Australia.

make arrangements for the first District Grand Festival , to be held at the ensuing Quarterly Communication in March next , in accordance with new by-laws , and that the price of the banquet tickets to be fixed at one guinea . The Board also recommended that the attention of Masters of lodges be directed to Clause 1 S 5 of the Book of Constitutions , relative to certain indispensable forms to be

observed in the proposition of candidates in cases of emergency , and that these be strictly adhered to in future . This had reference to the proposition of the candidate in the black balling case . The recommendations were adopted . Bio . H . W . Lowry , D . G . Treasurer , presented the quarterl y statement of accounts , which showed a balance of

/ 1075 in hand . The D . G . SECRETARY announced that the M . W . Grand Master , H . R . H . thePrinceof Wales , had granted warrants for the following lodges recently opened : Ionic Lodge , Tungamah , 2174 ; Austral Lodge , Melbourne , 2175 ; Lord Carrington Lodge , 2175 ; North Fitzroy , 2176 ; North Suburban Lodge , 2177 ; and the following ^ warrants have yet to be granted : Brighton Lodge , Brighton ; Albert

Lodge , South Melbourne ; Star ol the East Lodge , Omeo ; St . George's Lodge , Daylesford ; Albert Victor Lodge , Clifton Hill ; and Rupanyup Lodge , Rupanyup . 1 he D . G . SECRETARY read the following names of brethren nominated by the R . W . D . G . M . to serve on the Board of General Purposes for the year commencing in March Bros . W . T . C . Kelly , P . M . 2112 , President ( re-appointed );

J . A . Cantor , P . M . 474 ; W . B . Lovering , P . M . 1290 ; P . Cohen , P . M . 10 S 0 ; H . R . Hogg , W . M . 729 ; P . Blashki , W . M . 2176 j T . Haydon , W . M . 752 ; W . Gledhill , W . M . 2175 ; W . J . Runting , W . M . 20 S 0 ; W . F . Lamonby , P . M . 2124 ; and J . I . Saqui , P . M . ISSI . The remaining 14 members of the Board ( eight town and six country ) will be elected by ballot in March , as provided by the new

bylaws . Donations of £ 5 5 s . were respectively voted to the Alfred Mospital , Melbourne Hospital , and Benevolent Asylum . The R . W . D . G . M ., on behalf of the brethren , presented

an illuminated address and a purse of sovereigns to Bro . T . H . Lempriere , D . G . Secretary , as a recognition of his long and able services during a period of 25 years . Bro . LEMPRIERE acknowledged his thanks to the brethren for their handsome testimonial , after which the D . G . Lodge was closed in due form .

New Zealand.

New Zealand .

DUNEDIN . —Lodge Celtic ( No . 477 , S . C . )—The annual meeting , installation of R . W . M ., and investiture of officers , took place in November last in the Masonic Hall , Moray-place . There was a very large attendance of brethren , all the town and suburban lodges of the three Constitutions being well represented , and over thirty Past Masters in the E . The D . G . Lodge ( S . C . ) was represented

by the R . W . D . D . G . M ., Bro . Louis Court , the two D . G . Wardens , the D . G . Secretary , and the majority of the officers . After all the visitors had been received , and the customary honours paid to the representatives of the D . G . L ., a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and Bro . Colin MacAndrew was installed into the chair of K . S . for the usual term . Bro . W . Caldwell acted as Installing

Master , and it is hardly necessary to say that the ceremony was all that could be desired . The following officers were afterwards invested : Bros . J . Mouat , LP . M . ; D . M'Pherson , S . W . ; R . Sinclair , J . W . ; A . M'Master , Treasurer ; W . A . W . Wathen , S . D . ; D . Campbell , J . D . ; J . Baxter , P . M ., Chap . ; R . Ross , I . G . ; A . J . Barth , Org . ; W . Myers , Tyler , ; D . Miller , G . Schluter ,

and G . C . Jeffrey , Stwds . ; and J . M'Kay , Piper . Bro . J . Baxter , P . M ., made an efficient D . of C , and the choir , under the leadership of Bro . Barth , Bro . G . H . Schacht assisting as violinist , sang a number of new anthems and odes in a very creditable manner . Before the lodge was closed , Bro . J . Baxter , P . M ., D . J . G . W ., on behalf of the officers and members of the Lodge Celtic , presented the

I . P . M ., Bro . Mouat , with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , suitably inscribed . In so doing , he referred to the successful year that the retiring W . M . had just concluded , and assured Bro . Mouat of the esteem in which he was held by the Craft at large . Bto . Mouat , I . P . M ., having returned thanks , the visitors congratulated the newlyinstalled R . W . M ., and the lodge was closed .

An enjoyable reunion was afterwards held at the Choral Hall , over eighty couples participating in the dancing , which was kept up until an early hour the following morning . A number of ladies and gentlemen varied the proceedings with some singing . Bros . Harrold , P . M ., and W . A . W . Wathen were energetic M . C's , and the music was supplied by Mr . Parker's band . The catering was well looked after by Bro . Myer .

Annual Ball Of The Elliot Lodge, No. 1567.

ANNUAL BALL OF THE ELLIOT LODGE , No . 1567 .

On Thursday , the 13 th ult ., at Freemasons' Tavern , the W . M . and brethren of the above lodge held their third annual ball in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Institution . The lodge is one of the most flourishing in the Province of Middlesex , and it is part of the unwritten law of the lodge that its W . M . serves as Steward for one of the Charities in

Jus year of office , and this is often supplemented by other brethren for other Charities , and the Benevolent Institution > s to be congratulated on the success which attended the preceding balls , each of which produced a handsome addition to the list of the W . M . as Steward . Bro . Isaac Dixon , the present W . M ., assisted by a Board ° f Stewardsallwith one exception , members of the lodge ,

, , and with the I . P . M ., Bro . T . I . Bird , again in his old post as Hon . Secretary , organised the ball on similar lines as its Predecessors , and it is now clear with similar success . Dancing to the dulcet music of Coote and Tinney ' s band commence (] at nine o'clock , with Bros . S . J . Ball and J . Webster—both of the lodge—for the third time the able

and courteous M . C ' s , and by the time the first quadrille was reached the spacious ball room was well filled with a brilliant company , the artistic toilettes of the ladies , the Purple and blue collars and aprons , together with the lavish display of jewels worn by the brethren , giving the Ti ! 00 m a bright a"d animated appearance . Ihe first portion of a well-selected programme of dances ,

Annual Ball Of The Elliot Lodge, No. 1567.

wedded to beautiful music , ended exactly at midnight , and the company adjourned to the Crown Room , where an elegant but substantial supper , in Bro . Madell ' s best style , awaited them . Thanks to the excellent arrangements of the Supper Stewards , every guest was speedily in his or her appointed place , and full justice was done to the viands prepared . After supper the toasts were few , but hearty , comprising

"The Queen , " "The Craft , " "The Lodge and its W . Masterfwith Success to the Ball , " and " The Ladies , " Bro . G . R . NICHOLS replying on their behalf . At one o ' clock the second part commenced , dancing finally concluding at about four o ' clock , a very large proportion of the company waiting to the very end . The assembly being so large , it is impossible to give the

whole of the names ; but among the members and guests we saw were Bro . Isaac Dixon , W . M ., and Mrs . Dixon ; Bro . T . I . Bird , I . P . M ., Mrs . Bird , and the Misses Bird ; Miss Henley , Mr . C . Bird , Mrs . Came , Miss Carne , Bro . J . Mason , P . M ., and Mrs . Mason ; Bro . J . H . Pearson , Miss Pearson , Mr . Pearson , Miss Johnson , Bro . S . J . Ball , Mrs . Ball , the Misses Emily and Jessie Ball , Mr . A . Ball , Bro .

Captain Watts , Mr . John Bovill , Bro . R . H . Dillon and Mrs . Dillon , Mr . and Mrs . Dillon , Bro . Humfress , Bro . and Mrs . N . Turner , Bro . and Mrs . Wickens , Bro . E . T . Taylor and Mrs . Taylor , Bro . and Mrs . Robertson , Bro . and Mrs . Parks , Bro . J . H . Bird and Mrs . Bird , Bro . John Osborn , Mr . and Mrs . Norman , Mrs . R . Pearcey , Mr . and Mrs . Pearcey , Bro . S . J . Millin and Mrs . Millin , Mr . and Mrs .

Job , Captain Couch , Mr . Coombs , Miss Kelly , Mr . E . A . Brown , Miss Richards , Mrs . and the Misses Edwards , Mr . E . Edwards , Bro . and Mrs . Bowins , Miss Bowins , Bro ., Mrs ., and Miss Pemberton , Bro . and Mrs . Conway , Bro . and Mrs . Potts , Bro . Lewin , Mr . Tom Matthews , Bro . and Mrs . Wadeson , Bro . and Mr . Barratt , Bro . and Mrs . Iron , Bro . and Mrs . Branch , Bro . and Miss Harris , Bros . W . A . Brown , Bevis , Recknell , Brooker , and others .

Annual Festival Of The Brixton Lodge Of Instruction (No. 1949).

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE BRIXTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION ( No . 1949 ) .

PRESENTATION OF TESTIMONIAL TO BRO . HOOPER . The most successful festival of this lodge of instruction was held at the Prince Regent , Dulwich Road , Heme Hill , S . E ., on Tuesday evening , the 28 th ult ., when about

thirty members assembled at the hospitable board of Bro . Monk , who catered in his usual substantial and masterly manner . Bro . Herbert Hooper , J . W . ig 86 , S . D . 183 , presided , and thefollowing brethren were present : Bros . Francis , Preceptor , J . W . 183 ; Phillips , Treas ., 'P . M . 1986 ; Geo . R . Langley , Sec , S . W . 185 ; Andrews , Assist . Sec . igS 6 ; P . M . Williams , I . P . M . 19 S 6 ; Richardson , P . M . 183 ;

Harling , P . M . 30 ; Hicks , 1 949 ; Loney , 1949 ; Newland , 1949 ; Castle , 1050 ; Pitman , 19 S 6 ; Watts , P . M . 507 ; Wicks , J . W . 1269 ; Bott , 1949 ; Palmer , 1 949 ; Burridge , 1922 ; Hill , S . W . 1563 ; Knight , W . M . 1507 ; Jones , 1949 ; R . Poore , W . M . 1949 ; Albert , J . D . 1949 . Visitors : Bros . G . W . Speth , P . M . 1 S 5 ; Dr . Lawson , igS 6 ; A . R . Cranch , P . M . 1669 ; Platz , Trimnell , 1986 ; Roe , 1364 ; Burnell , 909 ; Green , P . M . 1687 ; Fraser ,

i 5 ° 7-The tables having been cleared , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . FRANCIS , Preceptor , then assumed the gavel and proposed the toast of the evening , viz ., " The President , " coupled with "The Brixton Lodge of Instruction Masonic Benevolent Association , " and remarked that the success

of the Association was mainly due to the services and untiring energy of the Secretary , Bro . Hooper . In less than four years they had sent upwards of £ 525 to the Charitable Institutions , and although the brethren were at all times proud to acknowledge his services , they intended to do so that evening in a substantial manner ; therefore , in the name of the members , he begged his acceptance of a centenary

jewel , bearing the following inscription : "Presented to Bro . Herbert Hooper , by the members of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction , No . 1949 , 25 th January , 1 SS 7 , as a token of their esteem , and in appreciation of his services as Secretary to the Benevolent Association , " and might he be spared for many years to wear it and continue the good work of the Craft which it was intended to recognise .

Bro . HOOPER , in responding , stated the testimonial was a complete surprise , not even a hint having reached him in reference thereto , and regretted he had not words to express his thanks to the brethren for their great kindness on that and all occasions . He could assure them his interest was entirely with the lodge of instruction , and his labours with regard to the Benevolent Association were to him a

pleasure . He could assure them whatever honours and decorations might fall to his lot , he should always wear that jewel with the greatest pride and gratification . He then proposed " Continued Success to the Brixton Lodge of Instruction , " coupled with the names of the Preceptor , Treasurer , Secretary , and Assistant Secretary . He said that that lodge of instruction was a success there could

be no doubt , and that success must be largely attributed to the executive . With respect to the officers , he could only say of each of them to know them was to respect them , and he thought no higher tribute could be paid to any man . Bros . FRANCIS , Preceptor ; PHILLIPS , Treasurer ; LANGLEY , Secretary ; and ANDREWS , Assistant Secretary , briefly responded , pledging their services in the future as in

the past . The toast of "The Visitors" was then proposed , coupled with the names of Bros . G . W . Speth and Dr . Dawson . Bro . G . W . S PETH , in thanking the brethren for the manner in which that toast had been received , said he had reason to be particularly grateful to that lodge of

instruction in reference to his mother lodge . Until recently it had for many years been steadily decreasing in numbers , which he believed was mainly due to the deplorable condition into which its working had fallen . Although a P . M . of several years' standing , he could with all modesty assert that never since he was in the position had they had a

Deacon who could do the work until the last two years ; but when be stated Bro . Richardson was their present W . Master ; Bro . Langley , their S . W . ; Bro . Francis , their J . W . ; and Bro . Hooper , their S . D ., the brethren would be well aware the work was done in a perfect manner . Bro . Dr . LAWSON regretted that the uncertainty of his professional duties prevented his attending a lodge of instruction ; but from all he had heard and seen , if he could

Annual Festival Of The Brixton Lodge Of Instruction (No. 1949).

avail himself of the teaching to be obtained at that lodge , he would doubtless soon become as proficient as many of those he saw around him . The toast of " The Charitable Institutions" was responded to b y Bro . RICHARDSON , Vice-President of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and Treasurer to the Benevolent Association connected with this lodge of

instruction . The PRESIDENT then proposed "The Past Executive of the Lodge of Instruction , " to which Bros . H . M . WILLIAMS and RICHARDSON , Past Secretaries , suitably replied . " The . Health of Bro . Watts , Preceptor of the Industry Chapter of Instruction , No . iSC , " was drank with enthusiasm , and appropriately responded to . The toast of "Our Host and Hostess" was cordially received , and replied to by Bro . MONK in his usual happy manner .

The singing of " Auld Lang Syne" brought a very pleasant evening to a close . The following brethren largely contributed to the pleasure of the evening by their vocal music and recitations—Bros . Cranch , Pitman , Monk , Richardson , Lawson , Wicks , and Green . Bro . Williams kindly officiated as accompanyist . Numerous communications were received from brethren regretting their inability to be present .

East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.

EAST LANCASHIRE SYSTEMATIC MASONIC EDUCATIONAL AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The above Institution held its nth . ' annual meeting on Friday , the 2 Sth ult ., in the Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , under the presidency of Bro . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . P . G . M . Upwards of 100 donors and subscribers were present . The reports of the sub-committees were read , also the Treasurer ' s balance-sheet , which showed that the Institution is in a prosperous and flourishing condition . Bro . G . P . Brockbank , the Treasurer , retired from that position , and Bro . J . H . Sillitoe was elected to succeed him .

Bro . J . Heelis was re-elected Hon . Secretary , and after the usual votes of thanks to the sub-committees , the Almoners , and past officers had been duly carried , Bro . J . A . BIRCH proposed , in eulogistic terms , and Bro . C . HEYWOOD seconded , a vote of thanks to the President

, Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , for his attendance , as well as for the deep interest he continued to exercise in the welfare of the Institution . The proposition was heartily received and carried enthusiastically .

Bro. S. Smither's Silver Wedding .

BRO . S . SMITHER'S SILVER WEDDING .

A series of congratulatory entertainments was given on the evening of the 27 th ult ., in celebration of the silver wedding of Bro . S . Smither ( Senior Deason of the Confidence Lodge , No . 193 ) , and Mrs . Smither . For many years Bro . Smither has been connected with the Shoreditch district in an extensive way of business , in addition to which he has taken an active part in public affairs , filling respectively

offices in the Vestry , Board of Guardians , the Metropolitan Board of Works , and Churchwarden of St . Leonard ' s parish . In these various spheres he has gained the respect and goodwill of all by whom he was surrounded ; and thus it was that , in honour of the auspicious event to which we refer , a general wish was expressed to celebrate it in a befitting manner . At half-past six o ' clock a numerous company of

ladies and gentlemen were entertained at a banquet , in the Conncil Chamber of Shoreditch Town Hall , and the arrangements for that portion of the festivities were of a most elegant and elaborate character . The spacious hall was embellished with tall palms and ferns , whilst interspersing the dishes on the tables were choice flowers and ornamental plants , which gave to the scene a pretty and

annimated appearance . Bro . Smither discharged the duties of the chair in a most genial manner , supported in the vice-chair by Bro . J . P . Creasey ; and the guests included many prominent men associated with parochial and public life in the district . At the conclusion of a sumptuous repast a number of complimentary toasts were honoured , special reference being made to the valuable public services

rendered by Bro . Smither in the various capacities he had filled , and which he now continues to occupy . " Hearty good wishes" were conveyed to Bro . and Mrs . Smither on the happy occasion of their silver wedding , and hopes were cordially expressed for their "long life and happiness . " Bro . SMITHER acknowledged the congratulatons in a few appropriate sentences , and other toasts followed ,

interspersed with a choice selection of vocal and instrumental music , under the direction of Bro . Egbert Roberts , who was assisted by Miss J essie Griffin , Miss Meredyth Elliott , and Mr . Selwyn Davies , Mr . Geo . Jenkins presiding ably at the pianoforte . Towards ten o ' clock a general movement was made for the ball room , which had also been tastefully decorated for the occasion , and where the pleasures of the

dance were sustained with unflagging zest until four o ' clock the following morning . All the essentials of an enjoyable re-union were present—a good noor , good music , good light , and an excellent and vivacious company ; and Mr . J . A . Jones , as Master of the Ceremonies , was most succesful in keeping fully alive the spirit of theevent . Refreshments were provided , and , amidst a round of thorough

festivity and ^ enjoyment , a majority of the guests remained , and joined heartily in the terpischorean exercises until the concluding gallop . Even after this many returned to the council chamber , and listened to the impromptu renderings of ladies and gentlemen who volunteered songs , excellent aid as accompanist being given by Mr . J . Rundle .

Bro . Smither again received sincere congratulations as he bade his numerous guests "Good morning . " In connection with the happy event Bro . and Mrs . Smither received many valuable presents , including some rare and valuable china , bronze figures , antique silver , & c , testifying to the esteem and regard in which they are held by a very wide circle of friends in the district .

We hear that Dr . Wynn Westcott , the Secretary of the Rosicrucian Society , has in the press a work on the " Isiac Tablet of Bembo , " with a photograph from a drawing of the tablet by himself . This gem of ancient art has always possessed a fascination for students of the mysteries , as it has been said to present at a glance the whole theosophy of the ancient world .