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so well and usefully occupied both by brethren in the remote past , and by the goodly array of Past Masters now present in times with which vve are more familiar . The next toast was that of " The Installing Master , " to which Bro . R . F . Gould briefly responded , observing , in the course of his remarks , that having been closely associated for many years with the W . M ., and also with Lieut .-

Col . Pratt , R . A ., one of the visitors then seated at their board , he had invited the latter some nine years since to witness the initiation of the former , and it was a little singular that , travelling by different roads , his two friends had attained the highest distinction which it was in the power of any lodge to bestow on its members within less than a month of one another . On both these occasions it

had fallen to his lot to perform the ceremony of induction into the chair , a privilege he esteemed very highly , and which in the present instance , by having caused his name to be associated with a toast , gave him an opportunity , of which he would avail himself , to express a confident prediction that in Sir Norman Pringle and Lieut .-Col . Pratt the Moira and Ouatuor Coronati Lodges had the good fortune

to possess Masters who would leave nothing to be desired in their endeavours to promote the honour , reputation , and usefulness of the bodies over which they severally had the honour to preside . Bro . R . VV . Tweedie , I . P . M ., having made suitable response to "The Health of the Past Masters of the Lodge , " The W . M . next proposed " The Visitors , " with which he

coupled the names of his old friends , Bros . AV . Harry Rylands , P . G . Stwd ., and Lieut .-Col . S . C . Pratt , the AVorshipful Masters respectively of the Lodges of Antiquity , No . 2 , and of the Cjuatuor Coronati , No . 2076 . Bro . Rylands , who was the first to reply , said : W . M . and Brethren , —The hospitality oE your lodge is well known , and I feel sure that when at the present time I express to

you my own feelings , I shall also express those of all my fellow visitors . To us I can assure you this has been a most enjoyable meeting ; you have this evening not only provided us with a Masonic treat in hearing the ceremony of installation so well performed by Bro . Gould , but you have added to this a sumptuous refreshment after labour , intermingled with excellent speeches , and beautiful vocal and instrumental

music which have added so much to our pleasure . A our AV . M . has referred to me in very kind and complimentary terms as being the present Master of the oldest English lodge . I need hardly remind you that on that memorable day , when the four old lodges , and probably the remains of some others , met in 1717 at the Apple Tree Tavern in Charlesstreet , Covent Garden , and there and then determined to

hold the ' annual assembly and feast , and choose a Grand Master , by that action they constituted the foundation , or revival , as it has I think been wrongly called , of our present Grand Lodge . Little , I fancy , did those good old Masons imagine that although probably comparatively small in number—and taking under their protection only those lodges and Masons within the somewhat circumscribed limits of

London and Westminster—they were laying the foundations of our splendid Institution . Generation after generation have followed their lead , and like all good and true Masons have used their best endeavours to add to the fabric , which now extends to every part of the civilised world . Wherever British civilisation and British arms have gone , there our Craft has followed also ; and I need not tell you , brethren ,

of its successes or of the many advantages naturally falling to those who have been received into our Order . When in 1717 our forefathers in Masonry took this wise departure in determining to collect together their scattered forces , the senior of the four old lodges who participated in that event was the Lodge of Antiquity , the one of which I have at present the honour of being the Master . Its origin and early

history are to some extent hidden in the darkness of past ages . Tradition in some manner connects it with the greatest work of one of our greatest English architects , St . Paul ' s Cathedral and Sir Christopher AVren . In my opinion it is as unsafe to cast aside tradition as it is unwise to accept it without enquiry , but whatever may have been its history , and the history of our ancient Institution , I cannot help

feeling , on looking round at the numerous gathering of Masons here to-night , that the old spirit is still alive , and that there will be no effort wanting on your part to help to secure the future of our Craft . I can only agree with your W . M . that although vve have in the history of English Masonry scattered notices of lodges and meetings taking it in a continuous line of well marked points , not far distant

from one another , back to the early part of the seventeenth century , no regular minutes appear to have been kept in early times by the English lodges . This may possibly be accounted for , either on the score of secrecy , or , as 1 am more inclined to believe , by the position then held by many of the lodges with regard to their trade interests . ' In most instances it seems probable , through the many changes that

had taken place , that the English lodge , particularly those in the country , had ceased to exercise their former power , and were—during some portion at least of the seventeenth century—gradually passing through that period of decadence which ultimately ended in nearly every case in extinction . Of course , it is very far from improbable , and indeed I think we may say it is certain , that many lodges in this country

, of which we have now no record , carrried on a more or less struggling existence to a point very near to the last century . AVhat was exactly the form of their composition and connection with the Masons' companies existing at certain large centres is not at all clear . Some years ago , however , I pointed out an instance in which some connection was evidently looked upon about the middle of the seventeenth

century as existing , or as having existed , and at the same time 1 endeavoured to show , and , as I think , proved , that a manuscript leaf in the British Museum was in truth a record of an incident which took place in a lodge held at Chester somewhere about 1 G 70 . A ' our W . M . has contrasted this vyant of records with what is found to be the case in the sister kingdom . 1 must congratulate him on his

knowledge of Masonic history , and express how pleased I am to find him so rapidly qualifying himself for membership of that lodge , the members of which devote much of their energies to the antiquarian side of Masonry , but 1 hardly can venture to say more about that lodge when I find its distinguished Master , Bro . Col . Pratt , standing in such immediate proximity . To the Masonic student , this want of

records , I need hardly say , presents a point of great difficulty . On the other hand , as pointed out by your AV . M ., some of the Scotch lodges possess a more or less regular succession of minutes of meetings going back to various years in the 17 th century , and sometimes covering the period intervening between that date and our own times . Your AA' . M . has mentioned two instances of his

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ancestors being members of the Craft ; modesty , doubtless , prevented his entering more fully into this subject . I may , however , remind you that , like your AV . M ., his ancestors have gained honour in their various professions , and that if you look into the records of other Scotch lodges , as vvell _ as those of Edinburgh and Kelso , you will find running through a long period of years entries of many members

who bore his family name , and that one of these , besides other great distinctions , held the important post of Master of the '" Works in Scotland . I would only add that could Sir John Pringle , who in his time was called to preside over his lodge in 1702 , have known your W . M ., and that he , his direct descendant , was in turn to be called nearly 200 years later to occupy a similar position , he would have felt that the

old Masonic family traditions stillrested in good hands , and would be well and worthily carried forward . The hour grows late , brethren . I have heard it said that Masonic speeches are one of the necessary evils of Freemasonry , and , as others have to follow me , I will not occupy more of your time , but in thanking your W . M ., to whose kindness I am indebted for the pleasure of being among you , and

your lodge for the very fraternal and excellent reception you have given your visitors this evening , I would remind him of the last time I had the pleasure of meeting him in Masonry . We were both working our way up the Masonic ladder , and our conversation naturally turned on the probability , possibility , and time at which we should occupy the chairs of our different lodges . I can only say that it

has been a peculiar pleasure to me to be present this evening , and to know that at least during a portion of our time we have occupied the chair of respective lodges during the same year . Bro . Lieut .-Col . Pratt , R . A ., also responded , and said : AV . M . and Brethren , —I feel that my having been called upon to respond for so many distinguished brethren is due

to the fact that I this year fill the chair of a London lodge —the Quatuor Coronati—of which one of the principal founders is the Bro . Gould to whom the AV . M . has already alluded in such eloquent terms . The objects of this new lodge is to find out something about Masonry . We Masons have been sarcastically alluded to as people who kept shut with a secret key an empty room . No one can deny that there is

some foundation for the epigram , but our wish is to furnish the room , and to clothe with flesh the skeleton vve have been long carrying about with us . Few among' us again have not wondered at , and perhaps resented , part of our ritual as not being in accordance with modern ideas . If vve can show that the quaint and archaic forms are but a survival of long past times , and once had a definite meaning , we shall confer

a boon on all Masons , and explain many things that are now hid in darkness . I may add that our Masonic researches are published , open to all , and procurable at slight expense . I am sure , however , that whatever vve learn we shall not be able to find a better exemplar of good companionship and hospitality than the Moira Lodge . "The Officers of the Lodge" was next proposed by

he AA ' . M ., and acknowledged m the following terms by Bro . G . Greiner , S . W .: AV . M . and Brethren , —Although I wish it had fallen to abler hands , it is with very great pleasure that I respond to this toast , and I thank you , W . M ., on behalf of my brother officers and myself , most sincerely , for the very kind words expressed , and you , brethren , for the fraternal way in which

you have received the same . At this late hour , and after the really excellent speeches which have been delivered by prominent brethren in the course of the evening , it would be idle for me to attempt to say anything new or interesting . Besides , there is another point which would make such an attempt futile . My brethren in this lodge are already aware of the fact ( and our visitors will , doubtless , become

cognisant of it before I sit down ) , that I am not a British born subject , and , though I have lived in this country some 25 years , I have not yet mastered all the difficulties and intricacies of the English language . Therefore , on this point also , I claim your indulgence and forbearance . Our W . M . has referred in very feeling and gracious terms to the considerate treatment he received from the officers of this

lodge , owing to which it has been possible for him to reach more expeditiously the chair he occupies this evening . I assure you , W . M ., that vve made this small sacrifice with very great pleasure , for we all recognise in you a brother in every way entitled to the office , and who has only been prevented from occupying it earlier by reason of your serving your country as a soldier . In adddition , brethren ,

the fame of our W . M . had reached us , and vve were all anxious to render to our distinguished brother , on his return to us , the only honour which lay in our power to pay him . Now that we have seen how worthily you , W . M ., have filled the chair this evening , we are doubly glad that we stood aside for you , and yet this feeling of satisfaction—at least , as far as I am concerned—is somewhat mingled with

fears for the future , for you are setting all your officers so excellent an example as to what a W . M . in a lodge should be , that it will be very difficult , indeed , for your officers to follow you with credit to themselves . Putting this into more homely language , and using a vulgarism , I must say that you are " making it very hot for us , " and if any of us ever have the good fortune to reach the Master ' s chair , it

will certainly not be a bed of roses . However , this is a matter for the future . For the present , allow me to offer you , on behalf of myself and brother officers , our heartiest good wishes and congratulations , and to assure you that we shall at all times do our very utmost to support you and merit your approbation and goodwill . You having led vour men to victorv in the past , we now ask you to lead us ,

for , serving under such a commander as you have already proved yourself to be , vve cannot fail to succeed in upholding the memories of this ancient lodge . I thank you , W . M . and brethren , once more for the kind way in which this toast has been given and received . After this , according to invariable custom in the Moira Lodge , " The Treasurer and Secretary " were united in a

toast . Bro . Wilkinson , Treas ., in replying , congratulated thelodge on having so distinguished a man as Bro . Sir N . Pringle in the chair . They all remembered the war breaking out in Egypt , how gratified and safe they felt when one of the first men ordered to the front was their Inner Guard , and their pride when they read how brilliantly their Inner Guard had

handled a wing of his regiment in the action at Ramleh . They had said then that when that Inner Guard was advanced to the chair they would have a AVorshipful Master who would not let the lire of the lodge slacken , and the truth of the saying had been proved that evening . Bro . Josiah Houle , P . M ., Secretary , expressed the gratification he felt , in common with Bro . Wilkinson , theTreasurer ,

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on the occasion of so distinguished a brother as Col . Sir N . Pringle being installed into the chair of the lodge , and wished him health and prosperity during his year ot office . With reference to himself , as their Secretary , he confessed to finding it difficult on these occasions adequately to express his thanks for the kind manner in which they always showed their appreciation of his services by drinking his health with

so much cordiality . He felt , in fact , that he had exhausted the phraseology of gratitude , but he assured them that on that account he was no less sensible of their kindness and appreciative of their good will towards him . As regards the office which he held , he might be permitted to remind them that he had been their Secretary for a period of 10 years , longer by several years , he believed , than any of his

predecessors . Bro . Gould , in his speech that evening ' , had hinted that an idea was prevalent in the lodge that when once a brother undertakes an office in the lodge , he was to be regarded as a fixture , but he ( the Secretary ) was of a different opinion with respect to his office . He thought the time had arrived , in the interests of the lodge , when some younger brother should be willing to undertake the duties of

the Secretary , and he mentioned it then as a hint to some aspiring brother . He would , however , endeavour to discharge the duties so long as he was able to do so , or until that brother put in an appearance , and he begged again to thank them for the kind manner in which his past services had been recognised , and his health proposed and received that evening in conjunction with their esteemed Treasurer .

With the Tyler's toast the proceedings of a most agreeable evening were brought to a close , but a word or two must be added with regard to the music , vocal and instrumental , with which the banquet was enlivened . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . T . Lawler ,

and among the talented artistes by whom he was supported were Mesdames Clara Suter and Adeline Paget , Miss Alice Suter , Bros . J . Bartlett and E g bert Roberts , and last , though by no means least , Miss Marie Schumann , whose violin solo was followed by outbursts of applause , which broke forth again and again , and were a very long time in subsiding .

Mornington Lodge ( No . 1672 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place on the 5 th inst ., at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel , when the W . M ., Bro . H . G . Pearce , presided . There were also present Bros . Minett , Gentry , Wood , Miller , Redfearn , P . M . ; Cook , P . M . ; Perkins , P . M . ; Palmer , P . M . ; Rossignol , P . M . ; Anderson , P . M . ; Giller , Seagrave , Bland , Newsom , Theobald ,

Burton , Hadrill , Petley , Temple , and Gregar . Visitors : Bros . Baldwin , 1326 ; Stallard , 1613 ; Parker , 1 S 51 ; Chappe , St . John-in-the-South Lodge , No . 747 , Transvaal ; Miller , 166 S ; and Raggi , 7 . The lodge being opened , Bros . Hadrill and Petley were passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . Bro . Rossignol , P . M ., then took the chairas Installing Master , and Bro . G .

P . Minett was presented for the benefit of installation . A Board of Installed Masters was formed , and he was duly placed in the chair of K . S ., and received the congratulations of the brethren . He then proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . Pearce , l . P . M . ; Gentry , S . AV . ; Wood , J . W . ; Redfearn , P . M ., Treas . ; Perkins , Sec . ;

Giller , S . D . ; Seagrave , J . D . ; Newsom , l . G . ; and Hadrill , Org . Bro . Rossignol performed the ceremony in a masterly way , which must have been appreciated by the junior brethren . A splendid banquet was afterwards served , and a very happy and cheerful evening spent in song and harmony . Bro . Hadrill presided at the pianoforte , and the newlyelected AA' . M . proved himself equal to the occasion .

Porvincial Meetings.

Porvincial Meetings .

JERSEY . Yarborough Lodge ( No . 244 ) . —The usual regular monthly meeting of this the senior lodge of the pro vince , was held on VVednesday , the nth inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , St . Heliers . Among those present were Bros . Clement Baker , AV . M . ; John T . Baker , l . P . M . ; Thomas Adderson , S . AV . ; " losh . A .

Balleine , J . W . ; C . Donaldson , P . M ., Treas . ; L . P . Hespiradoux , P . M ., Sec ; AV . M . Inglis , S . D . ; A . | . Le Quesne , J . D . ; H . B . East , D . of C . ; J . AV . Fentum , Org . ; F . E . Hyne , I . G . ; Geo . Rogers , P . M ., Tyler ; J . T . du Jardin , P . M . ; Alfred Ahslow , Geo . Parkinson , John F . Le Gresley , Chas . Lincoln , Chas . Naylor , P . M . ; F . Fisher , John Le Montais Pronings , G .

Godden , Clement Hodgkinson , Richd . Hodgkinson , W . Hunter , R . Malet de Carteret , John E . Hamon , VVilliam Statt , Chas . Booth , John Marett , Alfred Ph . Hamon , R . Watson , R . Fisher , and John Burrows . Visitors : Bros . J . H . Goldsmith , P . M ., Sec . 491 ; Ph . Blampied , P . M . 244 ; AV . Aubin , 1003 ; E . L . Bison , S . W . 491 ; F . A . Jubal , S . D . 491 ; T . Palmer , J . W . 401 ; J . Flinn , 1003 ;

G . H . Rogers , 1003 ; J . C . Barrette , J . W . 245 , J . H . Le Poidevin , 491 ; Geo . J . Cobden , 95 S ; W . Newman , S . D . 1003 ; Peter J . Toneri , 1003 ; G . F . Baker , P . M , 491 ; Thomas Leat , P . M . 245 ; D . A . Du Masch , Utrecht , Holland ; C . J . Renouf , late 244 ; AV . T . Pugsley , P . M . 245 ; C . A . Davey , 491 ; J . Chubb , 1003 ; Chas . Fred . Luke , 958 ; Adolph Curry , l . G . 24 ^ : L .

Kelly , l . P . M . 491 ; H . Becker , 590 ; and others . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . The report of the Committee appointed for revising the by-laws of the lodge was read , and each brother vvas furnished with a printer ' s proof of the new version , the approval of which vvas deferred to the next meeting , more urgent

business pressing for tune . Bro . John Le Montais Pronings was passed to the Second Degree , the ceremony being impressively performed by Bro . Clement Baker , whose delivery of the charge vvas much admired . The working tools were explained by the J . W ., Bro . Josh . A . Balleine . The rest of the routine business was then disposed of , and , after "Hearty [ rood wishes" from the

visitors , the lodge vvas closed . Both members and visitors adjourned to the refreshment room , and a happy ancl enjoyable , evening was spent , some 40 brethren sitting down to the hospitable board . After refreshments , ample justice was done to the toasts . " The Queen and the Craft , " "The Grand Lodge , " "The

Provincial Grand Lodge , " and " The Visitors ' "" ' were most enthusiastically received , and well responded to . "The W . M ., " "P . M . s , " and "The Officers of the Lodge , " were likewise cordially received , and responded to in pithy and appropriate speeches . The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .