Craft Masonry.

Nelson Lodge , No . 700 . The installation meetingof the above lodge took place on Wednesday , the 17 th ' nst ., a ' Freemasons' Hall , Plumstead . when Bro . G . R . Nichols , S . W ., and W . M . pled ' , installed W . M . for the ensuing 12 months . The lodje was opened by Bro H Tufnell , W . M ., who passed Bros . Norton and J . and H . Jones , and raised Bro . PalMt . He then proceeded to the important duty of installiig his successor , which he

jid in most admirable manner , for which he wis thanked and presented with a handsome and valuable Past Master ' s jewel . 'Ihe new W . M . appointed and invested his nfficei * as follows : Bros . H . Tufnell , I . P . M . ; G . H . Porter , S . W . ; H . Tammant , , W 1- H . Roberts . P . M ., Treas .: J . Warren , P . M ., Sec . ; T . S . Smith , S . D . ; VV Long " , I . D . ; W . Chambers , I . G . ; G . F . Taylor , P . M ., D . C . ; W . J . Harris and H . J . Palmer , A . D . Cs . ; and VV . Lawson , P . M . ( Asst . Sec ) , E . Carter , and H . J . Palmer , Stwds . . _ ....

The banquet was partaken of at the Criterion , London , and the toasts , Grand and personal , were interspersed with some entrancing vocal music by Miss Nellie Roberts , Miss Edith Bushel ) , Bros . Albion Nash and Barry Lindon , and Mr . Walter Englee . Among the other brethren present were Bros . G . Crawford , P . M . ; F . ) . Dawson , PM , ; T . Butt . P . M . ; E . B . Hobson , P . M . ; C . Sweeting , P . M . ; W . Webber , p ' M . R . J . Naylor , P . M . ; S . E . Southgate , P . M . ; J . Sanderson , P . M . ; J . McCollouuh , P . M . ; H . King , P . M . ; G . Davies , P . M . ( Hon . ); D . J . Tees , C .

Norton , VV . David G . Weaver , VV . Reed , G . Sharman , G . VV . Townsend , F . Roff , W . lanes , C . H . Palmer , VV . Goodman , J . Waller , A . Goodman , A . Neckells , E . J . Valon , W . Reynolds , G . W . Tapp , J . Trodd , VV . Knowles , A . Stewart , G . Carter , N . Whiteley , E . Carter , J . Fort , C . Wren , C . Benstead , T . Keen , J . A . Martin , T . Punter , A . Moore , J . Noakes , F . Folkes , T . Silverstone , A . Johnson , A . J . Abbay , J . S . Grant , . T . Marfleet , A . Robertson , A . Sanders , C . Perry , J . Hodgson , J . Twist , M . A . Blest , G . H . Camp bell , H . Pettifer , J . Bass , K . Taylor , J . Hepton , and J . Hodgin .

Among the visitors were Bros . W . A . Anson , W . M ., A . VV . Russell , S . W ., and A . McQueen , J . VV ., of 13 ; D . K . Somers , S . W ., J . O . Cook , J . W ., G . Lawrance , D . C . Capon , E . Eton , W , Lomax , E . M . Taylor , and W . H . Lewis , of 913 ; J . Delo , W . M ., S Reeve , S . W ., W . Turvey , J . W ., C . H . Canning , P . M . and Treas ., and P . M . and Treas . 214 S , and P . P . J . G . D . Essex , A . T . Ives , P . M ., J . S . Offord , and A .

McNair , of 1472 ; Capt . W . Weston , P . M ., and P . P . S . G . D . Kent , Maj . R . H . Murdock , R . A ., S . D ., W . Haley , and T . Lawson , of 17 S 9 ; E . Sennett , W . M ., G . Ingle , S . W ., and R . Fowler , of 1536 ; F . Hulley , S . W ., and H . Crowdy , J . W ., of 2399 ; C . \ V . Chandler , D . C . 1259 ; T . Knight , J . W . 1223 ; W . Wicking , 1414 ; L . Pott , P . M . 1716 ; A . Arrowsmith , P . M . 733 ; C . Raymond , P . M . 1716 ; G . I . Anderson , P . M . 7 ^ i ; J . Foss , J . D . 24 S 8 ; J . N . Park , 1 S 1 ; J . Newsham , J . O . 2346 ; L .

Power , J . W . 103 ; J . Cantle , P . M . 1791 ; L . Nickols , 1714 ; ) . Macgregor , W . M . uS ; F . Quick , 733 ; G . Gibb , P . M . 902 ; T . Coles , S 13 ; J . Fuillade , S . W . 2041 ; G . Gray , 571 ( S . C . ); C . Cock , 2272 ; T . Pokes , 1716 ; VV . Duff , 1716 ; J . Folkes , 147 ; S . Sudworth , S 71 ; J . VV . Dawson , 1790 ; and others .

Sub-Urban Lodge , No . 1702 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Abercorn Hotel , Great Stanmore , Middlesex , on the 27 th ult ., when there were present Bros . Thos . Sheppard , VV . M . ; W . E . Mackley , S . W . ; D . H . Tumber , J . W . ; J . Tickle , P . M ., Treas . ; I . Hill , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Bridges , S . D . ; G . Nelson , J . D . ; H . VV . Greer . wooi , P . M . 749 , I . G . ; A . H . Goldney , P . M . ; A . J . Oliver , P . M . ; W . R . Shutt , P . M . ; R . W . Bilby , P . M . ; VV . W . Mansfield , R . H . Malpass , O . Baxter , E . G . Percy , Jno . C . Banks , W . T . Brown , W . J . J . Barnby , and J . Percival , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . J . VV ,

Wardell , P . M . 75 ; H . Beaman , J . W . 227 ; J . F . Quartly , P . M . 22 S ; Lovett King , 2190 ; Barry Lindon , 733 ; Sam Wright , 1897 ; R . Y . West , 1744 ; and others . The lodge was opened , and the . minutes of the previous meeting and of an emergency meeting having been read , the W . M . raised Bro . J . C . Banks to the Third Degree . The Auditor ' s report having been received and adopted , the W . M . elect , Bro . Wm . Ernest Mackley , was then presented , and he was installed by the VV . M . in an excellent manner . The new VV . M . then appointed and invested the following as his officers : Bros . D . H . Tumber , S . W . ; C . L . Nelson , J . VV . ; J . Tickle , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Hill , P . M ., Sec . ; H . W . Greenwood , S . D . ; E . J . Tumber , J . D .,- W . VV .

Mansfield , I . G . ; R . VV . Bilby , P . M ., D . C ; R . H . Malpass , A . D . C ; W . R . Shutt , P . M ., and E . G . Percy , Stwds . ; and J . Percival , Tyler . The delivery of the usual addresses was ably rendered by Bro . T . Sheppard . A sum was voted from the Benevolent Fund to an indigent brother , late a member of the lodge , and in addition several of the members and visitors subscribed a substantial amount to the case , which was one of direst poverty and distress .

Other business followed , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren partook of a superb banquet , which was supplied by Bro . C Veal in good style . The W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts with commendable brevity . In responding for " The Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . W . R . Shutt , whose name and that of Bro . R . W . Bilby , Prov . G . Treas ., was associated with the toast , said that the Prov . Grand Master , Lord George Hamilton , was a good man ,

and in time would prove himself equal to his able predecessor . Bro . R . W . Bilby also replied , observing that he had attained the high office of Provincial Grand Treasurer principally through the Sub-Urban Lodge , and that his election was unanimous . He spoke at length as to the financial success ol the province during the last 12 months , and paid a tribute to the excellent work of the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Room .

Uro . Thos . Sheppard , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . " He said that it was now his privilege and honour to submit the toast . He had watched the W . M . 's career ever since he was initiated in the lodge ; his heart was in Masonry , and he had on many occasions come long distances to attend the lodge meetings and the lodge ot instruction . His past career showed beyond doubt that he would make a splendid Master and be an ornament to the lodge and the Craft . The toast was drunk with acclamation , and

The Worshipful Master , on rising to respond , was enthusiastically received . He slated that he could not sufficiently thank th : m for their kind treatment , and for the generous words of Bro . Sheppard . It was a great honour to be Master of the lodge , and he would do his very best to carry out his duties , and he hoped that his work , with the assistance of his efficient oflicers and the Past Masters , would give the members every satisfaction .

The VV . M . gave the toast of "The I . P . M ., Bro . Sheppard , observing that his year ' s work was excellent and a surprise , and the way that he had carried out the installation ceremony was admirable , and it would be a long time before they would be able to find one so good , and in following him he had a difficult task . He then presented him with a Past Master's jewel , remarking that he was not to look upon it as an emblem for his great services , but more as a token of the high esteem in which he was "eld by the members , and he earnestly hoped he would be with them for many years to War the jewel , which he so richly deserved .

l'he inscription on the jewel was : " Pressnted to Bro , Thos . Sheppard by the brethren of the Sub-Urban Lodge , No . 1702 , in appreciation of his services as 17 th W . M . of the above Lodge . " Ihe toast was drunk with enthusiasm . In response , Bro . Sheppard thanked the brethren most sincerely for their manifestation and for the kind words of the VV . M . in referring to his past services . When he was installed he felt the great responsibility he had undertakenand he had certainly done

, h's utmost , and they were good enough to think that he had given satisfaction , which was very gratifying to him . He honoured the jewel presented to him that evening , and "e was proud that he had gone through the chair in that , his mother lodge . The Worshipful Master , proposing " The Visitors , " said that it was a toast that * as always cordially received in the lodge . They had a goodly number that evening and ™ was honoured with their oresence . and thev had intimated to him that they were

[ "eased with the working . On behalf of the lodge he tendered them a hearty welcome ar'd he hoped they would come again during his term of office . . Uro . J . VV . Wardell , P . M ., responded . He said that it afforded him much pleasure to 'i Present . As an old P . M . he had never -een such good working before . The I . P . M ., fjj ° - Shepparc ' s rendering of the irs allation ceremony was perfect , and the way that the Ip , llad invested his oliicers was evidence that he would be a good tollower of the 1 , 1 •«! . He had had a Masonic treat and it would be a red-letter day with him .

. "ro . Lovcday alio replied , lie stated that he was pleased to have had the honour ' responding I . , he toast of the visitors . He fully endorsed the remarks of Uro . v arelell , and ueded that that day was a perfect success . IL Uro - . )• I ' . ( Juaitly , P . M ., said that he was a constant visitor and could testily that nc Working uf the ritual was always well done . The W . M . would nuke a good ruler

Craft Masonry.

and add lustre to the lodge—and as to the I . P . M . if tne members who were coming on would only follow in his footsteps , they would not go wrong . In giving " The Past Masters , Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . remarked that the members well knew and appreciated their worth , and he made special mention of Bro . Bilby , who was ever ready to net in the absence of the VV . M ., and that one year he filled the chair for the whole of that period as the then VV . M . could not attend on any one occasion . He coupled with the toast , the names of Bros . Bilby , Oliver , and Hill .

Bro . A . J . Oliver , P . M ., in response , said that there was a good muster of Pist Misters present , and they were glad to see the big reception accorded to the I . P . M ., as no one could have done the work better , and he was succeeded by one who was efficient

in every way . Bro . VV . R . Shutt , P . M ., also repliad , re-echoing the previous speaker . Bro . J . Hill , P . M ., Sec , said that the Treasurer had to leave early , as Parliamentary business celled him away . Bro . Tickle had bsen the Treasurer from the consecration of the lodge , and he ( Bro . Hill ) had been Secretary for 13 years , and he hoped to carry out his duties in the future as in the past . Bro . A . H . Goldney , P . M ., also responded .

Bro . R . VV . Bilby , P . M ., said that he had done his best for the lodge , and no one could do more . In earnest terms I 12 urged all to join lodges of instruction to qualify for ofiice in the lodge , and for Provincial Grand honours , and the lodge would then again bold great prestige in the province , as it did some time ago . Thetoastof "The Officers" was proposed by the VV . M ., who observed that he hoped to have the pleasure of seeing them all installed in the chair he then occupied . He associated with the toast the name of Bro . C . L . Nelson , J . VV .

Bro . Nelson , J . VV ., responded . He said that he and the other oflicers would loyally support the W . M . j and do their best to render every assistance . The Tyler's toast brought to a close a very happy and successful gathering , for which the W . M . is to be congratulated . The VV . M . had provided a splendid and enjoyable vocal entertainment , in which the following took part : Bros . Barry Lindon , Lovett King , Sam Wright—who gave , by special request , "The Dandy Coloured Coon" —Arthur Wieland , Bowles , Malpas , Loveday , and Baxter ; but special mention should be made of Bros . Lindon , King , and Wright .

Acacia Lodge , No . 2321 . A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Rawjon-square , Bradford , on the 4 th inst ., when Bro . C . H . Ellis , W . M ., was supported by Bros , lohn Niven , P . M . ; J . T . Last , I . P . M . ; S . A . Bailey , P . M ., Treas . ; Joseph Wilson , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Chap . ; John Morton , S . VV . ; Samuel Robinson , as J . W . ; Wm . S . Smith , Asst . Sec ; A . E . Harris , S . D . ; R . S . Hird , J . D . ; J . P . Drake , LG . ; H . Holmes , Tyler ; A . Swaine , Org . ; J . S . Hedley , J . Docksey , R . H .

Markham , R . B . Nichols , T . P . Sykes , John Harland , and Richard Harland . Visitors Bros . F . C . Robinson , P . M . 164 S , Prov . J . G . D . ; J . Akam , VV . M . 1034 ; Tilley , 600 ; and Joseph Taylor , 600 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous regular meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Last , I . P . M ., then read a further paper on " Masonic Juris , prudence , " dealing exclusively with thi subject of " Resignation of Membership . " The W . M . in moving a cordial vote of thanks to Bro . Last for his very interesting paper , expressed how much he felt indebted to him for his assistance in various ways whilst he had

occupied the chair , and he felt especially obliged to him , Bro . Last , for volunteering to prepare a paper for this meeting , at which it happened that there was so little lodgo business . The resolution was seconded by Bro . T . P . Sykes and recorded on the minutes Apologies were tendered for the unavoidable absence of Bros . A . Stephenson , P . M ., Prov . S . G . D . ; S . A . Auty , P . M . ; J . B . Fearnley , J . W . ; and several other brethren . After " Hearty good wishes" the lodge was closed . After refreshment the loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

"The Visitors was proposed by the W . M ., who accorded them a hearty welcome . In responding , Bro . Robinson , Prov . J . G . D ., acknowledged the hearty reception of the toast . He stated that he was present by reason of the special request of the Prov . Grand Master , who desired his officers to visit the various lodges from time to tim : on his behalf . Further , it gave him great pleasure to have been present on that occasion , as

he had had the privilege of listening to the very intere § ting , as well as instructive paper which Bro . Last had given them , indeed , he could have wished it could be printed , as so many points had been referred to which m'ght bs useful for guidance at any time . He congratulated the lodge on having Masonic lectures and papers from time to time . He recollected that on his last visit to the lodge he had experienced a similar Misonic treat , but which he had met with in no other lodge that he had visited .

Bros . J . Akam , W . M . 1034 , and J . Taylor , 600 , also responded , both referring to the pleasure it had afforded them to visit the lodge and hear the paper read . The toast of " The Worshipful Master ' s Health " was proposed by Bro . Robinson , Prov . G . D ., who stated that he appreciated the privilege given him by submitting this toast , as he had personally known the VV . M . for a number of years , and he was aware of the great interest he took in properly discharging the duties of the chair . The Worshipful Master suitably responded , and proposed " The Past Masters , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Niven , P . M ., who he was glad to see with them after his recent experience .

Bro . Niven , P . M ., thanked the W . M . and brethren for receiving the toast so heartily , and graphically narrated to the brethren the sudden and sad calamity at Darlington Royal Agricultural Show , when two poor fellows , who were standing but a few yards distant from him , were struck dead by lightning , as it were by a veritable " Bolt out of the blue , " for the sky was unclouded at the time , and the poor fellows , with many others , were collected under the trees simply to get out of the heat , and not to escape the rain , as there was none for some time afterwards . Bro . Niven seriously referred to the moral which was to be be deducted from the sad event .

Other toasts , including the Tyler ' s , closed an exceedingl y pleasant evening , which was contributed to by good songs and music from Bros . Swaine , Tilley , Jno . Harland , Harris , and Styles .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Lion and Lamb Chapter , No . 192 . A meeting of this chapter was held on Wednesday , the 17 th in » t ., at Cinnjn-straei Hotel , when therd were present Comps . S . M . Banker , M . E . Z . ; T . C jhu . P . Z ., acting II . ; T . Biddlecombe , J . ; F . D . R . Copestick , P . Z ., S . E . ; Djnn , SN . ; Hughes , P . S . ; Fisher , ist A . S . ; C . Couchman , Janitor ; F . Kent , Rev . T . Selby Henrey and William Baker . Comp . Page was a visitor .

1 he minutes of the last convocation were read and conlirmed . The candidate not putting in an appearance , the chapter was closed , and the companions adjourned for refreshment .

Ihe usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , inc ' uding a special one by Comp . F . D . R . Copestick , P . / .., viz ., "The Health of our revered and E . Comp . Henry Muggeridge " ( who reached his 85 th birthday on Mondav ij'h , and 00 years of Masoiic life ) , which had a most cordial reception .

De Percy Chapter , No . 636 . The annual convocation of this chapter was held at the Masonic Hall , Miirpnh , > n Friday , the 12 th inst ., Comp . William Davidson , M . K . Z ., P . A . G S . E ., urusiili ,,,.. . I . here was a fair attendance of members and visit irs . After the usual initiatory buMn « s of the chapter was gone through , Comps . John Watt and J . R . Turner were installel into the chairs of

M . I ' . Z . and | . respectively by Comp . W . Davidson . Th- inst illan ... of Comp . I homas Appleby ( who was unavoidably absent ) into the chair of II . was postponed until the next meeting of the chapter . Comp . John Watt , the r . e . vU-i . is'a'lecl M . ' . / .., then inve-lod the following oliicers for Ihe ensuing year : Comps . I . Duncan , as P .... ; Stmmsbiie , as 1 st A . S . ; A . M . Loadcs , as Treas . ; J . Baiker , as D . C . ; and Dick , as Janitor . The chapter shortly afterwards was closed , and the company adjourned to the Que ^ n s Hotel , where the annual banquet was held .