Masonic Banquet To Lord Valentia.

and honour , with health and strength to devote your many gifts in the future as in the past to the service of your Sovereign and her Empire . —Oxford , December 6 th , 1900 . " The reading of the address evoked hearty applause . Bro . Lord VALENTIA , who was received with great cordiality , in reply , said he need not tell them how excessively glad he was to receive the loyal welcome

they had extended to him . It hardly seemed to him 10 months since he left Oxford ; in his drive through the city that day everything seemed to him in the old groove , and that time had passed with very little change . He had met some old friends , and they seemed as glad to welcome him home as he was glad to see them . The only change that he could perceive was the immense crowds in the streets and the magnificent cheering which they gave , and which he

could hardly imagine was meant for him . He felt he did not deserve such a large amount of enthusiasm . ( Cheers ' , ) He went out to South Africa at the call of duty , and he had done only his duty , and the overwhelming congratulations which he had received on his return had affected him in no little degree . He could not imagine it was only meant for himself entirely , for he thought they had in their minds his gallant

comrades , and should always be glad to interpret their compliments in that way . Many of them had left this city right loyally to serve their country at the theatre of war , and right worthily had they done their duty . ( Applause . ) He regretted he was not able to accompany them during the whole of the campaign , but he knew their record was a good one ; he had asked many general officers under whom the Oxfordshire Yeomanry had served , and they had invariably informed

him that they had served with credit , and that they did not know of any better service rendered by any of the regular troops . He should like to mention the name of one who was connected with Oxford , Lord Milton , who , being of an engineering turn of mind , had acted as engine-driver to Pretoria in supplying both men and officers with stores , and he did not know what they would have

done without him . He thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their noble welcome , a welcome so little expected on his return , and he must truly say over again that what he had done had only been his duty , and he thanked them exceedingly for having made his home-coming the enjoyable one it was . ( Applause . )

Bro . HERMON HODGE , M . P ., proposed " The Health of the Chairman , Bro . Colville Smith , " thanking him on behalf of those present for all the trouble he had taken in arranging that banquet , the most successful the Craft in Oxford had ever held . The CHAIRMAN having responded , the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .

Songs were contributed by Bros . W . T . Upton , J . Day , Dr . Proudfoot , J . Wilson , and H . M . Turner , Bro . C . M . Taphouse fulfilling the duties of accom - panyist , whilst during the dinner the Volunteer Band , which had kindly given their services , played a selection of music .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Richard Eve Lodge , No . 2772

INSTALLATION OF BRO . HARRY MANFIELD , G . TREAS

The first installation meeting of this successful lodge , which is so closely identified With the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , was held on the ; th instant at Freemasons ' Hall , Great Queen-street , when Bro . Harry Manfield , G . Treas ., was installed as W . M . by Bro . E . Letchworth , G . Sec . There was a large and representative gathering present , and the ceremonial and the proceedings that followed were of the most interesting and enjoyable nature , but the presence and individuality of the distinguished Mason from whom the lodge takes its name , and who was its first W . M ., were sadly

missed , and this gave the one sad note to an otherwise happy occasion . After the opening of the lodge , the confirmatien of minutes , and other routine business , Bro . Harry Manfield , G . Treas ., was presented , and installed as W . M . by the Grand Secretary , Bro . E . Letchworth , Bro . Van Duzer acting as D . C . The officers invested were * . Bros . F . C . Van Duzer , acting I . P . M . ; J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B ., S . W . ; A . J . Duck . J . W . ; A . J . Thomas , P . M ., Treas . j J . Percy Fitzgerald , P . M ., Sec . ; C . W . West , S . D . ; W . Lawrence , J . D . j J . H . Gerards , D . C . ; J . T . Murray , Ore . ; E . P . Moore , W . M . 2150 , I . G . j R . A . Qaayle and A . P .

Cohen , Stwds . ; and J . W . Harding , Tyler . The previous meeting of the lodge was held on the Most Worshipful Grand Master ' s birthday , and a telegram of congratulation was sent to his Royal Highness . The Secretary read the following * reply , which was ordered to be entered on the minutes : "To the W . M ., Richard Eve Lodge . The Prince of Wales thanks brethren for kind congratulations . —KNOLLYS . " Letters of •• egret were received from Bros , the Earl of Euston , Strachan , Q . C , John Glass , Smithson , Kempster , C . E . Keyser , J . D . Langton , Captain Barlow , and others . The W . M . moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Grand Secretary for his presence and for

his services as Installing Master . He said he expressed , though inadequately , the feelings of the members , and their appreciation of the manner in which the Grand Secretary had shown the beauty of the ritual , and the dignity and character he had given to the ceremony . Therewere many Past Masters in the lodge , but feeling this was an occasion of some interest , they hid invited the Grand Secretary to perform the ceremony . The Grand Secretary , in acknowledgment , expressed his thanks for the

high compliment paid him . He regarded it as a very great honour to be asked t > undertake the installation , and he had done so with pleasure , not unmingled with sadness . Lodge was closed , and banquet was served at Freemasons' Tavern , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed . The W . M . first gave "The Queen and Craft" and " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " which were both heartily honoured .

Bro . A . J . Thomas , P . M ., Treas ., proposed "The Grand Officers , " and said that the success of Masonry was mainly due to those at the head of the Order . Bro . G . Everett , P . G . Treas ., in response , said that through the accident of Masonic rank rather than any Masonic fitness , the duty devolved upon him of replying . On an occasion of that kind he was sure it would be sufficient to assure the brethren how highly the Grand Officers appreciated the manner in which that toast was always given and received whenever Masons gathered together . There was a feeling of sadness that

evening , as the brother after whom the lodge was named was a great friend of his for a number of years . Bro . Jas . Stephens , P . D . G . D . C , quite sympathised with Bro , Everett—whom they were all delighted to see—in his feelings in regard to the late Bro . Eve . _ The Grand Oflicers were always ready to do everything they could to uphold the prestige , dignity , and prosperity of Freemasonry , and more , particul irly—if he might be excused for

saying so—did they discharge their duties in regard to the Masonic Charities . If any evidence of their interest in Charity was wanted , it was to be found in the fact that two of the Festivals would be presided over by the Pro G . M . and Deputy G . M . He felt that the interest of Freemasonry had been considerably advanced in the installation of the W . M ., lor he was held in the highest esteem by all . Under Bro . Manlield's regime they wished the lodge every prosperity , which was ensured by his presence in the chair .

Th * W . M , next submitted " The Masonic Charities " His remarks would be brief , ior they had a lengthy programme before them ; but he was glad to say that in that lodge Charity would not be lost sight of . As the brethien had appointed him Steward , he hope to have a list not unworthy of the G . Treasurer and their lodge . The lodge had also voted a sum of money to the Boys' School , and , taking into consideration the position that the lounder of the Iodge held for so many years in connection with that Institution , he trusted their lodge would never be without a Steward for the Ujys * School . He would not call uptn any brother to icply , but he believed Bro . G : rards had an Unnt-untcment to make .

Craft Masonry.

Bro . J . H . Gerards , D . of C , safd that every member was trying to do something to mark the unique event when the G . Secretary installed the G . Treasurer as W . M . He ( Bro . Gerards ) looked upon it from the point of view of Charity , and thought he would dust up that business place of theirs ( Messrs . Spiers and Pond ) and see what could be done . They had been very lax , and he had been trying to bring them up to the scratch . He had succeeded so far as to make an announcement that their firm had decided to subscribe regularly every year n guineas to each of the Masonic Charities .

This was to be done through the Richard Eve Lodge as long as they sent up Stewards . He was going up as Steward for the Benevolent Institution as well as the W . M ., and Bro . Van Duzer was Steward for the Boys . If they had a Steward for the Girls he should have pleasure in crediting that brother ' s list with 10 guineas . Bro . F . C . Van Duzer , acting I . P . M .,. in proposing "The W . M ., " said that as a young lodge they had shown great precociousness in securing the G . Treasurer as

W . M . He need not tell them of Bro . Manfield's goodness , Misonic ability , good fellowship , or his earnestness in Charitable and Masonic work . Kr . owing , as he did , the W . M . ' s goodness of heart , the work he was always doing for the Masonic Charities , and that he would show them how work should be done in the chair , he ( the I . P . M . ) could only say they had a great future before them in the lodge . Knowing the Grand Treasurer to be a good man and a good Mason , he gave them with all heartiness " The Health of the W . Master . "

Bro . Harry Manfield , G . Treas ., W . M ., said he was deeply sensible of the honour done him in drinking his health in such a cordial manner , and the greater honour bestowed upon him in electing and installing him W . Master . He could not forget the allusion made that evening to the cloud that , in a measure , hung over them in the loss ot the brother who gave his name to the lodge , and who was one of the most earnest of its founders . But , whilst they deplored his loss , his memary remained with them , and he ventured to think that the knowledge of the many services Bro . Eve rendered to

Masonry , his great zeal in all that was best in the cause , and his great breadth of catholicity of opinion , would , in the future , bind them together , and make them remember one to whom they owed so much . Speaking personally , he thought there was a great gap between his predecessor in the chair and himself ( the W . M . ) , but whatever might be wanting in his Mastership , he trusted they would allow him to say it would not be due in any way to effort , but want of ability . The standard of Masonic work in London and in that lodge was such that they who came from the provinces could

hardly hope to attain to , but , supported by such an able and zealous body of ollicers , he trusted to be successful , and not bring discredit upon the lodge . He had been favoured in his Masonic career in point of honours far more than he deserved , but he had always looked back upon the time when he was Master of his mother lodge as , perhaps , the honour he appreciated most . -There was a great satisfaction in having climbed step by step up the ladder of office and then placed in the chair , and whilst he could not profess to experience the same feelings in this lodge as

he felt previously , yet the old memories were revived , and he appreciated the honour of presiding over so distinguished a lodge as this . He could only repeat that he appreciated their kindness , and he hoped when the time came to hand down the warrant they would feel he had done nothing to forfeit the effection and esteem they had been kind enough to show him . The W . M . then proceeded to propose " The Installing Master . " Those who had had a fairly long career in Masonry knew , on occasions such as that evening , how much

depended upon the way in which the duties were performed by the Installing Master . All the members of the lodge appreciated the fact that the Grand Secretary was asked if he would undertake that important duty , for they knew full well that in his hands they would be safe . As he had said in the lodge , nothing could exceed the dignity with which the Grand Secretary rendered the interesting ceremony . He had had the pleasure in common with many of witnessing ceremonies in which the Grand Secretary had taken the principal part , and the more they saw of his working , and the impressive charges

which he delivered , the more they were convinced that they had the right man in the right place . Bro . E , Letchworth , Grand Secretary , in reply , said : W . Master and brethren , it is somewhat difficult to realise the fact that a year has passed since I had the great privilege of assisting in consecrating this lodge . On that occasion I ventured to predict that the lodge had a very successful career before it , and 1 also expressed a hope that the brother whom I had the great pleasure of installing in that chair might have before him a very happy and pleasurable year of office . My first prediction has been more

than fulfilled , because I believe this lodge has had a most prosperous year , but it pleased the Great Architect of the Universe to remove our brother . He was one who has left his mark in Masonry , one who was the stauncbest supporter of all the Masonic Charities , and who , 1 may say , was the life and soul of one of those Charities , in whose prosperity every member of the Craft cannot fail lo take the deepest interest . He has been removed from us , but I venture to think his memory will be cherished by by many , and by none more than the members of this Iodge which bears his name . I

can assure you I regarded it as a great compliment to be invited to undertake the installation ceremony this evening . I was assured it was the wish of many Past Masters in this lodge I should do so , and I undertook the duty with a very great deal of pleasure . It has afforded me peculiar pleasure to install into the chair this evening my esteemed colleague , the Grand Treasurer . 1 can only express my sincere thanks for the more than kind tern . s in which he referred to the small services it has been my privilege to render . 1 cannot forget 1 have the honour of being an honorary member of this lodge ,

and 1 can only say I hope he will have a most prosperous year of office , and that the prosperity of the lodge may be maintained and continue . With these few words allow me once more to thank you for the high compliment paid me in drinking my health . * ' The Visitors " was acknowledged by Bros . Corbie and Atkins , For "The Officers " Bro . McLeod , S . W ., responded . " The Treasurer and Secretary " followed . Bro . A . J . Thomas , P . M ., gave a satisfactory report of the finances of the lodge .

Bro . 1 . P . Fitzgerald , P . M ., Sec , in the course of his remarks , said they had had a successful year , having had eight meetings , initiated 14 , had 14 joining members , and welcomed no less than 84 visitors . _ As far as the Charities were concerned , they had given 25 'guineas to one and five guineas to the South African Fund . He was prepared to do his level best for the lodge , and if his efforts were not to their satisfaction they knew what to do ; but he should always remain a member of the Richard Eve Lodge . Bro . II . L . Cooke conducted the musical arrangements , which were highly

satisfactory . The artistes included Madame Ruth Lamb , Miss Ethel Bevans , and Bros . Vivian Bennetts , Franklin Clive , J . H . Barnes , Ambrose Thorne , E . F . James , and Carl Steiner . The brethren present included : Bros . George Everett , P . G . Treas . ; E . Letchworth , G . Sec . ; Rev . H . A . Hebb , P . G . D . ; Major J . E . Le Feuve , P . G . D . ; C . E , Keyser , P . G . D . , * Harry Bevir , A . G . D . of C . , * James Stephens , P . D . G . D . C j James

Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; A . C Spaull , P . G . S . B . j W . A . Scurrah , P . G . S . B . ; T . A . Bullock , P . G . S . B . ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; Harry Manfield , G . Treas . ; F . C . Van Duzer , I . P . M . ; I . M . McUod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B ., S . W . j A . G . Duck , J . W . ; Alfred J . Thomas , Treas . ; J . Percy Fitzgerald , Sec . ; C . W . West , S . D . ; W . Lawrence , J . D . ; E . P . Moore , I . G . j J . T . Murray , Org . j Al lerman F . Trehawke Davis , and others .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

AH Saints Chapter , No . 422 , INSTALLATION OF COMP . HANSON . This chapter was held in the Masonic Hall , Gainsboro' , on Wednesday , the 5 th instant . Present : Comps . B . T . Adlard , M . E . Z . j J . W . Hanson , H . j J . Constable , P . Z ., J . ; C Liversidge , P . Z ., P . S . ; Caldicott , S . li . ; Coulson , S . N . ; W . Baines ,

P . Z . ; Farmer , P . Z . j and Middleton , S . N . Bro . Passmore was exalted to the Sublime Digree of R . A . M . by Comp . Constable , P . P . G . S . N ., and Comp . E . C . Liversidge as P . S . Comp . Hanson was installed by Comp . Adlard to the chair ot M . E . Z ,, and Comp . Middleton to the chair of J . by Comp . Constable j the last-named was placed in the chair of H ., no installation b ; in <; necessary , this being the third time he has held that o . li : e . A banquet was afterwards held at the White Hut Hotel , prepared by Host Coup-Milman .