Craft Masonry.

with a kindness , which he should never forget . He interposed his speech with me trood stories which were received with great applause . Bro . V . Latreille , P . M ., also responded , returning his sincere thanks for the way . v ; s ) tors had been received and entertained His own enjoyment was enhanced by Inessing the installation of his son-in-law the VV . M ., and he congratulated him on his t nir installed as Master of such a distinguished lodge . At the end of his year of ffice be thought Ihey would all tegret that he had to leave the chair ; the lodge ° culd not lose any of its lustre under his reign , and he would deliver ovir to his Miccessor the warrant as unsullied as he received it . ( Great applause . )

Bros . H . H . Allen , P . M ., Bishop , and Jesse Masters , P . M ., also acknowledged the loast bearing testimony to the excellent working , and congratulating the W . M . ' in submitting the toast of " lhe Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " he W . M . paid a well-deserved tribute to the past services of the Treasurer and tiro * W . FinchP . M ., responded for the Past Masters , remarking that the

. , Installing Master , Bro . A . H . Church , relkcteJ not only great credit upon himself but upon the Past Masters for his excellent working of the ceremony of installation , and thev were all proud of him . Bro . W . Blackburn , P . M ., Treasurer , also responded , observing that the lodge was ; fl wishing condition . also acknowled the toast in

Bro . W . D . Church , P . M ., Secretary , ged eloquent terms , and thanked the W . M . for appointing him to the oflice of Secretary , which he had held for many years . _ The toast of " I'he Oflicers of the Lodge , " followed in high terms of praise from the W . M ., and replied to by Bro . C . R . Campbell , S . D ., who made the shortest speech of the evening . The lyler ' s toast ended a very pleasant night , and one that will long be remembered .

The musical arrangements under the able direction of Bro . Harry Greene , were of the very best , the following well-known artistes contributing to the harmony of Ihe evening : Miss Edilh Kingsford . Miss Esther Franklin , Bros . Lewis Breeze and Harry Gieene , Mr . W . B . Steele , and Mr . Harry Raymond , who gave-a whistling solo , which was much appreciated . Amongst such a galaxy of talent it would be a difficult matter tn pick out le premier artiste , but whoever might be awarded that honour , Bro . Harry Greene would undoubtedly run a very close second .

Bushey Park Lodge , No . 23 SI . PRESENTATION TO BRO . G . R . LANGLEY , P . P . G . D . MIDDLESEX . The installation meeting of the Bushey Park Lodge was held at the Greyhound Ilotel , Hampton Court , on the 22 nd instant . The members had on this occasion an opportunity of expressing in tangible form their high appreciation of the valuable sei vices rendered by Bro . G . R . Langley as Secretary of the lodge since its consecration in if- ' ' . <> i and also of the high esteem and regard in which he is held by them . This

oppoitunity was afforded by the resignation of Bro . Langley of the Secretarial duties , much to the regret of the members generally . Bro . Langley , however , has been for many years one of thc most active and zealous Masons in thc metropolis , and the Province of Middlesex is naturally of opinion that after a long tenure of ollic : the heat and burden of the day should be shared by others equally anxious to do so . His services , however , will be long remembered , more especially as an elected member of the Board of Benevolence , as the first special Secretary for Elections in Middlesex , and

as the advocate and pioneer of many successful elections to the Charitable Institutions hailing from South London . For many years Bro . Langley was the indefatigable Secretary of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction , and he relinquished that post to take up the more arduous oflice of Preceptor , which post he still holds to the advan tage and benefit of many brethren . All those who know our excellent brother will be fully assured that , although he has retired from several active offices , in a private capacity his energies will lose none of their former vigour , or his sympathies be less sincere for all charitable work and anything that pertains to the good of Masonry generally .

At the opening of the lodge Bro . B . Forster , P . M ., W . M ., was supported by Bros . W . T . 11 . Mayer , P . M ., W . M . elect ; A . Blenkarn , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; G . R . Langley , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Sec ; T . R . Porter , P . M ., ] . W . ; J . J . Newland , P . M . ; I . Joel , P . M . ; A . Leighton , P . M . ; D . D . Mercer , P . G . P . Eng . ; G . W , Castle , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; F . II . Ford , P . M . ; W . W . Lcc , P . M ., Prov . Asst . G ,

Sec ; J . Durns , M . I ) . ; J . G . Galbraith , P . J . Kingsley , F . Jackson , P . M . ; I ' . A . Stevens , and F . G . Mitchell , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . P . S . Barrett , 142 O ; F . J . Stevens , 2272 ; W . A . Daniel , 2222 ; A . Stanley , LP . M . 2222 ; II . C . T . Hunt , W . M . 134 ; P . Moruan , 2744 ; P .. B . Puzey , 2744 ; B . II . S . Butterworth , P . M . 275 S ; and Turle Lee , 22 G 4 .

lhe minutes were confirmed and the Audit Report adopted . Letters of regret for non-attendance were announced from the R . W . Prov . G . Master , Bros . II . P . Bing , Prov . G . Sec , Dr . Cock , P . P . G . D ., and many others . Mr . P . J . Kingsley was initiated into Freemasonry by Bro . W . T . II . Mayer , P . M ., who was afterwards installed as W . M . by Bro . B . Forster , I . P . M . The oflicers appointed for the ensuing year were Bros . T . R . Porter , P . M ., S . W . ; J . W . Stevens , P . M ., J . W . ; A . Blenkarn , P . M ., Treas . ; J . J . Newland , P . M ., Sec ; J . Joel , P . M ., S . D . ; A . Leighton , P . M ., J . D . j

J . 11 . Haine , I . G . ; Geo . Swales , D . ot C . ; F . Jackson , P . M ., and I ' . A . Stevens , Stwds . ; and 1 '" . G . Mitchell , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . B . Forster , LP . M ., in recognition of his services , and was suitably acknowledged . Ihc W . Master then rose to make the presentation to Bro . Langley , and in a few well-chosen words explained that the members had thought it their duty to present that brother with a short address in token of their respect , and of their gratitude for services rendered . Every member had enjoyed

Bro . Latigley ' s friendship and had to thank him for valuable assistance both in that lodge and in the Brixton Lodge of Instruction . He would read the address , which was as follows : "This testimonial is presented to W . Bro . Geo . R . Langley , P . P . S . G . D . Aliddx ., & c ., & c ., by tbe undersigned brethren of the lodge as a token of their great appreciation of the services he has rendered as Secretary since its career , the individual regard of the members for him , and in recognition of his unfailing courtesy and friendship to all . '" Well knowing the many sacrifices Bro . Langley had made in his devotion to his Masonic duties and how olten he had left his home and family , the

brethren had also thought it their duty to present Mrs . Langley with a small token—in the shape of a gold bangle—of their appreciation . They sincerely hoped that Bro . and Mrs . Langley would live fur many years in perfect happiness and bc reminded of thc members of the Bushey Paik Lodge by these small presents . Bro . G . R . Langley , P . P . G . D ., to whom the presentation was a complete surprise , briefly expressed his thanks on behalf of himself and his wife , and said that any services hc had rendered , had been a labour of love . Lodge was then closed , and after banquet , thc usual toasts were honoured . Bro . D . D . Mercer , P . G . P ., returned thanks for " The Grand Officers . "

Bro . G . R . Langley , P . P . G . D ., in responding for "The Prov . Grand Oflicers , " said that he was so non-plussed in the lodge that his remarks would necessarily be somewhat personal . The testimonial that evening was certainly one of the kindest things he had ever known occur in Freemasonry . The members evidently had in mind the remarks hc made to them in July , for they had completely taken the wind out of his sails . I le was sure his wife would feel very flattered at the great compliment paid her . He had always felt that Masonry should never interfere with the home , but in his own

case he had on many occasions been out in Masonry at thc desire of his wife who took a keen delight in the charitable work of the Craft . He could only thank them from the bottom of his heart , for he had never received anything but kindness from every member of this lodge . He was not going to say he had never had a difference of opinion but that had never interfered with friendship , and he hoped never would in their lodge . Bro . B . Forster , LP . M ., gave the toast of "The W . Mastcr , " referring to Bro . Mayer , W . M ., as an enthusiastic Mason , who possessed all the energy and ability necessary for a successful and popular W . M .

Bro . W . T . II . Mayer , P . M ., W . M ., returned hearty thanks , and said it must necessarily be a great gratification to any Mason to occupy the chair of such a lodge , lie now presided over a lodge , the members of which were all personal friends , and wouc , therefore , support him during his year . He had to thank the I . P . M . for allowing nun to initiate the candidate that evening , as hc was his proposer . " The Initiate " and "The Installing Mastcr" were next given , b 't f 0- . - , ' ' > LP . M-, in reply to the latter toast , said he had naturally d ^ nc his eit , lor m that lodge it was a sine i / mi non that every officer wis expected to discharge ms auty and also carry it out well .

Craft Masonry.

The toast of " The Visitors " was acknowledged in kindly terms by several visiting brethren . . Bro . Blenkarn , P . P . G . Treas ., Treasurer , in responding to a subsequent toast , said the Bushey Park Lodge had sent up no less a sum than 1410 guineas on Stewards' lists to the three Masonic Charities . During the evening Bro . P . A . Stevens , Org ., rendered valuable assistance in the musical arrangements .

Ambleside Lodge , No . 2745 . The first anniversary of this young but flourishing Iodge in Lakeland took place at the Queen ' s Hotel , Ambleside , on Thursday evening , the 20 th instant . Very little more thana year ago the lodge was consecrated by Lord Henry Bentinck , M . P ., the R . W . Prov . G . Master , in the presence of a numerous and representative assembly of the Craft , who had been assisting at the annual communication of the province , at Kirkby Lonsdale , only the day before . Since then the happy auguries for the success of the Ambleside Lodge have been more than fulfilled , and one of the most substantial

evidences of its usefulness is the circumstance that the W . M . and acting I . P . M . took up to London a goodly sum from the members to the last Festival of the Boys' School . Initiates of the right stamp have also been elected , and with the earnest and firm resolve to carry on the lodge as it began , there cannot be any possible reason for doubting that a much-needed requirement has been provided by the founders for this charming and much-frequented spot in the Lake District . And it is further pleasing to add that a petition has been forwarded to the authorities for a warrant to open a Royal Arch chapter in connection with the Ambleside Lodge .

There was a numerous attendance when the lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock , the following members being present : Bros . T . Taylor , P . M . 1705 , P . P . D . G . D . of C . Hants and the Isle of Wight , W . M . ; R . P . Hunter , P . M . 1073 , P . P . G . D . of C , acting I . P . M . ; J . Tolson , P . M . 2217 , P . P . S . G . D ., W . M . elect , S . VV . ; J . Tyson , J . W . ; the Rev . H . Lafone , P . M ., Chap . ; H . Redmayne , Treas . ; A . Horrax , P . M . 2217 , P . G . Purst ., Sec ; J . Cowperthwaite , P . M . 2217 , S . D . ; J . G . Simpkin , P . P . G . Std . Br . Leicester and Rutland , D . C ; A . Huddlestone , P . P . G . Org ., Org . ; G . Walker , I . G . ; G . Middleton , Stwd . ; E . Lamb ,

Tyler ; G . F . Lancaster , P . P . G . Reg . Hants and the Isle of Wight ; Rev . D . G . Douglss , P . G . Chap . ; T . D . Jackson , W . D . Heelis , W . Asplin , A . J ackson , J . A , Jackson , and J . J . Astley . The visitors were Bros . W . F . Lamonby ( non . member ) , P . A . G . D . C . Eng . ; T . De Rome , I . P . M . 129 , P . G . Reg . ; J . H . Hogg . P . M . 129 , P . P . G . Supt . of Works ; H . Hoggarth , W . M . 129 ; J . J . Harrison , W . M . 2217 ; G . E . Cartmel , S . W . 127 ; E . Farrer , J . D . 129 ; and W . Bradley , 129 . Apologies for inability to accept invitations were received from Bros , the Lord Bishop of Barrow , P . G . Chap . Eng . ; J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B . Eng , Sec R . M . I . B . ; and others .

The lodge having been opened and the minutes of three regular and emergency meetings read and confirmed , the W . M . elect , Bro . J . Tolson , was presented and installed with the customary formalities , after which he invested his officers a' follows : Bros . T . Taylor , I . P . M . ; J . Tyson , S . W . ; II . Redmayne , J . W . ; Rev . II . P . M , Lafone , Chap . ; J . Ciwperthwaite , P . M ., Treas . ; A . Horrax , P . M ., Sec ; W . L . Mason , S . D . ; G . Walker , J . D . ; J . G . Simpkin , P . M ., D . C ; A . Huddlestone ,

Org . ; G . Middleton , l . G . ; E . Bousl ' uld , Rev . D . G . Douglas , and J . A . J ackson , Stwds . ; and E . Lamb , Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremony , the newly-installed W . M ., on behalf of the members , presented to Bro . Taylor an ornate Past Master ' s jewel as a recognition of his able and energetic administration during the first year of the lodge's existence . It may here be interpolated that the entire cerem > nv of installation was performed by Bro . Taylor with a precisian , impressiveness , and eff jctiveness that earned him the wannest commendations of all the veterans present .

Subsequently the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where an elaborate and well-earned repast awaited them . That a very enjoyable evening was spent by each and everyone goes without saying .

Bro. R. E. Garbutt, Bloemfontein.

BRO . R . E . GARBUTT , BLOEMFONTEIN .

Concerning annex sd report from Bro . H . V . Cowan with regird to Bro . K . E . Garbutt , of the Rising Star Lodge , No . 10 J 2 ( E . G . ) , Bloemfontein : On approaching Honingspruit , Garbult noticed two Boers light two fuses . To stop would have meant utter destruction , and having some 200 ollieers and men on his train and a number of horses , he put on full steam .

When approaching the lighted fuses , the line was blocked with stones and also a large mile-stone / This , wilh ths speed attained , was thrown clear off the line , and the train with its living freight was thus carried into safety . Two minutes afterwards the dynamite did its work , and thc line was blown up .

W . Bro . Lord Roberts sent for Bro . Garbutl , and had a long interview with him , congratulating him on his pluck , and presenting him with an autograph portrait of the Commander-in-Chief .

[ CIII'Y . ] IMPERIAL MILITARY RAILWAYS . Army Head-quarters , South Africa , Pretoria , 13 th August , 1 9 00 Director of Railways .

The Field Alarshal Coinmandiiig-in-Chief has under consideration the report of the attempt to destroy the railway near Rhenostor River on the 28 th ulto ., in whicli the conduct of R . E . Garbutt , the driver of the engine , was brought to his notice , and wishes to convey to R . E . Garbutt his lordship ' s appreciation of the promptness and pluck shown by him on that occasion , and by which a serious accident was in all probability averted .

The Field Marshal takes this opportunity of expressing his admiration at the excellent work done often under dangerous and trying circumstances by enginemen , guards , and others , both military and civil , employe : ! on the military railways . By order ( Signed ) H . V . COWAN . Lt .-C- ) 1 ., Military Secretary .

Instruction.

Instruction .

STAR CHAPTER , No . 1275 . " The weekly convocation was held at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-street , Camberwell , S . E ., on Friday , the 21 st instant . Present : Comps . J . II . Curcton , P . Z ., M . E . Z . ; G . H . Lewis , P . / .., II . ; Wal Jeffery , J . ; T . Grummant , P . / ,. Preceptor ; Chas . 11 . Stone , P . Z . , S . E . ; Morris , S . N . j Frampton , P . S . ; H . C . Turner , P . II . Garner , Hill , Reed , Victor Turner , Stanley , VVm . Dawson , Ware , and Cornford .

The minuter , of the previous convocation were read and confirmed . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . T . D . Hill personating the candidate . Conp . H . C . Turner was elec ' . ed M . K . / ,. for to-day ( Friday ) . lt was decided to send a letter of condolence to Mrs . Harper on the lamented decease of her dear husband , Comp . W . II . Harper , P . M ., P . Z . 21 S 2 , who was interred at Nunhead Cemetery that day , attended by miny sorrowing companions and brethren of 21 S 2 and other lodges . Tne brethren of 21 S 2 lendered Sterndale Bennett ' s " God is a Spirit " in a most iinpressiv ; manner , under the guidance of Bro . T . Powell . S . W . aiSa . The chapter wis then closed .