Festival And Ladies' Night Of The Wandsworth Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1044.

Queen had done well in her long reign , and was worthy of their best respect and heartiest regards , The Queen was the Patroness of Masonry , she was the daughter of a Mason ( the late Duke of Kent ) , she was the niece of Freemasons , and the mother of three Freemasons— the Prince of Wales , the Duke of Connaught , nnd the late Duke of Albany . Bro . HIGERTY , in giving " The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of

the Royal Family , " said the Prince of Wales was popular in every part of England , in fact in every part of the world ; he took great interest in almost everything that occurred , more particularly in what concerned Masonry , He was Grand Master and performed the duties of Grand Master , and he was Patron of all the Masonic Institutions . The Princess of Wales was also Patroness of all the Institutions and performed the duties which were incumbent upon her in her exalted position with great ability .

Bro . Dr . KEMPSTER , P . G . Stwd ., responded to the toast of "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . BAYNE , W . M . 1044 , proposed " The Wandsworth Lodge of Instruction and Bro . Higerty . " As Master of the mother lodge the duty fell lo him . The lodge of instruction was under the charter of thc Wandsworth Lodge . They could not but feel that the Wandsworth Lodge of Instruction was more like the

mother of them alt or the Mister of them all , as it taught the Masters of lodges in the district almost all they knew of Masonry . There were other lodges of instruction in that neighbourhood , but they could not all compare with the Wandsworth ; they had not the number or influence of this lodge . The brethren who had been present in the earlier part of the evening had had a very great treat , seeing how the lecture was worked . He did not propose to say many words in

praise of Bro . Higerty as his merits were so well known ; to say anything in praise of the workers would be an act of supererogation , but he would say they had had a great treat in the work of Bro . Higerty , and of those who took part in the Sections . The brethren owed a hearty debt of thanks , too , to the energetic and hard-working Secretary , and to the dinner Stewards , who had so ably managed the latter part of the evening's entertainment , in which the ladies had been kind enough to honour them with their company .

Bro . HIGERTY replying , said , on behalf of the Wandsworth lodge , he had to thank the company most sincerely for the hearty reception they had given to the proposal of Bro . Bayne . It was a very difficult position indeed to be Preceptor of any lodge , and that would become known to tbe younger members as thoy went on . He felt deeply the very kind sentiments expressed by Worshipful Brother , his friend , Bro . Bayne . It would always be his best endeavour to assist the lodge of instruction and the lodge ; but he had assisted other lodges , and he hoped to live

to assist in the future . So far as the Wandsworth Lodge of Instruction was concerned , it had been , it was , and he trusted it would be of use , not alone from a Masonic point of view , but also from what the ladies might understand a Charitable point of view . The ladies of 1 S 97 had adopted the bicycle and many other of the sports which men have gone in for , even football and cricket ; but they had not yet obtained the franchise of Masonry . Therefore , he would say very little about Freemasonry , except to assure them that the Masonic work which

went on no man under God ' s heaven need be ashamed of . He would speak to them of some thing which now particularly . interested them as mothers , and sweethearts , and sisters , and that was the all-important question of Charity . He could assure them that in the Iodge of instruction they had a benevolent fund , by . which all the members by easy means were enabled to buy the life subscribership and the life governorship in the three Masonic Charities , which were the pride and envy of all the constitutions of

Masonry throughout the civilised world . They tried to the best of their ability to send up Stewards to the Masonic Charities , and at the present moment they had a fund open to the Prince of Wales's Hospital Fund . They had also contributed to the Indian Famine Fund , and many other funds , as well as to in digent brethren in the district . Therefore , the Wandsworth Lodge of Instruction was not only doing good work in the ceremonial of Masonry , but in the important

cause of Charity . Well , a gathering like the present could not have been carried out but by arduous work—most patient and intelligent work—on the part of those who had undertaken to be Stewards , and he could not speak too highly of the Stewards , from the Stewards to the indefatigable Secretary . ( Applause . ) The Committee had also worked very hard—they had worked with a will , with enthusiasm , and with an open hand to make this Jubilee Festival a success , as he believed it was . ( Cheers . )

Bro . HIGERTY next proposed "The Masonic Charities- " Their Royal Grand Master on one memorable occasion stated that Freemasonry was made up of loyalty and Charity . Loyalty there was no doubt among Freemasons . Charity it was necessary they should engender , inasmuch , as there were many calls upon them . Masons had three great Masonic Institutions , each of vvhich was equally entitled to their respect and regard , with the others . They were the Girls' School , the

Boys' School , and the Old People ' s Institution , thc last of which was most ably represented at that meeting by Bro . John Mason . Lodges of instruction played an important part in sending subscriptions to the festivals of these Institutions . They had sent up Stewards galore to these festivals ; he , himself , had been twice Steward for the Benevolent Institution , once for the Boys and once for the Girls . Bro . J MASON acknowledged the toast in an . exhaustive speech , setting forth the benefits conSeiicd by tbe three institutions .

Bro . HIGERTY , in proposing "The Ladies , " referred to the happy jubilee which had inspired the lodge with the idea that the ladies should participate in the brethren ' s festivities . Although the ladies had , in this year of grace 18 97 , so far extended their programme of emancipation as to annex the busy bicycle and kindred enjoyments , but not having extracted from stony hearted man the franchise of Masonry , their enjoyment this evening was naturally limited to the proceedings at the festive board at which the brethren were delighted to see them among them .

Mrs . DONALDSON replied , and said if the ladies were not permitted to take part in the ordinary duties ofa Mason , they might , and did , sympathise with , and would ever endeavour to assist in , the brethren ' s efforts in aid of the Masonic Charities , for she was certain there was no lady in that large assemblage who had not sect , great suffering , or , indeed , had not had to bear it in her immediate entourage . She encouraged the ladies to a constant respect and regard for the Masonic Order , and paid a high compliment to the executive for the excellent arrangements for the amusement and comfort of her sex .

Bro . DONALDSON , P . M . 1963 , responded for "The Visitors , to whom a genial welcome had been given by the presiding W . M ., with the hope that the entertainment in the lodge and at the table had met with the approval of all . He always had the greatest pleasure from his visits to their lodge , to which he wished continued success and prosperity . Bro . HIGERTY responded to the toast ot "The Chairman , " which was proposed by Bro . J MASON . The proceedings terminated with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne "

The evening was enlivened with the musical performances of Miss Minnie Hyam , Miriam Becket , and Bros . John Woodley , Victor Romilly , W . [ . Woodward , Wilfred Stacey , and VV . Thomas Seadon , Miss Kate Aug-. ista Davies , A . G S . M ., being the accompanist . ? TUB REGISTRAR GENERAL ' S Returns disclose the fact that the death-rate last week wis 15 . 5 per 1000 as compared with 1 C . 8 the previous week .

The Proposed Meeting In The Royal Albert Hall.

THE PROPOSED MEETING IN THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL .

The following is a copy of the circular letter which has been sent to the W . Masters of lodges :

UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND . 3 rd May , 1 S 97 . WORSHIP ] , - !! 1 . MASTER , I have received the commands of the MOST VVORSHII ' I- . GRAND MASTER to acquaint you that , with the view of enabling the Members of the Craft to give expression to their feelings of loyalty and devotion towards HER

MAJESTY THE QUEEN , on the approaching Celebration of her long and gracious reign , His Royal Highness the Grand Master has graciously consented to preside over a great represent .-ilive meeting of English Freemasons to lie held at the ROYAL ALBERT HALL , on MONDAY , the 1 . 4 th J , at 4 o ' clock , when a loyal and dutiful Address of Congratulation to Her Majesfy on the auspicious event will be proposed .

It has been decided that , following the precedent of the Celebration of Her Majesty ' s Jubilee in 1 R 8 7 , the fee for the ticket of admission shall be ONE GUINEA , one half of the sum so raised going to the Ihree Masonic Charities , and the other half to that truly Masonic ' object , "The Prince of Wales' Hospital Fund . "

As the accommodation in the Royal Albert Hall will not permitmore than five brethren being present from each lodge , it is requested that you will inform me , before the 20 th May instant , what number of tickets , not exceeding that number , you will require for the members of your lodge , accompanied by a remittance of one guinea for each . ln the event of any lodges desiring to be furnished with more than five tickets , it would be advisable if such lodges were to state what extra number they may wish for , so that in case there should be a surplus by reason of any lodges not requiring their full number , such surplus may be distributed fro rata .

I am further authorised to announce to you that the Most Worshipful Grand Master has approved of a special jewel being worn by every Freemason being a Subscribing Member of a lodge under the Gnind Lodge of England on the 20 th June , 1 H 97 , when her Majesty will complete the Coth year of her accession to the Throne of these realms .

In conclusion I am to state that the Most Worshipful Grand Master is of opinion that the address of congratulation to be voted to her Majesty at this meeting in-London , should be considered as emanating from the entire body of English Freemasons , and that local addresses will therefore be unnecessary and inexpedient .

I remain , Worshipful Master , Yours fraternally , ( Signed ) E . LETCHWORTH , Grand Secretary

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Moira Lodge , No . 92 . A meeting of this lodge was held at the Albion Tavern , Aldersfrate-street , E . C , on Tuesday , the 27 th ult . In the absence of the W . M ., Bro . the Rev . R . I . Woodhouse , the I . P . M ., Bro . Maurice A . Tweedie , presided , and there were also present Bros . T ; . Greiner , P . M ., asS . W . ; John Webb , j . W . ; T . L . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas . ; R . F . Gould , P . M ., Sec . ; Charles E . Russell , S . D . ; A . VV . Smith , J . D . ; Russell Ardagh . I . G . ; VV . Bohm , P . M . ; Harold Carter , P . M . ; and J . P . Murrough . Visitors : Bros . W . G . Bourne , 21 ( 12 ; Sydney Shorter , P . M . late 92 ; B . S . Abraham , S . W . : and A . Symons Eccles , J . W . 2 C 20 . The business , which was ot a purely routine character , having been disposed of in good time , the brethren afterwards dined together .

Amherst Lodge , No . 1223 . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held on the ist instant , at the Amherst Arms Hotel , Riverhead , with a full attendance of members , and equilly so of visitors , there being 25 of each , and exactly that number of brethren who have passed or are in the chair . Bro . Josiah Willmot , W . M ., had the pleasure of presiding over the first installation meeting of the lodge held in the new wing which Bro . Waller has added to his house , with the co-operation of his landlord , the Earl of Amherst . A commodious lodge room and another for after proceedings have been provided , with all needful accommodation , so that the comfort of the members of the lodge is vastly increased . After a unanimous ballot for a joining member and for an initiate , Bro . Willmot installed his successor , Bro . Thomas H . Knight , and continued the work as far as the addresses , whicii were given in able fashion by Bro . Evenden , P . M . Bro . S . R . Wilson P . M . 1209 , P . J . G . D . Kent , temporarily filled the chair of S . W ., Bro . L M . Lonelev . P . M . 2 gy , P . P . J . G . W ., being in the J . W . 's seat . « - ° ngiey ,

After the incidental business was over , 10 guineas were voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and the brethren repaired to the banqueting room , where once more liro . Waller displayed his catering abilities to the satisfaction of all . Bro . Thos . Skewes-Cox , M . P ., P . G . S ., responded to the toast in honour of the Grand Officers . Bro . E . J . Dodd , P . P . G . Org ., replied for " The Province of Kent . " Being one of the oldest members of No . 1223 , he naturally referred to the new surroundings under which they met that day , and remarked that 21 years ago at Westerham , on the first Saturday in May , he was installed W . M . of the Amherst Lodge , and he believed that the room where they then held their meetings was used at other timss as a sleeping apartment . They certainly had been better housed after vemaval to Riverhead , and after many years the long-talked of Masonic rooms had been built . As one of the little band who kept the Amherst Lodge going in perilous times , he was glad for what had been done , and he was sure a bright future was in front of it .

In accordance with custom , all the Past Masters of the lodge present were cilled on to say a few words , and it was a great pleasure to the old members to hear Bro . Sir John Smallman Smith in that capacity , he having been abroad on public duty for some years . Bro . II . Work Dodd , who is one of the latter-day Past Masters , recxlled to mind how often he had heard his brother P . M . and relative , when replying to that toast , siy " We are seven , " and thought it a good omen that that year they were 12 . ,-, r . £ o " The Visitin £ Brethren" several responded , including Bros . E . VV . Allen , P . P . G . Sec . Bucks ; Andrews , P . M . 2422 , P . G . S . Surrey ; and V . Warne , 0 ; and all spoke highly of the work seen and the pleasure the visit hid given them . Other usual toasts followed , and an excellent programme of music was given under the direction of Bro . Herbert Schartau .

Bisley Lodge , No . 2317 . The last meeting for the season of this highly-prosperous Iodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Woking , on Thursday , the fith instant . Among those present were Bros Capt . J . Hoey , VV . M . ; J . VV . ll . Littleboy , I . P . M . ; J . H . Askham , P . M ., S . VV ; J . lomlinson , J . W . ; J . B . S . Lancaster , P . M ., Sec . ; R . Clamp . S . D . ; G . I . Woolridge , l . G . ; II . VV . Gloster , Steward ; C . F . Passmore , P . M . ; F . M . Wilkins N . Dadge , A . Althorp , J . Wenham , and A . G . Gunning . Visitors : Bros . R . F Gould P . G . D ., ; A . M . Kennett , 2475 ; VV . II . Long , 2120 ; E . Head and I . Hewett , 1 GS 1 and E . J . Eastes , 2394 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and , it being election night , Bros . J . II . Askham , S . W ., and Major G . Collins , P . M ., were unanimously chosen ss W . M . and 1 reasurer respectively , liro . W , Chapman was elected Tyler by