Duke Of Connaught Mark Lodge, No. 199.

cloth , Bro . Shackleton proposed tho usual toasts , prefacing each with a few suitable and well chosen remarks , which were appreciated by those present . Bro . Matier replied for the Grand Officers past and present , and Bro . Davison for the Province . In proposing the consecrating Officers , the W . M . spoke at length , not only on the manner in which Bro . Binckes had fulfilled hia duty on that occasion ,

bnt also on the zeal and energy he displayed at all times in the fulfil , ment of his onerous duties as Grand Secretary and Seoretary to the R . M . I . B ., he concluded an effective speech by expressing a hope that Brother Binckea might be long spared to con . tinuo the work he performed so well . Bro . Binckes , in reply , acknowledged the compliments of the W . M ., and expressed himself at

all times willing to advance tho interests , not only of Mark Masonry , but of Freemasonry generally . He also enlarged upon the charitable aspect of the Craft , and although he did not feel called upon on this occasion to press the brethren too urgently to support tho institutions connected with Freemasonry , still ho considered it to be his duty to nrge upon their notice the plan devised by his friend , Brother Con .

stablo for aiding the funds of the school , of which he was secretary , and he trusted thoy would not separate that evening until each mem . bev had taken at least one of Bro . Constable's shilling tickets . We havo great pleasure in adding that this appeal waa cordially responded to , and no less than fifty . one tickets were disposed of , and the whole number deposited with the Master for the benefit of the Lodge . Bro .

Binckes next proposed the health of the W . M . in his usual fluent terms , and congratulated him on the position he had attained in Mark Mas-nry ; at tho same time , he wished tho W . M . and the Lodge a long career of uninterrupted prosperity . Bro . Shackleton feelingly acknowledged the comp liment on his own behalf , a 3 well as that of the Lod ^ e . " Bro . S . B . Ellis ( Sheffield ) replied for the visitors . The

toasts of the advancees and officers were duly given and acknowledged , aud the Tyler's toast brought the proceedings to a close . It is obvious , from the fact of there being no less than twenty-nine candidatc 3 entered on tho lint on this occasion for advancement , that the inauguration of tho Duke of Connaught Lodgo at Dalston , has not

taken place a moment too soon , and we doubt not that now Mark Masonry has established its footing in this neighbourhood , it will fare as prosperously as in other parts of England . It may be interesting to some of our readers to know that during the last four years as many as 30 Lodges have been consecrated , and there is every prospect of this number being still further increased .

Reviews.

REVIEWS .

All Books intended for Keview should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , 67 Barbican , E . C . The New Practical Window Gardener . Being practical directions for the cultivation of flowering and foliage plants in windows and glazed cases , and the arrangement of plants and flowers for the embellish , ment of the household . By John R . Mollison . Illustrated with coloured plates and wood engravings . London : Groombridge and Sons , 1877 .

We strongly advise thoso of our readers who are minded to cultivate the art of window gardening to take Mr . Mollison as their " guide , philosopher and friend . " That gentleman has keen appreciation of the beautiful , a thorough practical knowledge of floriculture , and shows considerable taste in all that he recommends , in connection with the floral decoration of rooms , balconies , areas and windows . A

London house , externally at least , is not particularly cheerful . In the humbler and more crowded thoroughfares , the ngliness of oar bnild . ings is exceedingly painful . What a marvellous relief is afforded b y the presence of a few bright flowers , may be noted any and every day in the week , if the reader will only look about him during his walks through the streets . It is qnite a pleasure to see the taste and skill

in decoration which some of our artisan class display in the adorn , ment of their windows , and the pleasure becomes all tho greater when we contrast the homes which present this cheerf . nl aspect with others where no care or attention is paid by the occupants to such appear , ances . Window gardening , however , if it is to be carried out , will require some knowledge of floriculture . It is necessary to understand

something about the propagation of plants , their growth in pots or boxes , the kind of soil that suits them best under those conditions , and all about the needful drainage . Something also should bo known about the seasons when seeds must be sown , and how they should be sown , as well as about watering , trimming , transplanting from one pot to another , and many other details which will occur to our readers

as a matter of course . Now all this knowledge , and , in feed , a great deal more , is to be obtained by studying this work of Mr . Mollison ' s . He describes to us the moat suitable kinds of pots and boxes , the best kinds of soil and drainage , how to pot our plants and water them , how to get rid of insects , what plants belong to different seasons , and what are best grouped together . He Is equally careful to give all the

needful information about area and balcony gardening , as well as abont the decoration of rooms . Ho tells us under what conditions we may keep plants even in our hed-rooms , and why , under certain and othor conditions , they may prove injurious to health . He superadds to all this a list of plants most suitable for house culture , and gardeoing notes for each month of the year . In fine , Mr . Mollison tells

ns , in a quiet bub thoroughly business-like way , all the information we are likely to require , if we proposo to decorate our looms , either internally or externally , with flowers . We strongly recommend the book to our readers , not only for the valuable matter it contains , bat also for the very serviceable illustrations with which it is embellished .

Worshipful Brother W . Andrews jnn ., has been elected Master of Royal Lodge , No . 207 , Kingston , Jamaica , this being the second time that he hag been caHedJto occupy the chair of this Lodge ,

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cumberland And Westmoreland.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND .

THE Spring Meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodgo waa held at the Crown Hotel , Penrith , at the hour of high Twelve on Friday , 27 th April . Iu the unavoidable absence of the Prov . G . Master , the Earl of Bective , the Prov . Grand Lodge was opened by the D . P . G . M ., Colonel Whitwell M . P ., who was supported by Bros . Kirkbridgo 3 . G . W ., John Bowes J . G . W ., John Lemon P . P . S . G . W . Treas ., W .

Gibson P . P . S . G . W . Sec , Whitehead Prov . G . Reg ., Dodgson , Prov . G . Pur ., Geo . Kenworthy P . Prov . G . S . W ., Joa . Bintloy P . P . G . Sup . of Wks ., John Holme P . P . J . G . W ., John Talbot P . P . J . G . W ., Lamonsby P . M ., Isaao Evening S . W . 1002 , & c , & c . Tho business was of an interesting character , and included the presentation of a

Charity Jewel to Bro . McKay , for his valuable servioas both iu London and in the Province . Ou the motion of Bro . Lamonsby , seconded by Bro . Evening , and supported by Bro . Bowea P . J . G . W ., it was

unanimously resolved to ask tho Prov . G . Master to hold the September Meeting of Grand Lodge at Cockormonth . After the conclusion of the business , the brethren sat down to an excellent luncheon , after which the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

The Montefiore Lodge And The Prussian Jewish Disabilities Question.

THE MONTEFIORE LODGE AND THE PRUSSIAN JEWISH DISABILITIES QUESTION .

AT the regular meeting of the above Lodge on the 23 rd ult ., when the purely Masonio business of tho Lodge was completed , tho

honorary secretary of the Montetiore Committee auuouuoed that 230 petitions , relating to the exclusion of non-Curiatiaus from the Prussian Lodges , had been returned duly signed , and likewise that several letters fully sympathising with the movement had been re . ceived . He further announced that the letter from the Joppa Committee had been considered , and a reply forwarded , in wuich the

Montefiore Committee expressed its willingness to meet the Joppa or any other Committee . This reply waa dated 28 th March , but no response had yet been made to the offer . We hear that since the above meeting the number of petitions has been increased to 240 , and the Committee are anxious that those Lodges which have not yet taken the question into their consideration should do so at tho earliest ;

possible opportunity . That our readers may fully realise its importance , we transcribe tho words of the 165 th section , which have been sent us by a correspondent ;— " In the Confederacy of the Grand National Mother Lodge , only such a one can be proposed for initiation into Freemasonry who profess tho Christian faith without distinction of creed . " The removal of so objectionable a law is desirable , for ib is distinctly opposed to the fundamental principles of the Order .

Meetings Held, &C.

MEETINGS HELD , & c .

Hauraki Chapter , No . 454 . —The anuual meeting for the installation of officers for the ensuiug year was held at the Masonio Ball , Queen-street , Grahamstowu , ou tho 15 th February . Several brethren from Auckland attended to assist in the ceremony . The installing officer was Comp . Climo M . D . S . K . The following were

duly installed as officers : —¦ Comps . R . M . Mitchell K ., Bowdon H . P ., W . Jenkins C . S ., Woodward C . H ., S . Mills S . F ., S . Oatran C . S . V ., J . Osborne Treasurer . After which the company proceeded to the Bowen Hotel , where a banquet waa provided by Bro . Lymiug . ton , and there spent a most agreeable evening . Bro . E . T . Wildman was unavoidably absent through indisposition .

Sir Hugh . Middleton Lodge of Instruction , . No . 1602 . —Tne nsnal weekly meetiug of this Lodge was held on Friday , the 27 th ult ., at the King Edward VI ., Liverpoolroad , Islington . Preseut— Bro . Kuill W . M ., A . Rowley S . W ., Rosa J . W ., Lee P . M ., Pearcy S . D ., Somers J . D ., Fouucr I . G ., Oaoorna Sec , & c . The Lodge was opened , and tho minutes coutirmed , after

which the ceremony of initiation was very ably rehearsed by the W . M .. Bro . W . Rowley acting as candidate . Bro . Lee P . M . tuen occupied the chair , and the ceremony of installation was rendered by him in his usual admirable manner , he installing Bro . A . rlowiey . The officers were then invested , after which the usual addresses were delivered b y Bro . Lee . The Lodge was closed in due form aud ad . joucned .

. Royal Ark Mariners Lodge , Bo . 69 . —Mot on 27 th April at 25 Robertson-street , Glasgow . Petitions from three distressed mariners were presented , aud they were received on board aud dul y instructed .

Royal Ark Mariners Lodge , Mo . 73 .-Met at 213 Btichanan-sticet , Glasgow . Petitions were presented from four die . tressed mariners , who were duly received on board , and instructed in their dutie 3 by Comp . Jas . Balfour .

Red Croas ^ Kniglits of Babylon—A Council was held on 27 th April , at 25 ltjijeriauii-street , Glasgow , Sir Knight J . M . Cumpbeil President . Comps . J . Bcile-Nair , Tho . Blackwood , Wm . McMillian , J . B . Clement , and W . Lightbody , were duly ureated Kuights of the Sword , Knights of the East , and also Prince Masons and Kni ghts of the East and West , all the ceremonies being admirably rendered ,