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Bro . Binckes , in responding , first expressed his pleasure at the honour done him in inviting him to the banquet , and his pleasure in accepting that invitation ; secondly , he demurred at his right in responding to the toast , but must give way to one of the first duties imposed upon a Mason—absolute loyalty and obedience towards the W . M !; thirdly , having satisfied himself that in the absence

of any other Grand Officers he was in order , he proceeded to speak in eulogistic terms of the Pro Grand Master and officers of the Grand Lodge , present and past . Lastly , the brother taught a useful lesson in obedience to those present . He said he had over and over again remarked to men who may have fancied that they had claims equal to or superior to many of those honoured by the Grand

Master , that they were bound to acquiesce in the judgment of those who ruled over them . It was not for them to grumble in any way , but to yield in every way to those who were placed in position over them and had the responsible duties to perform . There were two estimates formed of every man in this world—the one formed by himself , and the other formed by others , and he would undertake to say ,

as a man of experience—a disappointed man if they liked —that in 99 out of every too cases , the opinion formed by others was the truest and better estimate of the two . Let them be satisfied with the position they occupied . Speaking in a military lodge , they all knew what disappointment was , and how they were all called upon sometimes to suppress their feelings to that " esprit de corps " without which no

body could long flourish or prosper , and he would appeal to them to always remember it . The Worshipful Master next proposed "The R . W . Prov . Grand Master and P . G . Officers , Present and Past , of Hants and Isle of Wight . " In doing so he said they were very highly honoured that evening in having no less than seven Provincial Grand Officers present . He had

much pleasure in coupling with that toast the name of Bro . E . Goble , P . G . Secretary . Bro . Goble , in response , said he could assure them he looked with a great amount of pleasure on the large number of brethren present that night in lodge , and he might also say that he heard with a certain amount of pleasure of the number of brethren present at the last regular lodge ,

when the election of the W . M . took place . He found they had as many as thirty or thirty-five brethren of the lodge present on that occasion , as well as some fifteen visiting brethren . He begged leave to say that he might go to any part of that province , and he did not think among the four and forty lodges he would find one so numerously attended , or one in which so much interest was taken in ,

and thrown into , the proceedings . He was really pleased with the manner in which the work was done ; it was , of course , great satisfaction to him , attending as he did so many lodges , to attend one where the work was done so entirely in the ritual . He must congratulate the I . P . M ., Bro . Rix , on the manner in which the installation was performed that night ; and he thought he might say that no

brother travelling in that province or outside the province would find the work done in a more thoroughly effective style , or so Masonically , as it was by the I . P . M . that night . On behalf of the R . W . P . G . M ., and P . G . Officers , present and past , he begged to thank them most heartily for the manner in which it had been received . They knew that in Bro . Beach they had a Mason thoroughly well up in

Masonic ritual ; they knew that he was a master of the art , and they knew that Masonry was beloved by him . He had Masonry at heart , and was always ready and willing to come forward and help Masonry in its pure and unsullied state . He might say his interest in Masonry was shown at the present moment , because it was only recently that he was asked to preside at the Festival of the Royal

Institution for Aged Freemasons , and , although his duties at Winchester were very great , he immediately consented to act . They knew that Bro . Eve intended to go up , that the W . M . would also go , and , therefore , he had no doubt that on that occasion Bro . Beach would be well supported . Bro . Rix said the gavel had been placed in his hand , and they knew for what purpose . The next toast was that of

" The VV . M . of the Camp Lodge . " He would say from experience that the office of W . M . was not altogether a bed of roses , as many of the younger brethren might suppose it to be . It was a position that had a certain amount of difficulty , and he did not know whether he might be right in saying danger , and it was an office which if undertaken by any brother a large amount of responsibility fell

upon him . He remembered some years ago reading an article entitled the "Model Master . " He read it with a great amount of attention , and when he had read it over again he came to the conclusion that such a man never existed and never could exist . Their VV . M . that night was better known to many members of the lodge than he was to himself ; but he could speak for the manner in which

he had carried out the duties of J . W ., and had delivered the charges and explained the working tools to the candidates . Although they had a W . M . who was not altogether a brilliant luminary in the Craft , they had at any rate a W . M . who would spare no pains to perfect himself in the working of the ceremonies of the different Degrees . The Worshipful Master , on rising to respond , said be

could scarcely find words to express his appreciation of the way in which Bro . Rix had proposed , and the way the brethren present had accepted , that toast . He could assure them all that he had taken the office of VV . M . with the intention of carrying it out , if possible , with credit to himself and honour to the lodge . He felt confident he should be supported in the ensuing year by the officers in the same

cordial manner as the I . P . M . had been supported in the past . If labour would forward his work , and , at the same time , the interests of the lodge , he would give that labour , whatever it may be . He was gratified to find that his past labours had been satisfactory to the lodge , and he hoped at the end of the year , when he had the honour and pleasure of installing his successor , they would be as pleased with his

work as they had been in the past . Bro . Eve said the W . M . had placed the next toast in his hands , and it was one he had much pleasure in bringing before their attention , because it was one , he was sure , they would receive with equal pleasure . There was no brighter gem in the Masonic crown than that of the Masonic Charities . Those Charities had done great good in the past , were

doing great good in the present , were still capable of greater extension , and of doing more good in the future . They had three Charities—the first one was for aged Freemasons and widows , and was one they would have to dwell upon that night , because it was one in which their Provincial Grand Master had kindly undertaken to serve as President at the Festival of that Institution . It was part and

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parcel of their duty to do all they could to support him in enriching the funds of that Charity , and he was sure that lodge had evinced by their conduct that night in voting 30 guineas , to be placed upon the W . M . ' s list , their earnest desire to support the Provincial Grand Master , besides which they had done more by their action with regard to Bro . Rix that night . Having alluded to the increase in the funds of

the Charities from the time he ( the speaker ) first became a Mason , he said it must be a great satisfaction to think of and know that if by means of sickness , disease , or other misfortune they should be reduced to the lowest possible ebb of distress , it was very possible to be placed upon the roll of that Institution , and so be able to end their days with something like an approach to comfort and peace . They

hoped no brother present would ever be brought to such a position ; and if they valued their Masonic ritual they would keep away from that position as far as possible , and maintain their health and happiness , and not be thrown upon what may be termed the cold hand of Charity . Having also alluded to the excellent work done by the other two Institutions ( the Boys' and Girls' ) , Bro . Eve admitted that

the Province of Hants had drawn largely upon the benefits of them all ; but he could also say that that province had done as much as any other , if not more , towards their suppott , and had done it willingly . Bro . Eve referred in eulologistic terms to Bro . Binckes and the Charities , and coupled his name with the toast . Bro . Binckes , in the course of a lengthy and eloquent

response , spoke of Freemasonry as not being a benevolent institution , though one of its great and peculiar charms was benevolence . Their great principles were unity and concord , and long may they continue ; and may it be the duty of each and all of them whilst seeking happiness for themselves to do also what they could for the happiness of others ; and how could that duty be better performed than

by relieving the distress of those who wete less fortunate than themselves ? Bro . Gowers , in suitable terms , proposed " The Health of the Installing Master . " Bro . Rix , in response , said he had endeavoured to the best of his humble ability to be impartial , and to administer the duties of his office properly during the past twelve

months , and if in doing so he had met with their approbation he was pleased , and he valued it very much . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Past Masters of the Lodge , " observing that they had had illustrious officers in times gone by , and they had handed down the charter pure and unsullied , besides leaving marks that would never be erased .

Bros . Hall , Gowers , Rix , and Eve responded . Bro . Hall proposed "The Visitors , " which was responded to by Bro . Hacker . The Worshipful Master then gave "The Host , " complimenting Bro . Stone on the sumptuous repast provided , which must have cost himself and Mrs . Stone infinite pains to provide . Host Bro . Stone suitably responded .

" The Officers of the Lodge was the next toast , and it was responded to by the respective officers present . The toast list was brought to an end with the Tyler ' s toast , which was honoured in true Masonic style . During the evening harmony prevailed , Bros . Eve , Dodd , Noakes , Kearns , and others singing , with Bro . Woods at the piano , and Bro . Prescott relating in his well-known style a remarkable crustacean story .

WIGAN . —Lindsay Lodge ( No . 1335 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Masonic Hall , King-street . There were present Bros . R . B . Seddon , W . M . ; J . Browne , S . VV . ; H . J . Boucher , J . W . ; J . D . Murray , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; H . Riddlesworth , Sec ; VV . Rigby , S . D . ; W . Holt , J . D . j G . L . Campbell , P . M ., D . C . j R . P . White , l . G . ; Thos . Knowles and C A . Cronshaw , Stwds ; C

D . Mortimer , Org . ; W . Patterson , Tyler ; W . Johnson , I . P . M . ; C . Snape , P . M . ; C . Beazer , P . M . ; H . T . Byrom , P . M . ; R . O . Burland , H . Ackerley , John Buchanan , A . Craston , W . Simpson , J . A . McGregor , A . H . Monks , VV . Rogers , R . Layland , and others . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the minutes of

the last meeting read and confirmed . Bro . W . Rogers was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., by Bro . VV . Johnson , I . P . M . Mr . William Woods , who had been previously balloted for , was admitted and initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry by Bco . W . Johnson . The name of one gentleman was submitted as a candidate and the lodge was closed .

LIVERPOOL . —Bootle Lodge ( No . 1473 ) . —The fifteenth anniversary of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Assembly Rooms , Merton-road , when a large gathering of members and friends met under the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . Robert Scott , suppoited by his officers and P . M . 's as follows : Bros . Job Clarke , S . W . ; Dr . H . Taylor , J . VV . ; S . E . Ibbs , P . P . G . S . B .,

Treas . ; H . Wyatt , P . P . A . G . Sec , Secretary ; John Alexander , J . D . ; R . L . Vaughan , l . G . ; J . G . Forsyth , Org . ; Councillor Isaac Platts , P . M . ; R . Harley , P . M . ; J . C Patterson , P . M . ; Councillor J . Clemmy , P . M . ; H . Mollyneux , P . M . ; Councillor John Duncan , P . P . G . D . C , P . M . ( who afterwards installed ); Dr . Sprakeling , Rev . E . Neep , Chap . ; Rev . W . H . Neep , and others .

Among the visitors were Bros . A . Worrall , P . M . 1225 ; C Birch , P . M . 203 ; A . Cross , P . M . 1713 ; C J . Caddock , VV . M . 1547 ; Jos . Shield , VV . M . 10 S 5 ; W . Wilkinson , P . M . 10 SG ; VV . S . Warhurst , S . W . 1756 ; A . Kirkpatrick , W . M . 1502 ; A . Waterhouse , S . W . 5 S 0 ; H . H . Smith , P . P . A . G . D . C ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . R . ; and others . The W . M . elect Bro . Job Clarke , S . VV ., was

presented by Bros . Platts , P . M ., and Scott , W . M . After the installation the new W . M . appointed his officers , viz .: Bros . Robt . Scott , I . P . M . ; Dr . H . Taylor , S . W . ; J . G . Forsyth , J . W . ; S . E . Ibbs , P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ( ro-elected for twelfth time ); Harold Wyatt , P . P . A . G . Sec , Sec . ( reappointed ); J . Alexander , Assist . Sec ; Rev . VV . H . Neep , Chap . ; R . C Vaughan , S . D . ; J . M . Hogarth , J . D . ; S . Hale , l . G . ; J . Gill , Samuel Pope , and R .

Rawhnson , stwds . j Isaac Platts , P . M ., D . C ; and W . Blake , Tyler , was re-elected . The brethren afterwards dined together . During the evening a handsome P . M . 's jewel was presented to the I . P . M . on behalf of the lodge by the VV . M ., and suitably acknowledged . An entertaining selection of music was given by Bros . D . J . Davies , D . Williams , J . T . Jones , O . J . Rowlands , and H , J . Nicholls , under the direction of Bro . Forsyth , J . W .

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SHANKLIN ( I . of W . ) . —Chine Lodge ( N 0 18 S 4 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , when there were piesent Bros . Alfred Greenham , W . M . j J . Bailey , LP M P . A . G . D . C . j F . Rayner , S . W . j J . H . McQu 2 en , P . . ' J . W . F . Cooper , P . M ., Treas . ; Lewis Colenutt , Sec A . F . Swayne , S . D . ; VV . Deeks , D . C . ; W . Thompson '

Keg . ; K . Young and « J . H . Matthews , stwds . ; W . J Mew , Tyler ; J . VV . Cantelow , and Harry Lisle . Visitors . " Bros . John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Devon ; Rev . J . N , Palmer , G . Chap . ; Conner , P . M ., J . VV . 1 S 6 9 J Capt . Menzies , P . M . 698 ; Major Monckton ; A . F . Firth , I . P . ' 1 SC 9 ; H . Izod , 1869 ; Ansle , Sec . 551 ; Williams , 551 jQ ,

Pack , P . M . 175 , P . P . G . D . Hants and I . of W . j Charles Carter , VV . M . 175 ; Tenison Smith , P . M . 175 ; James Stevens , P . M . 1216 ; and W . Cluetr , 1869 . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bro . Harry Lisle was passed to the Degree of F . C . by the VV . M ., Bro . Alfred Greenham .

Ihe W . M . then briefly introduced Bro . James Stevens P . M ., and said he felt sure from all that he had heard ' respecting his lecture on the " Ritual and Ceremonial of the Symbolic Degrees of Freemasonry , " and from notices which had appeared in the Freemason , not only every attention would be given to the lecturer , but an intellectual Masonic treat was in store for all .

On Bro . Stevens rising he was greeted with applause and having , in a few introductory sentences , dwelt on the objects of the lecture , and the opportunity afforded him of visiting the Cnine Lodge , of which he knew something , having coiresponded frequently with the W . M . concerning the Masonic Exhibition , proceeded immediately to point out that in all matters pertaining to the ritual ot to-day , a

" common sense" view should be taken , and an intelligent reasoning brought to bear upon such points as were not only open to criticism , but which looked at free from prejudice , could only be considered anomalies . " I am not , " seid Bro . Stevens , " desirous of introducing into the ritual innovations of my own , but while I am contending for a greater uniformity in this country , 1 am for preserving and

and restoring those ancient landmarks which from time to time have been departed from . " The lectnrer very early in his remarks alluded to the date when Speculative Masonry commenced , placing it not earlier than 1700 , and said no article was found either in the Worceiteror Shanklin Exhibitions relating to Speculative Masonry earlier than this , he therefore based his remarks from that time and alluded

to the schisms which arose in 1717 between the rival Grand Lodges ot that day , but in 1813 . the Lodge of Reconciliation was held , and subsequently a United Grand Lodge formed . At that time there existed the " Stability " ritual and what is known now as " Emulation " working . In days gone by he pointed out that each officer answered for his own duty , even the Tyler being called within the lodge ,

and it was not until 1800 that the Deacon ' s office was founded . The lecturer then passed in review the opening and closing of lodges , pointing out the many digressions that had been made in the words , which not only did not convey any fuller meaning , but tailed entirely to convey the intention , us adequately as the ritual in use at that time . The First Degree was then minutely dissected

by Bro . Stevens , who pointed out the variations which , even within his own recollection had been made , and he pleaded earnestly and eloquently for the retention of all that would make it solemn and impressive to the candidate , and deprecated the introduction of that which would be inconsistent with solemnity or mar the effect ot the serious obligations about to be entered upon . He then gave a

description ot the ritual which he found in a West of England lodge , and which he thought was calculated to have the most opposite effects , giving a most graphic account of some parts of the initiation , which proved amusing as well as interesting . The Fellow Craft ' s Degree did not furnish the lecturer with so many points for his remarks , but for an hour-and-a-half Bro . Stevens spoke

without intermission , and without notes of any kind , on points impossible to give an account of , holding the attention ot his audience with a keen and lively interest , as each innovation was forcibly argued upon , and ably reasoned out to its logical conclusion ; although perhaps it would be only just to state that while in the main those would have been substantial accord , there were statements

made by the lecturer startling in some degree , which without a further opportunity for argument were not unanimously endorsed . 'The last half-hour was devoted to the Master Mason's Degree , Bro . Stevens quoting several authorities . Ihe position of the square and compasses , one of the propositions laid down by the lecturer , being very fluently combated by Bro . Capt . Menzies , P . M . Bto .

Stevens then brought his lecture to a close . It had been listened to with profound attention , and could not fail to interest , seeing that he clothed his ideas not only with eloquent language , but impressed all with the earnestness of his manner , asking for a lull consideration of all that he had said , and thanking them for the very kind reception he had received , and for the attention given to him .

Ihe W . M ., Bro . Alfred Greenham , before inviting any remarks or criticisms on the lecture , said he must take exception to the date of 1700 as the beginning of Speculative Masonry , and that no article was found either in Worcester or Shankhn Exhibitions of an earlier date than that reterring to non-Operative or speculative Masonry-He must refer Bro . Stevens to those two old and valuable

MSS ., kindly lent and entrusted to his special care by Bro-G . Taylor , viz ., the Inigo Jones MS . of 1607 , and the ' Wood MS . ot 1610 , with thoseancient charges , which he certainly thought proved Speculative Masonry drew largely from . Bro . Stevens admitted having not seen them ; hut thought they had reference to Operative Masonry . The Worshipful Master then would remind Bro . Stevens

ot another old book exhibited by Bro . G . Taylor— " Dr . Plot ' s History of Staffordshire " —published in 1686 , which contains allusions to Freemasons , and which he had carefully read . Dr . Plot pointed out the increasing number ol Masons and lodges springing up over the country in different parts , and indicating very clearly that Speculative Masonry existed in his day . —( Bro . Hughan , writing op esoteric

this work , says : " His statements alone of the features of the lodge meetings are of special value in proving the Speculative or non-Operative character m part ot the Cratt in the seventeenth century . " ) , , Bro . Conner , P . M ., referred to old minutes of lodg e = having been found in Scotland in the sixteenth century earlier than any in England , and gave an interesting account of old lodges in the Province of Lanarkshire .