in the past , the best interests of the lodge would be very dear to him , and nothing would be wanting on his part to maintain the worthy traditions of the Leopold Lodge . In asking the brethren to henour the toast of "The Installing Master and Immediate Past Master , Bro . Johns , "

the W . M . congratulated the lodge on having the installation ceremony so ably rendered , and trusted that the I . P . M . might be spared for many years to the lodge , and that he would look upon the jewel which had been presented to him that evening as a token of the esteem of the brethren for his services during the past year . Bro . Johns , in acknowledging the toast , repeated the thanks previously expressed in lodge for the handsome

jewel which had been presented to him by the lodge in commemoration of his Mastership , which he should highly prize . In feeling terms he referred to his year of oflice , which had come to a close , and was glad to find the lodge in so prosperous a condition , and that during 1 S 94 the Leopold Lodge was so ably represented at the last Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , when he had the honour to take up on behalf of the lodge a list of over £ 100 . In retiring from the chair he thanked the officers

for the cordial support which they had rendered him during his year of office , and the brethren for their handsome subscription to the Old People ' s Institution , and promised that nothing should be wanting on his part to further the best interests of the Leopold Lodge . "The Visitors" next claimed the attention of the brethren , the W . M . thanking the visiting brethren , of which a large muster had favoured the lodge with their presence , for their support at his installation .

Bros . G . H . Bassett , P . M . 1579 ; H . T . Thompson , i , ' ,, ; ' - D > Stevenson , P . M . 214 S ; M . Siegenberg , e e lS 8 ' and G Wnite P-M- 075 > responded , each of the brethren congratulating the Leopold Lodge on the excellence of its working , and the Installing Master on the able manner in which the beautiful installation ceremony had been rendered , and wishing Lodge No . 1571 a continuance of its present popularity . The cause ot Charity was not forgotten by the assembled brethren

, "The Masonic Institutions" being next pre-2 ! ii y the W > M " wno n 0 P td that the usual support of tu o « thren would * accorded to him as the Steward for the K . M . I , for Boys at the coming festival . In the unavoidable absence of Bro . J . M . McLeod , Secretary of the Boys' School , Bro . W . Carey , P . M ., , , as •. ab y responded . 'Touching on the three Charitab . e institutions , which were the ornaments ot the Craft , he speciall y appealed to the brethren of the Leopold Ludge to rally round their W . M .. and send him un in th- lf ^ , ; . „ i „ f

j » Sch ° o 1 with a list of whlcn the lou > e might be proud . As an investment , they could have nothing better than a H r , , dby the Craft ' in their 0 ld People ' s , their Boys ' , ana Uirls ^ Schools , and , although the former Institution naa peen a favourite with recent Masters , he was glad that <* t , u , yi wcre n f rSotten , nor the girls , whose centenary icstival he had the honour of attending when W . M . of the " -eopoicl Lodire . While trr * i *(„\ ™ t th * > . on , im ™„ ..

n , 5 » JKu bee L n taken "P b X Past Masters of the lodge , he nu ™ ¦ \ u •the cause of Charity would still find a warm ei « t . " lc heatts > and wished the newly-installed Master every success . In submitting "The Past Masters of thc Lodge , " the •. '" •appealed for their support during his year ot office . DromfJ ^ i ! l . a res P ondedto by Bro . Duffield , P . M ., who and ef r h l d h t e ' P 'V ^ Pff the . S instruction , therewith charitable association in connection

Craft Masonry.

Bro . VV . F . Packer , P . M ., who regretted his absence from the lodge in consequence of his professional engagements , but his heart was with his mother lodge—the Leopold . Bro . Edmund | . Morgan , P . M ., Sec , who trusted that in the year on which they had entered they would one and all give a lor . g pull , a stronir pull , and a pull all together . If their object was to unite in the grand design of promoting each other ' s happiness , hc predicted for the Worshipful

Master and the lodge a happy and prosperous year ol office . In giving the toast of "The Officers , " the W . M . complimented the lodge on having such able brethren filling the various offices , who would worthily discharge the duties of the chair when it fell to their lot . Bros . Meadows , S . VV . ; Hampson , J . W . ; Morris , I . G . ; and Leach , Stwd ., responded , promising all the support they could render to the W . M .

T he Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close . A very entertaining programme of music , & c , rendered by Misses F . Robinson , Lizzie Elliston , R . A . M ., Beatrice Howard , liros . VV . F . Packer , P . M ., Sam Wright , Mr . C H . Crowther , and Bro . W . Mervyn Ward , and provided by the VV . M ., was heartily appreciated by the assembled brethren , who can ied away with them pleasant reminiscences of one of the most enjoyable re-unions of the Leopold Lodge . Miss Robinson and Bro . W . F . Packer , P . M ., acted as accomoanists .

Strand Lodge ( No . 1987 ) . —This well-known and ever-growing lodge met at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the ioth inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Edwin Evans , W . M ., supported by Bros . C J . Taylor , I . P . M . ; W . Merrett , S . W . ; W . S . Hooper , J . VV . ; J . Willing , P . M ., Treas . ; W . M . Stiles , P . M ., Sec ; VV . Rapley , I . G . ; J . N . Hare and H . Lovejoy , Stwds . ; | . K . W . Soper , Org . ; E . N . Dale , P . M . ; F . Jackson , P . M . ; A . H . Westcott , G . P . Channing , VV . Houghton , VV . E .

Houghton , A . A . Wilson , W . W . Bates , F . J . Bradley , L . E . T'hurlow , R . Whiting , P . M ., Tyler , and many others . Visitors : Bros . F . VV . Clayton , 155 S ; S . VV . Larkin , S . VV . 742 ; T . J tileries , J . VV . 1744 ; Victor Stevens , 2127 ; P . Campbell , 307 ; S . W . Ball ; VV . A . Scurrah , P . M . 161 j VV . Wiltshire , 1602 ; T . F . Strutt ; F . Douglas-Norman , 172 ; E . G . Van Tromp , P . M . 9 G 9 ; A . W . Weston . P . M . 127 S ; J . Pollard , 209 S ; W . Glanfield , 2455 ; H . Hibbeid , W . M . 167 ; E . Daoust , I . P . M . ; and R . 1 . VVest .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , the W . M . raised Bro . L . E . T'hurlow and afterwards passed tiros . VV . Houghton , W . E . Houghton , A . A . Wilson , VV . VV . Bates , and F . J . Bradley . The VV . M . then initiated Mc . J . T . Smith . The woiking of the T ' nree Degrees by the VV . M . was carried out in an excellent manner . Two gentlemen having been proposed for initiation at the next meeting , and , alter other business , the lodge was closed .

The brethren then adjourned to a superb banquet , which was well served , and for which Bro . Oddenino was responsible . The W . M . gave , in very brief terms , "Loyalty to the Throne and Devotion to the Craft . " Bro . C J . Taylor , ( . P . M ., proposed "The Health cf the VV . M . " He said that the solid way in which Bro . Evans did his ' work was highly appreciated by the members . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm .

In response , Bro . Edwin Evans , W . M ., stated that he was honoured with their hearty reception , and he was doing his best in the working of the ritual . In giving the toast of " The Initiate , " the W . M . said that they had only one that night , but at the last meeting there were five . At this point Bro . C J . Taylor , by special request , gave "The Mason ' s Sign , " his own composition , which was rendered in a manner that gained great

applause . tiro . J . T . Smith , the initiate , responded , observing that he was not used to speech-making , but he was deeply grateful that he had been elected a member of the Strand Lodge , and he hoped that nothing would be wanting on his part to make him a useful member of the lodge and the Craft . In happy terms the VV . M . submitted the toast of " The

I . P . M ., Bro . C J . Taylor , " "The Past Masters , " and "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and referred to Bro . VV . M . stiles , Sec , who , it was well known , was a candidate for the ollice of Grand Treasurer , and for the many services he had rendered the Cralt and the Charities , no one better deserved that high honour , and he earnestly hoped that the large array of visiiors present would bear his name in mind , and work hard for him .

The toasts were drunk with acclamation , the names of Bros . Willing and Stiles receiving maiked attention . Bro . C . J . Taylor , I . P . M ., having responded , Bro . J . Willing , P . M ., Treas ., said that he was the " father '' of the lodge , and he was glad that he had such a " ruly " family . I he lodge was getting strong in numbers as well as strong in visitors . He was one of the extremel y quiet members , and he must leave it to Bro . Stiles to

continue the response for the toast , as if he ( Bro . Stiles ) could not talk , no one could . Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . M ., Sec , stated that lhey were always glad to see bro . Willing , noisy or otherwise , as he had done wonders for the lodge . He appreciated the kind reference of the W . M . to his candidature for Grand

honours , and he was proud of his many triends who were woiking so hard to uphold the only privilege of the Blues to elect an officer at Urand Lodge . It it tell to his happy lot to be the Blue to be elected , he would be , if anything , mere than gratified . Bros . Dale and Jackson also replied in appropriate

terms . In eulogistic terms the W . M . gave "The Visitors , " remarking that they were all heartily welcome , and lie coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Anderson , VV . A . Scurrah , Van Tromp , | cffeiies , and Pollock .

Bro . Anderson responded . He was proud to be there to meet such veterans in the Craft as Bros . Willing , Stiles , and Scurrah . Masonry was the most noble institution anyone could belong td . Bro . W . A . Scurrah , P . M ., said their hospitality that night was lavish , but it had always been so on the many

occasions that he had attended their hippy lodge . He telt he must refer to Bro . Stiles , his first and greatest friend in Masonry , and he gave at length his reasons why Bro . Stiles was not elected Grand Treasurer at the last election , one of which was thai his friends were over sanguine , and did not take the trouble to record their votes . Bro . Stiles had done everything to qualify himself for high ollice , and if he was

Craft Masonry.

not deserving of the Grand Treasurership no one was , and he urged all to make a point uf attending in March next , as every vote was of the utmost importance . Bro . Ilibbord , Van Tromp , Jefferies , Victor Stevens , and P . 'Hard also ret '' sd in some good speeches . The W . M . gave " The Officers , " remarking that they were good and he was proud of them , and a W . M . without

efficient officers would be at a great disadvantage . Bro . W . Merrett , S . W ., replied that he would do his best to assist the W . M ., and everything that was required for the lodge . Bros . Hooper , J . VV . ; Rapley , I . G . ; J . N . Hare , Lovejoy , and J . li . W . Soper , Org ., also responded , and

the Tyler ' s toast brought the happy proceedings to a conclusion . Bros . Victor Stevens , A . W . Weston , Channing , T'hurlow , and Wm . Rignold vocally and otherwise entertained the brethren , the last-named giving a splendid recitation , which gained great applause .

Empire Lodge ( No . 2108 ) .- This lodge , specially established as a connecting link between the Mother Counlry and her Colonies , held iis annual installation meeting at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 22 nd inst ., and unanimously elected as an honorary member the Right

Hon . Cecil Rhodes , who is at present applying to the Grand Master for a warrant for a Masonic lodge to be held at Buluwayo . Bro . Hermann Klein was installed W . M ., in the presence of Bros . Philbrick , Q . C , Sir Augustus Harris , J . 0 . Parkinson , E . Letchwoitn ( Grand Secretary ) , Sir George D . Harris , Lennox Browne , and many others .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BOLTON . Anchor and Hope Lodge ( No . 37 ) .-The installation meeting and testival of tnis ancient lodge was held on Monday , the 14 th inst ., in the Freem isms' Hill . More than usual interest was taken in the meeting , consequent on the W . M . elect being Bro . Lord Stanley , M . P .

the lodge was opened , there being a large attendince of members , amongst whom were Bros . J . VV . Thompson , W . M . ; Lord Stanley , S . W . ; H . L . Hinneli , | . W . j Rev . W . R . Clayton , P . P . G . C ; John Booth , P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; E . G . Harwood , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . Walker , P . P . J G . W . ; James Newton , P . A . G . Sec ; Wm . Forrest , P . P . G . D . ; E . J . Brown , P . P . G . D . Suffolk ; W . H .

Horrocks , P . M . ; J . Hardcastle , P . M . ; Wm . Goulding , P . M . ; J . Taylor , P . M . ; VV . II . Brown ( Mayor of Bolton ); B , A . Dobson , and others . Tne visitors included Bros . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , P . G . M . ; | . D . Murray , P . G . Treas . ; E . Ashworth , P . G . D . ; | . H . Sillitoe , P . G . Std . Br . ; Kev . T . Taylor-Evans , Prov . G . Chap . ; N . Nicholson , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . H . Whittaker ,

P . P . G . O . West Lanes . ; N . Heywood , P . M . 44 ; J . Renshaw , P . M . 29 S ; and many others . The usual preliminary business being disposed of , Bro . J . W . Thompson proceeded to install as his successor the W . M . elect , Bro . Lord Stanley , the ceremony being partly performed by Bro . VV . Forrest , P . P . G . D . In the Board of Installed Masters there were no less than 34 Past Masters

or VVorshipful Masters present to greet the new vV . M . The investiture of the officers was performed by Bro . J . Booth , P . P . G . D ., the following being the officers invested : Bros . T . Barnes , S . W . ; H . L . Hinneli , J . VV . ; Rev . W . R . Clavton , Chap . ; J . Booth , Treas . ; F . W . Briscoe , Sec ; F . W . Broadbent , S . D . ; G . E . G . eenhilgh , J . D . ; Wm . Forrest , D . of C ; Hardcastle , A . D . C ; R . Bamber ,

Org . ; I ' . VV . Isherwood , I . G . ; C F . Murphy , J . E . H . Spencer , G . J . French , and J . Johnston , S : ivds . ; J . Walker , I . G . ; and S . Rawsthorne , Tyler . Tne addresses were delivered by Bros . J . W . Thompson , Jn > . Booth , anJ W . Forrest . The W . M ., on behalf of tne lodge , presented a Past Master ' s jewel tothe I . P . M ., Bro . J . vV . Thompson , in appreciation of his services during the pist year .

" Hearty good wishes " were tendered by the visiting brethren , and the lodge was closed . The brethren then adjourned to the dining room , where a banquet was served by Bro . H . Walmsley . Alter the remoual ol the cloth Bro . Lord Stanley , VV . M ., proposed the loyal toasts .

the toast ot " Ihe Grand Officers was responded to by Bro . J . D . Murray , P . G . Treas . "The Health ot Col . Starkie , Prov . G . Master , " was heartily received , and responded to by him in one of his admirable speeches . Bro . Rev . T . Taylor-Evans , Prov . G . Chap ., responded for " The P . ov . G . Officers . "

I lis Worship the Mayor of Bolton , Bro . B . A . Dobson , in happy terms proposed " The Health of Bro . Lord Stanley , W . M . " His lordship , in suitable terms , responded , and proposed "The Health of the Mayor , Bro . Dobson . " 'The toast of " Ihe Visiting Bretnren " was responded to by Bro . Nathaniel Nicholson , P . M . 1723 , P . P . G . S . B .

" The Health of the I . P . M . " was heartily received , and many expressions of regret were made at his enforced absence from the banquet , in consequence of an accident the previous day . He had attended the lodge , although suffering great pain . Thc toast of ••The Masonic Charities " was proposed by

Bro . J . IT . Sillitoe , P . C Std . Br ., and Chairman of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution . Bro . Sillitoe , in a few pointed remarks , strongly impressed the necessity of increased support oeing given to the Chanties , both metropolitan and local .

The toast was heartily received , and responded to by Bro . Jas . Newton , Prov . G . Asst . Sec , and Sec . to the East Lancashire Systematic Institution , who brought before the notice of the brethren the intended Festival of that Institution in June next .

The remaining toasts were "The Installing Officers , " proposed by the vV . M . ; " The Past Masters ot theLodge , ' and " The Officers ot the Lodge . " The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close one of the m > st harmonious and enjoyable evenings in the history ef thc lodge .

BRIGHTON . Royal Brunswick Lodge ( No . 732 ) . —At the annual meeting of the above lodge held at the Pavilion , 011 lhursday , the 17 th inst ., Bro . Thomis Billing succeeded Bro . W . A . Field as the VVorshipful Master for the ensuing year . The other officers appointed were Bros . VV . A ,