Craft Masonry.

the grand muster of Grand Lodge , and not only every member of that august body but every Mason regretted Lord Lathom ' s loss . A more genuine man never existed and when in Grand Lodge he had always carried enthusiasm with him . The maxim , " The King is dead ; long live the King , " however , held good in their case as in others , and Lord Amherst was now their Pro Grand Master . He felt sure a more proper selection could not have been made . With regard to Earl Warwick and the other officers , they all " good men and true" and did their work well . ( Applause . )

were The toast of "The 'W . M . " was enthusiastically received , and in presenting it Bro . Newton said he felt sure it would be received with acclamation in the good old lodge . He regretted their W . M . had not occupied his present position 12 months earlier , because he would have made them a splendid Past Master to help them over their difficulties . Bro . Griffiths had now been installed in the chair of that old lodge , and he ( the speaker ) felt sure their W . M . considered it a great honour to , occupy that position . He trusted the brethren would give him a year of office that no predecessor had

experienced , for they had got a good man , who was also a faithful one . In addition to those excellent qualities , he was a good-looking man —( laughter)—and , Masonically speaking , a young one , who had made his mark in the lodge . He called on the officers who had been elected to serve him well and give him plenty to do . He also trusted the lay members would always keep in view the welfare of the old lodge , and support their W . Master in such a manner as to make his year of office both a successful and record one . The toast having been heartily honoured ,

The W . M ., in reply , expressed his obligations to the I . P . M . for the many nice things he had been pleased to remark of him . While feeling somewhat disconcerted at the novelty of his position , he was bound to say how proud he felt in attaining the ambition of every aspiring Mason . What with the sage counsel and advice from the brethren on his left and the assistance of a good body of officers , he was assured of having a good year . ( Cheers . ) The next toast was equally well received . It was that of " The I . P . M ., " and the VV . M .. in submitting it , said Bro . Newton was a very old and valued member . He had

done the lodge yeoman service years ago , both as Master and Secretary , and when a little difficulty occurred last year , he solved it by accepting the office of Master a second time . Unfortunately , soon after that Bro . Newton was taken ill and unable to attend their meetings , although they all knew he was with them in spirit . As a little acknowledgment of his splendid services to the lodge , as well as testifying to the high esteem they all had for him , he ( the W . M . ) was entrusted to hand him a diamond ring , suitably eneraved . In presenting Bro . Newton with that little memento he hoped his health

would be speedily restored , and that he would live for many years to come . ( Applause . ) Bro . Newton , in reply , expressed his thanks for the honour done him , as well as for the handsome present . The gift would be greatly appreciated , not so much on account of its intrinsic value , but as illustrating the feeling of esteem in the minds of the brethren towards himself . As he might not have many more opportunities of addressing them , he would like to say a few words to the younger members . He was made a Mason 58 years ago , and , notwithstanding that length of time , well remembered the feeling

which came over him with regard to Freemasonry . After being initiatedhe found something beyond the mere ritual , for he experienced a feeling which was positively a delight . They were able to make friendships which could only be obtained in such societies , and these often proved of a lasting character . He regretted not being able to do all he could have wished during the second time he served the office of Master , but the sole cause was ill-health . Prior to that he had always done his best to promote the interests of the

lodge , and what had just taken place was a proof his services had been appreciated . It had always been his pleasure to take an active part in the Institutions belonging to Freemasonry , more particularly to that branch whose members could not help themselves . He commended all the brethren to assist those Institutions as much as possible , and concluded by hoping the good old Sincerity Lodge would go on and prosper . So long as they had a W . M . and officers as were then in the lodge it would never go under . ( Applause . )

"The Past Masters" were next toasted , and the W . M ., in calling on the brethren to duly honour the same , remarked he was sure he would be expressing the views of these present when he thanked Bro . Bayley , P . M ., for the able manner he had performed the installation ceremony that evening . It had been most excellently done , and had been greatly appreciated . Their Iodge was fortunate in possessing a goodly number of Past Masters , and while such was the case , they need not fear it would decrease in popularity .

The toast having been cordially received , Bros . Magee , P . M . j Harvey , P . M . ; and Bayley , P . M ., briefly replied , each taking the opportunity of congratulating the Master on being at the head of the lodge . In reply to the toast of "The Masonic Institutions , " Bro . J . P . Rogers , P . M ., P . G . S . B . Devon , who most generously gave £ 10 ios . to Bro . Derby's list , contended it was a most important one , for it dealt with the three cardinal points of the Craft to which they were identified . It was not by his wish that mention had been made of what he had done with regard to Bro . Derby's list . He had been identified with other

Charities besides Masonic ones , and it was perhaps to that fact the Worshipful Master had considered him fit to respond to the toast . One great thing about their Craft was its democracy , for it enabled prince and peasant to sit down together . They could all congratulate themselves on the position of the Masonic Charities , which were in a high state of efficiency and prosperity , Some 15 or 20 years ago neither the Boys' nor Girls ' were doing the duty expected of them , but everything was now changed . On every

hand they heard of the efficiency and good work done . With regard to the old people , their Institution was , to his mind , the best of the three , and he was pleased to think they had that year got a good representative in the Sincerity Lodge to forward its interests . "The Visitors '" toast was replied to by Uro . Cunnington , who expressed the pleasure all the guests experienced at being privileged to witness the beautiful ceremony of installation as enacted that evening .

The popular and energetic Secretary , Bro . C . H . Webb , P . M ., acknowledged in cordial terms the manner in which the toast of " The Treasurer and Secretary " had been proposed and received . Bro . C . Lacey , their Treasurer , like himself , was always anxious to further the interests of the Sincerity Lodge , and so long as hc ( the speaker ) was spared he was quite willing to serve the brethren in the same way as he had now

done for so many years past . ( Applause , ) Bro . J . W . Derby , S . W ., in responding for " The Officers , Present and Past , " announced , amid considerable applause , that his list for the forthcoming festival amounted to upwards of £ 129 , and , from an intimation he had just received , that sum would shortly be considerably augmented .

lhe Tyler ' s toast brought to a termination a . most ] instructive ] and enjoyable evening . The musical programme , prepared by the W . M ., was of a highly delightful character , all the artistes being of exceptional quality ; and , without appearing insidious by specially mentioning names as being superior to others , no one would grudge the hearty reception accorded that clever boy , Master Crook , solo soprano singer at the Italian church . The other singers included Bros . J . W . Derby , Graham , F . Cheesewright , Mr . T . Crook , and Mr . W . Keast .

Blagdon Lodge , No . 659 . On the lyth instant , the first regular meeting under the presidency of the recentlyinstalled W . M ., Bro . A . A . Askwith , was held in the new Masonic Hall , Beaconsfieldstreet , Blyth . There was a large attendance of members and visitors , including the following Provincial and other ofiicers : Bros . Wm . Robson , P . M ., P . G . S . B . j Edward Forster , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . j John Tweedy , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . j R . T . Guthrie , PiM ., D . C .: and others .

After the confirmation of the minutes and other preliminary business had been transacted , Mr . John VV . Tinning—the courageous coxswain of the Blyth lifeboat , which recentl y upset during the prevalence of a north-east gale , along the north-cast coast , whilst going to the rescue of a vessel in distress off the port , and then swam ashore in a tempestuous sea with one of the crew , who lost his life by the disaster—was initiated by the W . M ., after which ceremony Bros . VV . Wood and E . Arkle were duly passed to the Degree of a F . C . by Bro . John Tweedy , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . The VV . M . then moved

that a letter of sympathy be forwarded to the Duke of Northumberland , expressing the deep regret ofthe members of the Blagdon Lodge on the death of his fathernis brace the late Duke—at Alnwick Castle . The W . M ., in moving the resolution , made special reference to the great interest the Duke—then Earl Percy—took in Freemasonry in the Province of Northumberland , he having for many years occupied the Position of Provincial Grand Master , and installed his successor—the Right Hon . Sir "laitn-jw White-Ridley , Bart ., M . P . —who still holds that position . The resolution was resn ' i ' * J . unanirt'ously , the Secretary , Bro . Geo . Graham , being instructed to forward such •¦ solution to the Duke at once . The mcetine shortly afterwards terminated .

Craft Masonry.

Wiltshire Lodge of Fidelity , No . 663 . The annual meeting of the above lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Devizes , on the 17 th inst . Bro . F . Rendell , J . W ., was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year by Bro . W . J . Baldwin , the outgoing VV . M ., assisted by Bro . T . C . Hopkins , P . M . The new W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . W . J . Baldwin , I . P . M . ; D . Owen , S . W . ; H . Ash , J . W . ; F . S . Hancock , P . M ., Treas .,- T . C . Hopkins ,

P . M ., Sec ; VV . R . C . Sudweeks , S . D . ; G . T . Smith , J . D . ; H . J . Johnson , P . M ., D . C ; H . B . Coles , Org . ; M . K . Sloper , LG . ; H . Courteen and A . J . Randell , Stwds . ; and W . G . Pike , Tyler . . After the lodge was closed , the brethren adjourned to the annual banquet at the Bear Hotel , and spent a very pleasant evening .

De Grey and Ripon Lodge , No . 1161 . The regular meeting was held in Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , on Wednesday * the iSth inst ., when there were present Bros . H . M . Massingham , W . M . ; J . Schofield , S . W . ; O . M . Jones , I . P . M . ; J . Irlam , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Richards , Sec . ; J . T . C . Blackie , S . D . ; J . Broumhill , J . D . ; J . M . Moss , P . M ., Org . ; A . E . Bentley , I . G . j S . L . Lewis , P . M . ; E . Loobell , P . M . ; C . G . Balls , R . G . Thomas , G . J . Critchley , W . Clewlow , S . Dixon , I . A . R . Ashwoode , PM .: R . Dotlin , P . M . : B .

Carr , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; and J . R . Fletcher , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . H . Hill , Stwd . 2144 ; W . Booth , 2144 ; and J . Carter , 1009 . The lodge was opened and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed .-The ballot was then taken for Mr . A . Oughterson , which proving unanimous , he was initiated by Bro . J . Irlam , P . M ., in a most able and finished manner , Bro . J . Schofield , S . W ., giving the charge in his usual excellent style . " Hearty good wishes " having been expressed by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed .

Plucknett Lodge , No . 1708 . A very pleasant installation meeting was held in connection with this lodge at the Woodside Hall , North Finchley , when Bro . W . J . Batho , who has had a very successful year of office as W . M ., installed Bro . R . G . Minton as his successor . Amongst the members present were Bros . W . J . Batho , W . M . ; R . G . Minton , S . W . j F . W . Freeman , J . W . j G . J . Austin , P . M ., Treas . j J . E . Overed , P . M ., Sec ; J . Grisdale , S . D . j T . H . Palmer , J . D . j Geo . Hooper , Org . j C . A . Batho , Stwd .,- Geo . Samuel ,

P . M . ; S . A . Graddage , P . M . j W . J . Janes , P . M . j C . Woodrow , P . M . j C . Plowman , P . M . ; and E . Holland , P . M . Visitors -. Bros . J . C . Winkfield , P . M . S , A . G . D . C ; E . B . Tellepen , 1754 j H . Bold Atkinson , W . H . Cranshaw , and D . Cory Wright , 357 ; Hy . Caldipole , W . M . 2331 ; R . F . Martin , 266 5 j S . L . Martin , 26 G 5 ; the Rev . S . B . Mayall , Chap . 22 S ; Stanley Wildash , ISISJ L . J . Aylward , 24 S 7 j F . E . Wrigley , ix ; S . W . Reddall , P . M . 16 79 j E . T . Holloway , A . P . Little , and F . Hughes , P . M . igi j C . Pastorell , 19 S 7 ; Percy Sloper , S j H . Comfort , 15721 H . Sylvester , 2331 j S . H . Jenks , S . W . 8 , P . G . Stwd . j D . Fairmaner , S . D . 73 ; W . W . Lee , P . M . j and

others . After the opening of the lodge and the disposal ot formal business Bro . Robt . G . Minton was installed as VV . M .-by Bro . Batho , I . P . M ., who rendered the ceremony in a very excellent and impressive manner . The following officers were invested : Bros . F . W . Freeman , S . W . j J . Grisdale , J . W . j G . J . Austin , P . M ., Treas . j I . E , Overed , P . M ., Sec . j T . H . Palmer , S . D . j W . Hollis , J . D . j W . J . Boyce , l . G . ; M . C W . Woodrow , P . M ., D . C . j G . Hooper , Org . j C . A , Batho and G . Hook , Stwds . j and Proctor , P . M ., Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . M ., Bro . Batho , and suitably acknowledged , after which the lodge was closed .

A well served banquet followed , the Stewards , Bro . C . A . Batho and G . Hook , doing their best to ensure the comfort of all present . The usual toasts followed , the W . M . first proposing "The Oueen and the Craft " and " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . " In proposing "The Grand Ofiicers , " the W . M . said he must strike a note of

mourning and regret , for by the lamented death of Lord Lathom Masonry had sustained a severe loss , and his dignified figure would appear no more in the councils of the Order . In Earls Amherst and Warwick they had feelings of thankfulness to have those in high quarters ready to come forward . Every question coming before the Grand Officers was weighed and . considered , and the brethren had confidence in the councils or th Order .

Bro . J . C Winkfield , A . G . D . C , returned thanks , and endorsed the words of the W . M . relative to the late Pro Grand Master . The junior officers had very little to do , his own duties being reduced to a minimum . He considered a great debt of gratitude was due to the Grand Stewards , who were scarcely ever given a tribute of praise , for their services . He had enjoyed the pleasure of visiting that distinguished lodt ; c , for the I . P . M ., Bro . Batho , was a member of bis own " red apron " lodge—the British , No . —and would in due time attain the distinction of a G . Steward .

Bro . W . J . Batho , I . P . M ., in submitting the toast of " The VV . M ., " said it would require very few words from him . They knew the W . M . well and knew he had the whole of the ritual at his fingers' ends . What he had done that evening was but a small portion of the ritual and the brethren who would be present at future meetings would have a treat . He ( the I . P . M . ) had seen the VV . M . initiated and had seen him go through all the offices , with the exception ot one , in a manner creditable to himself and the lodge . They were exceedingly fortunate to have such a VV . Master , and the members and visitors would wish mm a happy and prosperous year of office .

Bro . R . G . Minton , W . M ., thanked the I . P . M . and brethren for the cordial reception given the toast . He was proud indeed to attain the chair and would use his best endeavours to main the reputation of the lodge . "The Initiate " wasnexthonoured , after which theW . M . proposed " The Installing Officer , " referring in eulogistic terms to the successful year of office of Bro . Batho , I . P . M ., who had by his excellent working of the ritual and his endeavours in the cause of Masonic Charity set an example which would be difficult for his successors to follow . Bro . W . J . Batho , I . P . M ., in an excellent speech , thanked the VV . M . and brethren for the support accorded him during the past year .

"The Visitors" was acknowledged by Bros . Rev . S . B . Mayall , 22 S , and Dudley Corry Wright , 357 . Bro . Plowman , P . M ., the senior P . M ., replied on behalf of " The Past Masters , " and Bro . G . J . Austin , P . M ., Treas ., for "The Treasurer and Secretary . ' * , "The Masonic Charities" was given by the W . M ., who said the brethren last year sent up about about £ 330 and he hoped they would always continue to support them . "The Officers" and the Tyler ' s toast concluded a very successful evening . The musical programme WES exceptionally good , the following artistes assisting : Bros . W . J . James and E . Hollands , Messrs . R . Carrodus , Will Ballard , A . M . and S , Mott , and Bro . G . Hooper , Org .

Lodge La France , No . 2060 . AN INTERESTING GATHERING OF ANGLO-FRENCH MASONS . The first meeting of thc year of this lodge was held at the Regent Masonic Hall , CafC Royal , on Monday , the iGth inst . There was a full attendance of brethren over whom Bro . Henri Leon Mondehare , W . M ., presided . After the initiation of three candidates , the lodge adjourned to the banqueting hall , where an excellent dinner was served .

The customary loyal and Craft toasts having been duly honoured , a most enjoyable concert followed , to which contributed Madame Mondehare , Miss Margery Dyer , Mile . Lulu Barlet , and Mr . W . J . Dyer . In the course of the proceedings a message was received from the brethren of the St . Peter ' s of Westminster Lodge , No . 1537 , who were holding their session in an adjoining room , to the effect that they would be glad to make the acquaintance of the brethren of La France Lodge . Amidst the greatest enthusiasm and the usual ceremonial the members of St . Peter ' s were introduced . It is interesting to state

that a great number of them were either of Canadian extraction speaking the French tongue or descendants from old Huguenot families like their W . M ., Bro . R . St . A . Roumieu , G . S . O . W . Mention must also be made of the fact that several of the speeches of the visiting brethren expressed the hope that a better understanding should exist between the English and French nations and a speedy entcnt ' . cordiale effected . Prior to the closing of the proceedings , which lasted until midnight , the brethren of St . Peter's Lodge heartily joined in singing the " Marseillaise , " to which La France replied by intonating " God save the Queen . "