Craft Masonry.

The lodge was closed , and an adjournment made to an excellent banquet , which was followed by the customary Bro . G . J . C . Rubardt , I . P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Worshi pful Master , " said that for the first time he had the privilege of giving this toast , but he hoped to propose it on many occasions during the coming year .

They had all lieard Uro . Venner s working , and the majority of the brethren present knew him well and knew what a ( rood fellow he was besides being an excellent Mason , the ° lvo combined being excellent qualities . They were all sure the W . M . would carry out his duties with great credit to himself and honour to the City of London Lodge . Bro . Edwin Venner , W . M ., returned thanks . He was

not sure that he deserved all they had heard about him from the I . P . M ., but he was doing the best he could to carry out his duty . It had been his ambition for some years to occupy the chair of this lodge , andjhe hoped to fill it with satisfaction to the members and credit to the lodge . It had been the custom for many years for the W . M . to go up as Steward on behalf of one of the Charities . This year the

duty devolved upon him to represent the lodge on behalf of the Girls' School . During the 13 or 14 years he had known the lodge the rule had never been deviated from and there hid always been a good list , and he hoped that this year they would not alter their usual custom . He hoped the members would send him up with a good list . The Worshipful Master next trave "The I . P . M . and

Installing Master , ' and referred to the able manner in which Bro . Rubardt had carried out his duties . He had n-reat pleasure in presenting the I . P . M . with the Past Master ' s jewel voted to him and also with a collar subscribed for by the officers to mark the high esteem in which he was held , and he hoped Bro . Rubardt would be spared for many years to wear them . Bro . G . J . C . Rubardt , I . P . M ., expressed the pleasure

and satisfaction it afforded him to respond . When he was installed in the chair he thought that was the proudest moment of his life , but he thought the present came up to it in having the Past Master ' s jewel pinned on his breast , not only for the sake of the jewel but for the memories of the past . His father was initiated in the lodge and passed through the chair , and at home , stored away , he ( the I . P . M . )

had his father's jewel , and those memories naturally made it dear to him . He could not say more than thank them for the manner they had received the toast . Bros . Sanders and Cohn replied for "The Initiates , " after which the W . M . proposed "The Visitors , " and said there were as many present as he ever remembered seeing in their lodge . He was personally pleased to see a large

number of friends present , whose healths he had much pleasure in proposing . Bros . Talbot Smith , P . M . 969 ; Brindley James , W . M . 1441 ; H . Holmes , P . P . G . D . Herts ; and Doerr , W . M . 1475 , responded . "The Past Masters , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " M > 4 "The Officers" were also given before the Tyler ' s toast gave the signal for the brethren to disperse , after a most successful and enjoyable evening .

West Smithfield Lodge ( No . 1623 ) . —The 'J 4 < n regular meeting of this lodge took place at Freemasons ' Hall on the 17 th inst ., when there were present Bros . P . H . Clisby , W . M . ; C . J . Smith , S . W . ; G . K . Oakes , acting J . W . ; J . J . Howes , P . M ., Treas . ; H . J . Lardner , I ' . M ., Sec . ; S . H . C . Rumball , J . D . ; G . Higgins , LG . ; Egbert Roberts , Org . ; E . R . Bradsell . Steward ; R . F .

Bnckdale , P . M . ; J . F . Rumball , P . M . ; A . Arnstein , J . 5 > . Lion , Max Lion , H . J . Lee , W . Turner , A . W . Johnson , W . 11 . England , J . H . Hollinghurst , C . A . Barter , F . M . Isaacson , C . VV . I-ink , VV . N . Mellows , R . Hassell , \ V . S . Carver , C . VV . Clisby , G . E . Turner , H . Buckingham , D . V > . I Ul p ts , and N . P . Lardner , S . D . 1 745 ( visitor ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having-been read and

conlirmed , Bros . W . 'Turner . J . H . Hollinghurst , and Max Lion were raised to the Third Degree . Bro . W . A . Johnson was then passed to the Second Degree . A ballot having teen taken for the following candidates : Messrs . G . E . Utner and Henry Buckingham , and Col . Diedrich G . T . yipts ( the smallest man in the world ) , they were initiated .

ineintee ceremonies being performed by the W . M . in so j * and impressive a manner as to call forth the highest Praise from those who had the pleasure of listening to it . A inter of resignation from Bro . Daniel ( ones was received « h regret . Bro . J . j . Howes , P . M ., 'Treas ., having given "Mice of motion relative to the alteration ol certain rules , "ic meeting terminated .

. Duke of Fife Lodge ( No . 2345 ;—The third Wanation meeting of this lodjre was held at the Alexandra . 'wci , Uapham Common , S . W ., on Wednesday , the iGth HI i P " lere was a Zood attendance of brethren and a "Miucrof visitors ; in fact , there were more present than lW , ' 7 , J ' , . , 10 US occasion . 'The following were present . iro ,. W . VV . Westley , W . M .: S . Cochrane . W . M .: I .

\ u - , olkard . S . VV ., W . M . elect ; R . Steele , Treas . ; C . I P f - » , A . Harvey , S . D . ; Beaven , | . D . ; Lyell , I ' atricV r ? gd 0 I V . ';?¦ ' Wi ™ y > 0 s S-i Gilbert , Stwd . ; lhr ; ' . ler G- Everett , G . Treas . ; Rashleigh , Morris , Shr '' "'" . . Brooinfield , Robertson , Bailey , P . P . G . Reg . JJ 7 J " Shannaw , Dr . Simpson , Wyer , P . P . G . Baldwin ' £ "'<„ ' ^ ert * . H . Lynn , P . M . ; Lawrence . W . ty T v I VT ° " sr . and Merrett . Visitors : Bros . w -l Keddell , S . VV . , iS II . Wakefield , i 55 S ; Ellson , I ' . G 1 ) r- ° , . Sand a's , W . M . 15 S 5 ; Bond , P . M . 13 . 4 , Evani ent' ' ^ nnisW . M . 13 S 1 Bisley 001 ;

u , » . ' , ; , 16 , ' 7- 172 ; Reed , W . M . Iy 6 ; Stokoe , P . M . &( ? . "" £ Wl Ewngton , 172 ; C . Wilson , P . M . 1063 , - Reap , G 22 ; G , E . Kin £ S . D . lC 4 I . ' , J . IJ . S . U . 00 lc > » 7 V Donaldson , Treas . 1963 ; Street , Kidsun ' , 7 , ° , ? ch VV -M- s 57 i Stimson , P . M . 59 ; I ' . M . i ' ,, T J 5 ; Wa , tc « > Cl 4 / Darling , 2033 ; and Pilditch , TV ,.. ? ... .

, Jru ' l- ' olKr leu , ' ' ast" > eetingwcre read and confirmed . uf K . S I 7 ,, ' w : t was verV ably installed into the chair ;>* J a y ,, rr ° ' , t W - Westley , P . M ., W . M ., and in-MV . ; j , , , r , ce rs Hros . Westley , I . P . M . ; E . Beaven , n - i /* ' | . ?!' Bdon 'J-W . ; R . Steele , Treas . ; C . Woods , ¦ M ., ll . ' r » , P- J- Lyell , J . D . ; S . Cochrane , atri <* , ¦ l \ Y „ , '„ Jl ) bcrt ' ' - - ' G- Winny , Org . ; ana r * "ot inv « , ' p . - ? L' , : aml J- MitcneU he n absent , o " - ance P \ , "'' h their collars . On the motion of Bro . If Jld Treasu ' r -V ' seconile ' 1 by Bro - George Everett , i , ?¦ West | p „ M , { I was . unanimously resolved to present :, aluil > le servirl b , ^ h a ' 3 ast Master ' s jewel , for his ¦ vices as W . M . during the past year . Apologies

Craft Masonry.

for absence were received from Bros . F . Richardson , P . G . D . ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C ; Mather , P . A . G . D . C . ; Col . Peters , P . G . S . B . ; I . H . Matthews , P . D . G . D . C . ; H . Mitchell , and Lavender . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed . At the banquet which followed , the VV . M . proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were received with the enthusiasm which is always so characteristic of the

members of the Duke of Fife Lodge . The Worshipful Master , in proposing " The Grand Officers , " referred tn the work they did for Freemasonry . He especially alluded tn the excellent services rendered to this lodge by a Grand Officer , Bro . Georjje Everett , Grand Treasurer , who was always ready to do anything to make the brethren happy . On that occasion he had very kindly undertaken to attend to the wine . Of course , he had done

that work well , as he did everything he took in hand . Bro . George Everett , Grand Treasurer , m responding , thanked the brethren for the very hearty way in which the toast of the Grand Officers had been received . The position of Grand Officer was a very important one . For himself he was very proud of his position , which he held entirely through the esteem of the members of the Order . It always gave him infinite pleasure to respond to the toast ,

particularly in a lodge of which he was a member . Those who had passed through the offices of Grand Lodge had justly earned a very riigh reputation . He believed that the present Grand Officers would show an equally favourable record . Last year the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , presided over the Boys' Festival and then the sum of £ 29 , 000 was collected for that deserving Institution with which he ( Bro . Everett ) was very pleased to be

connected as one of the Board of Management . Quite recently the D . G . M ., the Earl of Mount Edgecumbe 7 had presided over a gathering at Covent Garden Theatre of which every Mason must certainly be proud . Then a sum which had since reached £ 63 , 000 was announced as subscriptions to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . This was unprecedented in the history of any Charity , and must make Masons proud of the Craft . He had been verv

busy during the past year , but he held the office of Grand 'Treasurer in such affection that he felt he could not do too much in carrying out its duties . He believed they had another Grand Officer in embryo ( Bro . S . Cochrane ) among them , for he had heard that this esteemed brother would be nominated for Grand Treasurer in 1 S 93 . He knew what a good Mason Bro . Cochrane was and wished him every success . Bro . Everett also alluded to the very great

kindness of Bro . Daoust , who had catered for the lodge that evening , and had given great satisfaction to all in spite of the fact that so many more brethren were present than had been expected . Bro . Westley , I . P . M ., proposed the toast of "The Worshipful Master , " and spoke in eulogistic terms of the earnest way in which Bro . Folkard had worked for the Order . He trusted the coming year would be a successful

one . Bro . Folkard , in response , said that from the first he had done all he could to make the lodge a success , and he was very proud to occupy that chair . He had felt his position to be one of very great responsibility , and he was especially thankful to the Grand Treasurer and Bro . Daoust for what they had done that evening . The Worshipful Master proposed "The Installing

Master , " and said that it would be out of place for him to praise Bro . Westley ' s working , for it was always of the very best . 1 n pinning the Past Master ' s jewel to his breast , he expressed a hope that Bro . Westley might be spared very many years to wear it in that lodge . As Preceptor of the lodge of instruction , Bro . Westley had taught many of those present what they knew of the ritual . Bro . Westley , I . P . M ., after thanking the brethren for

the Past Master ' s jewel , said that he hoped to wear it for many years in the lodge . The Worshipful Master said they were highly honoured that evening with the large array of visitors . There were many hard-n-orkingand distinguished brethren among them . It was an honour to the lodge to find so many able brethren ready to attend their meetings . In response , Bro . Ellson said that that was his first visit .

but he felt quite at home for the faces around him were well-known . What he knew in Alasonry he had learnt from a member ol that lodge . He considered that the Order was a very noble one , and in referring to the recent Benevolent Festival , he said that everyone could see in it a proof of the great value of the Order . Bros . Evans , W . M . 172 ; Stokoe , P . M . 19 ( 13 ; Donaldson , Treas . 1963 ; and Pilditch , P . M ., also responded .

In proposing " 'The Past Masters , " the W . AL pointed out the work that they had done , far the . lodge . Bro . S . Cochrane , P . M ., D . C , responded . He pointed out the work that was done at the Board of General Purposes of which he had the pleasure of being a member . It had been suggested that he should allow himself to be nominated tor the ofiice of Grand Treasurer in 1893 . He considered the ofiice of Grand Treasurer a very important ane , and should be very proud if the brethren gave him the

high honour of representing them in that ofiice . The toasts of * ' The Treasurer and Secretary" and "The Officers" were duly honoured . Bros . Steele , Treas . ; Woods , Sec ; Beaven , S . W ' . ; and Langdon , J . VV ., responded . The Tyler ' s toast closed a very happy evening , which had been enlivened by a selection of music under the direction of Bro . Winny , Org . Among the performers was the W . M . 's son , who was enthusiastically received .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

A SHTON- UNDEK-L YNE . Fidelity Lodge ( No . 430 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 21 st inst ., at the Pitt and Nelson Hotel . 'There was a large gathering of eminent brethren present , including Bros . George Mellor , P . G . D . England , D . P . G . M . ; Richard Newhouse , P . G .

Sec . Cheshire ; John Clayton , P . P . J . G . W . ; Henry Hall , J . P ., P . P . J . G . W . ; Walter Newton , P . P . G . D . ; John Eaton , P . P . G . S . of W . ; and J . Kenworthy , P . P . G . D . C . The lodge was opened by Bro . David Cordingley , VV . M . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . W . E . Garforth , P . M ., then took the chair , in order to raise Bro , Harry Garforth Hall , which he did in a most efficient manner . Bro . G . A , Pane , I . P . M .. tuok

Provincial Meetings.

the chair , and raised Bro . Henry Shaw , the ceremony being very impressively and effectively rendered throughout ; he also gave the traditional history . AI ! business bein g attended to , and " Hearty good wishes " expressed by the numerous visitors present , the lodge was closed . The brethren subsequently had supper , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to

in a most cheerful and hearty manner . The following is a complete list of those present : Bros . D . Cordingley , VV . M . ; H . Neeves , P . M . ; S . Newton , J . W . ; J . H . Burton , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Pownall , Sec . ; H . Collett , S . D . ; A . E . Wright , J . D . ; M . Coffey , LG . ; J . Eaton , P . M . ; G . A . Page , P . M . ; H . G . Hall , and John Eaton , P . P . S . G . W . Visitors : Bros . Walter Kenworthy , P . P . G . D . C ; T . Walker , 1045 ; J . W . C . Milton , 1144 ;

E . Moss , P . M . 2 OS ; J . Clayton , P . P . J . G . W . ; R . Cainshaw ; J . Preece , I . P . M . 1144 ; A . Shaw , 300 ; R . Newhouse , P . G . Sec . Cheshire ; G . VV . Mellor , D . P . G . M . ; H , Hall , J . P ., P . P . J . G . W . ; Geo . Newton , I . P . M . ; G . II . Woollan , 300 ; E . Barlow , P . M . 300 ; G . S . Smith , P . M . ; G . A . Myers , P . M . 1730 and 2359 ; W- E . Garforth , P . M . ; J . Pownall , J . D . 300 ; W . Newton , P . M . 1322 ; and I . Fletcher , P . P . J . G . D .

BIRKENHEAD . Combermere Lodge ( No . 605 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge took place on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., at the Queen ' s Hotel . There was a numerous attendance of members and visitors . Bro . A . Moore , the retiring W . AL , presided . The installation of Bro . John Watt , S . W ., to the chair of the lodge was performed by

Bro . R . Crockett , P . M . of the lodge . The officers invested were Bros . A . Moore , I . P . M . ; J . Frazer , S . W . ; R . VV . Thompson , J . W . ; J . R . Simm , P . M ., P . P . G . T ' ., Treas . ; O . ( ones , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Sec . ; J . Gamlin , P . M ., P . J . ' G . D . D . of C . ; J . H . Jackson , S . D . ; VV . H . Reinhardt , I . D . ; W . H . Jones , I . G . ; VV . P . Cooper , Org . ; A . Birkett , R . Powell , Thomas Adams , and J . E . Tomlinson ,

Stwds . ; and F . Holtaway , Tyler . 'The retiring VV . M . was presented with a Past Alaster ' s jewel on behalf of the lodge , and afterwards with a valuable gold ring , subscribed for individually by the members . Subsequently an adjournment was made to the Music Hall , where the brethren , to the number of over 100 , sat

down to a banquet provided by Bra . D . Baker . A musical programme was rendered by Bros . S . Parry , VV . Baker , I . II . Jackson , F . G . Merry , G . Proudman , A . N . . Mason , W . P . Cooper , and the Combermere Glee Party , Bro . W . P . Cooper being a highly capable accompanist on the piano .

BUCKHURST HILL . Lennox Browne Lodge ( No . 2318 ) . —The regular meeting of this popular lodge was held at the Roebuck Hotel on Saturday , the 19 th instant . There were present Bros . Dr . W . E . Dring , VV . AI . ; H . Ffrench Bromhead , P . S . G . W ., I . P . M . ; VV . M . Butcher , J . W . ; G . H . Beament , Sec ; A . Schneider , J . D . ; G . Ashton , I . G . ; C .

Spurgeon , Org . ; F . Barnes , Steward ; J . Snowden , jun ., A . D . C . ; Young , 'Tyler ; Dr . T . Scoresby-Jackson , P . M . ; J . Schummer , G . L . Gumprecht , W . H . Gadsden , A . C . Smith , H . Love , H . Hamblock , T . E . Dickinson , T . H . G . Wrighton , and C . Walker . The visitors were Bros . H . Jarrette , 1017 ; C . E . Barnes , W . AL 1502 ; VV . T . Edwards , 155 ; W . J . Harris , 65 ; E . Purkess , 453 ; j . Kemsley ; R . Qnn ^ pll Hill . 1 H Painft P 1 U SCn . , „ , ! \ u n «„ ... / j ixc

v ........... .. y , . ... » » ...., ...... uuu , HIIU ... v . . V , W . M . yo , G . Stwd . The minutes of the last regular and emergency meetings were duly read and conlirmed , after which Bro . VV . II . Gadsden was raised to the Degree of AI . AL , the ceremony being most impressively performed by the W . M . Two candidates were proposed for initiation , and after some

formal business , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent dinner , provided by Host Bro . A . C . Smith . 'The VV . M . occupied the chair , and the usual loyal toasts were given and honoured , and the brethren dispersed , after spending a most enjoyable evening . Bros . Spurgeon , Gadsden , and Dickinson enlivened the meeting by some excellent singing .

BURSLEM . St . Martin ' s Lodge ( No . yS ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Municipal Buildings , on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., when Bro . John Mason , W . AL , was supported by Bros . VV . Garner , I . P . M . ; John Scarratt , S . W . ; Arthur Boulton , J . W . ; Rev . L . C . A . Edgwortb , ALA ., LL . D ., Chaplain ; T . K . Pedley , P . P . G . S . of W .,

Secretary ; James Beech , S . D . ; Robt . Wilkinson , J . l ) . ; F . Weston , P . P . G . S . B ., D . of C ; J . B . Davis , Organist ; Robt . Owen , I . G . ; F . C . Gill and IT . W . Critchlow , Stwds . ; and H . Boardman , 'T yler . Visitors : Bros . Stevenson , P . M . 1942 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Kenton , 2214 ; Poole , 2214 ; Finney , 21 ) 64 ; and a large attendance of brethren . After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read

and conlirmed , the ballot was taken for Air . Pointon , and proved unanimous in his favour , who , being in attendance , was initiated . Mr . Minshall , who was elected at a previous meeting , was also initiated , both gentlemen being initiated by the W . AL in a very impressive manner , the working tools being explained by Bro . Scarratt , S . VV ., and the charge by Bro . Boulton , J . W ., after which the lodge was closed .

T he brethren adjourned to Bro . Alorley ' s , the Leopard Hotel , for the quarterly supper , the VV . M . presiding . "After the toast of "The Queen and the Craft" had been honoured , " The Initiates " was proposed by Bro . Rev . L . C . A . Edgworth , ALA ., LL . D ., Chaplain , in a very able manner , and resj > onded to by Bro . Minshall . "The Visiting Brethren" was proposed by Bro . Boulton ,

J . W ., who gave them a very cordial welcome to the lodge . The toast was responded to by Bros . Stevenson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., and Walters . Bro . VV . Garner , I . P . M ., proposed "The Worshipful Master " in felicitous terms . 'The Worshipful Master briefly responded , and then proposed "The I . P . M ., liro . Garner , and the Past Masters

of the Lodge , " acknowledging with pleasure the assistance which he received from the Past Masters and his officers . Bro . Garner , I . P . M ., responded in appropriate terms . Bro . Pierpoint , P . M ., proposed "The Officers of the Lodge , " . to which the S . W ., liro . Scarratt , responded . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a very pleasant evening , Bros . J . B . Davis , Org ., Emery , and Garner contributing harmony in the shape of solos and songs .