Genius.

GENIUS .

The chain of costly price Which on the swan-curved neck of beauty lies , Marvel of artist ' s skill to wond ' ring eyes , And elegant device : Of purest metal made , 'Twere weak and useless—fain must we employ , And call as friendly adjunct firm alloy ,

To lend its strength ' ning aid . Genius , pure virgin gold , If with true power ' twould seek to charm the soul , And lead it captive by its sweet control , Must in it- , breast enfold , In friendship firm and sure , A force of purpose to direct the will , A long-tried judgment , with a practised skill , Its object to ensure .

These are the links that bind In one harmonious whole , and strength impart , Which blend the soft emotions of the heart With majesty of mind . F . W . DRIVER , M . A ., P . M . 62 , Lancaster Road , Notting Hill , W .

Masonic Lodge Room Destroyed By Fire.

MASONIC LODGE ROOM DESTROYED BY FIRE .

A little before three on Friday morning , the 30 th ult ., an alarming fire broke out on the premises of Messrs . Hind and Sons , bakers , & c , Market-place , Gainsborough . The fire , which arose through the overheating of a flue which is situated in an old building above , over which was the lodge room ofthe Yarborough Lodge , No . 422 , rapidly spread , and the flames mounted high above the adjoining buildings , greatly alarming the occupants . Everyone in the vicinity was quickly

aroused , and efforts were made to quench the blaze . Horses were conveyed to a p lace of safety and a quantity of goods removed . The fire was increasing in volume , but Bro . Liversidge and his son Charles penetrated the Masonic lodge room and did their best to save the archives and valuable clothing , & c , belonging to the lodge . Whilst doing so the roof and an old staircase fell with a crash , and itwas with considerable difficulty and at much risk that both Bro . Liversidge

and his son were enabled to escape , the latter having to break a window to do so , and take a drop of 15 feet , Bro . Liversidge being assisted from another window by Mr . Inskip . Still the flames grew , and an hour after the outbreak the horses were sent to the fire engine station , a considerable distance from the conflagration , and the engine arrived when all danger of spreading appeared averted . Had

measures for putting out the fire been delayed until the arrival of the engine the whole market place might have been in flames . Fortunately Superintendent Edgley and an active posse of police , with Captain Jecock , had some hose , and were playing on the fire and had it practically under control when the brigade arrived with the engine .

The consequences of the fire would have been very serious had there been a breeze , as the bakehouse is in the midst of a nest of old buildings , all as inflammable as tinder . Great damage has been caused to the bakehouse and lodge room , and a quantity of regalia and clothing destroyed , the ante-room being completely in ruins . A printer named Kirk had a narrow escape when the roof fell in . It is stated that the property is fully insured , but much inconvenience will result .

The Spring.

THE SPRING .

When winter ' neath his powerful force Congeals the streamlet at its source , And curbs the river ' s rapid course With icy chain , The little spring still upward flows , Still lavishly its wealth bestows , And winter vanquished truly knows His fetters vain !

Thus , in the dark and wintry hour , •* When sorrow o'er the heart will lower , False friendship feels the freezing power In deep distress , Affection ' s spring no force can bind , Up gush its waters unconfined , Which God , in mercy , has designed To soothe and bless ! F . W . DRIVER , M . A ., P . M . 62 , Lancaster Road , Notting Hill , W .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

St . Bede Lodge , No . 1119 . Ha ,, n'he 2 Sth ult . the annual meeting of the above lodge was held in the Masonic anim - Jarrow > > or the purpose of installing the VV . M . for the ensuing year , and the ^ ointment and investiture of officers . Bro . J . Rigby , W . M ., presided , and there was Pn _ , ' ? , . ^ anceof members and visiting brethren , amongst whom were Bros . E . 1 . . '"»* , P . M .: Geo . Davies . P . M . : N . K . Brown . P . M . : W . S . Whvf . PM . J l

s 7 ? 'rong P . M ., . H . Soderberg , P . M . ; and Jas . Robinson . P . M . Visitors : Bros . ' I'M' ? P ) Y ' r - 2 SV . J' Ro * ' ' - , C « J J- Munro ' ' - - - , 6 « ' G . J . Allen , ¦ A \ - a- Ford , P . M . j and others . Install ? ' W « elect ' - R - Madgshon , was presented by Bro . John Taylor to the im '"" . K Master , Bro . Rigby , and the latter peiformed the ceremony in an able and f „ n css "e manner . Bro . Madpshon afterwards annotated and invested h ! o nH __ -.. .- * .

_ _ Thos iU- J - ? - - R ' 6 y- l - ' - > VV - F - Renton > S - - < - J- F - Douglas , J . W . ; S . D . ? . * > l > eas . ; Geo . Davies , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd ., Sec ; Thos . F . Renton , Mn \ vi j . ? . ca 8 l ? ' . -J- - * John Taylor , P . M ., D . C ; J . W . Wilkinson , Org . ; T yler TL' ! . John Rutherford and Walter H . Pye , Stwds . ; and F . A . Holmes , choir q , „ . ] i ' ' portion of the ceremony was admirably rendered by the lodge on behalf ' , J "" 150 " officiating at the organ . Subsequently the new VV . M . presented , ait ol the members of the lodge , to Bro . Rigby a handsome jewel in recognition

Craft Masonry.

of his services to the lodge as W . M . during the past year , and as a mark of esteem and regard . Bro . Rigby suitably replied , and the lodge was closed . The annual banquet was afterwards held at Bro . J . Rutherford ' s , the County Hotel , Ormonde-street , Bro . Madgshon , W . M ., presiding . An excellent dinner was served , and the loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , the proceedings being pleasantly varied by musical contributions frpm several of the brethren .

Abercorn Lodge , No . 1549 . The installation meeting of this prosperous Iodge was held at the Abercorn Hotel , Stanmore , on the 7 th ultimo , the Worshipful Master , Bro . W . W . Mansfield , who was well supported , opening the lodge . The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed , a satisfactory report from the Audit Committee was presented . Bro . H . T . Smith was very ably raised by the W . M . to the Degree of M . M . The ceremony of installation was then proceeded with , Bto . R . W . Bilby , P . P . G . T ., acting as

D . C , and Bro . John Blackburn , S . W ., was placed in the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom . The whole ceremony , with the addresses from the several chairs , was most efficiently rendered by the retiring Master , to whom was presented a handsome Past Master ' s jewel on completion of his labours . After investing the I . P . M ., the W . M . appointed the following as his oflicers : Bros . H . W . Bleaney , S . W . ; C J . Veal , J . VV . ; E . Bamford , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Veal , P . M ., Sec . ; F . S . Conway , S . D . j E . Winterbottom , J . D . ; F . S , Winkley , I . G . ; R . E . H . Fisher , D . C . ; and S . Ellis , Tyler . Letters of regret for absence were read by the Secretary , and kind

greetings were received from the following visitors : Bros . Sidney Martin , 404 , P . P . G . D . Herts ; James Rogers , 19 S 4 , P . P . G . S . B . Herts ; C H . Peacock , 1984 ; Arthur Spicer , 19 S 4 ; John Evans , 19 S 7 ; T . Charles , 254 S ; R . T . Wreathall , 2548 ; C . P . Bellerby , 2021 ; F . J . Seabrook , 1613 ; Henrv Orme , 100 ; Reginald Groome , 2 igu ; C . Barnard , 1964 ; and J . C . Lake , jun ., 2272 . The following members were also present : Bros . C . T . Tolman , P . M . ; R . li . H . Fisher , W . J . Overhead , H . Smith , J . Gurney , E . Bull , VV . Truslove , VV . V . Woodman , S . W . Hunt , W . Taylor , T . Ickeringill , G . ti . Cheshire , F . Tootell , E . F . Jones , and G . W . Dickson . The lodge having been closed , a most enjoyable banquet followed .

The VV . M . was very happy in proposing the customary toasts , and all were equally responded to , between which Bros . Reginald Groome and Cecil Barnard contributed some excellent music and recitations , Bro . J . C Lake presiding at the piano . It may safely be said that the Abercorn Lodge equally in Charity , hospitality and Masonically keeps up its old reputation .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

ST . LUKE'S LODGE , No . 144 . A meeting was held on Thursday , the 2 ijth ult ., at the Victoria Tavern , Gertrudestreet , Chelsea , when there were present Bros . M . Matthews W . M . ; VVhite , S . VV . ; Thomas , J . W . ; Carlstrom , Preceptor ; Stutfield , Sec . ; Austin , S . D . ; Beauchamp , J . D . ; Royle , I . G . ; Lightfoot , Thwaites , Fleming , and Nicholls . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and

confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Lightfoot being the candidate . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . Stutfield , who had previously answered the usual questions and been entrusted , being the candidate . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and called off and on . Bro . White was unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting . After the third rising , the lodge was closed .

RANELAGH LODGE , No . S 34 . A meeting was held on Friday , the 30 th ult ., at the Six Bells Hotel , Queen-street , Hammersmith , when there were present Bros . Edward Fox , W . M . 127 ? , VV . M . ; W . j . Coplestone , P . M .. S . W . ; William Hide , J . W . ; A . Williams , P . M ., Preceptor ; F . Craggs , P . M ., Sec . ; E . F . Nash , S . D . ; Joseph Cox , W . M . SG 5 , J . U . ; Robert Reid , LC ; VV . W . Williams , P . M . ; R . H . Williams , P . M . ; T . W . Biggs , W . M . elect 1275 ; P . Cronin , H . Bone , H . Atkinson , and J . J . Lewen . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting

were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and Bro . R . H . Williams offered himself as a candidate for raising , and was examined and entrusted , The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising was rehearsed . Bro . Fox vacated the chair of W . M . in favour of Bro . Biggs , when the lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . VV . W . Williams acting as candidate . Bro . Coplestone was elected W . M . for the next meeting , and the lodge was closed .

HARROW LODGE , No . 1310 . A meeting ot this Iodge was held on Friday , the 30 th ult ., at the Waterloo Arms , High-street , Marylebone , VV ., when there were present : Bros . D . Baker , W . M . ; E . Lewis , S . W . ; T . West , J . W . ; G . Wood , P . M ., Preceptor ; Jabez Mason , Sec ; Kelly , S . D . ; Roberts , J . D . ; S . Drewell , I . G . ; J . Thorn , P . M . ; T . West , and G . Dingley .

i'he lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . The 3 rd Section of the Lecture was worked by Bro . Mason , Sec . Bro . T . West answered the questions leading from the First to the Second Degree , and was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . West candidate . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and the 4 th Section of the First Lecture was worked by Bro . G . Wood , Preceptor . The W . M . rose for the first , second , and third times . It was proposed , second , and carried unanimously , " That Bro . E . Lewis , S . W ., be elected W . M . for the next meeting . " All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed .

ISLINGTON LODGE , No . 1471 . The first meeting after the recess was held on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , when there were present Bros . W . Hancock , P . M ., W . M . ; VV . Rapley , S . W . ; G . T . Peall , J . W . ; G . Gregory , P . M ., acting Preceptor ; J . Petch , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Herts , Treasurer ; C . M . Coxon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Herts , and j . Duncan , P . M ., Sees . ; C . Smith , S . D . ; R . P . Upton , J . D . ; A . F . Hardyment , I . G . ; J . Amand , J . E . Thomas , E . A . Wagstaff , j . H . Thurman , J . R . VVhite , R . Scarlett , D . C . Attwater , G . Price , M . Tuck , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Essex ; W . A . Goring , and W . H . Smith .

The lodge was opened , and the minutes read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was then rehearsed , Bro . Amand being the candidate . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Bro . Petch being the candidate . The W . M . gave the traditional history , the lodge being resumed in the first Degree , Bro . Rapl _ y was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , and appointed his officers in rotation . The lodge was then closed .

KENSINGTON LODGE , No . 17 G 7 . A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Town Hall Tavern , High-street , Kensington , when there were present : Bros . A . Williams . P . M ., W . M . ; A . F . Taylor , S . W . ; H . G . Danby , P . M ., J . VV . ; George Read , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., Preceptor ; R . H . Williams , P . M ., & c , Treas . ; F . Craggs , P . M ., Sec ; li . J . Green , S . D . ; C . Ortner , J . D . ; C . E . Betts , I . G . ; W . B . Neville , W . M . 17 O 7 ; C . G . Hatt , P . M . ; Lewis Beale , Maurice Moss , J . VV . Facey , J . A . Battersby , A . J . Clayton , H . J . Scale , and S . Cochrane , P . ti . Treas .

England . The lodge having been opened in due form , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and conlirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Beale acting as candidate . The lodge was called off and on . Bro . Hatt having offered himself as a candidate for passing , he was examined and entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearse I . The lodge was resumed to the First Degiee . Bro . Taylor was elected W . M . lor the next meeting , and the lodge closed .