Scotland.

In proposing "The Health of the R . W . M ., " Bro . D . Vallance , P . M ., called attention to the energy he had expended in the interests of the lodge . This toast was enthusiastically received . " The Brethren of other Lodges " was responded to by

Bro . A . Paul , Haddington . Several songs were contributed by the brethren during the course of " the evening , and one appropriate for the occasion , composed and sung by Bio . M'Kenzie , received well merited applause . The meeting broke up shortly after that " wee short hour ayont the twal' . "

MUTHILL—St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 192 ) . —On Monday , the 2 Sth ult ., the brethren of this lodge celebrated the fes ' tival of St . John , their patron Saint , in the conventional manner . The brethren assembled in the Masonic Hall early in the afternoon , and forthwith waited on their Depute-Master , Bro . Carmichael , to escort him to the place of meeting . The members then met for the transaction of

the annual business and payment of dues . I he officebearers for the ensuing year were elected as follows : Bros . Viscount Sttathallan , R . W . M . ; Malcolm Finlayson , D . M . ; George T . Ewing , S . M . ; VV . M'Robie , Asst . Master ; James M'Orist , P . M . ; VV . Carmichael . P . M . ; Rev . James " Rankin , D . D ., Chap . ; John Keron , Bible Bearer ; Robert Williamson . S . VV . ; John Nish , J . W . ; James Ferguson ,

Deacon ; Duncan Buchanan , Sec . ; Peter M'Neil , Treas . ; Peter Ferguson , I . G . ; and John Ellis , Tyler . The Treasurer's report showed the lodge , financially and otherwise , to be in a flourishing condition , and the sum of £ 1 was voted towards the Scottish Masonic Benevolence Fund . A considerable sum had been paid during the year in sick money . Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather ,

the brethren , according to custom , " walked" in procession through the town at 7 o ' clock , in full Masonic costume , with rods in their hands . The Muthill Brass Band led the way with the stately strains of the " Masons of Yore . " The flickering blaze of the flambeaux , and the falling snow whirling in the storm , gave a weird effect to the ceremony , which , to judge from the crowded streets , appeared to have

lost none of its interest to the inhabitants . At S o clock the brethren dined together in their own hall , —the purveyor being Bro . Miller , of the Commercial Hotel . Bro . Finlayson presided , and Bro . Willamson acted as croupier . The rest of the evening was devoted to toast and song . Bro . E . T . Ewing , in proposing " The Health of the Right

VVorshipful Master , " referred in felicitous terms to his lordship ' s long connection with the lodge , and pointed out that by Match next , his lordship will have been for sixty years Master of the lodge . The toast was drank with much enthusiasm . At 11 o ' clock the brethren dispersed , fully satisfied with their St . John ' s Day meeting , which is still one of the great annual events of the village .

Gibraltar.

Gibraltar .

GIBRALTAR Inhabitants Lodge ( No . 153 , E . C . )—Conferring the Second Degree on the D . G . Master ' s Son . —On Friday , the 4 th ult ., this lodge was the scene of a most interesting and perfectly unique ceremony . An emergency meeting had been summoned for that night to confer the Second Degree on Bro . Di Stella Burford-Hancock , who had been initiated in the Lodgeof Friendship , 27 S , and who is destined lo receive

his Third Degree in St . John's Lodge , 115 , thus taking one Degree in each of the three lodges over which his father presides as D . G . M . An addendum was subsequently made to the summons that the D . G . M ., with the officers of D . G . Lodge , would visit the lodge and restore the original charter , which had been lost for many years . After the lodge had been opened , a very full attendance of members and visitors being present , the R . W . D . G . M .

was announced , and received with due honours in the Third Degree . He was _ attended by his Deputy and all the ofiicers of the D . G . L ' odge in full dress . The candidate was then passed to the Second Degree , in the absence of the VV . M ., by the I . P . M ., Bro . Sproat , the lecture on the tracing board being given by the S . W ., Bro . Oiscomhe , and the charge by Bro . Silcott , the J . VV . ; all passing off without a hitch , and the work _ ccrried out in an impressive

manner . The R . W . D . G . M . then gave a very interesting history of the former constitution of Lodge 153 , and of the loss and recovery of its original warrant , as follows : VVorshipful Master and Brethren—This lodge , now bearing the name the Inhabitants Lodge , and numbered 1153 , was originally founded under the "Atholl" Constitution on the 13 th November , 1777 , as the Garrison Lodge , and bore the

number 202 . A note in the Grand Lodge register describes it as " a stationary , and not a military , lodge , " while No . 14 S ( 2 nd Battalion Royal Artillery ) , now St . John ' s , was exclusively a military ledge until the 7 th February , 1 S 07 , when the name of John Nicolls , Inhabitant , first appears on the register of members . Curiously enough , it is now a matter of notoriety that the two lodges have reversed their characters . An old document , bearing date 23 rd January ,

iSto , has come into my possession , and will be placed at the disposal of the lodge ; this is a lodge certificate , describing its bearer , Bro . George Fairfoot , as " a regular geometrical Master Mason of the Ancient Craft . " At the Union , in 1 S 13 , the number was changed to 251 , heing afterwards altered to 17 S in 1 S 32 , and , finally , to 153 in 1 SO 3 . In lSjS the lodge , having been for some years in abeyance , was resuscitated , Bro . Gould being the Master , and Bros . Irwin

and Schreiber the Wardens , liro . Irwin succeeding Bro . Gould in the chair the following year . At this time the original worrant of the lodge had mysteriously disappeared , and , by some confusion , on its revival the lodge was worked under a warrant under the" Modern " Constitution belonging to a lodge , founded in 17 G 2 , bearing the name of "The Lodgeof Inhabitants , Gibraltar , No . 285 , " which having ceased to make returns in 1 S 00 , was dropped out

at the I . ' nion in 1 S 13 and ceased to exist . Acting on this wariant , in 1 SG 2 application was made for a centenary warrant , which was granted in due course . This raised some doubt on the part of St . John ' s Lodire ( now 115 ) , which , as possessing an earlier number , disputed , in a friendly manner , the right of 153 to a centenary warrant ,

to which tis vuas not as yet entitled . The matter was referred to the D . G . L ., and by that body to the G . L ., and uhimated in the warrant of 17 62 being returned ; to the Grand Lodge in 1 S 75 , and being replaced by a Warranto ! Confirmation founded on the Atholl warrant of J 777 , and bearing thc names of Bros . Cunningham , Conroy , and

Gibraltar.

Collins as Master and Wardens . This is the authority under which the lodge has since been worked . There was naturally much confusion in the matter , and very voluminous correspondence took place between the lodge , D . G L ., and G L ., with the above result . This summer , on my arrival in England , I received a letter from that distinguished Masonic historian Bio . VV . J . Hughan , informing me that he had ' recognised the original charter of 153 amongst

a collection of Masonic curiosities in the possession of Bro , Irwin , P . M . 153 ( who is said to have purchased it , with other Masonic souvenirs , many years ago ) , and stating that Bro . Irwin having placed it at the disposal of the lodge , he intended to forward it to me for transmission . In due course it arrived . I found it partly engraved and partly written on parchment , the words in many places having become illegible from age , but 1 have had it carefully

deciphered by Masonic experts , and the writing sufficiently restored to render it legible . I communicated with the G . Secretary , and learned from him that , after making a searching enquiry , he had no doubt that this was the original charter of the lodge which has been working under the name of "The Inhabitants" since 1 S 58 , and he directed that after its restoration to the lodge , the Warrant of Confirmation dated 1 S 77 should be returned to Grand

Lodge . As most of the present members of the lodge have been initiated under this latter warrant , and all have served under it for years past , they must regard it with a feeling of great consideration , and would naturally prefer to keep it on the walls of the lodge . I shall , therefore , put it to the G . Sec . whether , taking these points into consideration , the return of the Warrant of Confirmation cannot be dispensed with . It is with the strongest feelings of

satisfaction that 1 now commit the original charter to your keeping , VV . Master , and I consider myself extremely fortunate in being chosen as the medium through which the restitution of the venerable and highly curious docu ment to its original owners has been effected . The VVorshipful Master then deputed the four senior P . M . 's of the lodge , Bros . Gorham , Henry , Barker , and Cunningham ,. to proceed to the ante-room and bring in the

old charter , which had been handsomely framed by Bro . Sir H . J . Burford Hancock . It was admitted in due form , and carried to E . to joyful music , where it was handed by the D . G . M . to the keeping of the W . M . and his successors on behalf of the lodge . liro . Col . Gorham , being called upon as the oldest P . M . and the immediate successor of Bro . Irwin in the chair , expressed his gratification at the return of the charter , and

asked the D . G . M . ( 1 ) , if he were in possession of any information respecting the means by which it became lost and had come into the hands ol Bro . Irwin , and ( 2 ) , if he were quite sure that this was the original charter of Lodge 153 . The D . G . M . replied that he was unable to trace anything whatever of the means by which it had gone astray , but that he had very carefully gone over the various papers

and books of thelodge which dated from 177 S , and had satisfactorily proved that the document was genuine . Bro . G . J . Gilbard , D . D . G . M ., then delivered a short but instructive address on the nature and powers of warrants in general , and concluded by putting two resolutions , expressing the thanks of the brethren of Lodge 153 to Bros . Hughan and Irwin for their kindness in the matter . These were carried by acclamation .

The Worshipful Master proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the R W . D . G . M ., Bro . Sir H . Burford-Hancock , for his zeal in restoring their lost property , and in conducting his laborious researches to prove its authenticity . He reminded the brethren that since the advent of the D . G . M . to his important oflice , Masonry in Gibraltar had received new life and strength from the earnest personal interest taken by him in the welfare of the lodges under

his jurisdiction , and it was a source of lively gratification to him ( the W . M . ) to he enabled to express this appreciation of the D . G . M . 's efforts in the good cause on an occasion so appropriate to thc expression of such a feeling . He begged to be allowed to include in the proposition the name of Bro . Gilbard , the D . D . G . M ., as one who , not only on the present occasion , but during a long period of office ,

extending over many years , had ever done well for Masonry . This vote was also carried by acclamation , and after a brief acknowledgment by the D G . M . the proceedings terminated . The brethren then adjourned to the refreshment room , where the usual toasts were proposed and honoured , and an excellent finish put to a very enjoyable and instructive evening .

Masonic Ball At Maryport.

MASONIC BALL AT MARYPORT .

The members of the Perseverance Lodge , No . 371 , held their annual ball on Wednesday , the 30 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall . Formerly it was the custom , so far as gentlemen were concerned , to invite no one but Masons , but this hard and fast rule has been broken through , and there was a large

gathering of both sexes . The Masonic Hall is so well fitted up and embellished that it needs little in the way of decoration even on special occasions ; but what little was required in this direction was well conceived and carried out by the brethren and their friends . Among thc most noticeable features of the decorations

were some splendidly painted banneretts , the work of Mrs . Sewell , Brandlingill . The ball was opened by Mrs . VVilson Robinson , of Uirkby Mill , and Mr . E . B . Penrice . The refreshments were supplied by Miss Banks , of Crosby-street , who gave great satisfaction in this department .

The music was supplied by a band under the leadership of Mr . Henry Thompson , and at intervals songs were sung by several ol the guests . Among those who obliged in this way weie Mr . VV . Dillon , Mr . R . Leach ( who was in firstclass voice ) , Mr . E . G . Mitchell , Mr . T . Weatherstone , Mr . II . Lightfoot , and last , but by no means least or shortest , Mr . VVilson Robinson , who sang" Laal Dinah

Grayson , in his own inimitable style . Mr . VV . Stoddart and Mr . Fred Harrison acted as M . C . ' s , and both studied in every way the comfort of the guests . It was past five o ' clock when the company sang "Auld Lang Syne , " and thus brought to a conclusion one of the most pleasant gatherings ever held in Maryport .

Masonic Ball At Maryport.

COMING OF AGE CELEBRATION . The coming of age of the only daughter of Bro . Jubal Webb , VV . M . of the Constitutional Lodge , No . 55 , was celebrated , on the 2 ( jth ult ., by a ball at the Kensington Town Hall , to which , besides a host of personal friends , the whole of the brethren of his lodge were invited . Amongst the guests we noticed the following members of the Cralt : Bros . G . C . Harding , P . M . 1794 ; R . P . Atkins P . M . 55 ;

Walter Farthing , P . M . 55 ; J . G . Unite , P M . 144 ; E . Thompson . 55 ; Jeffreys ; Huggett ; F . Butler , 55 ( who was M . C ); H . Dehane , 1543 ; H . Roach , 55 ; Frank Unite , 55 ; D . Stroud , 55 ; F . Smithers , 55 ; A . Madell , C . Bertini , and many others . We regret to say that , owing to the sudden death of his uncle , the Primate of Ireland , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , the G . S ., was at the last moment prevented atlending .

Ihe magnificent hall looked charming , the mistletoe bough of gigantic dimensions being a prominent feature , while the band , conducted by Mr . Pritchard , was artisticady ensconsed amidst evergreens . During the interval supper was served in the small hall , and fully maintained the "Constitutional" idea of English hospitality , and was beautifully served by Messrs . Spiers and Pond . Bro . Walker , M . R . S ., B . A ., as an old friend ofthe

family , in eloquent language congratulated Miss Webb on attaining her 21 st birthday , and was pleased to say that she was a comfort to her parents , and a bright jewel in their home . He had watched her in childhood , through girlhood to womanhood , and called upon all to join in wishing her "many happy returns of the day" and a bright future . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Jubal Webb , in replying for his daughter , said

Ladies , Gentlemen , and Mr . Walker—There are in all lives times when the want of a ready tongue is felt . On the present occasion that event was his to enable him to express adequately the depth and warmth of his feelings . He was , on behalf of his daughter , very grateful for the kind wishes so eloquently expressed by his friend , Mr . Robert Walter , the architect of the noble building in which they were then assembled . As he said before , his tongue would not allow

him to find suitable words to express what he felt ; but he most sincerely thanked them for the kindly sentiment and good feeling which had ushered in his daughter's 21 st birthday , and was sure she would remember and cherish as a pleasant memory the kindness she had received from all to her latest day . It had always been his desire , should God

preserve him , to celebrate the event , and had so promised his child , and hoped those present had enjoyed themselves . In conclusion , he desired to thank them all , on behalf of his beloved daughter and good wife , for their hearty good wishes and congratulations . Miss Webb received some 70 elegant and costly presents ,

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . THE REV . C . R . DAVY , P . G . C . Our readers will have seen with very great regret the announcement we made last week of the death from paralysis , on Christmas morning , of Bro . the Rev . C . Raikes Davy , a Past Grand Chaplain of England , and leading member of all , or nearly all , the principal branches of Freemasonry . . The deceased had had a long and distinguished career in Freemasonry , having been initiated in

thc Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 53 , Baih , in which he served the ollice of VV . M . in 1 SG 5 . In 1 SG 3 he joined the Apollo University Lodge , No . 357 , Oxford , and the Westminster and Keystone , No . 10 . He was Grand Chaplain of England in 1 SG 5 and iSGG . and G . Pr . Soj . of the Supreme Grand Chapter in iSGS . In the Province of Somersetshire he was a P . Z . of the Royal Sussex Chapter , No . S 3 , Bath , having occupied the First Principal ' s chair

in 1 S 69 ; and founder and W . M . in 1 S 74 and 1 S 75 of the Royal Sussex Mark Lodge , No . 177 , Bath . In the A . and A . rite he had taken the 32 nd Degree , and was P . M . W . S . of the St . Peter and St . Paul Chapter , Rose Croix , No . 6 , Bath ; and in Templar Masonry a member of the Bladud Preceptory , Bath , and P . Prelale of the Prov . Priory of Somersetshire . In the Province of Gloucestershire he was a P . M . of the Lodge of Sympathy , No . S 55 ,

Wotton-under-Edge , and in 1 S 72 and 1 S 73 held the oflice of Prov . G . Chaplain ; Chaplain of the Lyegrove Lodge ( Mark ) , No . 21 S , Chipping Sodbury ; from 18 79 till quite recently Prov . G . Mark Master ; and a member of the St . Thomas Chapter , Rose Croix , No . 49 , Gloucester . Thus Bro . Davy had been connected with the three provinces of Somertshire , Oxfordshire , and Gloucestershire , and for several years with one of our most distinguished London lodges , and from the great zeal and earnestness

he had shown had been awarded both Grand and frov . G . honours . He had likewise evinced a great interest in our Institutions , his name having been enrolled for some time past as a Life Governor of both Schools , and having twice served the office of Steward for each . The loss of so able and worthy a brother will be very greatly deplored , both particularly by the lodges , chapters , and other bodies with which he had been connected as member , and generally by the Craft at large .

BRO . THOMAS GOODCHILD . Bro . Thomas Goodchild , architect and surveyor , died on the 23 rd ult ., at Teddington . He was the first initiate of the Sir Charles Bright Lodge , No . 1 793 , being admitted on the ist March , 1879 . In due course he served all the principal olliccs , and was installed as W . M . in February , 1 SS 3 . He was appointed a Provincial Grand Steward of Middlesex in 1885 . He was exalted in the Era Chanter .

and , having served the subordinate offices , was in-tailed as M . E . Z . in July , 1 SS 5 . His manners and bearing were most genial and couiteous , and his qualities of heart and mind were of no common order . In professional and private life he was well and deservedly known by the uprightness of his conduct and by many acts of unostentatious benevolence . The funeral took place at Teddington Church on the 29 th ult . Among those who manifested an interest in the melancholy proceedings were Bros . T . C . Walls

, VV . M . 1793 ; VV . G . Collier , S VV . 1 793 ; E . VV . Warner , J . VV . 1793 ; R . W . Forge , P . M . and Sec . 1793 ; C . -Stevens , I . P . M . 1 793 ( son-in-law of the deceased ); Southwell , Decks , and i \ lii , ltr , 1 793 ; E . Hopwood , P . M . 141 J . T . Briggs , P . M . 157 , W . M . 1503 ; R . T . Elsam , |\ M ! 201 ; C . Cousins , P . M . 209 ; Bonell and Drummond , iGjG ; and others . We regret to say that liro . Goodchild has left a widow and a young family to lament his premature and irreparable loss .