Craft Masonry.

VV . AL ) regretted that in consequence of illness he had been prevented from attending the last meeting . He had been informed that Bro . J . VV . Clarke had presided both in and out of the lodge in a most admirable manner , and he took that opportunity of thanking him . The I . P . M . responded in a few well-chosen words . Bro . G . Ransford , P . M ., responded on behalf of "The Masonic Charities , " and in the course of his remarks he expressed a hope that the lodge would support the

Chairmanship of Bro . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., P . G . M . of Aliddlesex , at the Royal Alasonic Benevolent Institution in 189 IJ . Bro . J . C . Jessett , P . M ., acknowledged the toast of " The 1 reasurer and Secretary " in a speech that was both practical and humorous . During the evening Bros . Brooke , Boyce , Fox , Dixson , and others entertained the brethren instrumentally , vocally , and dramatically .

THORNHAM . Thornham Lodge ( No . 2279 ) . —The annual festival and installation meeting in connection with this lodge took place on Wednesday evening , the 27 th ult ., at the Half Way House , Royton , and was one of the most successful ever held . Amongst those present were Bros . Abbott , P . P . G . D . C ; Hilton , P . P . G . D . C ; Graham , P . M .: Varley , P . M . ; Broadbent , Harrell , Wilson ,

Kenworthy , and Cheetham . Bro . Abbott acted as Installing Alaster ; and Bro . Hilton undertook the duty of investiture of officers ; Bro . Clegg , I . P . M ., presented the working tools to the newly-installed ( Bro . J . C Harrison , P . M . ); and Bro . Riley delivered the charge . The musical part of the ceremony was ably conducted by Bro . Slater , Org ., and songs were efficiently rendered by Bros . J . Schofield ,

Kenworthy , Harrison and Slater . T he following were elected to the various offices , viz .: Bros . Harrison , W . M . ; Hall , S . W . ; A . Butterworth , J . W . ; Tattersall , Treas .,- Thompson , Sec . ; Sutcliffe , S . D . ; Brierley , J . D . ; Kent , l . G . ; J . R . Meanock , P . M ., D . C ; Collins , Tyler ; and Slater , Org . The banquet was presided over by Bro . Harrison , W . AL , and Bro . Aleanock , P . M ., acted as 1 ) . of C .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Egerton of Tatton Lodge ( No . 400 ) . — A meeting of this lodge was held on the 29 th ult ., at Alark Masons' Hall , when there were present : Bros . H . W . Kiallmark , as W . M . ; Henry Wright , S . VV . ; Dr . Danford Thomas , J . W . ; A . VV . Peckham , M . O . ; Raymond Tucker , J . O . ; II . VV . Kiallmark , Treas . ; Charles AL Jessop , Sec . ; J . H . Bradshaw , I . G . ; E . J . Alills , Tyler ; Belgrave

Ninnis , P . M . ; Lennox Browne , P . AL ; William Westcott , George P . Parker , Edward I Ior nidge , Walter Evans , and Ernest Jackson . Visitor : S . Herbert Shoppee , Bon Accord Lodge ( T . L ) . The minutes of the last meeting having been read , Bro . Captain Henry Wright was installed in the chair by Bro . H . W . Kiallmark . The W . M . appointed the following

members to officiate during his year of office : Bros . A . VV . Peckham , S . W . ; Charles AL Jessop , J . W . ; Raymond Tucker , AI . O .,- Harry Seymour Foster , M . P ., S . O . ; Baron de Bush , J . O . ; H . W . Kiallmark , Treas . ; Dr . Danford Thomas , Sec . ; J . II . Bradshaw , S . D . ; William Westcott , J . D . ; Geo . Phillips Parker , I . G . ; and E . J . Mills , Tyler . Bros . Walter Evans , Ernest Jackson , and

Edward Hornidge , of 1718 , having been balloted for and unanimously elected , were introduced and advanced to the Degree of M . M . M . by the newly-installed W . M . The Treasurer announced that all debts were paid , and the arrears would leave a good balance to the credit of the lodge . The brethren afterwards dined together at Freemasons ' Tavern .

CHORL TON-CVM-HA RDY . Chorlton Lodge ( No . 394 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 27 th ult ., at the Freemasons' Hall ., Bro . J . Hy . Wells , W . AL , presided . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . H . C Beaver , P . M ., W . AI . 2363 , was advanced by the W . M . The latter portion of the ceremony was performed by Bro . J . Crompton , P . M ., Bro .

Charles Heywood , P . M ., acting as Senior Deacon . The following brethren were present : Bros . J . Hy . Wells , W . M . ; Harry Nail , S . W . ; Thos . Griffiths , J . W . ; Thos . W . Bone , S . O . ; F . W . Jordan , J . O . ; J . J . Lambert , P . P . G . Reg ., Treas . ; J . H . Marsh , Prov . A . G . Sec , R . of M . ; I . Crompton , Sec . : Arthur Middleton , P . G . Std . Br . ; James G . Batty , LG . ; C Heywood , P . P . S . G . O . ; Sam . Locke , P . AL , P . G . Treas . ; and VV . Chesshyre . Visitor : Bro . G . S . Smith , P . AL , P . P . G . Onr .

GREENWICH . Borough of Greenwich Lodge ( No . 332 ) . —The installation meeting of the above lodge took place on Tuesday , the 20 th ult ., at the King William the Fourth Hotel , when Bro . G . Burney , sen ., S . W . and W . M . elect , was installed VV . AL for the ensuing 12 months . The lodge was opened by Bro . W . H . Burney , W . M ., and the minutes

of the previous meeting having been confirmed , the ballot was taken for three candidates , and proved unanimous in their favour . Bro . A . H . Bateman , P . AL ( Hon ) , P . M . 309 , P . P . G . M . O ., took the position of Installing Officer , and duly installed Bro . G . Burney into the chair of A . The W . M . appointed and invested those of his ofiicers who were present as follows : Bros . W . H . Burney , l . P . AI . ;

G . Burney , jun ., S . W . ; R . H . Brutton , J . W . ; W . J . Huntley , AI . O . ; H . Roberts , P . M ., P . P . G . I . of Wks ., S . O . ; Dr . II . Partridge , P . AL , P . P . G . M . O ., J . O . ; Dr . Walter C . Burney , M . D ., P . AL , P . P . G . Reg . of Alks ., Treas . ; G . P . Carter , P . M ., Sec ; S . J . Gore , P . AL , l . G . ; and E . Spinks , Tyler . Bro . C . Jolly , P . M . 226 and 309 , P . P . J . G . D ., then , by special request of Bro . Bateman

who was suffering from a severe cold , gave the addresses , and concluded the ceremony of installation ; both Bros . Bateman and Jolly were accorded a hearty vote of thanks , the same to be inscribed in the minutes of the lodge , for their services . Bro . W . H . Burney , I . P . M ., was presented

with a handsome Past Alaster's . jewel , and the lodge was closed . The banquet that followed was one of Bro . G . Burney ' s special efforts , and consequently gave every satisfaction . The usual loyal , Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge toasts were honoured .

Mark Masonry.

Bro . Burney was cordially greeted , and the toast of his health received and drunk enthusiastically . His response was brief and to the point , as were the other responses . Bro . Kipps ( Hon . ) P . M ., responded for "The Provincial Grand Officers , " and Bro . W . Burney for "The Past Alasters . " Bro . C Jolly responded for "The Visitors , " and then harmony and social chat helped to pass away a few pleasant hours till the Tyler ' s toast concluded a most enjoyable evening ; .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RITE .

The Three British Supreme Councils , 33 " , will meet next week in Edinburgh at the new hall of the Scotch Supreme Council , in Queen-street . The work will cover three days—from Tuesday , the 9 th , to Thursday , the nth inclusive—and will comprise besides a

conference of the Councils , the working of the 18 th , 30 th , 31 st , and 33 rd Degrees of the Rite , while the banquets will be presided over by Bros , the Earl of Kintore , the Marquis of Breadalbane , and Lord Saltoun . We learn further that the opportunity will be taken for a conference between the Grand Priories of the Temple of England , Scotland , and Ireland .

The Recent Festival Of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

THE RECENT FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The following addition to a list already entered in the Returns has been received this week * . Lodge Jt , s . d . 1319 Bro . W . S . Penley , additional 105 o 0

( raising his list to £ 208 15 s . ) The above sum is a further personal donation from Bro . Penley , and constitutes that brother a Patron of the Benevolent Institution . The total of the Returns now exceeds . £ 14 , 600 , so that a sum of about . £ 500 has been added since the day on which the Festival itself was held and the announcement of donations and subscriptions made .

Province Of Cheshire.

PROVINCE OF CHESHIRE .

The Committee of Benevolence of the Province of Cheshire and the brethren who are Life Governors of the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution had a very busy day on the 27 th ult . The Committee of Benevolence met at 12 o ' clock at the Crewe Arms Hotel , Crewe , to consider petitions for

relief and to elect a Vice-Chairman , which office had been rendered vacant by the election of Bro . Jno . Clayton to the office of Chairman . There was an unusually large attendance , and at one time it seemed as if there would have been a contest for the Vice-Chairmanship of the Committee . However , wise and judicious counsels having their influence , Bro . Lieut .-

Col . Dean , 2375 , was unanimously elected to that important ofiice . At two o ' clock in the afternoon an adjourned Special Court of Governors of the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution was held , Bro . the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., in the chair . The'Special Court met for the purpose of considering

thc revised by-laws , and the report of the Committee appointed to revise the same . The object ot such revision was for the purpose of vesting the management of the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution in the Committee of Benevolence of the Province of Cheshire , in pursuance of the resolution which our readers will remember was brought forward by Bro . F . Broadsmith ,

P . M ., P . P . G . Reg ., in June of last year . At a Special Court of Governors held in October last , that resolution was carried , and a Committee appointed to give effect to it . Bro . Broadsmith was , of course , a member of the Committee , and , thanks to his skill and ability , the outcome has been the production by the Committee of such a set of laws for

the management of the affairs of the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution as must of necessity be in the highest degree advantageous to its interests , promote its usefulness , and ensure additional support . The best thanks of the province are due to Bro . Broadsmith for the untiring energy he has displayed in connection with this matter .

The report of the Committee appointed to revise the by-laws was read and adopted , the by-laws taken seriatim and agreed to , and then recommended to the annual Court of Governors for adoption . The Annual Court was held at three o'clock for the purpose of receiving the Treasurer ' s accounts , the report of the Auditors , to confirm the recommendations

of the General Committee , to place new candidates on the funds of the Institution , and to renew grants in favour of children already on the books . Eight children ( new applications ) were elected to the benefits of the Institution . A grant for advancement in life was made in one case , and about 40 grants to children by way of renewal

of prior grants were made for another year . The Annual Court then proceeded to deal with the recommendations of the Special Court , and the new by-laws for the management of the Institution by the Committer : of Benevolence of the Province of Cheshire were passed and confirmed .

Bro . F . K . Stevenson was elected Hon . Sec . of the Institution ; Bro . Sim , Treas . ; Bro . Clayton , Hon . Solicitor ; and the Auditors and other ollicers were appointed , the business ot the evening terminating at 4 . 30 p . m . Truly a busy day devoted to thc cause of Masonic

Province Of Cheshire.

Charity , whilst thc numerous body of brethren who attended the meetings and the interest shown in the proceedings prove that the welfare and success of their local Charities is dear to the hearts of the Cheshire brethren , and that the change is a step in the right direction .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

ISLINGTON LODGE ( No . 1471 ) . —The usual weekly meeting was held on Tuesday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , when there were present Bros . R . W . Nicole , W . M . ; G . T . Peall , S . W . ; R . P . Upton , J . W . ; W . Hancock , P . M ., Preceptor ; C . M . Coxon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Herts , and I . Duncan , P . M ., Sees . ; C . Isler , S . D . ; G . Yexley , I . D . ; E . P . Woodman , l . G .

J . W . Clarke P . M . ; D . C . Ritchie , W . Rapley , and M . Tuck , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Essex . The lodge was opened , and the minutes read and confirmed . The lodge was then opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Bro . Rapley being the candidate . Bro . Peall was elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and appointed his officers in rotation . The lodge was then closed .

AIAIDSTONE—ROBINSON LODGE ( NO . 2046 ) . —A meeting was held on Saturday , the 30 th ultimo , at Freemasons' Hall , Brewer-street . Present : Bros . H . Whyman , P . M ., W . AI . ; E . Gratwick , S . W . ; F . VV . Wright , P . M ., J . W . ; H . Potvine , Sec ; T . D . Lyle , P . AL , S . D . ; T . W . Neech , P . AL , J . D . ; L . W . Stansell , I . G . ; J . Gowen , Tyler ; F . Blake , P . AI . ; J . B . Groom , P . M . ; and W . B . Stonhan , P . M . Visitors : Bros . G . Fowler and P . Good .

The lodge was opened in the First Degree , when the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , when the W . AL rehearsed the ceremony of initiation . The lodge was resumed to the Second Degree , and the VV . M . rehearsed the ceremony of passing . Bro . Wright then took

the chair , and resumed the lodge to the Third Degree , and rehearsed the ceremony of raising . The lodge was closed in the Third and Second Degrees . The W . M . rose for the first time . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Wright for his attendance and help , and also to Bro . Whyman , The W . M . rose for the second and third times , when " Hearty good wishes" were tendered by the brethren , and the lodge was closed .

PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM CHAPTER OF IAIPROVEMENT ( No . 753 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held on the 28 th ult ., at the Eagle Tavern , Cliftonroad , Maida Vale , * v \" ., wlnen there were present Comps . C . Coleman , M . E . Z . ; C Kempton , P . Z ., H . ; R . T . Redfearn , J ., - W . Parsons , S . E . ; J . C Kruse , S . N . ; Major E . | . Reed , P . S . ; R . Miliken , P . Z ., ist A . S . ; J . Weston , P . Z . ; and W . P . Clark .

The chapter having been opened , and the minutes of thc last convocation read and confirmed , the ceremony of exaltation . " was rehearsed , Comp . Clark personating the candidate . The ceremony of installation of the Second Principal was afterwards worked by Comp . Weston , P . Z . Comp . Kempton , P . Z ., was elected M . E . Z . for the next fortnight , and Comp . Weston , arranged to work the ceremony of installation of the First Chair , on Thursday , the 25 th inst . The chapter was then closed .

HORNSEY CHAPTER OF IA 1 PROVEA 1 ENT ( No . S 90 ) . —A meeting was held on the 22 nd ult ., at the Prince of Wales Hotel , Eastbourne-terrace , Bridge-road , Paddington , W . Present : Comps . W . Hancock , M . E . Z . 91 and 1 C 14 ; J . Bailey , P . Z . 1602 ; C . Butter , J . ngGj H . Dehane , P . Z . S 90 , S . E . ; J . C Conway , ALE . Z . 1 S 91 , S . N . ; J . C Tilt , H . S 62 , Treas . ; G . Gregory , J . 862 ,

P . S . ; Major E . Reed , 1 st A . S . ; and W . Hillier , 834 . The chapter was declared opened for the purpose of improvement , and the minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Hillier being the candidate . A vote of

thanks was accorded to Comp . Hancock for the admirable manner he had rehearsed the duties of AI . E . Z . for the first time in the chapter of improvement , which compliment was duly acknowledged . The M . E . Z . having risen the usual number of times , " Hearty good wishes " were accorded , and the chapter closed .

STAR CHAPTER ( No . 1275 ) . —The usual weekly meetingof the above was held at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-street , Camberwell , on Friday , the 29 th ult ., when there were present : Comps . T . Grummant , M . E . Z . ; Benedetti , H . ; Cureton , J . j C H . Stone , S . E . ; Barr , S . N . ; Elgar , P . S . ; T . Grummant , acting Preceptorj Addington , North , and Telling .

The chapter having been opened , and the minutes of thc previous convocation read and confirmed , the ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . J . H . Pullen personating the candidate . Comp . Benedetti H ., was elected M . E . Z . for the next meeting . Comp . T . Grummant , P . Z ., and S . E . 1275 , very kindly , with the unanimous wish of the

companions , undertook the office of Preceptor , which was rendered vacant through unavoidable circumstances . The chapter was then closed . The weekly convocations will be held as usual , and all Royal Arch Masons will be heartily welcomed . The ceremonies of installation will be rehearsed as desired after thc exaltation ceremony .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . LORD ALCESTER , P . G . W . Bro . Lord Alcester , who had been ill for some timci died on Saturday morning , the 30 th ult ., at his London residence in Ryder-street , St . James ' s . The Rig hf Hon . Frederick Beauchamp iPagct Seymour , G . C . B .,

Baron Alcester , who was born in London , on April l 2 i 1821 , was the only surving son of the late Sir Horace Beauchamp Seymour , M . P ., and was a grandson of Vice-Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour . He was educated at Eton , and entered the Royal Navy at the age of " 3 i