Craft Masonry.

A well-deserved toast was added— "The Health of the Musical Brethren " —who had delighted the brethren with a selection of glees , madrigals , and part songs , which won the admiration of everyone present . Bro . Bevan returned thanks on behalf ^ himself and his three coadjutors . The Tyler ' s toast then brought ; to a close a mostgsiiccessful evening .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BURSLEM . St . Martin ' s Lodge ( No . 98 ) . —The annual festival of this lodge was held ( by dispensation ) on Wednesday , the 20 th inst . ( instead of the the third Tuesday in the month—the day fixed by the by-laws ) at the Town Hall , Burslem , when Bro . A . Boultonwho had served the

, office of S . W . during the preceding 12 months , was installed in the chair of K . S . The ceremony of installation was performed in a most efficient manner by the retiring W . M ., Bro . J . Scarratt , assisted by Bros . R . Dain , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . ; F . Weston , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; E . Pearson , P . M . j VV . Garner , P . M . j J . Pierpoint , P . M . j J . Mason , P . M . j and J . Godwin , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . The other

brethren present included Bros . T . R . Pediey , P . M . j H . B . Hancock , VV . M . 451 ; J . Wearing , VV . M . 2064 j R . Tooth , P . M . 6 37 ; G . Hollins , P . G . D . Cheshire ; R . Benbow , P-M . 45 ' , T . P . G . S . B . j J . Beech , J . W . ; T . Saunders , S . D . ; R , Owen , J . D . j W . H . Emery , I . G . j and about 30 other members and visiting brethren . One of the most interesting features of the gathering was the presentation

ot a Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . VV . Garner , as a mark of the high regard entertained for him by the members of the lodge , and a token of their appreciation of the admirable manner in which the duties of the office of Worshipful Master had been discharged by Bro . Garner during an arduous and , in some respects , a trying year of office . The VV . M ., in making the presentation , gave full expression to

the feelings of the brethren , and heartily congratulated Bro . Garner upon the high , but well-deserved honour conferred upon him—an honour all the greater because it had , up t (> the present , only been conferred upon very very few of his predecessors . Bro . Garner expressed his

acknowledgments in a few brief but telling remarks , and at the close of the lodge was heartily congratulated by the individual members . The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Town Hall , where the banepjet was served , and a very pleasant and harmonious evening was spent .

HANLEY . Menturia Lodge ( No . 418 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 19 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , when Bro . Edmund Jones was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year , in _ the presence of about 90 brethren , including many visitors from other lodges . The ceremony was ably performed bv Bro . David lones . the rptirintr

W . M ., assisted by Bros . J . B . Piercy , P . P . G . S . W . j F . Brandon , P . P . G . R . j H . Windle , P . P . J . G . D . ; E . V . Grealbach , P . P . G . Supt . of Works j W . Tunnicliff , P . P . G . Supt . of Works ; E . B . Jackson , P . P . G . S . B . ; and E . Devereux , P . M . The following appointments were made : Bros . Jas . Taylor Howson , P . G . Std . Br ., S . VV . j John Allerton , J . W . j the Rev . E . C . Lace , M . A ., CHap . ;

William I unnichff , Treas . ; Charles F . Baker , Sec . j Samuel Salt , S . D . j John Pennington , j . D . j VVm . Hampton , P . P . G . Stwd ., Dir . of Cers . j Wm . Edwards , A . C . O ., Org . j T . C . Slaney , l . G . j John Munro and Charles Elphinstone , Stewards ; and William VVood , Tyler . In addition to those mentioned above there were also present : Bros . J . Bromley , 41 S , P . P . G . S . W . j J . M . VVood , 24 S 7 , P . G . R . ; J . Webberley , 546 , P . P . G . R . j R . Tooth , 2214 , P . P . G . R . j the Rev . E . D . Boothman , 2149 , P . P . G . C . ; F .

Mountford , 4 G 0 , P . P . S . G . D . j H . C . Faram , Gi 7 , P . P . J . G . D . j J . Goodwin , 9 S , P . P . G . S . j F . Weston , 9 S , P . P . G . S . j John Scarratt , VV . M . 98 j Thos . Edwards , W . M . 4 G 0 J R . Williams , W . M . G 37 j W . J . J . VV . Heath , W . M . 21495 Louis Taylor , W . M . 2214 5 Arther Boulton , W . M . elect 98 ; John Mason , P . M . 98 ; J . Beardmore , P . M . 41 S ; W . Torrance , P . M . 45 GJ G . VV . Bradford ,

P . M . 2149 j C . Adams , 2149 ! T . Hampton , 41 S , and others . After the lodge had been closed , the brethren adjourned to the Town Hall , where an excellent banquet was provided by Bro . Munro . After dinner , the loyal toasts were honoured . Bro . Allerton proposed "The Health of the W . D . P . G . M ., Col . Bindley , and the rest of the Prov . G . Officers

, Present and Past , " on whose behalf Brrs . J . T . Howson and J . M . VVood responded . Bro . Piercy proposed " 'The Masonic Charities . " He said in enrolling members they were careful not to admit persons in needy circumstances with a view of bettering their position in life . But there were instances in which brethren who had nobly fought the battle of life became

reduced , from circumstances beyond their control , to poverty and distress . To such as those a helping hand was extended , and they were assisted in no niggardly spirit through the Masonic Charities . It was not possible to find any other institution which contributed so much as £ 50 , 000 a year in support of Charities in London . For the last six years the average collection per annum had been for the

Gills'School , £ 15 , 916 j Boys'School , i . 15 , 789 j theaged , £ 22 , 4821 making a yearl y average of £ 54 , 197 purely voluntary contributions . He went on to say that good work was being done in the Girls' School . Thanles to the great exertions of Bros . Greatbach and Tunnicliffe , the Boys' School was re-organised three years ago , and the boys were well clothed , fed , and educated . He appealed to

them for additional funds for the Institution for the aged . Staffordshire had 1254 votes for the Boys' School , 9 G 3 for the Girls ' , and 905 for the aged . In Cheshire a Benevolent Associatirn had been foimed for that province , and £ 3200 had been raised , and last week two aged Masons were elected tu be recipients of an annuity of £ 20 each . He suggested the fermation of a similar fund for the Province of Staffordshire .

Bro . II . Windle , in a few appropriate remarks , re sponded . Some other toasts , including "The . Health of the W . M . " and " The Visitors " were drunk . Several brethren contributed vocal music and recitations , and the evening was soent very pleasantly ,

Provincial Meetings.

MIRFIELD . Mirfield Lodge ( No . 1102 ) . —The installation meeting of the above lodge took place on Friday , the Sth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , King-street . The Iodge was opened by Bro . F . H . Hare , P . M . ( in the absence of the W . M ., Bro . J . Milner , who was , to the regret of the brethren , unavoidably detained at Leeds ) , assisted by Bros . W . H . Wilson , S . W ., W . M . elect j W . H . Wilkinson , J . W . j

F ; j . Crowther , P . M ., Treas . j C . E . Sutcliffe , Sec . ; J . Jessop , S . D . j A . C . Lister , J . D . j T . Lang , P . M ., P . P . D . G . D . C , as Tylerj J . Barker , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . j J . Walmsley , P . M . ; J . France , T . G . Howell , Wm . Beaumont , P . M . ; T . B . Fairclough , P . M . ; H . Cockell , A . E . Fearnley , W . Wilson , P . M . ; and VV . Rushworth . Visitors : Bros . T . Burkland , P . M . ; J . Rhodes , P . M . ; T . Maude , VV . M . j H . Littlewood , S . W . j S . A .

Radcliffe , Sec . ; J . Brook , S . D . 1231 ; H . Rickard , 61 ; J , Sykes , W . M ., and W . Riley , 1574 ; J . F . Simpson , 448 ; R . Hall , J . W . 25 S ; J . F . Thompson , 14 S 2 J J . Peace , 20 S J VV . Forrest , P . M . 37 . 2 = 1 , P . P . G . D . East Lancashire , After the minutes had been confirmed , Bro . VV . H . Wilson , W . M . elect was presented by Bros . T . B . Fairclough , P . M ., and W . Wilson , P . M ., for installation to Bro . F . H . Hare . A Board of Installed Masters was opened ,

and Bro . Wilson was duly installed in the chair of K . S ., in the presence of 15 Past Masters , by Bro . F . H . Hare , P . M . Bro . Beaumont , P . M . was invested as LP . M . on behalf of Bro . Milner , and the address was given by Bro . John Barker , P . M . Bro . Milner the outgoing W . M . having arrived , took up the installation ceremony from this point , and proclaimed Bro . Wilson as VV . M ., and Bros . Thos . Lang , P . M ., P . D . P . G . Dir . of Cers ., F . J . Crowther ,

P . M ., and W . Beaumont , P . M ., gave the working tools . The W . M . then invested the following officers : Bros . W . H . Wilkinson , S . W . j C . E . Sutcliffe , J . W . j T . Lang , P . M ., P . D . P . G . D . of Cers ., Treas . j | . Jessop , Sec . j J . W . Watson , S . D . j A . C Lister , J . D . j T . G . Howell , I . G . j F . H . Hare , P . M ., Dir . of Cers . j H . Cockill , Org . ; John France , Tyler j VV . Rushworth and A . E . Fearnley , Stewards . The addresses to the VV . M ., Wardens ,

and brethren , were given by Bro . John Barker , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Wks ., who was re-elected Charity Member of the lodge . Auditors and Lodge Committee were duly elected . Bro . John Barker , P . M ., proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . T . G . Howell , I . G , for his having painted , & c , the lodge room athisownexpense . This was seconded and carried . After " Hearty good wishes " had been expressed by the

visitors , thelodge was duly closed . All Masonic business having been ended , the brethren adjourned to a banquet as excellent in quality as bounteous in supply , provided by Bro . W . Rushworth . To each brother was given by the W . M . a button-hole of a tea rose , his favourite flower . At the termination of the banquet , the brethren honoured the usual toasts , and enjoyed a very pleasant evening , with

the aid of short speeches andmusic and recitations rendered by Bros . Buckland , Rickard , Riley , and Miles , with Bro . J . Sykes at the piano . Songs were also given by Bros . Forrest and Pickles . The W . M . fet the example of brevity in proposing the toasts of "The Queen" and also "The Grand Lodge , " which were duly honoured . Bro . James Barker , P . M ., proposed "The Prov . G . M .,

Bro . VV . L . Jackson j the D . P . G . M ., Bro . H . Smith j and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past . " This was replied to by Bro . T . Ling , P . M ., who referred to the loss the province had sustained in the resignation of the late P . G . M ., Bro . T . VV . Tew , but doubted not that under the new head West Yorkshire would slill continue to prosper . Bro . Milner , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the VV . M ., "

and expressed his regret at not being able to be present to do the whole of the ceremony—stating that he had known the W . M . frr many years , had been intimately acquainted with him during all that time , and paid a high compliment to his known uprightness and integrity , and expressed his conviction that he would worthily fill the office into which he had been installed . This toast was honoured with enthusiasm .

The VV . M . replied , thanking the brethren for placing him in such an important position , and also having respected his temperance principles , no one having in any way tried to tempt him to depart from them even on such an important occision as that , and , though he did not wish to push these principle ? to the front he hoped that some other of the brethrm would copy his example , and he assured them all he would do the best to forward the well-being and

prosperity of the lodge . The next toast was proposed by Bro . John Barker , P . M ., who , rn rising , said that he felt sure the brethren would receive what he had to propose with pleasure , it was " The Health of Bro . Joshua Milner , LP . M . " The motto to that toast was : " He is worih y of all praise , " and nothing could be truer and more appropriate ; in every way had Bro . Miln r striven to promote the welfare and prosperity pf the lodge

and itwas with the deepest regret of all the brethren that he had been prevented taking lhat active part in the ceremon of tne day which he had intended to do . Bro . Milner suitably resp nded to the toast . 'The toast of" I he Past Masters " was proposed by Bro , VV . H . VV i kinson , J . VV ., and duly acknowledged . Bro . Wm . Wilson had the toast of " The Mirfield Lodge , No . 1102 , and its Officers , " entrusted to him .

Bro . C . E . Sutcliffe , J . VV ., replied . ' ¦ 'The Masonic Charities" was proposed by Bro . T . B . Fairclough , P . M ., and was responded to by Bro . John Barker , P . M ., P . P . G . S of W ., who gave abrief resumiS of the work done by these grand Institutions , pointing out the number of annuitants , boys and girls and their cost , the amount raised by the Craft during the past 11 yearn , also lhe amount subscribed by West Yorkshire during the same

lime , the benefits that province was receiving , and wound up by an earnest appeal for support . That this was readily responded to is shown by the following list of subscriptions , viz .: Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , Bro . Wm . Wilson , P . M ., £ 10 105 . j Royal Masonic Institution for Gills , Bro . John France , £ 10 ios . j Royal Masonic

Institution for Boys , Bio . Wm . Wilson , P . M ,. £ 10 10 s ., Bro . Joshua Milner , P . M ., £ 10 10 s ., Bro . W . oailey , P . M ., £ 10 ios ., W . H . Wilson , W . M ., £ 10 ios ., and T . G . Howell , l . G ., £ 10 ios . j total , £ 73 ios . The Tyler ' s toast , which was proposed by Bro . Barker , brought to an end one of the most successful and enjoyable meetings ever helcj in connection with this lodge ,

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Kennington Chapter ( No : 1381 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held at the Horrls Taverri , Kenrtirigtori Park , on the 14 th instant , when there were present ,, arriorig others , Comps . Aiistin , M . ii . Z . ; Sims , H . ; Derinis , hi II . Higgins , P . Z ,, ' P . P . G . D . C , S . E . j George Everett . P . Z ., P . G . Treas ., Treas . j Capt . T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . P . G . P . S . j C H . Kohler , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B .,- H . J . Lardner , P . Z ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; VV . VV . Westley , P . Z . ;

and H . Salter , P . Z . Comp . Arter , 1572 , was a visitor . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Apologies for npn-attendance"were receiveel from Comps . Dowling , P . Z . ; Buxton , and others . The chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the M . E . Z . gave . the usual toasts briefly .

Comp . G . Everett responded on behalf of "The Grand Officers . " "The Health of the First Principal" having been duly proposed , Comp . Austin said a few words in reply . The toast of " The Second and Third Principals " followed , to which Comps . Sims and Dennis suitably replied . "The Health of the Past Principals" was coupled with the names of Comps . Lardner and Silter , who suitably

acknowledged the compliment . In giving the toast of- " The Scribe E . and Treasurer , " the M . E . Z . said that a great deal of the prosperity of the chapter was due to the exertions of thos : highly respecteel and well-known Masons , Comps . Higgins and Everett . A more painstaking S . E . could not be found than the former companion , and as to the latter , volumes might be spoken in his praise . Comp . Higgins said that he felt deeply the more

than kind words uttered by the M . E . Z . He had endeavoured during the whole of his Masonic life to carry out whatever duties that might fall to his lot , to the best of his ability . Comp . Everett said that he felt too unwell to speak that night , more than to express to the companions his best wishes for a Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years . During the evening , Comps . Arter , Lundie and Lardner , instrumentally and vocally entertained the companions .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

Between 20 and 30 children who remain at school during the holidays were well cared for on Christmas Day , the traditional turkeys , plum puddings , and mince pies , with the equally traditional new coins artfull y concealed therein , being thoughtfully provided for their sustenance and entertainment , with oranges and crackers , and various games to follow . Bros . Frank Richardson , J . H . Matthews , C . Hammerton , H . A .

Hunt , anel Sir John Monckton attended as members of the House Committee , and were ably assisted in their endeavours to amuse the children by Miss A . C . Buck , the Matron , and Miss E . Hinson , the Governess in charge . Altogether , a very cheery , happy day was spent in rooms suitably decorated for the purpose . The usual Twelfth Night entertainment will shortl y take place .

Scotland.

Scotland .

SOCIUTAS HOSICItUClANA IN SCOTIA . The VVest of Scotland College held a meeting on Monday , the 18 th inst ., in St . John ' s Hall , Buchananstreet , Glasgow , R . W . Frater D . R . Clark , M . A ., IX ° , Junior Sub-Magus , Master of the Temple , presiding , assisted by Fratres W . S . Hunter , VI , Deputy Master ; T . R . Richards , VI ° , Treas . and Sec ; J . 0

W . Ruddock , IV , 1 st A . ; J . Foulds , 11 ° , 2 nd A . ; J . A . S . Kerr , 111 ° , 3 rd A . ; VV . M . Denholm , 111 ° , acting 4 th A . ; J . McNaught Campbell , 11 ° , acting Conductor of Novices ; J . Carruthers , 11 ° , acting Guardian of the Temple ; J . McQueen Barr , 111 ° , Herald ; and W . Ross , Acolyte . The college having been opened , and the minutes of

the previous meeting read and sanctioned , the Secretary read a letter from R . W . Frater J . Dalrymple Duncan , IX ° , Supreme Magus , stating that he was sorry he could not fulfil his promise to be present , but would endeavour to do so at the next meeting . Apologies for absence were also read from Fratres Rev . Frank

Matthews , J . Sanderson , J . Smith , J . G . Coupland , W . Falconer , F . W . Larter , and Emile Berger . Thereafter Messrs . J . P . Laidlaw , C . E . Stromeyer , J . Murray , and Daniel Murray petitioned to be admitted into the college . There being no objection , they were dul y received and instructed in the First Grade . This concluded , the college was closed .

The death is announced of the well-known sculptor , Mr , W . F . Woodington , A . R . A ., the sad event having occurred on Christmas Eve , at his residence in Hayter-road , Brixtonhill , in the SSth year of his age . Mr . Woodington executed one of the reliefs—the Battle of the Nile—for thc Nelson Monument , and also the very beautiful bas-reliefs for the chapel containing the Wellington Monument in St . Paul ' s Cathedral .

The usual efforts to provide as pleasant a Christmas as possible for the inmates of the different Metropolitan Hospitals , were successfully made by the medical and nursing staffs , and the patients at the Royal Free Hospital , Gray ' s Inn-road , the Middlesex and London Hospitals , and

the Children ' s Hospital in Great Ormond-itreet , were made as happy as the state of their ailments would allow . The child patients especially were delighted with the entertainments , and , above all , with the toys which were forthcoming for their delectation .