Craft Masonry.

acceptance , and would couple with it the names of Bros . J . C . Malcolm , P . G . D ., and VV . H . Brittain , P . G . S . B . Bro . J . C . Malcolm pointed out that , though not an officer , the W . M . was himself a member of Grand Lodge , and that he hoped he should some day meet him there . The loyalty of the brethren to their M . W . G . M . was extreme and very gratifying to behold ; that he had the honour of being present on the last meeting of Grand Lodge , and he believed he was the only West Yorkshire representative on that occasion . There was , as they knew , to be a great gathering in the Albert Hall on Monday next , and he trusted he should see West Yorkshire brethren muster there in great numbers . He thanked them for so hearty a reception of the toast and for coupling his name with it .

Bro . W . H . Brittain also replied . He explained that , owing to his duties as Alderman of the city of Sheffield , he had been unable to attend Grand Lodge at the meeting referred to . It coincided with the first meeting of the Council in the new Town Hall , and he thought his duty lay in responding to the summons of his Grace of Norfolk , their worthy and most popular Mayor . Referring to the departure of Bro . Hutchinson , Bro . Brittain spoke in strong terms of his character and ability , and said that there was no heart amongst them that night which did not beat in unison with his own in wishing their good brother God-speed in the country to which he was shortly going . He

thanked them for giving him the opportunity of saying those few words . No . 3 on the list comprised " Bro . W . L . Jackson , M . P ., R . W . P . G . M . ; Bro . J . C . Malcolm , W . D . P . G . M ., and the Officers of Prov . G . Lodge , Present and Past , " and in bringing that before the brethren the W . M . said he felt on safer ground . In Sheffield Bro . Jackson ' s name was familiar as a household word , and he was highly and deservedly esteemed by all his brethren . As to the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , they were delighted to see them ; he believed their work was well done , and that they were fully entitled to respect .

Bro . Ensor Drury , P . M . 296 , P . P . G . W ., in the course of a brief and most courteous reply , spoke of his long connection with Freemasonry in West Yorkshire and his association with the Provincial Grand Lodge of that province . He contrasted the condition of the Order in his early days with what it was now , and concluded a very interesting speech by thanking the W . M . and the brethren for their most cordial reception of the toast , to which he had been honoured by being called upon to respond . After the Tyler ' s toast , given by Bro . T . Leighton , an instrumental trio—the march from "Tannhauser" was charmingly rendered by Bro . C . Stokes ( violin ) , Bro . Miner

(' cello ) , and Bro . Maidment , Organist of Rotherham Parish Church ( piano ) . This was as well received as it was deservedly executed . " The Health of the Worshipful Master " was proposed by Bro . Geo . H . Hutchinson , who said that judging by the efforts made so far " by Bro . Ford , he would venture to predict that he would make a most successful Worshipful Master ; that the conduct of affairs under his guidance would stand comparison , he believed , with that of any of his predecessors ; that their W . M . was a man of will and determination , and that

without fear and without favour he would do what he recognised as the best for the interests of the lodge , and do it with all his heart , and that he ( Bro . Hutchinson ) could not express to his successor a kinder wish than that the happiness he would have in the coming year might equal that which he himself had experienced during his tenure of office . A song , "Down in the deep , " sung by Bro . T . Barker , P . M . 1239 , was here interposed . Bro . Barker was in excellent voice , and his singing was thoroughly appreciated .

The Worshipful Master , on rising to reply , met with a most hearty reception . On that as on the previous occasions when he had addressed the brethren , he went straight at the point with a brevity , which because of its little exercise can be the more fully appreciated . He said : Bro . Hutchinson and Brethren , —I rise to respond to this toast , which has been so kindly proposed and so well received with , I must admit , mixed feelings . I do not hesitate to declare that 1 am proud of the position in which by your kindness I to-day find myself placed ; no man with any Masonic feeling could be otherwise than gratified . Our lodge is young , but it contains within it able and devoted

brethren ; it possesses , in fact , all the elements of success . I recognise that my position involves serious responsibilities as well as pleasurable duties , and I shall do my utmost to fulfil the one and discharge the other . I shall hope to have from you the consideration which you have so cheerfully given to others before me , and I promise that you shall at my hands receive all possible courtesy and kindness . I thank you for your warm reception of the toast , and I promise to the best of my ability to meet all demands which my office may entail . Bro . Claude Barker , S . W ., following the Worshipful Master ' s example in the

matter of brevity , submitted No . 6 , ' The Installing Officers , " and specially referred to Bro . Stokes and his long standing connection with the Crait . He thought the brethren should give ungrudgingly all praise to their Installing Masters , and asked them to drink to their health with Ihe heartiness the toast deserved . The Worshipful Master here left his chair to take part in the performance of Beethoven's Quaitett , No . 2 . Instrumental music of this classical kind is thoroughly appreciated in Sheffield , and the efforts of Bros . Stokes , Ford , Miner , and Maidment , were deservedly applauded .

Bro . Charles Stokes , in a few genial words , thanked the S . W . and brethren in the name of Bro . Hutchinson and himself for drinking their healths . Like other Past Masters he should always be ready to do what he could in the interest of Furnival Lodge . He would now , he said , turn to a more important matter . As they all knew their good Bro . Hutchinson was departing from amongst them and the pleasing duty—a dutylargely mingled with regret—of presenting to him some little memento of the Furnival Ledge devolved upon him . In Bro . Hutchinson they would lose one of their greatest supporters and his departure was a calamity to the lodge . In its formation Bro . Hutchinson , next to himself , took the most active part and as the first occupant of the

S . W . ' s chair , he discharged the duties of that office in the best manner possible . H 1 was present on all occasions and if he found it necessary , could in the most friendly spirit and with the best intention administer gentle rebuke if needed . As Worshipfi . l Master he had continued in the same upright and steadfast path . He was quiet and unassuming in his ways , yet could give a graceful welcom : to visitors , or tender wholesome and kindly advice to his brethren . When it was known that it was decided that he should go out to Vancouver , it was felt by all of them that something should be done , and that he must not be allowed to go away from th ; m without carrying with him somi memento from the Furnival Lodge . With that view he had much p leasure in presenting to Bro . Hutchinson an illuminated address and an album of portraits .

The address was a work of art and was enclosed in a handsome gilt fram ; . The album beautifully bound in Masonic blue Morocco , contained cabinet portraits of the officers and brethren of Fuinival Lodge , each signed in autograph , and a very faithful likeness of the Prov . G . Master , Bro . W . L . J ackson , M . P . Bro . Stokes continuing , said he hoped that the album would remind Bro .

Hutchinson of happy hours spent in congenial company . It was no small mitter to break up home and association , but he felt sure the brethren of Vancouver would givs him a warm welcome . Bro . Stokes concluded by expressing the fervent hope thit the G . A . O . T . U . would :, lso protect their departing brother , and assured him thit in the event of his leturn he would receive the heartiest passible welcome from the Furnival Lodge .

after Bro . Davidson ' s song of "The Dutchman , " and a few kind ! y remarks from Bro . Brittain in support of the words of Bro . Charles Stokes , Bro . G . H . Hutchinson said : Worshipful Master and Brethren : Adequately to respond to the good wishes and kindly words of Bro . Stokes in miking this presentation is without qualification one of the most difficult tasks it has ever fallen to my lot to fulfil . The sentiments of Bro . Stokes and Bro . Brittain could not bj excelled for courtssy and good feeling and I find it utterly out of my power suitably to reply . Associated with others I did my best when the formation of this lodge was contemplated , but for that I

take no credit . It is gratifying to feel that my Masonic efforts have been generously appreciated in Sheffield . It is painful for me to disappear from amongst you and especially at a time when your new W . M . might reasonably look for my assistance , but there is compensation in the fact that 1 feel my absence will be regretted . I leave Sheffield , I trust under the guidance of the G . A . O . T . U . for when it first occurred to me , I , as it were , placed my hand in His and said where He directs there will I go . To follow a path so marked out must be right , and I do it with courage and confidence . It is not in the pursuit of worldly advantage altogether

that I am taking this step , for I have lived long enough to realise that there are other things worth living for besides money . Health , the power of being serviceable to my fellow-men , amongst other matters , maybe mentioned . If I have bread to eat and raiment to wear , I shall be content . Of this you may all be assured—that , success or no success , I will do nothing which will reflect on the Order to which we belong . Though absent , 1 shall still be in spirit amongst you , for it takes more than a sea to divide friends , and Masonic feeling can span a universe , not to name a mere ocean . It is my intention to keep up my Masonic connection with the Old Country , and , besides

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corresponding with my Sheffield friends , I hope , through Bro . Matthewman , lo keep in touch with Masonic enterprise in England . If good words and kind wishes could make a man happy , I should at this moment be that man . Some men get their deserts , others more . I am one of these last , and , in respect to the gifts you have endowed me with to-night , let me say how very grateful lam . I feel that I would rather all my other belongings should go to the bottom of the sea than that I should be compelled to lose these , to me , valuable treasures . Lost , they could not be replaced , hence my greater appreciation . Let me say , in conclusion , that I shall constantly communicate with you , and you may rest satisfied that I shall never discredit the lodge in which I have filled the chair , nor the Freemasonry to which we are all attached .

Bro . Hutchinson was listened to with great sympathy and attention , and it was evident that , whilst the brethren would feel his loss deeply , yet were they desirous to keep him in cheerful mood and speed his mission in the heartiest possible way . Other toasts followed . To that of "The Sister Lodges and Visiting Brethren . " proposed very neatly by Bro . W . Fearnehough , J . W ., Bros . Dr . John Stokes , W . M . 139 , T . Rowbotham , W . M . 1239 , and others responded .

We regret that the lengthy character oE our report compels us to omit these replies , and especially a most interesting speech given by Bro . Capt . C . VV , Allen , of the Crete Lodge , Illinois , U . S . A . Bro . Allen's remarks were eagerly listened to , and much applauded . Bro . Isaac Ellis , P . M ., proposed " The Masonic Charities . " Bro . C . Stokes , P . M ., replied . "The Officers of the Furnival Lodge , " submitted by the W . M ., was the last on the list , and was well received .

This concluded a very delightful evening . Furnival Lodge , it is evident , is under excellent guidance . It has added six new members during the year , its financial condition is perfectly sound , and it has been by no means backward in responding to the appeals and example of its Charity Steward . May continued success await it , and may the new tie between the Mother Country and her loyal Colony which the settlement of Bro . Hutchinson in British Columbia will create be only one amongst thousands of associations which shall . tend to bind together the English-speaking race , and unite them in a bond of mutual help , mutual defence , and mutual affection !

Complimentary Banquet To Bro. Septimus Croft, I.P.M. No. 1657, And Mrs. Croft.

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET TO BRO . SEPTIMUS CROFT , I . P . M . No . 1657 , AND MRS . CROFT .

A custom has prevailed for many years past among the brethren of the Aldersgate Lodge , No . 1657 , to entertain the outgoing Master at a special banquet , at which he is the honoured guest of those over whom it had been his good fortune to preside as Master during the preceding year , and this most laudable custom was religiously observed on Thursday , the 10 th instant , when Bro . Septimus Croft , I . P . M ., and Mrs . Croft were the guests of the lodge . The scene of the gathering was the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , where the lodge has always held its meetings , and in honour of the occasion there was a very full muster of the officers and members and their lady and other friends .

Bro . Thomas Briggs occupied the chair , and among those present , in addition to the guests of the evening , were Bro . George Briggs and Mrs . George Briggs , Mr . D . T . Nops and Mrs . Nops , Bro . William Salt and Mrs . Salt , Bro . Frederick A . Jewson and Mrs . Jewson , Bro . Edward Anderton , Bro . Arthur B . Hudson , Mrs . S . E . Turney , Bro . Rupert Smyth and Mrs . Smyth , Mr . Edward Smyth , Mr . T . W . Briggs and Mrs . Briggs , Bro . T . H . Brooke Hitching and Mrs . Brooke Hitching , Rev . T . Selby Henrey , Mr , Henry Mason and Mrs . Mason , Bro . George Kenning , Mr . Samuel Carter and Mrs . Carter , Mr . Arthur Smith , Bro . Matthew

R . Webb and Mrs . Webb , Bro . J . Gordon Langton and Mrs . Langton , Bro . Richardson and Mrs . Richardson , Bro . Bennett and Mrs . Bennett , Mrs . Cuddeford , Bro . C . R . Leedham and Mrs . Leedham , Bro . James Shorter and Mrs . Shotter , Mrs . Batchelor , Bro . Samuel White and Mrs . White , Bro . Joseph Rock and Mrs . Rock , Mr . Henry Heath , Bro . George Rawlinson , Mrs . Rawlinson , and Miss Rawlinson , Mr . Allred Paget and Mrs . Paget , Mr . Ralph Langton and Mrs . Langton , Bro . Clarence R . R . Hopper , Mr . Peter Paget and Mrs . Paget , Mr . J . E . Matthew and Mrs . Matthew , and others to the number of 65 .

After a dinner in every way worthy of the reputation of this old-established and well-known hostelry , the CHAIRMAN proposed the usual loyal toasts , which were duly honoured . He then addreesed himself to the toast of the evening , "The Health of Bro . Septimus Croft , I . P . M ., and Mrs . Croft , " of the former of whose services to the lodge he spoke in justly eulogistic terms , expressing the hope that he and Mrs . Croft might long be spared to enjoy the esteem and respect of their numerous friends , both in and without the Craft .

Bro . CROFT , having fully acknowledged the honour paid to him and Mrs . Croft , gave "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . Briggs , " and this likewise having been acknowledged , Bro . THOMAS BRIGOS gave the toast of " The Visitors , " which was suitably acknowledged . A very charming programme of music was given under the direction of Bro . Frederick A . Jewson , the artistes who took part in it being Miss Jessie Hotine , Miss Edith Leslie , Bro . Trefelyn David , Bro . Robert Hilton , Madame Dunbar Perkins ( Violin ) , Bro . Leonard H . Curtis ( Piano ) . The meeting passed off most pleasantly , and adds one more to the long list of successful gatherings held by this prosperous and energetic lodge .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

DOWN TO THURSDAY night the Lord Mayor s Indian Famine Fund amounted to £ S 37 . Soo . H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES ' Persimmon won the gold cup at Ascot on Thursday . BRO . COLONEL T . DAVIES SEWRLI . has been appointed the rector ' s churchwarden of the parish of St . John the Evangelist , Westminster .

H . R . H . THE PRINCESS OF WALES ' J UIIILBE DINNER FUND . —The Committee of this fund for the Parish of St . Saviours , Southwark , have entrusted the catering for the poor of that district on the 24 'h inst . to Messrs . Spijrsand Pond , Limited . The dinner will be provided in the school buildings belonging to the Vestry , or ii the large space near the Borough Market . DR . HORNSEY CASSON has presented a copy of his Masonic song " Victoria , " to her Majesty , and his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , and has receivid the

following acknowledgments : "The Private Secretary is commanded by the Queen to thank Dr . Hornsey Casson for his letter of the 22 nd inst ., and enclosed verses . —2 Gth May , 18 97 , Buckingham Palace . "— " Marlborough IIOUSJ , Pall Mill , S . W ., 2 j ' . h May , 1897 , Sir , —I have submitted your letter to the Prince of Wales , an 1 am desirid by his Royal Highness in reply to thank you for the copy of a Masonic song which you have trans mitted for his acceptance . —Your obedient servant ( signed ) Francis ICnollys . "

THE Q UEEN ' S DIAMOND J UBILEE has undoubtedly given an impetus to many trades and manufactures , and at the present time we hear little about slack times . Her Majesty is taking very great interest in all details connected with the Jubilee , and has been graciously pleased to approve of a likeness taken by M : ssrs . W . and 1 ) , Downey , which shall be known as the authorised Jubilee portrait of her Majesty . Tnis likeness

has been specially engraved by the well-known photo-engravers , the Meisenbach Company , Limited , West Norwood , who have donz the work well and in their usual artistic manner . The engraving is full of gradations of light and shale from the highest lights to the lull colour in the darkest shadows , and is a notable example of the high quality maintained by the pioneers of photo-engraving .