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so pleased with the comfort and harmony of the lodge that they would have great pleasure in frequently attending . " The Officers " followed , and Bros . Raiker , Hill , Pitt , Saunders , J . Simn , and J . Millington , P . M ., responded , and the Tyler ' s toast concluding the proceedings , which

were most harmonious and enthusiastic throughout . During the evening an interesting programme of music was gone through , and gave great satisfaction . We may add in conclusion that the room has been lengthened 17 feet , and now affords splendid accommodation and ventilation , for which the worthy Host , Bro . Clark , was warmly praised .

STUART LODGE ( No . 1632 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 22 nd inst ., at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge . Bro . E . M . Bessell , W . M ., occupied the chair , and was supported by Bros . H . Baldwin , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., S . W . ; A . Bannister , J . W . ; W . Weekes , Treas . ; T . Poore , P . M ., Sec . ; H . E . Vickers , S . D . ; C . Linscy , J . D . ; R . Barham , P . M .,

I . G . ; E . Cromwell , Stwd . ; W . Job , I . P . M . ; C . Stuart Barker , P . M . ; T . Gillam , P . M . ; E . Pettit , C . Fruen , A . J . Croft , C . B . Young , and J . Stavner . Visitors : Bros . F . Walters , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; J . H . Crofts , J . D . 1 S 72 ; G . Fellowes , 1112 ; H . J . Talleytore , 1320 ; J . Wynne ; H . C . Thane , 1269 ; and W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . The lodge having been formally opened , and the minutes of the preceding meeting read and confirmed , Bro . A . J .

Croft was raised to the Degree of Master Mason . Bro . Henry Baldwin , S . W ., VV . M . elect , was then presented for installation , and was impressively installed into the chair by Bro . G . L . Gillan , P . M . The following officers were appointed and invested by the VV . M ,, Bros . A . Bannister , S . W . ; H . E . Vickers , J . W . ; VV . Weekes , Treas . ; T . Poore , P . M ., Sec ; C . Linsey , S . D . ; E . Pettit , J . D . ; E .

Cromwell , I . G . ; J . Stayner , Urg . ; G . L . Gillam , P . M ., D . C ; R . Barham , P . M ., A . D . C ; J . L . Bush , Stwd . ; and E . Bowler , Tyler . The usual addresses were then delivered by Bro . Gillam , P . M ., in a very able manner , and a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded him for thc efficient manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony .

All Masonic business having been transacted , the lodge was closed in due form , and thc brethren adjourned to banquet . The first toast was , as usual , " The Queen and thc Craft , " and the W . M ., in proposing it , said it was the most important on the list . The Craft took second place to no body of men in the country forloyalty to her Majesty ,

and the brethren present that evening would receive her health with the accustomed enthusiasm . "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " was next given by the W . M ., who observed that it would be impossible for him to overrate the great assistance his Royal Highness had given to the Craft since he had occupied the position of M . W . G . M . It was the earnest wish of every

Mason that his Royal Highness would live long , and would preside over them for many years to come . In proposing " The Grand Officers , " the W . M . remarked that the P . M . ' s and those who were privileged to attend Grand Lodge were aware how ably the Earl of Carnarvon presides over the meetings of that body , and they vvould not easily forget his able defence on behalf of Freemasonry

against the Bull issued by the Pope . 1 he Earl of Lathom was also very zealous on behalf of the Craft , and rendered valuable service . He ( the W . M . ) was convinced that the brethren would be equally loyal to this toast , and receive it as cordially as they had the previous ones . "The Health of thc W . M . " was next proposed by Bro . Bessell , I . P . AI ., who said that thc brethren would beaivare

when he took charge of the gavel that it was for the purpose of proposing this important toast . Hc regretted that the task had not fallen upon some brother with more eloquence than himself , for he feared he should not do justice to its importance . However , he trusted they would join him in heartily congratulating theW . M . on reaching thc chair of K . S ., and sincerely wish him a happy and

successful year of office . Bro . Baldwin , W . AL , thanked the brethren for the very cordial way in which they had received the toast of his health , although it was nothing new for him to receive at their hands—a warm reception . Since his initiation he had never missed a meeting of that lodge , and hoped it would be many years before he should be compelled to absent

himself . He had spent many pleasant evenings with them in the past , and trusted that there was a busy time in store for them in the future . He was sure that every officer would do his utmost to suppoit him duringhis year of office , and uphold the credit of the Stuart Lodge . The next toast on the list was that of "The Installing Master . " Bro . Gillam , P . M ., had performed the ceremony

of installation in that lodge on several previous occasions , so that the brethren were fully acquainted with the excellent manner in which that brother carried out the duties . As Bro . Gillam had been obliged to leave , he should include with his toast "The Health of tbe I . P . M ., Bro . Bessell . " It was now his pleasing duty to present Bro . Bessell with the Past Master ' s jewel unanimously voted by the Iodge in

recognition of thc very satisfactory manner in which he had carried out the duties of the chair , and he trusted the I . P . M . might be spared for many years to wear it on his breast . Bro . E . M . Bessell , I . P . M ., responded , and after thanking the brethren for their cordial reception of the toast , said he had to express the regret of thc Installing Master ,

Bro . Gillam , at being obliged to leave before this toast was reached . He scarcely knew how to thank them for the handsome jewel presented to him , but assured them that he would treasure it and value it very highly . He had served all the offices in the lodge , and was deeply indebted to thein for tlie great kindness with which he had ahvays been treated .

"Thc Alasonic Institutions , " was next proposed by the W . M ., who said that there was no other Society that could boast of possessing such magnificent Institutions . He hoped that some of the brethren would come forward on behalf of these Charities and serve as Stewards , and he assured them of bis hearty co-operation and suppoit should

they do so . Bro . F . Walters , P . P . G . D . Middx ., responded , and said that it was a herculean task to respond on behalf of the Alasonic Institutions . He had served fifteen Stewardships , and earnestly urged the brethren to do all in their power to support the Masonic Charities . It was not every brother

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who had the time or the ability to master the ritual and become a Past Mastcr of the lodge , but it was in thc power of all to assist materially in forwarding the great work of the Institutions . Old age was a thing that each should endeavour to prepare for , and he sincerely trusted that no brother present vvould have to appeal to the Benevolent Institution . He had just had a short conversation with the

respected treasurer , Bro . Weekes , and he had almost persuaded . that brother to serve as steward at the next festival of the Girls' School . Should Bro . Weekes do so , the brethren would no doubt render him substantial support in assisting that most excellent Institution . He sincerely trusted to hear of this lodge rendering valuable asssistance in the cause of Alasonic Charity . " The Visitors " havingbeen proposed by the VV . M ., and

responded to by the visiting brethren present , "The Past Alasters" was next introduced and duly replied to . In proposing "The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . referred to the excellent services rendered by those brethren , especially by Bro . T . Poore , P . M ., Sec , whose assistance he could not over estimate . The Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings .

GATESHEAD . —Lodge of Industry ( No . 4 S ) . — The installation meetingof this lodge was held on Alonday , the 22 nd inst ., at the Alasonic Hall , Jackson-street , under the presidency of Bro . A . Rhagg , W . M . There were among the brethren present Bros . J . Moult , I . P . M . ; J . G . Smith , P . G . S . D . ; U . B . Reed , P . M ., P . G . Treas . ; R . Whitfield , P . M . ; R . P . Cook , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . VVood

P . P . G . J . W . ; C . J . Banister , P . G . S . B . Eng . ; E . D . Davis , P . P . G . J . W . ; T . Bradley , P . G . Asst . Sec . ; J . J . Clay , P . G . D . of C . ; J . C . Aloor , P . P . G . J . D . ; John Spearman , P . P . G . J . W . ; E . Potts , W . AI . 1676 ; W . F . Carmon , W . AI . 4 S 1 ; and others . Thc W . M . elect , Bro . Wm . Mark Pybus , S . W ., was presented for installation by Bro . R . B . Reed , P . AL , to

the Installing AIaster , Bro . Adamson Rhagg , VV . AI ., by whom thc ceremony was admirably performed . The W . M ., Bro . Pybus , afterwards appointed the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . A . Rhagg , I . P . M . ; Edward Shewbrooks , S . W . ; W . Dalrymple , J . VV . ; Al . Corbitt , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Brown , Sec ; VV . F . Raeburn , S . D . ; T . Thompson , J . D . ; J . G . Smith , P . M ., D . C ; R . Ferry , Org . ; VV . Richardson , I . G . ; H . F . Dryden and AI . R . Wright , Stewards ; J . Curry , Prov . G . Tyler ,

Tyler . The annual banquet of the lodge was held in the evening , Bro . W . AI . Pybus , W . M ., in thc chair , and was supported by the brethren already named , and Bros . R . Hudson , P . G . Sec ; AI . Corbitt , P . P . G . S . D . ; D . Sinclar , P . P . G . A . D . of C , and others . The vice-chairs were occupied by Bros . E . Shewbrooks , S . W ., and W . Dalrymple , J . W . There was a good muster present , and the proceedings were thoroughly enjoyable .

CHELMSFORD . —Lodge of Good Fellowship ( No . 276 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Thursday , the iSth inst ., at the White Hart , when there vvere present Bros . A . C Durrant , P . G . Stwd ., W . AL ; A . G . Maskell , S . W . ; W . Aletcalfe , J . VV . ; F . Whitmore , P . P . G . S . D ., Treas . ; J . Nicholls , P . P . G . J . W ., Sec ; W . Langham , S . D . ; T . R . Jarvis , J . D . ; A . Durrant , P . AL , Prov . G . Treas ., D . of

C ; T . Tomlinson , l . G . ; T . S . Sarel , Tyler ; E . Shedd , P . M . ; F . P . Sutthery , P . M ., P . G . S . D , ; J . P . Lewin , P . AL , P . P . G . S . of W . ; A . Alead , P . AI ., P . P . G . S . W . ; J . VV . Hair , P . P . G . R . ; VV . A . Kyle , J . C . Cresswell , C . Williams , A . W . Garrood , John Taylor , G . VV . Holland , H . W . Tanner , F . H . AIeggy , and T . J . Cramphorn , P . M . 1024 , P . G . S . D . Bro . H . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , P . P . G . S . D .,

vvas a visitor . Thc lodge was opened in due form , and thc minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . Air . John Cushncy was duly initiated into the Order . A strong Committee , consisting of the W . AL , P . AI . ' s , two Wardens , and four brethren of the lodge , was elected to make preparations and arrangements for the reception of Prov . Grand

Lodge , which is to bc holden at Chelmsford . When "Hearty good wishes" had been rendered , the lodge vvas closed in perfect harmony . After the alms box had been well supported , and the banquet being over , the usual Royal , Grand , and Provincial toasts were given . The W . M . said it did them good to see so much purple

present ; but , coming nearer home , it vvas an honour and privilege for him to couple with the toast of "The Prov . Grand Officers " thc name of his father , the P . G . T ., especially since it was the first opportunity he had had to propose the toast , he having been compelled to bc absent last meeting , and his father the one previous to that . Bro . A . Durrant , P . G . Treas ., in reply , said the Prov .

Grand Officers were always ready , willing , and able to assist thc good cause whenever called upon . He hoped all the brethren might feel the same amount of parental pride that he at that moment did , and that they might have sons who would be considered worthy and able to undertake the duties of VV . AI . of his Iodge when chosen by his brethren . The l . P . AL , Bro . Sutthery , in proposing the toast of

" The W . AL , " said he had great p leasure in doing so , and complimented him on thc perfection of his working , and hoped he might have plenty to do . The lodge vvould be certain to prosper under his rule . The VVorshipful Alaster thanked them for thc way they had received the toast , and if he gained their approval and gave them satisfaction , he was pleased .

The VVorshipful Alaster , in giving " The P . M . ' s , " said all owed them gratitude , they were always ready to assist , and he thanked the I . P . M . for taking his place at the last meeting , owing to his unavoidable absence . There was always present a good muster of P . AI . ' s , and he thought no other lodge in the province could beat them in that point . Bro . Sutthery suitably responded .

•'The Initiate" came next , thc Worshipful Alaster saying hc knew their newly-made brother would find the further he went into the depths of Freemasonry the more he would find to delight and instruct him , and hoped as years rolled by he would in due course attain the

honourable position hc now held as W . AL of the lodge . The toast was received with much enthusiasm . Bro . IL Durrant gave the Entered Apprentice song . Bro . Cushney vvas grateful for the cordial reception he had received . He had gone but a short way in the business , but considered the ceremony so far as he had

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witnessed it to be very solemn and impressive , and hoped he would go through the remainder , and finally arrive at the dignity of W . M . The VVorshipful Master then said in proposing " The Visitors , " that they were received with the good spirit they deserved at the Lodge of Good Fellowship , and were ahvays pleased to see them , and none more so than their visitor that evening , who all knew had taken so much

interest and trouble in the Charity elections , and personally thanked Bro . Dehane for his kindness in coming forward when asked at a moment ' s notice to instal him in the absence of their D . P . G . M ., Bro . Philbrick , G . R .. through illness , and he vvould he was sure receive a hearty welcome whenever he could visit the lodge . Bro . Dehane vvas then entrusted with thc gavel , and proposed " Prosperity to thc Charities , " and advocated

the cause , called attention to the fact that the VV . AI . was going up as Steward at the Girls' Festival , and asked the brethren to send him up with a good list , and pointed out that the Charitv Committee vvould want all thc proxies at the next election , as there were several candidates , and entered somewhat into detail concerning the work of the Provincial Committee during the past year . Bro . Shedd ,

as one of the representatives of the Committee , will bs pleased to receive their proxies , and who also was going up as Steward for the Girls' and trusted they would be disposed to support both lists . The Worshipful AIaster afterwards explained how it happened that he and Bro . Dr . Shedd were going up at the same time .

The VVorshipful Mastcr , in proposing "The Officers , " congratulated himself and the lodge on having such good ones , which vvas doubtless owing to the regular attendance at their lodge of instruction , and regretted they vvere about to lose the services of their old and valued Secretary , who had served them so well for many years past , and wished him health and prosperity in his new sphere of life in the West of England , coupling with the toast Bro . Dr .

Nichols , their Secretary , and the S . VV . Bro . Nichols , in reply , alluded feelingly to his approaching departure , but hoped tj see them all again at some future time , and thanked them for the universal kindness and assistance he had invariably received . He said he was one of a Alasonic family , having lately found in an old

chest the certificates of his grandfather , father , and brother , also their aprons , which , upon being brought to light , crumbled to dust , leaving only the metallic portions to be dearly cherished as relics . The Tyler ' s toast followed . During the evening the procecdings'Jwere [ enlivened by songs , recitations , & c .

STOURPORT . —Vernon Lodge ( No . 560 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the iGth inst ., at the Swan Hotel , when there were present Bros . G . Lees , W . AI . ; E . Lay , S . W . ; W . Dorsett , J . W . ; C . Wytton , P . M . and Treas . ; T . F . Hoult , Sec . ; A . Comber , P . M ., P . G . R ., asS . D . ; T . Vale , P . AI ., P . P . G . S . B ., as J . D . ; J . Blundell , P . AL , as I . G . ; E . T . Lucock , Stwd . ; J . J . Wade , Tyler ; G . Gilbert , and H . E . G . Alorrison .

I he usual preliminary business having been transacted , Bro . T . Vale , P . AL , D . C , read the report of the Committee , consisting of Bro . T . F . Hoult , Hon . Sec , and himself , that had been entrusted ( with the valuation of the lodge properties . Bro . E . T . Lucock proposed that the valuation as made by Bros . Vale and Hoult be accepted and entered on the minutes . The proposition vvas seconded by Bro . J . Blundell , P . AL , and carried unanimously . Bro . J . Blundell

stated that as he had only heard valuation the previous day , he had been unable to complete balance-sheet , and asked for it to be postponed until next lodge night . On the proposition of Bro . Lucock , seconded by Iiro . Comber , this was agreed to be done . Bro . Lucock gave notice of the following motion : — " That time of opening lodge be altered from six o'clock to seven p . m ., and that the business be concluded at 10 . 30 . " Apologies for enforced absence vvere

received from Bro ? . Fawcett , R . S . Blundell , P . M . ; D . Dawes , and G . Taylor , P . AL , P . G . S . An interesting account of presentations that had been made at various times to Vernon Lodge was read by Ihc Secretary , Bro . T . F . Hoult . Among the lodge presentations mentioned by Bro . Hoult in his description was a Volume of the Sacred Law ( Breeches' edition ) , which vvas lost some years ago , and restored in rather a remarkable

manner in the year 1 S 74 , when an extract from the Freemason vvas read in lodge , stating that in the open market in London a Breeches Bible had been purchased by a rev . brother named Woodford , and , from certain memoranda written therein , it conclusively appeared that it vvas once in the possession of this lodge . The result was a

communication with Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , who had the Bible rebound , and embellished with a silver plate , and then very kindly presented it to Vernon Lodge . Bro . Woodford was thereupon elected honorary member of this lodge . Singularly enough , this identical volume was again missing about three years ago , and was after a few months again found .

BIRKENHEAD . —Combermere Lodge ( No . 605 ) . —The brethren of this lodge met at the Queen's Hotel , Park entrance , on Thursday , thc iSth inst . /' t ' or the purpose of installing Bro . James Clarke as their W . AI . for the next twelve months . There vvas a large attendance of visitors , amongst whom were the following Provincial Grand Officers of Cheshire : Bros . Marwood , P . G . S . W . ; F . K . Stevenson , P . P . G . S . B . and Secretary 537 ; L . Ellis ,

P . G . S . D . and W . M . 12 S 9 ; T . C . Thorburn , P . G . S . of W . ; J . Lee , P . G . S . ; J . Barnes , P . G . S . and P . M . 1576 ; E . G . Alason , P . AL 127 G ; and thc following Worshipful Alasters and Past Masters and brethren from other lodges : Bros . A . A . Gass , VV . AI . 477 ; Richard Jones , VV . M . 127 G ; Samuel Jones , P . M . 477 ; j . B . Sparks , P . M . 12 S 9 and 216 ; W . Bennett , P . AL 1570 ; C . Wise , P . M . 7 S 6 ; Dakcn , I . G . 12 S 9 ; T . Wynn , Treas . 477 J . Perrin 477 W . C .

; , ; Cornwall , 537 ; D .. B . Risk , 127 G ; J . Joinson , 721 ; and others . The Secretary intimated that there were numerous letters of apology from other brethren , who were unable to attend . The chair was occupied by Iiro . Bleakley , W . M ., who was supported by Bros . O . Jones , LP . AL ; J . R . Simni , P . G .

Treas ., P . M ., and Sec ; AI . M'Nerney , P . G . S . B ., and P . M . ; J . Sillitoe , P . P . G . J . D ., P . M . and Treas . ; T . Shaw , P . M . ; A . E . Coveney . P . M ., D . C ; Thomas Gregory , P . M . ; J . Clarke , S . VV . ; G . Grant , J . VV . ; 1 . Gamlin , S . D . ; P . Dull , J . D . ; C . Roberts , l . G .: and many other members of the lodge .