Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Bastone was duly perfected by the M . W . S . The next business was the election of M . W . S ., Treasurer , and Equerry for the ensuing year . III . Bro . George Mickley , M . D ., M . B ., 30 , was unanimously elected M . W . S . ; 111 . Bro . W . M . Bywater , Treas —a post which he has filled for years with credit and honour to himself , and to the entire satisfaction of the chapter ; and Bro . Austin ,

Equerry . The Treasurer reported the funds of the chapter to be in a flourishing state . There being no further business the chapter was closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Criterion to an excellent banquet , at which 19 were present , and a most enjoyable evening was spent . Letters of apology were received from very many brethren , viz . : V . 111 . Bros . G . Lambert , P . M . W . S ., 33 ;

General H . Clerk , P . M . W . S ., 33 ; V . E . and P . Bro . Rev . H . Hatch , Prelate , P . M . W . S . ; and others . The Invictais a Kent chapter , being formed at Woolwich , and met there for years , and then migrated to Goldensquare , where it now is . A great number of military men have been members of this very old , very distinguished , and favourite chapter . That it may flourish like a green bay tree for centuries is the earnest prayer of all old Rose Croix Masons .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The monthly meeting of the General Committee of this Institution was held on Thursday , at Freemasons' Hall ; Bro . Robert Grey , P . G . D ., President of the Board of Benevolence , in the chair . There were also present Bros . Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; Arthur E . Gladwell , C . H . Webb , J . H . Matthews , P . G . Swd . Br . ; Major E . H .

Finney , H . Massey , Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; J . S . Cumberland , and F . R . VV . Hedges ( Secretary ) . After the reading and confirmation of minutes , a grant of £ 15 was made to apprentice a pupil , and £ 400 was transferred to the sustentation account , and the Chairman was authorised to sign cheques for amounts recommended bv the Audit Committee . Two candidates were placed on

the list for tho election in April , iSSS . The CHAIRMAN , before the proceedings were concluded , said as brethren were present who knew about the proposal of the Centenary Committee for enlarging the . buildings , and were acquainted with the plans already submitted , he would like to inform them that the original plan had been sent back to Bro . Hunt , by whom they were assisted and

advised , and he had a meeting with the Committee . They had , through Bro . Hunt's help , been able to get a scheme proposed that he thought was very much better than that which was first laid before the brethren . He-raight add that one or two brethren representing the provinces , whom they had asked to help them on the Centenary Committee , had expressed their views , and they were perfectly satisfied with the plan as amended . He thought when the brethren

saw the plans , which were now being lithographed—and he hoped they would be in their hands in a few days—they would have noobjection to them , He believed the brethren lvou ! d approve of them . Bro . C . H . WEBB asked whether the newly-proposed plans would increase the cost ? The CHAIRMAN said no ; on thecontrary , the cost would be reduced rather than increased . The brethren then separated .

The Alpass Benevolent Institution.

THE ALPASS BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The second annual Festival in connection with the West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution was held on Wednesday , in the Prince of Wales Hotel , Southport . Bro . J . Forrester , Mayor of Chorley , presided in the absence of Bro . Lord Stanley , of Preston , D . Prov . G . M ., being supported by Bros . J . H . Banow , P . P . G . D ., and R . Foote ,

P . P . G . T ., joint Sees . ; R . Wylie , P . G . D . England , Treas . ; R . Lambert , P . M ., solicitor to the fund ; E . Pierpoint , P . P . J . G . W . ; H . Bagot , P . M . 1021 , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; G . Godfrey , P . M . 673 ; and J . M . Smythe , P . M . and Treas . 2114 , Sic . Many ladies were included amongst the large company . The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER , in proposing he

toast of "The Institution , " traced its history , and stated stated that it completed the scheme of the West Lancashire Charities . The Secretary's report showed that the sum of £ 782 163 . had been subscribed , and the donations ranged trom a guinea to £ 57 , the second highest subcription on the list being from the Temperance Lodge . ( Loud Applause . ) Bros . H . BAGOT , 1021 , and J . H . TYSON * , 11 S 2 , responded

to the toast on behalf of the Stewards . Bro . BARROW , in replying to "The Officers of the Institution , " explained that the Charity was intended solely for the relief of widows of Masons , and that there Were five annuitants on its funds . Other toasts followed , and the proceedings were agreeably diversified with harmony supplied by Bros . R . H , Johnson , P . M . 1313 ; Boyce , P . M . 1313 ; T . Whitehead , P . M . 1313 ; J . Kilby , W . M . 1313 ; and Leyland .

Masonic Reception To The Pro Grand Master At Natal.

MASONIC RECEPTION TO THE PRO GRAND MASTER AT NATAL .

The Earl of Carnarvon was afforded a fitting welcome to South Africa on the 19 th ult . by the various Masonic lodges , as became his lordship ' s exalted position as Pro Grand Master of England . Through the kindness of the Goede Hoop Lodge , their beautiful Temple was placed at the disposal of the District Grand Lodge under the British

Constitution for the occasion , and was filled by the representatives of lodges under the several Constitutions . The Dist . wand Lodge was opened about half-past two o ' clock , the D . G . M ., Bro . Fairbridge , being in the chair , and assisted by his officers as follows : Bros . T . J . C . Inglesby , D . D . G . M . T . W . Cairncross , D . S . G . W . ; J . E . King ,

D . J . G . W . ; C . J . Stephens , D . G . Treas . ; R . Day , ¦ J . G , Reg . ; p . ] . Stigant , D . G . Pres . Board of Gen . Pur-R ° i J * Q- " Riddelsdell , D . G . Sec ; H . Twogood , U . G . Deacon ; W . Standford , D . G . Std . Br . ; W . E . Uwdman , D . G . Purst . ; Henry , McKay , and Shipley , Tu Stewards > an ( J others . Ine lodges working under the Scottish Constitutionsouthern Cross and Lome—were then received , followed by

Masonic Reception To The Pro Grand Master At Natal.

the brethren under the Constitution of the Netherlands , and visiting brethren generally , after whicb the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands entered , the Deputy Grand Master , Bro . J . H . Hofmeyr , taking a seat to the immediate left of the D . G . M ., Bro . Fairbridge . His Excellency the Governor , Sir Hercules Robinson , who wore the regalia of a M . M . under the British Constitution , was then introduced by Bro .

Stigant , and received by the D . G . M ., the Organist , Bro . Dexter , playing the National Anthem as his Excellency proceeded to take his seat next to the Deputy Grand Master of the Netherlands . The Pro Grand Master of England was afterwards received with the honour due to his Masonic position , and having for a few moments assumed the gavel , handed it back to the D . G . M . with a request

that he would rule the lodge for him , and took his seat to the immediate right of the chair , the Organist playing "God bless the Prince of Wales . " The D . G . M ., Bro . FAIRBRIDGE , addressing the Pro Grand Master , said their receiving so distinguished a brother that day was a great event in the annals of Freemasonry in South Africa . It was not his intention to say

much on the present occasion , tor hereafter the brethren would have an opportunity of meeting his lordship at the consecration of the new temple of the British Lodge , when a better opportunity would be afforded his lordship of addressing the lodge on subjects connected with Masonry in South Africa , and especially with that portion connected with the Grand Lodge of England . This present occasion

was the gathering of the brethren of all the different lodges who hacl assembled for the purpose of recording their great pleasure and satisfaction of seeing so distinguished a Mason as the Pro Grand Master of England amongst them . As their good wishes would be expressed in the several addresses to be presented , he would not further occupy the time of the lodge , but would content himself

with simply expressing the kindly feelings of the brethren towards his lordship . He would now request the several lodges to present their addresses . The D . G . S ., Bro . J . Q . RIDDELSDELI ., then read the address from the District Grand Lodge ( Western Division ) , which was signed by the D . G . M ., Bro . C . A . Fairbridge ; an address was also presented by the D . G . M .

of the Netherlands , Bro . Hofmeyr , who said , on behalf of the several branches of the Fraternity working under the Constitution of the Grand East of Holland , which first introduced Freemasonry into thatColony in 1772 , hees ' eemed it a great honour to have the pleasure that day of presenting to his lordship an address of welcome . The felicity of being present that day was intensified by the fact that the

meeting was taking place in the Goede Hoop Temple , which was the oldest in the place . The W . M . of the Southern Cross Lodge , Bro . J . M . STEPHEN , said he had been deputed on behalf of the lodges working under the Scottish Constitution to convey to his lordship an expression of their great gratification at being enabled to meet together with their brethren working

under the English and Dutch Constitutions in welcoming his lordship within the circle of South African Masonry . They sincerely hoped that the object of his visit to these southern climes would be fully accomplished , and that a kind Providence would permit him to return to England restored in health and strength so that he might devote his

great talents to the furtherance of those interests so dear to Freemasons , to the welfare of our colonies and growing Empire , and to the service of our Most Gracious Sovereign , whose name was never mentioned in an assemblage of Scottish Masons except in terms of most loyal and devoted affection . Bro . Stephen then read the address .

An address was also presented by Bro . Hasforther , S . W . of the Stella Lodge at Vryburg , from the Masons of British Bechuanaland . The Earl of CARNARVON , in replying to the several addresses , said : Right Worshipful Sir and Prov . Grand Master of the Netherlands , brethren of the Scottish lodges and brethren of the Vryburg Lodge . I have to return you

my heartiest and sincerest thanks for this striking evidence of your fraternal affection and goodwill towards me . It is very pleasant , brethren , after a long sea voyage , to escape to the land , and it is doubly pleasant to escape to the land after a long and stormy passage . It is still more pleasant to land in a beautiful country like this in the first burst of spring , when Nature , so prodigal of her gifts , seems to

lavish them in a way to which English eyes are , at all events , not accustomed . May 1 be allowed before I make any other remark to assure you how struck 1 have been with the extreme beauty of this land , of which I have heard so much , of which I have read so much , and with which I have been in a certain measure greatly connected in former years , and to assure you that the outward face of Nature

goes far beyond anything that my most sanguine expectations had imagined . But I think there is something even warmer , more pleasant , more gratifying than anything Nature can give , and that is the hearty and fraternal reception which I have received and am receiving on all hands in South Africa . ( Applause . ) Brethren , I have toexpress my grateful thanks for the different addresses which this

afternoon have been presented to me , and to assure you that I shall not only treasure up the remembrance , but that 1 shall preserve carefully these documents , which will be for all time a constant memorial to me and mine of my South African visit . ( Applause . ) Right Worshipful Sir , I beg to thank my English brethren for all the kind terms which have been employed in their address . You mention ir :

that address the name of our illustrious G . M ., the Prince of Wales . ( Applause . ) I am not outstepping any limits of personal confidence when I assure you of the deep interest which he takes in all Colonial Masonry beyond the four seas as well as in England , with which I hope he will hear on my return to England , from me , of this and the other great gatherings of Freemasons in South Africa .

( Applause . ) Sir , I personally am not likely to forget all the kind words and all the kind deeds that you have showered upon me , and may I take this opportunity of saying that there are few compliments—Masonically—that 1 have valued more than the naming of a lodge ir . South Africa after my name . ( Applause . ) I trust that all good fortune and prosperity may attend that lodge . I can assure its Worshipful Master , its officers , and its brethren that I shall

watch its progress wherever I may be , in whatever part of the world , with the deepest possible interest . ( Applause . ) Sir , your considerate mention of me , and by those who have spoken as regards my health , makes me feel that I may limit my remarks on this occasion to a comparatively small compass ; but this I may say , if I am abroad in search of health—no , i I will not say abioad —( applause)—if I came to my own people , to my own South African home , if I

Masonic Reception To The Pro Grand Master At Natal.

came here in search of health , it has pleased the Great Architect of the Universe to have already granted me much in return of what I have sought —( applause)—and I only wish that circumstances allowed me to stay much longer in your beautiful and delightful climate . My stay must be necessarily short , but at all events it is long enough for this : that I should carry away an undying

recollection of your kindness , of the beauty of your country , and of the harmony with which Masonry is worked in all parts of South Africa , and of all its truthful allegiance to the great landmarks and principles of the Order . ( Applause . ) Provincial Grand Master , working under the Grand East of the Netherlands , and brethren , may I now assure you of my great appreciation of all the

kindly language you have used towards me . I rejoice to receive your address to-day , and I rejoice exceedingly to receive it within these walls . I know I am standing within what I may call an historic building , I know that in addressing you I am speaking to the representatives of the oldest Masons of South Africa , and 1 recollect also with gratitude and with sympathy that it was from the Dutch

Masons that we , the English , received our greatest support and aid now many , many years ago . ( Applause . ) I know what help you have been to us , and I know now how your lodges are worked together in generous rivalry , each one striving to accomplish that which they believe to be most in conformity with the principles and landmarks of the Order . ( Applause ) Brethren of the Scottish Lodges , I thank

you also very much for the kind speech which introduced your address , and for the good wishes you have given me ; and lastly , for the mention of Lady Carnarvon's name , to whom 1 will not fail to convey all you have been good enough to say . ( Applause . ) It is well and fitting that the great principles of our Society should be adhered to which render it impossible for any lady to be present at our

meetings , but at all events this I may say : that Lady Carnarvon fully appreciates the good work which Freemasonry is doing in all parts of England , and that she will hear with the greatest possible pride and satisfaction that her name has been introduced into this most distinguished Grand Lodge . ( Applause . ) Brethren of the Vryburg Lodge , I thank you most sincerely for all the complimentary and all

the fraternal expressions which you have used towards me . I beg you to believe that I shall not lightly or easily forget them . Brethren , it is characteristic ol Freemasonry that amongst many other principles it knows no distinction of tongue or of dress ; and I can assure you that if there is anything that adds to the compliment which I have received this afternoon it is that the welcome I have received is not

from one nationality but from so many . ( Applause . ) May it be an illustration of that harmony which ought to prevail amongst Masons of every race , tongue , and nationality , and especially in the races here in South Africa , which have so many ties of common friendship , regard , interest , and loyalty . If I may allude to one single sentence in one of the addresses I have listened to , I would say it would give

me the greatest possible pleasure to believe that my visit had in the slightest degree tended to cement this bond of union amongst our great Order , to which we are all so deeply and affectionately attached . ( Applause . ) Brethren , I will not delay you any further except to assure you once more of my deep appreciation of the mee . ing this afternoon , to express to you my most hearty thanks , and to assure you

that when I leave South Africa I shall carry away with me a grateful recollection of the hearty and cordial welcome which I have just received . ( Applause . ) The D . G . M ., Bro . FAIRBRIDGE , expressed the thanks of the District Grand Lodge to the visiting brethren for their assistance and encouraging support , and thanked the Goede Hoop Lodge for having placed their fine temple at

their disposal . He alluded to the presence amongst them that day of his Excellency the Governor , whom he hoped they would meet at many future Masonic gatherings—and remarked that numerous as were the interesting incidents in connection with the historicTemple they were now in , it might be a long time before any other lodge in South

Africa would have the honour of seeing in the same room a Pro Grand Master of England , and a representative of her Majesty . The lodge was then duly closed , after which the Pro Grand Master and his Excellency the Governor were conducted over the lodge premises and into the beautiful Master ' s Temple by the VV . M . of the lodge , Bro . Herman .

Presentation To A Liverpool Pressman.

PRESENTATION TO A LIVERPOOL PRESSMAN .

On Saturday afternoon , the 15 th inst ., a very interesting presentation was made to Bro . J . B . Mackenzie , P . M ., and one of the founders of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , P . P . S . G . D . West Lancashire , the chief reporter of the Mercury , by a number of his friends , the occasion being his fiftieth birthday and the completion of

his twenty-third year as a journalist in Liverpool . The testimonial , which took the form of a magnificent silver salver and a purse of Co guineas , was the spontaneous outcome of a desire on the part of his numerous friends outside Press circles to recognise his worth as an assiduous and conscientious journalist , and his services to many good causes in Liverpool . There was a large gathering of local

gentlemen , Mr . Alderman Grindley presiding . Cordial letters were read from Mr . E . R . Russell , Mr . Carl Rosa , Col . Mapleson , Mr . George Thorne , Bro . Edward Terry , Mr . D . Grannell , and many others . After a few words lrom the CHAIRMAN , who felicitously expressed the general recognition of Bro . Mackenzie ' s long services in Liverpool , and alluded to the circumstance that Bro . and Mrs . Mackenzie had been largely instrumental in

promoting the creation and establishment of the Deaf and Dumb Institute in Prince ' s-road , the presentation was made by Mr . THOMAS M'CRACKEN , who was followed by Mr . THOMAS WHITEHEAD ( an old Liverpool journalist ) and other speakers , including representatives of the daily papers , in congratulating Bro . Mackenzie on the attainment of his fiftieth year , and wishing him in future long life and prosperity .

Births, Marriages, And Deaths.

Births , Marriages , and Deaths .

DEATH . WINDYBANK . —On the 22 nd inst ., suddenly , at ig , Tavistock-square , W . C , Henry Windybank , of 4 , Finsbtiry-circus , E . G ., solicitor , a member of the Court of Common Council for the Ward of Colemanstreet , aged 46 years , Deeply lamented ,