Our Fortieth Volume.

OUR FORTIETH VOLUME .

THE fact that we are again able to address our readers at the commencement of a new volume is extremely satisfactory to ourselves , as it affords tangible proof that our efforts to continue the FBEEMASON '

CHRONICLE have so far been successful . It is the outward and visible sign of our progress in the journalistic world , the inner evidence of which , although

known only to ourselves , is equally satisfactory , and induces us to form fresh resolves for the future in order to make the CHRONICLE of further use to Freemasonry

and of greater interest to its members . We hope , as we believe , that the paper has not deteriorated under its present management and while thanking its old friends

and the many new supporters it has secured during the past year , we may assure all of our determination to continue in the work we have set for ourselves—the provision of an independent and outspoken newspaper for Freemasons .

Summer Masonry.

SUMMER MASONRY .

rglHE growing popularity of summer trips arranged in JL connection with Masonic Lodges , to which we have referred in years gone by , seems this year to be even more marked than usual , and this pleasing feature of the Masonic system may now be regarded as a regular part of the year ' s programme in many quarters .

From all parts of the country . we are just now receiving particulars of excursions in course of arrangement , or reports of pleasant days spent by Ladies and Brethren under the rule of the Master and Officers of a

Masonic Lodge , amid the pleasures of one or other of the many delightful resorts that are , happily , so numerous in our midst . The presence of Ladies at Masonic—or , we should

rather say , semi-Masonic ceremonies has now become so generally recognised as to call for little or no special comment , many of the leaders of the Craft taking

especial pleasure in securing the enjoyment of the fair sex , in furtherance of which desire they have no more popular ally thau the growing tendency to make a special feature of Summer Masonry .

The Educational Institutions.

THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS .

THE usual Quarterly Courts of the Masonic Schools will be held next week , that in connection with the Girls on Thursday , that for the Boys the following day . The business for consideration is of the most formal character , as will be seen from our advertisement columns .

Berkshire.

BERKSHIRE .

THE Berkshire Freemasons assembled in Provincia l Grand Lodge at Wallingford , on Tuesday of last week , under the auspices of the St . Hilda Lodge , and the event attracted a numerous attendance . Some of the Brethren representing the Beading , Windsor , Abingdon ,

and Newbury Lodges availed themselves of the opportunity of reaching Wallingford by Salter ' s saloon steamers which are now running daily between Kingston and Oxford , and vice versa . The weather being all that could

be desired—fine and warm , without being too hot , and brilliant—the river trip was greatly enjoyed . The run from Caversham Lock to Wallingford occupied nearly three hours , including the necessary stoppages at the

various locks , where there was plenty to interest the voyageurs during their brief stay . The scenery along this stretch of the Thames is extremely pretty and

picturesque , and the succession of riverside mansions with their charming grounds make up a panoramic picture which cannot fail to please the senses , especially of those unaccustomed to river life under its varied

aspects . The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened at four o ' clock in the Corn Exchange , which had been specially fitted up and furnished for the purpose , under the

direction of the Officers of the St . Hilda Lodge . The minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge held last year at Maidenhead were , on the motion of Bro . Kirchhoffer , seconded by Bro . Margrett , taken as read ,

The P . G . Secretary ( Bro . Martin ) then read the following reply , which was received a few days after the address voted at the last Prov . Grand Lodge had been sent to the Grand Master : —

" Sandringham , Sir Francis Knollys is desired by H . B . H . the Prince of Wales to thank the Brethren of the Provincial Grand

Lodge of Berkshire for their address and kind congratulations and good wishes on the occasion of the recent marriage of the Duke and Duchess of York . "

The Prov . G . Master said that connected with the auspicious event to which the letter just read referred was another happy circumstance , with regard to which he proposed moving a resolution , and he felt fully

convinced that all the Brethren would acquiesce in tho course he was taking . Having been one of the first Masonic bodies to congratulate H . B . H . the Grand Master on the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of

York , it was only a fitting and opportune sequence that they should be one of the first Provincial Grand Lodges to congratulate the Prince of Wales upon the happy event that had just occurred at White Lodge . He

begged to move that a telegram be sent to the Prince of Wales offering the hearty congratulations of the Berkshire Freemasons assembled in Provincial Grand Lodge , on the happy event of the birth of a grandson .

Bro . Kirchhoffer seconded the motion , which was carried by acclamation , and the P . G . Secretary immediately despatched a telegram to the Prince . Bro . Kirchhoffer again rose , and observed that

although the Province had been without' a Provincial Grand Master for some time past , Masonry had flourished exceedingly throughout tho county , and there could be no doubt it was largely due to the abl *;