Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The monthly meeting of the Committee of the above Institution was held on Wednesday , at Freemasons' Hall , when there were present : Bros . John Newton ( in the chair ) , John Hattersley , Alexander Mullord , S . V . Abraham , W . H . Hubbert , Col . A . Durrant , A . R . Frew , Fred . Mead , W . Baddeley , Charles Lacey , A H Hickman , F . G . Newton , Charles J . R . Tijou , Hugh Cotter , T . W . Whitmarsh , John L . Anderson , C . H . Webb , F . E . Bird , Robert D . Cummings , and lames TerrySecretary .

, The death of four widows ( annuitants ) and of one male accepted candidate was reported . Bro . Terry likewise informed the Committee that the health of all the residents in the Institution at Croydon was good , nr twithstanding the late severe weather and that the age of some of the annuitants was over 90 years , several over So , and others between 65 and 80 .

Prov. Grand Chapter Of Cambridgeshire.

PROV . GRAND CHAPTER OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE .

A meeting of the above Prov . Grand Chapter was held at the Masonic Hnll , Corn ExcSange-street , Cambridge , on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., under the presidency of Comp . Col . R . Townley Caldwell , Grand Superintendent . After the Auditors' report had been read , the following officers were appointed :

Comp . O . Papworth , 88 ... ... ... Prov . G . H . „ W . G . Bell , 859 ... ... ... Prov . G . T . „ W . H . Jarrold , 88 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ F . Dewberry , 441 ••¦ ¦•¦ Prov . G . S . N . „ A . E . Chaplin , 88 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ J . R . Clark , 809 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ G . F . Rogers , S 59 ... ... ... Prov . G . P . Soj . „ J . Royston 441 ... ... ... Prov . ist A . G . Soj . „ C H . Banham , 88 ... ... ... Prov . 2 nd A . G . S . „ Percy Simpson , 859 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ J . R . Bambridge , 809 ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ F . W . Ports , 441 •¦¦ Prov . G . D . C . „ Dr . Aldrich , 2107 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . ,, C . H . Ellis , 88 ... ... ... Prov . G . Janitor . At the close of the chapter the companions adjourned to the Lion Hotel for banquet .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

METROPOLITAN MEETING . Faith Lodge ( No . 141 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 25 th ult . A .-nong those ] present were Bros . White , W . M . ; Godfrey . S . VV . ; Swan , J . W .: W . J . Hakim . P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; Moss , J . D . ; Isaacs , I . G . ; Trott , I . P . M . ; Rumball , P . M . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., G . Std . Br . ; Fromholtz , P . M . ; Hudson , P . M . ; C . Wetzlar , P . M . ; and ) . C . Taylor , P . M .

The lodge was opened and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . Bros . Page and Hudson were impressively raised to the Third Degree by the W . M . Some minor business having been transacted , the lodge was closed . A banquet followed . " The Hrallh of the VV . M . " was given in eulogistic terms by the I . P . M . Bro . C . Wetz ' ar responded in well-chosen words for "The Past Masters . " In givirg " The Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . alluded to the circumstance that on the last occasion the first-named officer had been enjoying a brief holiday abroad .

Bro . Hakim was a most energetic Treasurer , and thoroughly well up in the Masonic rituals . The finances of the lodge could not be in better hands . Bro . W . Stuart , their venerable and respected Secretary , was also most obliging and ready to assist at all times in the work ot the lodge . In conclusion , the W . M . trusted that both officers might be spared many years to conduct the financial and secretarial work of the Lodge of Faith . " The Health of the Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . Godfrey and Swan terminated the proceedings , which were enlivened by the vocal selections of several of the brethren .

Lion and Lamb Lodge ( No . 192 ) .--The installation meeting of the above lodge was held at Cannon-street Hotel on Thursday , the 7 th inst . Owing to the unavoidable absence of Bro . ] ames Smith , W . M ., through illness , the chair was occupied by Bro . F . Hughes , P . M ., and there were also present Bros . T . VV . Fisher , S . VV . ; R . Sarson . J . W . ; H . Legge , Sec . ; A . J . Holmes , S . D . ; C . Garton , J . D . ; J . M . Mower , D . C ; William Baker , I . G . ; C . Couchman , Tyler ; Abbott , P . M . ; Marsh

P . M . ; Perkins , P . M . ; Lucas , P . M . ; Goodes , P . M .: Stokes , Johnson , Rocher , Robeson , Virgo , Simmonds , Stone , F . R . Kenning , Clarke , Welch , Peach , Rippen , and Dirt . Visitors : Bros . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; Brooks , 51 ; Purser , 87 Keane , 65 ; Harlow , W . M . 65 ; Lawley , VV . M . 2348 ; Gilson , W . M . 507 ; Medwin , P . M . 1613 ; Meadows , 1571 ; Doughty , 12 S 7 ; Bond , 1314 ; Forbes , 170 S ; Simmons , 871 ; Stone , 507 : and Faulconbridge , 1362 .

After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , the Secrelary read the report of the Audit Committee , which was unanimously adopted . After raising Uro . Virgo to the Degree of M . M ., the W . M . then proceeded to initiate two rew candidates , Messrs . Peach and Rippen . The VV . M . elect , Bro . T . W . Fisher , was Iht-n jresrnted and installed into the chair in a most impressive manner by Bro . James leiry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R M . B . I ., the addresses being given most effectively by Bro . F . Hughes , P . M . The following brethren were then appointed as ofiicers by the W . M .: Bros . R . Sarson , S . W . ; A . ) . Holmes , J . VV . ; Rev . T . Selby Henrey , Chap . ; Thos .

Cohu , Trras . ; Henry Legge , Sec ; C . Garton , S . D . ; William Baker , J . D . j J . W . Clarlie , I . G . ; and F . Hughes , D . C . Bro . C . Couchman was unanimously re-elected Tjler . On the motion of Bro . H . Legge , P . M ., a Past Master's jewel of the value ot 10 guineas was voted to Bro . James Smith on his retiring from the chair . It was also resolved , on the proposition of Bro . F . Hughes , P . M ., "That a donation of 10 guineas be made to the Koyal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and that the amount be placed on the list of Bro . James Smith , P . M ., who represented the lodge as Steward at the annual festival in aid of that Charity . "

A new candidate was proposed for initiation at the next meeting , after which the ledee was closed . It was to be regretted that in addition to Bro . Smith a number of brethren were absent owing to illness from the prevailing epidemic of influenza , amongst others our cxcellf nt Treasurer , Bro . T . Cohu , P . M . Alier ample justice had been done to the banquet set before the brethren , the Worshipful Master gave the loyal and Masonic toasts in very suitable terms .

I he toast of " Ihe Masonic Institutions" was responded to by Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B , Sic . R . M . B . I ., in a most eloquent and effective speech . During the evening the speeches were varied by a capital programme of music rrndercd hy Miss Adelaide Broodbank , Miss Cole , Bro . VV . T . Spencer , and Bro . R . J Harris , thc whole given under the direction of Bro . Tom Burgess , who obtained much applause by his humorous songs , which formed part of the programme .

Burgoyne Lodge ( No . 902 ) . —This prosperous lodge met at Anderton's Hotel , Hett-street , on Monday , the 25 th ult ., when there were present : Bros . S . Rashleigh , W . M . ; C . Cowland , S . W . ; W . R . Larter , I P . M . ; G . Gabb , P . M ., Treas . ; S . J . Bing , P . M ., Sec . ; E . S . White , D . C . ; C . Butcher , S . D . : W . Bean , I . G . ; J . J . Fifield , Stwd . ; VV . Wilkins , P . M . ; A . Andovie , I . T . Ccroft , F .

Craft Masonry.

Tolhurst , G . Brown , T . W . Bishop , H . Haycraft , J . Dickeson , C . E . Ponsford , C Horton , H . A . Dupree , F . Bryant , L . Anson , F . Butcher , J . VV . Lewry , A . Wird , J . D , Boughey , T . Burrell , L . Richnnnd , A . Whitehouse , A . Holbroak , R . H . Machbank , W Merrett , T . Abrahams , and J . Gilbert , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . H . Baldwin , P . P . G . Std , Br . Middx . ; F . R . VV . Hedges , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . G . ; W . H . Pocklington , P . M . and D . Saines and R . T . West , 1744 .

The minutes of the last meeting having been read , the W . M . passed Bros . Holbrook , Tolhurst , and Haycraft , and afterwards initiited Messrs . A . Whitehouse and R . H . Marchbank . The excellent working of the VV . M . was much appreciated . The sum of 10 guineas having been voted to be placed on the W . M . ' s list as Steward for the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and the lodge was closed . A superb banquet followed , which was supplied by Bro . A . Clemow in his well-known style . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured .

In a lengthy , but earnest , speech , the W . M . gave "The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " coupled with the name of Bro . F . R . Hedges , who had honoured the lodge with his presence , and who , he hoped , would also speak concerning the Charities . ln response , Bro . Hedges , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . G ., stated that he appreciated the kind manner the toast had been received , but it was always so . He was glad that the W . M . had given him that earlv opportunity to report as to the Charities , and that their

VV . M . had consented to go up as Steward for the Girls' , and he was grateful for the amount the lodge had voted that night . He spoke at length as to the great good that Institution had done , and was doing , and , in eloquent terms , he urged the members to give liberally , as funds were greatly needed . Their VV . M . was very popular , and , he had no doubt that the members would send him up with a list large in amount , as it was a cause , he thought , which should have all their sympathy .

Bro . W . R . Larter , LP . M ., proposed " The Health of the W . M . " He said that he was so well known , that it was not necessary to record his virtues , but that each time he took the chair he shone the more . He was a first-rate Master , a very good fellow , an Englishman to the backbone , and one of the best of friends . The toast was drunk with acclamation , and Bro . Rashleigh , W . M ., on rising to respond , had a hearty greeting . He said that his sincere thanks were due to them for their great kindness and support , and he hoped

it would always be so , and he should then feel that he was doing his best . He was glad ot the 10 guineas voted to his list as Steward for the Girls , and he hoped the members would give liberally to that most deserving Charity , reminding them that the more they subscribed the more votes would they have . In pathetic terms , he gave an illustration of what the Charities did , and mentioned several cases under his observation where the Institutions had come to the rescue , and in conclusion , he asserted that he would augment his list and so help the poor orpbans .

The Worshipful Master gave "The Initiates , " remarking that it was the toastof the evening . He hoped they would take to heart what they had heard that night and become good and respected members of the Craft . Bro . Whitehouse , in reply , said that he was not a speechmaker , but he was pleased he had been made a member , and he hoped to do nothing that would bring disgrace to the Craft .

Bro . Marchbank stated that it had been his ambition for the last 10 years to be made a Mason , and now he was very proud that he was one . He had no idea what he would have to undergo , but he was so impressed with the ceremony that he was anxious to go through the other Degrees . The VVorshipful Master submitted the toast of "The Visitors . " Their guests that evening were few , but the influenza demon was the cause of many absentees . It was needless for him to say that they were heartily welcome , and he hoped to see them again . Bro . R . Hedges said he did not think he would have been called upon to respond to the toast , but he was pleased with their kind treatment , the working of the VV . M . was

good , as also was their hospitality . Bro . Baldwin also responded , bearing testimony to the excellent working of the W . M ., who could do everything asked of him . He also appeared to be a good beggar , for the energy he had displayed in leaving his chair to go round the bangueting table for the purpose of getting money for his list showed that he was one of the right sort , and he hoped his efforts would be rewarded by having a large sum to take up with him as he fully deserved it . Bro . Pocklington , P . M ., having replied ,

Bro . Saines said that it was his second visit , and he had come to the conclusion that the members were a lot of good fellows . He admired the earnestness and energy shown by the W . M . in getting subscriptions for the Girls . Bro . Williams also responded . The W . M . proposed "The I . P . M ., Bio . Latter , Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " They were all good , and it would be impossible to do without their Past Masters , the Treasurer and Secretary were efficient , but it was not necessary to further dilate upon their erood qualities , as they were so well known , and he coupled the name of

Bro . Wilkins , P . M ., who in a neat speech responded for the whole . The VV . M . gave " The Masonic Press , " and he joined the name of Bro . R . T . West with the toast , who responded . In giving the toast of * ' The Officers , " the W . M . observed that they were second to none , and were all working hard to go forward , and in making special reference to Bro . Cowland , S . VV ., he said that he would be one of the best Masters the Burgoyne Lodge had ever had . Bro . C . Cowland , S . W ., responded in a very eloquent speech .

Bros . Bean , acting J . W ., and G . J . Brown , also replied , and the Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a very happy and pleasant e vening . The vocal entertainment was carried out by Bros . Gabb , P . M . ; White , P . M . ; G . J . Brown , Pocklington , P . M . ; and Williams .

' Ebury Lodge ( No . 1348 ) . —A most successful and numerously attended meeting of this lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 26 th ult . During the past few years the lodge has made rapid strides , and its present state of excellence , and sound financial position is in no small measure due to the exertions of the indefatigable Secretary , Bro . H . Fincham , P . M ., assisted by Bro . W . C . Wigley , P . M ., Treas . The newly-installed W . M ., Bro . Fred . Stephens , is well known throughout the Metropolis and elsewhere for his inimitable rendering of humorous songs , and in his new capacity

he gave an excellent augury for the future by the exemplary manner in which he invested his ofiicers , and carried out the other duties of his onerous position . Bro . Mark Bristow , VV . M ., opened the lodge , and was supported by Bros . Fred . VV . Stephens , S . W . ; JT . Davies , J . W . j VV . C Wigley , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Fincham , P . M ., Sec . ; T . Neal , S . D . ; H . Morris , J . D . ; Alt . Atkin , I . G . ; Mark Attwood , Org . ; W . Fowles , P . M . ; J . Osmond , P . M . j W . D . Schwartz , P . M . ; and others . The visitors , who numbered over 60 , included Bros . F . Crokin , S . D . 1 S 72 ; H . Roberts , W . M . 765 ; H . H .

Langston , J . W . 1097 ; T . W . Browning ; E . VV . Ellis , P . M . 1314 ; VV . Williams . P . M . 1539 ; J . H . Milton , J . VV . 2511 ; J . Prior , I . P . M . 765 ; R . C . Davis , P . M * 2366 ; P . Leach , Stwd . 1571 , * F . C . Bradley , J . D . 15 ; G . C . Paine , Stwd . 1507 ; J * H . Pearson , P . M . 1567 ; J . VV . Belsham , W . M . 1 G 14 ; H . Catteran , P . M . 1839 ; J * T . Wagstaff , S . D . 569 ; N . Salmon , P . M . 177 ; A . VVood , | . W . 1185 ; H . Salter . 861 ; J . J . White , P . M . 1963 ; W . Hodgson , I . P . M . 1613 ; G . P . Pointer , P . M * 1613 ; li . H . Bletchford , P . M . 1196 ; S . Blomfield , P . M . 185 ; W . jVV . Lee , W . M . iS ° 7 i and others .

The minutes were confirmed , and a highly satisfactory audit report adopted . Bros . J . Jacobs , P . M . 1614 , and J . E . McLaren , P . M . 1805 , were unanimously elected joininfi members , after which Mr . H . S . Lawrence wis duly initiated into Freemasonry . Bro . "' C . Wigley , P . M ., Treas ., then assumed the chair , and installed Bro . Fred . W . Step hen 5 as VV . M . in the presence of over 30 Installed Masters . The following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . Mark Bristow , I . P . M . ; J . T . Davies , S . W . ; ' Neal , J . W . ; W . C . Wigley , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Fincham , P . M ., Sec ; H . Morris , b . V , <

A . Atkin , J . D . ; Mark A . Attwood , Org . ; C . Botterill , I . C ; R . Pension , D . of < - •• J ' Holland and G . Bradley , Stewards ; and R . F . Potter , P . M ., Tyler . Ten guineas " *•« voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and five guineas each tothe R 0 / 3 Masonic Institution for Boys and Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , thus comple " ° the endowment of the thrce principal chairs as Life Governors of the three Masonic stitutiuns . Propositions were received , and lodge was closed . ,. JklkUllUIM . 1 IU | IVJIUUIIJ IfVIl' lbl , LllVU | UIIU IVJUfc , * - 111 * J I . IUJVU . t ,

, After an excellent banquet in the Victoria Hall , the customary toasts were g iver * the VV . M ., whose humorous remarks were much appreciated , , Bro . Mark Bristow , I . P . M ., proposed " 1 'lie Health uf the VV . M ., " and regrette *" had not fallen into m ) re able hands . Bro . Stephens was so well known to al ! P ' efel g and the VV . M . having expressed a wish for short speeches owing to the length oi j musical programme , it would be unnecessary for him to do more than simply * * brethren to heartily drink the toast .