Original Correspondence.

scriber to the Charities therefore his lodge should not subscribe . I believe it is generally considered that every lodge should devote some portion of its funds in support of tlie Charities , and , I think , the majority do so . No fixed rule can , of course , he laid down as to the amount that should be annually subscribed ; but , as a general rule ,

I think it will be found that a properly-managed lodge can well afford a sum equal to io per cent , on thc gross subscriptions if no extra calls arc made . In conclusion , I may say that I believe it would bc of great benefit to lodges themselves if every lodge had a Lodge Charity Association , and if the lodge itself headed the list of subscribers for votes in perpetuity rather than

give annual subscriptions . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and frater nally , CHARITY B .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

ROBERT BURNS CHAPTER ( No . 25 ) . — This chapter met on Alonday , the 25 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Great Quccn-strect , W . C , at five o ' clock p . m . There were present Comps . G . R . Shcrville , I . P . Z ., as AI . E . Z ., in the absence of the AI . E . Z ., Comp . Alartin , who is on the Continent ; Hand , H . ; Denton , as J . ; W . Kcrby , P . Z ., Treas . ; W . Piatt , P . Z ., S . E . ; F . Hatton , S . N . ; Thos . Elsby , P . S . ; J . E . Shand , ist . Asst . ;

Simmons , Deaton , and Lindner . Visitor : Comp . F . G . Baker , P . Z . 753 . Bro . J . T . Robins , P . M . Robert Burns Lodge , No . 25 , was duly and impressively exalted in Royal Arch Alasonry . Comp . W . C . Boyd was re-elected unanimously a member ,

after seven years' absence on duty in India . The companions dined after closing thc convocation , and the customary Royal Arch toasts were duly given and responded to , and , with some songs by the companions , a very agreeable meeting was terminated , and thc companions separated .

JERUSALEM CHAPTER ( No . 185 ) . —This old chapter held its first meeting of thc season at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , on Tuesday , the 12 th inst ., when there were in attendance Comps . J . Mandcrs , P . Z ., AI . E . Z .,- T . C . Walls , P . G . D . C . Aliddx ., II . ; Aloss , J . ; Lowenstark , P . Z ., acting I . P . Z ., in the unavoidable absence of Comp . P . Robinson ; Harficld , P . Z ., Treas . ;

Davage , P . Z ., S . E . ; Stewart , S . N . ; I-. llborn , jst A . S . ; Holbrook , P . Z . ; and Wagner , P . Z . The minutes of thc previous convocation having been read , Bros . A . Boehr , 15 S 5 , and E . I . AI . Ploton , 1 S 15 , were duly balloted for , and subsequently exalted to the Supreme Degree of the R . A ., the " work" of Comp . Mander , thc First Principal , being as usual most ably performed . Several

communications from absent companions having been read , the convocation was formally closed , and thc companions adjourned to a well served banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , thc customary preliminary toasts received full justice . In proposing " ' 1 he Health of thc AI . E . Z ., " Comp . Harficld said that he felt confident that every member of the old Jerusalem Chapter present

that evening would agree with him that thc working of thc beautiful ceremony of the Royal Arch Degree had been carried out by Comp . Mander in a most masterly manner . He ( the speaker ) had been a member of the chapter for a great many years , but he had never seen thc ceremony worked so well . In conclusion he hoped that their AI . E . Z . would have plenty of candidates during the remainder of

bis year of office , in order that he might have further opportunities of instructing and delighting the companions of his mother chapter by his skilful work . ( Hear . ) The AI . E . Z . having briefly replied , then gave , in complimentary terms , " The Second and Third Principals . " This toast having been warmly received , Comps . Walls and Moss acknowledged thc compliment . In proposing "Thc

Health of the Exaltees , " the M . E . / . expressed his gratification at the advent of two such worthy brethren into the higher walks of Royal Arch Alasonry . He hoped that lhe ceremony had created in them a favourable impression of the beauties of thc Degree , and that they would never regret having crossed its portals . The exaltees having replied , "The Past Principals " followed , coupled with the name of Comp . Lowenstark , who duly responded in a

lengthy speech , which space prevents our giving . Ihc Health of the Treasurer and S . E . " was proposed in very flattering language by thc First Principal , and drew from Comps . Harficld and Davage exhaustive replies . " I'he Officers" was coupled with the names of Comps . Stewart andjEllborn , and they having responded to the toast , thc Janitor was called upon to discharge his duty , and the companions separated .

MANCHESTER . —Chapter of Affability ( No . 317 ) . —Thc bi-monthly meeting of this chapter was held on Thursday , thc 21 st instant , at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street . There were present Comps . John E . Lees , Z . ; William P . Norris , It . ; W . Howarth Clark , ] . ; [ as . J . Lambert , Scribe E . ; W . Nicholl , Scribe N . ; Henry L . Rocca , P . S . ; John Church . 1 st A . S . ; las . W . Almond

2 nd A . S . ; Sydney Henson , Treas . ; John Smethurst , P . Z . ; las . Dawson . P . Z . ; C . Oldham ; " ) . IL Sillitoe , P . Z ., P . G . ist A . S . ; John Bladon , P . Z . ; Robt . Davies , Hugh R . Geo . Bayley , W . Sowten , P . P . S . ; J . W . Edwards , Daniel Donbavand , J . E . Steward , Matthew Owen , Robert Tomlins , and R . R . Lisenden ( Freemason ) . The chapter was opened at six o ' clock , and the minutes

of thc last meeting read and confirmed . At 0 . 20 thc companions adjourned to tea , and re-assembled in the lodge room at 7 . 30 . Bro . J . G . Elderton , of the Affability Lodge , was balloted for , and unanimously elected to become a companion of the chapter . He was afterwards duly exalted to the Hol y Royal Arch Degree by Comp . J . E . Lets , the presiding / ., assisted , and worthily assisted , bv his able

officers . The Historical Lecture was given collectively tc Comps . R . R . Lisenden and J . G . Elderton by Comp . John Bladon , P . Z ., and the Symbolical and AIystii-. il Lectures were splendidly delivered by Comp . Dawson , P . Z ., and in such a manner as to make an everlasting impression

on both companions . 1 he ceremony being finished thc chapter was closed in tilt : usual manner at o-i <> . A pleasant social hour and half was passed by tin- companions at ( he soeial board , timing whit li Comp . I lanicl Donbavand delivered with great i-luciilionary power " The Dream of Eugene Aram , " and which produced quite a

Royal Arch.

sensational effect on his hearers , lhe companions separated at 10 . 40 . MARYPORT . —Nicholson Chapter ( No . 37 ) --The quarterly convocation of this young chapter was held on Friday , the 22 nd inst ., in thc Alasonic Hall , Eagleslicldstreet . The following members were present : Comps . P . de E . CollinAI . E . Z . ; T . Mandle , H . ; J . R . Banks ,

, S . E .,- Capt . Sewell , S . N . ; A . Walter , P . S . ; E . G . Alitchell , 1 st Asst . S . ; ] . Gardiner , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B . ; ] . I-I . Raven , J . Kendall , j . Wilson , and J . W . Robinson . Several companions were unavoidably absent , amongst them thc Third Principal , Comp . W . Armstrong , through severe illness . There were five visitors present from Sun , Square , and Compasses Chapter , No . 119 , Whitehaven ,

viz .: Comps . W . F . Lamonby , AI . E . Z ., P . G . ist Asst . S . ; G . Dalrymple , P . S ., P . G . Steward ; Rowland Baxter , J . S . Braithwaite , and J . F . Kirkconnel . The minutes being read and confirmed , a ballot was taken for thc following five candidates : Bros . C . J . Gibson , Philanthropic Lodge , No . 540 , Stockton-on-Tccs ; ] . Smith , Org ., P . P . G . Org ., Lodgeof Perseverance , No . 371 , Alaryport ; W . Walker , D . Bell , and J . Messenger ,

of the same lodge . The whole being accepted and present , they were regularly exalted to thc Supreme Degree , by Comp . W . F . " Lamonby , M . E . Z . No . 119 , o the invitation of the AI . E . Z . of the Nicholson Chapter ; and a vote of thanks was passed to him for his services . Comp . Smith was subsequently appointed Organist of the chapter ; and Comp . Messenger was also elected Janitor , by a show of hands . The chapter was then closed with thc customary formalities .

TOPSHAM . —Brent Chapter ( No . 1284 ) . —The annual meeting of this chapter was held at the Alasonic Hall , on ' Monday , the 25 th inst ., when there was a good attendance of thc companions . A ballot was taken for the Three Principals who arc to preside over the chapter for the ensuing year , and thc choice fell on Ex . Comp . Geo . Huxham for the chair as First P . ; Ex . Comp . Wm .

Pidsley for the Second Chair ; and Ex . Comp . Wm . Brodie for thc Third Chair . Successive ballots elected Comps . H . Willcy , as Scribe E . ; W . A . Gregory , S . N . j C . C . Kendrick , P . S . ; II . S . Eland , ist Asst . S . ; C . Ashford , 2 nd Asst . S . ; Ex . Comp . W . F . Quicke was re-elected Treasurer , and the junior offices will be filled up by . the First Principal at thc next chapter .

INSTRUCTION . METROPOLITAN CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT . — The weekly meeting of this chapter was held on Tuesday evening , thc 19 th inst ., at the Jamaica Tavern , St . Alichael ' s-allcy , Cornhiil , and , as usual , was well attended . I'he officers v . cre Comps . Le Feuvre , P . P . G . Sec . for Hants , Z . ; Edmonds , H . ;

Lardner , J . ; Brown . S . E . ; Webb , S . N . ; Payne , P . S . ; and thc other companions present were Comps . J . S . Fraser , W . Fraser , Cull , Pcnncfather , Greenwood , Appleton , Walker , Neville Green , 11 . Thompson ( Freemason ) , and others . After the usual preliminaries , it was announced that thc ceremony of exaltation was to be worked , and Comp .

Greenwood offered himself as a candidate . The ceremony was admirably performed , thc whole of the officers being perfect it > their duties . At the conclusion of the ceremony there were general congratulations on thc excellent manner iu which this impressive rite had been rendered . Comp . Neville Green , of the Rose of Denmark Chapter , 975 , and of the Duke of Connaught , 1524 , was proposed as a

joining member , and unanimously elected . Comp . Brown , S . E . and Preceptor of the chapter , said it was customary on the occasion of any member taking the position of '/ . for the first time to record a vote of thanks to him on the minutes of thc chapter , and as the duties had that night been gone through in so efficient a manner , he felt sure that the proposition he made , "That the thanks of the chapter should be recorded to Comp . Le Feuvre , " woultl

be adopted unanimously . Comp . Lardncr , J ., seconded the motion , which was put by Comp . Edmonds , and carried unanimously . Comp . Le Feuvre returned thanks for thc honour conferred upon him , remarking that it was difficult to unlearn ; but he had persevered in the working of this chapter , and had been successful in introducing it into thc Province of Hampshire-, lo which he belonged . Tlie chapter was then closed .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

MACDONALD LODGE ( No . 104 ) . —Tho first regular meeting of this lodge was held at thc Guildhall Tavern , < m Saturday , the ifilh inst . Present : W . Bro . Fred . H . Cozens , P . C . Org ., W . M . ; Bros . Collins , S . W . ; Pitt , as J . W . ; W . S . Hale , M . O . j De Leliva , S . D . j Simons , j . D . ; Humphreys , I . G . j K . P . Spice , W . S . j Alcad , ' Org . j W . Bros . Worrell , Sec ; T . AIeggy ,

Treas . ; Verry , I . P . AI . ; Past Alasters A . Williams , P . G . D . ; K . Berridge , CD . of C . ; Jas . Stevens , P . G . J . O . ; Mainwaring , and others . Visitors : Bros . Haynes , 19 S ; Musgrave , 22 ; and Hubbard , 22 . Bros . Lewin , Davies , and Lacey ( after being duly balloted for ) , being in attendance , were advanced lo this Honourable Degree oy the W . M ., who was ably assisted by his ollieers . A candidate was proposed for the next

meeting , and judging from appearances , anil promises of support , the W . AI . will have a busy year before him . 'I'he brethren adjourned to dinner . After the cloth was removed , the customary toasts were given , and duly honoured . Charity was not forgotten , and a capital selection of music was given by Bros . Simons , Hubbard , Musgrave , and others , which is customary in thc Macdonald Lotlge .

¦ WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 223 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the inst ., Bros . T . W . Adams , G . S ., P . G . I . G . Aliddx . and Surrey , W . M . ; G . 11 . Elliott , P . AL if ^ . S . W . ; antl 11 . J . Lardncr , S . D . 1 ( 123 , I . W . The lodge was opened by thc W . M ., llro . Butt , a . W . firo tern . ' Thc minutes ofthe

previous nut-ling were read and duly confirmed , with one exception . Bro . T . W . Adams was invested again as W . M . for tlu .- ensiling year , antl appointed his officers as follows : Bros . Gilbert , I . P . AI ., Treas . ; II . | . I . ardner , S . W . ; T . Butt , J . W . ; W . Butt , M . O . ; Van Kaalte , S . W . and W . AL elect 917 , S . O . ; Greenwood , LO . ; Willis , S . D . ;

Mark Masonry.

Cohen , J . D . ; Goodenough , I . G . ; Appleton , S . ; and S . Smytli , Tyler . Bro . W . Pcnncfather , W . M . 1 O 23 , was again appointed Secretary . Several brethren were advanced , the ceremony being ably rendered . Thc business of the meeting being ended , the W . M . closed the lodge in due form , and adjourned to an excellent banquet provided and superintended by Bro . Butt and

sons . After grace thc usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were given and responded to . The W . AI . then proposed "The Health of thc I . P . AI ., " congratulating Bro . Gilbert on his election as Treasurer of the lodge , remarking that he had known Bro . Gilbert a long time , and was sure he would be a safe custodian of their funds , and would call on the brethren to mark their approbation by a good "fire . " Bro .

Gilbert , in response , thanked thc brethren for the honour conferred upon him , and trusted they might find him plenty of funds for the good of charity . The W . AL next proposed "Thc Health of the Visitors , " stating the pleasure he felt at having been honoured by the attendance of Bros . Jas . Stevens , P . AL , and Poore , and thanked them for their courteous assistance . Thc toast was fraternally received . Bro . Jas . Stevens , in returning thanks , pointed out to the

brethren the great duties Alasons owe to one another , ar . d trusted thc West Smithfield Lodge of Alark Alasons would go on prospering . Bro . Poore also thanked thebrethren in a similar strain . Thc W . AI . next proposed thc toast of " The Initiates , " who returned thanks in suitable terms . The toast of "The Officers" was next proposed and responded to . Thc Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close . Bro . Jas . Stevens , jun ., was appointed Organist of the lodge , and also elected to honorary membership .

PRINCE LEOPOLD LODGE ( No . 238 ) . — This highly successful lodge met at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Tuesday , the 19 th inst ., by fiat of the W . M . Among those in attendance were Bros . T . C . Walls , P . G . S . Middx . and Surrey , W . AI . ; Alfred Tisley , S . W . ; W . Wigginson , P . G . S . of Works , Sec , I . P . AI ., acting J . W . ; Skelton , D . C , acting AI . O . ; John Henry

Dodson , Treasurer and S . O . ; J . Bedinglield , J . O . ; W . Farrington , S . D . ; F . Farringdon , J . D . ; Charles Brown , I . G . ; and Rawles , acting Tyler . The ballot was taken upon behalf of Bro . Harding , Isaac Newton Lodge , for advancement , and for Bro . Tinney , Samson and Lion Lodge , as a joining member , and being unanimous in each case , thc first-named brother was immediately

advanced to the honourable Degree of M . M . M . Several communications having been read from Bros . Sir Charles Palmer , Bart , AI . O . ; Ricknell , J . W ., and others , thc lodge was formally closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was well served in the elegant drawing room of the hotel . Upon the removal of thc cloth , the only toasts given

were "Thc Oucen and Alark Alasonry , " "Bro . H . R . H . Prince Leopold , " "The W . AL , " and ' " I'he Advancce . " The latter toast having been warmly received , Bro . Harding replied . After expressing his acknowledgments to thc brethren for the great honour that they had conferred upon him by admitting him into a lodge which had been founded under such distinguished auspices , he went on to

say that he hatl been highly impressed with the ceremony , which he considered to be very quaint and interesting . In concluding his remarks he stated that he hoped to take a very active part in the Alark Degree , in order that he might in lime be fountl worthy to occupy thc proutl position of W . M . of the Leopold Mark- Lodge . Thc T yler ' s toast at an early hour terminated thc proceedings .

VALETTA . —Union of Malta Lodge ( No . 263 ) . —A very successful meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Alasonic Hall , Malta , on thc 14 th inst . The lodge was duly opened by thc W . AL , W . Bro . Read , P . G . S . W . and P . M . 107 , at C . 30 p . m . Present : R . W . Bro . Broadley , P . G . AL ( honorary member ); W . Bro . Lieut . Coffey , P . G . Sec , as I . P . AI . ; Bros . Glenday ,

S . W . ; Yeoman , J . W . ; Stanley , M . O . ; Giles , as S . O . ; England , as j . O . ; Woodlhorpe , as Treas . ; Senior , Sec ; May , S . D . ; " Santy , J . D . ; Shillinglaw , I . G . ; and Beck , Tyler . There was a very satisfactory attendance , both of members and visitors . After a successful ballot , thc following Alaster Alasons were advanced to thc Mark Degree by the W . M ., viz ., Pearse , 349 ; Timmins , 130 G ; Walker ,

t ) i . j ; and Walsh , 407 . Bros . Flower and Jones , of the Leinster Alark Lodge , No . 387 ( 1 . 0 . ) , were elected joining members . On the conclusion of the ceremony , the P . G . AL commended thc working of thc officers , and expressed his satisfaction at the result of Bro . Read ' s exertions in thc chair of A . The W . AI . M . thanked the Past Grand Alaster for his visit , and expressed his hopes that

they hatl that day inaugurated a . successful winter session . Bro . Shillinglaw , I . G ., then presented to thc lodge a most beautiful set of working tools , gavels , squares , & c , and a vote of thanks was ordered , by acclamation , to be inserted in the minutes , and a similar honour was afterwards accorded to Bro . Alay for his offering of a pedestal , for the S . W . wicket . The W . M . appointed Bro . England to fill the

vacant chair of S . O ., and Bro . Roe , S . AI ., Craft lodge ( 1 ( 104 ) , to that of J . O . Thelodge was then closed , after the usual charitable collection . After a short adjournment the Noah Royal Ark Mariners Lodge was opened by Bro . Read , W . C . N ., with the assistance of Bros . Yeoman and

May , J . and S ., and other officers . ( Bros . Woodthorpe , Santucci , Santv , Timmins , antl Pearce , were then exalted in the Noah Ark Degree , thc R . W . P . G . C . ( at thc request of the W . C . N . ) imparting the sign . The lodge was closed at 10 p . m ., ' and the brethren adjourned to a frugal repast under the genial presidency of W . Bro . Read .

MALTA . —Keystone Lodge ( No . 107 ) . — An emergent meeting of the senior lodge of the province was held on the 12 th October , 1 S 80 . Present : W . Bro . Watson , W . M . AI . ; W . Bro . Read , as S . W . ; and R . \ V . Bro-Broadley as J . W . ; and a fair attendance of officers and brethren . A ballot was taken for Bro . Thomas Jones , of Lodge 515 , who was afterwards advanced to the Mark Detrrce .

'I'he Hospitallers Lodge of Roval Ark Mariners was then opened , with Comps . Watson , W . C . N ., P . G . C ; A . AI . Broadley as J . ; and A . B . Truclitt as S . Bros . Pearce , Phillips , and J - S were elected and then elevated as Ark Alariners , the ceremony being worked at full length . A \ ule of thanks was passed to the P . G . C . for the assistance he bail rendered to flic working , and the lodge beiiij ? closed the brethren adjourned to the refreshment room .