Scotland.

or absent , they would always have his genial countenance before them in the portrait which the brethren had voluntarily subscribed for . The R . W . M ., in accepting the picture on behalf of the lodge , paid a high tribute to the worth of Bro . Steel . The portrait in question is an oil painting by Bro . Cormack Brown , from a photograph by the Messrs . Mackintosh , and represents Bro . Steel in full Masonic clothing . The likeness is peifect , and the execution reflects great credit on the artist .

Twelfth Night Entertainment At The Girls' School.

TWELFTH NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT AT THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .

The annual entertainment given at the School of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls in celebration of Twelfth Night took place on Wednesday evening instead of the 6 th inst ., and was one of the most enjoyable of all those yearly-recurring festivities among the pupils of the ,., - J ., . -t r e . L _ M f : » __ , i „ .. u Institutionthe staffthe Committeeand sub

. . , , House , - scribers . The party was not large , for there were only 21 of the children left in the School for the Christmas holidays . They were ampl y taken care of by Miss Buck and two assistants . The visitors were small in number on account , no doubt , of the wretchedly thick and damp fog , and the House Committee knew that in the hands of

Bros . Frank Richardson and J . H . Matthews no endeavour would be wanting to make the evening thoroughly successful . Outside the number of inmates of the Institution the following were as nearly as possible the whole of the company : Bro . J . H . Matthews ; Bro . Frank Richardson ; Mr . H . W . Massey ; Mr . John Toone ; Mr . W . P . Toone ; Mr . C . M . Howell ; Mrs . Dicketts and

family ; Mr . S . F . Dicketts ; Bro . H . Massey ; Mr . Fvedk . Chaiks Gates ; Bco . F . R . W . Hedges ; Bro . G . S . Peachey ; Mr . Thos . W . P . Martin ; Mr . James H . E . Stevenson ; Mr . Edward Page ; Miss Mackie ; Miss Massey ; Miss E . Massey ; Bro . Thos . Kingston ; The Misses Kingston ; and Miss Potter . After tea the amusements provided were ventiiloquism ,

by the celebrated Bro . Lieut . Walter Cole , who , for a solid hour , kept the assembly , which included all the servants of the Institution , in a constant state of merriment and applause with his funny old people ; then followed dancing , which visitors , committee , and children felt an intervening hour was scarcely sufficient for , as all entered heart and soul into it , led and energetically kept

going by Bros . Bichardson and Matthews ; and then magic and conjuring by Mr . H . Stodare , who astounded his audience by his dexterous sleight of hand . A splendid selection of Christmas gifts to every child in the building , made an appropriate conclusion to that portion of the evening ' s amusements . Then came the Twelfth Cake which Bro . and Mrs . Louis Hirsch regularly send .

Crackers were in plenty , and the little folks joined with the visitors in obtaining an insight to those attractive little marvels . But grand old snap-dragon was , perhaps , the best of all , and the excitement which in ancient times when this amusement was in vogue , was as fresh with those who had never seen it befcre , as it used to be when it was never omitted at the annual festive season . More

dancing followed ; a pretty collation for the more mature of the visitors was then partaken of ; still more dancing had the advantage of enlivening the party ; and at halfpast eleven at night , after many friendly regrets at the necessity there was for parting , the doors of the Institution separated a most happy party composed of a School and visitors .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The monthly meeting of the General Commiltee and subscribers to this Institution was held at Freemasons' Hall on Saturday last , Bro . J . L . Mather in the chair . There were also present Bros . Stephen Richardson , T . Hastings Miller , C . C ., Alfred Williams , G . Bolton , H . Massey , F . Adlard , Rev . Dr . Morris ( Head Master ) , Raynham W . Stewart , Chas . F . Hogard , W . Maple , Charles Belton ,

W . A . Scurrah , VV . Paas , Geo . P . Gillard , Dudley Rolls , James Moon , H . Venn , George Mickley , Richard Eve , Grand Tieas ., Alfred Bryant , J . G . Dale , and F . Binckes , Secretary . Fifteen petitions were investigated , and the children placed on the list for the April election , for which there were settled 65 candidates and 15 vacancies . Notice was given of motions for the next Quarterly Court on the 27 th inst ., and the Committee then adjourned .

Dorset Masonic Charity.

DORSET MASONIC CHARITY .

The fifteenth half-yearly meeting of the General Committee of the Dorset Masonic Charity was held at Dorchester , on th e 29 th December , Bro . H . C . Burt , Chairman , in the chair . Bros . M . J . Guest , P . G . M . ; W . E . Brymer , D . P . G . M . ; R . Case , Treas ., and P . G . Sec ; and a large

attendance of brethren being present . The Hon . Sec , Bro . S . R . Baskett , presented his report , which showed the finances of the Charity were in a satisfactory state , and reported that he had reason to hope the next year wouId see an increase in the number of annual

subscribers . Four petitions for relief were considered , and grants were made of £ 5 and £ 15 to two brethren , and £ 10 and £ 15 to two widows . 'I he Charity has now an invested capital ^ of £ 2277 , the income from which , with the annual subscriptions , is available for Relief .

Dorset Masonic Charity.

J . D . Langton , P . M . 1673 , P . P . J . G . W . Surrey ; Wm . F . Causton , P . M . 1726 , I . G . 162 ; G . Holden , 2096 ; VV . G . Goode , S . D . 2096 ; W . Mapleton , J . D . 256 ; B . Gardner , 69 ; L . Percival , 2096 ; Maitland H . Dicker , 1470 ; Geo . C . Dent , 17 6 ; G . de H . Vaizey , 176 ; Graham Buckley , 1415 ; andT . Burne , I . P . M . 162 . An excellent dinner was provided by Bro . Anderson ,

through whose kindness the lodge of instruction has met for some years at the above address . After the dinner the Chairman gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . The toast of " The Ledge of Instruction " was responded to by the Preceptors , Bros . HOBBS , MARSHALL , and BURNE . " l'he Health of the Chairman " was proposed by Bro .

LANGTON , jun ., who , in the name of the members of the lodge , thanked him for the services rendered by him as Treasurer of the lodge of instruction , and for his kindness in presiding that evening . The CHAIRMAN , in responding , expressed his great pleasure at being present , and congratulated the lodge on its success , particularly in the direction of Charity .

The toast of "The Emulation Lodge of Improvement ' followed , to which Bro . SUDLOW responded , and , in the course of his remarks , referred to the fact that he was for some years the Preceptor of the Langton Lodge of Instruction , and mentioned how gratified he was to see the lodge flourishing-, and offered to give any assistance he could to

the Preceptors . The Secretaries , Bros . BURNE and LANGTON , having responded to their healths , Bro . ANDERSON replied to the toast of " The Honorary Members . " During the evening songs were given by Bros . Sudlow , Dicker , and others .

Before the festival took place a meeting of the Langton Masonic Benevolent Association was held , the chair being taken by the President , Bro . Joseph Langton , when four ballots for Life Governorship were drawn . The Association having now completed half its term , the Secretary , Bro . Gordon Smith , read a statement , from which it appeared that the sum of £ 720 had been collected , and that it was estimated that at its conclusion over £ 1400 wonld have been handed over to our three Charities .

Annual Festival Of The Langton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1673.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE LANGTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1673 .

The annual festival of the Langton Lodge of Instruction was held on Thursday , the 15 th December , at the White Hart , Abchurch-lane , E . C , under the presidency of Bro . Joseph Langton , P . M . and Treasurer of the Langton Lodge , under whose sanction this lodge of instruction works . The following- members were present : Bros . G .

H . Bishop , J . W . 1965 ; J . S . Fraser , P . M . 174 ; F . Knight , 11 S 5 ; H . M . Hobbs , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey ; G . Anderson P . M . 60 , P . G . S . ; E . M . Morriss , VV . M . 1965 ; G . F . Marshall , P . M . 69 ; Gordon Smith , W . M . 2041 ; R . Clay Sudlow , P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; C . W , C Webb , P . M , 1397 ;

Royal Savoy Lodge Ball, No. 1744.

ROYAL SAVOY LODGE BALL , No . 1744 .

The third annual ball of the Royal Savoy Lodge , 1744 , took place at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Oueen-street , W . C , on Wednesday , the nth inst . The WaYl ., Bro . H . Dickey , as President of the Ball Committee , was heartily supported by the officers and members of the lodge , including the lollowing biethien who formed the Committee

Bros . W . M . Stiles , P . M ., Vice-President ; J . Willing , P . M ., Treasurer ; W . A . Scurrah , W . M . Hendon Lodge , Secretary ; W . H . Barling , R . S . Chatty , F . H . Clemow , T . Crane , R . Dipple , H . VV . Field , J . Greenfield , P . M . ; F . W . Haddan , Org . ; J . Hamilton , A . Holt , A . D . C ; C . H . Holland , S . D . ; VV . Jaques , S . W . ; C J . Knightley , Asst . Sec . ; H . Longman , G . Mordey , A . D . C . ; E . Perry ,

I . G . ; Dr . J . Poivdrell , W . S . ; R . Ross , J . D . ; O- Ruzicka , W . S . ; J . C . Smith , I . P . M . ; J . W . Smith , P . M . ; and R . T . West . No effort was spared by the Executive to make the ball equal to its predecessors , and their exertions met with the success they deserved , for , despite the severe inclemency cf the weather , there was a good attendance of ladies and brethren . Dancing commenced soon after nine

o'clock , and was continued with unflagging zest until shortly after midnight , when an adjournment was made to the supper room . Alter an enjoyable meal , the toast of "The Queen " was given with enthusiasm , and was followed by "The President , " proposed by Bro . J . C . SMITH , I . P . M ., and suitably responded to by Bro . H . DICKEY , VV . M . Bro . VV . M . STILES , P . M ., in a humorous speech , gave "The Ladies , " which was replied to by Bro . VV . VV .

LEE . The company then returned to the ball room , where dancing was carried on with unabated vigour until a late hour , the enjoyment of all present being marked by several sneores .

Bro . J . Arnold and Mr . F . Wyatt rendered good service as M . C's , while Bro . J . Symon ' s band , conducted by himself , played a capital selection of music in a manner that left nothing to be desired .

Gold And Silver Wyre Drawers' Company.

GOLD AND SILVER WYRE DRAWERS ' COMPANY .

A court of the above company was held on Monday last , at the Clerk's Office , Laurence Pountney Hill . There were present Bros . James Knapton Abel , Master ; Horace Frederick btewart , S . W . ; William Hays , J . W . ; George Davenport , P . M . ; David Henry Jacobs , P . M . ; Major

Hymen A . Josephs , P . M . ; Ceorge Kenning , P . M . ; Col . T . Davies Sewell , George Benton , VV . H . Ranee , James Bishop , E . VV . Streeter , Danid Wellby , E . F . B . Fuller , E . E . Ashby , and Capt . E . Fenner . This being the meeting for the selection of Master and Wardens lor the ensuing jear , the following brethren were

chosen : Bros . Horace 1 ' . Stewart , Master ; William Hays , S . W . ; Alderman Evans , j . W . ; Gabriel Lindo , Third Warden ; and Sheriff VV . A . Higgs , Fourth Warden . A vote cf thanks was proposed , seconded , and carried with acclamation , to bro . J . Knapton Abel for a banner presented by him to ihe company . The court afterwards dined together at the Cannon-street Hotel .

East London Masonic Concert.

EAST LONDON MASONIC CONCERT .

As stated in our columns last week the tickets for the Masonic Concert , on February 7 th , were balloted for at the Bow Vestry Hall on Saturday last . About 30 brethren were present , and the whole of the 950 tickets , with the exception of about So of each kind , have been allotted .

Brethren desiring tickets should communicate with the Hon . Sec , Bro . Alex . Paterson , at the Bow Vestry Hall , Bow-road . Seats will be allotted in order of application until January 20 th , after which date they will be available for the general public . Applications should be accompanied by a remittance of 3 s . for each reserved seat required , and 2 s . for each unnumbered seat ,

In Memoriam—Bro. Mcneill.

IN MEMORIAM—BRO . McNEILL .

Darkly—we know not how—can but surmise—The light has faded from those merry ejes , The hand grown cold that penn'd Wit ' s subtleties ! The voice that cheered the friends of yesterday With quip and anecdote of grave and gay Is sadly still—and sorrowful are they 1 " Not a great life ?" Well , to be " great , " you know , Is sometimes to ensure unmeasureu woe , For lesser mortals—whum these influence so .

He simply , like a man , fulfill'd his task , He knew not casuistry or kindred mask—And those he helped—had never twice to ask 1 Perchance the fret of things , the hurrying feet . The hard dominion of Life's crowded street , Enfolding him , as with a winding-sheet , Clouded the purpose of his wandering brain , Cancell'd the nerve he never sought in vain , And left him helpless as a child again :

Helpless to fend the murderer's midnight blow , And yet the friends , who knew him long ago , Are sure he died , hard-fighting with his foe . Richer to-day his consciousness , imbued With leaven of other knowledge than the crude Grief—yearning of our mourning Brotherhood . G . H . R . D . Chine Lodge , Shanklin , Isle of Wight , January ioth .

Masonic Luncheon To The Earl Of Carnarvon.

MASONIC LUNCHEON TO THE EARL OF CARNARVON .

AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION . The Freemasons of Victoria under the English Constitution entertained the Earl ot Carnarvon , M . W . Pro Urand Master ot England , at luncheon , in the Freemasons' Hall , on Monday , the 14 th November last . About 150

gentlemen , amongst whum were most of the leaning digniianes ot the Order of the English , Irish , and Scottish Constitutions , were present . Sir VV . J . Uaike , M . L . C , R . W . District and Provincial Grand Master ot Victoria , under the English , Irish , and Scottish Constitutions , presided , and had on his right hand the guest , who wore the chain , collar , jewel , and apron ot his office . There were also

seated to the right of the chairman Bros . George Baker , Dep . Prov . G . M . of Victoria ( I . C ); Dr . Willmott , P . G . D . of England ; John James , Past Dist . S . G . W . of Victoria ( . E . C ); and Sir Henry Wrenfordsley , St . Peter ' s Lodge , Peterborough , England . On the leit ot the chairman were Bros . Dr . H . St . John Clarke , Wor . Dep . Dist . G . M . Victoria , R . W . P . G . W . England ; Capt . C .

R . Martin , R . W . Dep . G . M . Victoria ( S . C ) ; T . H . Lempneie , Dist . G . Sec . Victoria ( E . C ) , P . G . D . England ; J . E . Dowding , Dist . J . G . W . Victoria ( E . C ) : and J . A . Cantor , Past Dist . J . G . W . Victoria ( E . C ) . Bro . W . J . Turner , Dist . G . Org ., was present , and officiated at the organ . Alttr the toasts of " Her Majesty the Queen " and " The

Cralt , " The CHAIRMAN proposed " The M . W . Grand Master , his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales . " He said the Craft had made great progress since the Prince became Grand Master , both in the old country and in Australia . His Royal Highness had , by his action as a member ot the Order , broken down any distinction between the aristocracy

and the educated middie classes , and had managed to draw all the talents of England into the lodges . The toast having been drunk with great enthusiasm , and with appropriate musical honours , ihe CHAIRMAN submitted the toast of "Our Guest . " It was a great honour to Freemasons to be able to entertain a biother who held a position in the Order next to the

Prince of Wales . T he Prince had usually endeavoured to have the best man he could placed in any poiilion in Masonry that he had to give away . They were all proud and pleased to see amongst them a statesman with a European and also an Australian reputation like that of Lord Carnarvon . Without saying anything against the present Secretary of State tor the Colonies , it would be a great

pleasure to see Lord Carnarvon again in that position . The freemasons here had misunderstood the invuation sent out by Lord Carnarvon , suggesting that the lodges here should contribute to the funds tur the establishment ot the Imperial Institute . They had contributed to the almshouses here , but were also able to carry out the wishes ot the Giand Master and assist in the establishment of the Imperial

Institute , which would be of more benefit to the colonists than to the English people . Lord CARNARVON , on lising to respond , was received with loud and prolonged cheers . He said : Right Worshipful Sir and brethren ot the English , Scottish , and Irish Constitutions—I snould be very barren indeed of feeling if I did not appieciate both the kindly woids of ihe Right

Worshipful District Grand Master and the cordial welcome you have peisonally given to me on this occasion . Words lack me when I attempt to give adequate expression to my feelings . 1 will only say this , that although 1 have travelled lar ana wice , and always met with the kindest and heartiest welcome from my Masonic breihren , nowhere has that welcome been fuller , freer , kindliei , and more grateful to

myself than on the present occasion , 1 have , Right Worshipful Sir , befure making a tew observations in answer to your kind speecn , a preliminary duty to discharge . I have to express the gie . it regret ot your excellent Governor , Sir Hemy Loch , that he is unable to be present here today . He has chaiged me with his special regrets , and I ha . ve already seen enough ot the high appreciation cf his

character entertained in this colony to know that his absence is as much regretted by you as by himself . Traveller ; , ' tales are sometimes doubted when the travellers return home . I shall have a wondrous tale to tell to my English brethren of Masonry of the great colony of Victoria . I must express my great admiration of this fine

and stately , and at the same time commodious , building in which we are assembled . It was a great pleasure to me to be led through it the other day , and to see how admirable all the arrangements were for the comfort of those who frequent it ; and when I look at this great building and this princely town , with its broad