Craft Masonry.

Willesden Lodge , No . 2489 . A very successful gathering was held in connection with this lodge at the Trocadero Restaurant , on Monday , the 16 th inst . During the short existence of the lodge it has been fortunate in being governed by an excellent set of successive Masters and the last year has been no exception to that rule . Bro . Stanley Machin , who has now handed over the reins of office to Bro . Greig , proved an excellent Master in all respects , and his quiet and impressive rendering of the installation ceremony at the meeting under notice left nothing to be desired , and fittingly terminated a successful term of office . Bro . W . Grant Greig , the newly-installed W . M ., has filled various offices in the lodge ,

including that of Secretary , and is a popular and capable brother . The members present included Bros . Stanley Machin , W . M . ; W . Grant Greig , W . M . elect ; Frank W . Marrian , J . W . ; F . W . Chant Hobrow , Treas . ; Chas . J . Marrian , P . M . ; Sir Reginald Hanson , Bart ., M . P .. P . G . W . ; Sir John Monckton , P . G . W . ; Walter Wellsman , P . M ., D . C . ; Claude Robson , P . M . ; R . E . H . Fisher , Prov . G . Stwd . ; W . P . Webster , G . Reynolds Wood , C . Stanley Gibbs , James W . Greig , and many others . Visitors : Bros . B . S . Biram , S 5 S ; H . D . Grazebrook , P . M ., Treas . 1601 ; H . B . Nichols , W . M . 1180 ; F . Neild , F . Lang , S . W . 1261 ; A . C . Fisher , Sec . 254 S ; I . Pollard , 209 S ; J . Warrens , 244 S ; W . J . Kurnaby , P . M . 1420 ; C . D . Hoblyn , P . G . S . B . ; L . Stuart , W . M . 209 S ; and others .

After the opening of the lodge and the confirmation of the minutes , Bro . Wm . Grant Greig was presented as W . M . elect , and received the benefits of installation at the hands of Bro . Stanley Machin , who was invested as I . P . M . The following officers were invested with officers' collars : Bros . Frank W . Marrian , S . W . ; John fames Hanbury , J . W . ; Fredk . Wm . Chant Hobrow , Treas . ; Charles J . Marrian , P . M ., Sec . ; Richard E . H . Fisher , S . D . ; Walter Fairfoot Webster , J . D . ; Walter Wellsman , P . M . S 58 and 15 S 9 , D . C . ; George Reynolds Wood , Org . ; C . Stanley Gibbs , I . G . ; James W . Greig and H . Aylward Seagrove , Stwds . ; ani-I . Whiteway , Tyler . The addresses were delivered by the Installing Master and the lodge was closed .

The _ brethren then adjoured to a recherche repast , which was followed by a cordial recognition of the usual toasts . Bro . Sir _ John Monckton , P . G . W ., in response to the toast of " The Grand Officers , " said that if oratory was " catching" like the measles he might say something they would care to hear . He was privileged to be present earlier in the day at the Guildhall at one of the greatest meetings he had ever attended in his long fife , where their distinguished brother and Past Master , Sir Reginald Hanson , took a leading part . He was never before so struck with the beauty , force , and simplicity of the

English language . Luckily for them he was not a born orator , although he was obliged to respond frequently on behalf of the Grand Officers . Those Grand Officers who were present congratulated the lodge on its creditable progress . Bro . Stanley Machin , I . P . M ., proposed "The W . M . " He said he did not claim to be one of those P . Ms , who had been classed as blessed with the power of eloquence , but if there was one toast to which that gift might be applied it was that of " The Health of the W . M . " In the course of the installation ceremony they were told that the W . M . ought to be exemplary in conduct , courteous in manner , easy of address ,

steady and firm in principle . He asked them if it were possible to find a brother who more thoroughly fulfilled all these qualifications than the occupant of the chair . Bro . Greig had been closely associated with the lodge in various offices , and had shown that earnestness , assurance , and ! ability which stamped him as a sterling man and Mason . In the name of the lodge he congratulated Bro . Greig most heartily in occupying the high position at which he had arrived . The toast was warmly received with musical honours , and , in reply , Bro . W . Grant Greig , W . M ., expressed his sincere thanks . Anything he could do lo further the progress of Masonry or of that lodge would be done to the best of his

ability . When he was initiated eight years ago by Bro . Robson , he was desirous of going through all the offices , and of reaching the chair . It was a position every Mason should strive for . It was the consummation of all he had learned . It might be news to some of them that there were only two societies in the kinjdom which were legally entitled to take the oath of secrecy . The one was Freemasonry and the other the Society ot Friends . Both were societies of friends . The Legislature had said they might take the oath of secrecy , knowing it would not be to the detriment of Queen or country . He would conclude by repeating what he heard an initiate say in the Harlesden Lodge— "At my initiation I was taught to be cautious , and shall , therefore , sit down . "

The W . M . then proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " and ' said they had had Masters in the past who had upheld the true spirit of Masonry , and whose ceremonial work would have been accepted in the Emulation Lodge . The installation ceremony that evening was a wonder , and was truly magnificent from beginning to end . There was no better Mason than Bro . Stanley Machin , I . P . M ., and they were extremely sorry when he had to leave their locality . The I . P . M . gave up the Mastership of his own lodge to become Master of that lodge and to show his loyalty to the brethren . Before they drank the toast he would present Bro . Machin , I . P . M ., with a Past Master ' s jewel , which had been well earned , and which he hoped would be an incentive to the younger members to follow in his footsteps .

Bro . Stanley Machin , I . P . M ., said it was difficult to thank them sufficiently for so many kindnesses . He entered upon the duties of W . M . with many misgivings . He knew he had before him such Masters as no lodge in the kingdom had ever excelled , and he then felt it would require a very great effort and great good fortune to approach within measurable distance of them . He could now look back upon his task as finished , and he hoped , judging by the kind words of the W . M ., which the brethren had pndorsed , that he could consider his efforts had not altogether been without success . The real cause of that success was in the cordial sympathy and loyal and enthusiistic f upport of one and all of the members .

For "The Visitors" Bros . Frank Hanson , P . G . Stwd . ; Hoblyn , P . G . S . B . ; and Neale replied . In giving "The Past Masters " the W . M . referred to the absence of Bros . Butler and Bartley Dennis , the latter of whom he sincerely regretted to sav was ill . Brcs . Sir Reginald Hanson , M . P ., P . M ., and Claude Robson ., P . M ., acknowledged the toast .

In proposing " The Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . said they appreciated the services of Bro . Hobrow , Treas ., who had a good balince in hand . In Bro . Marrian , P . M ., they had an old and tried Secretary , who had now returned to that office for which they all tendered him their sincere thanks . Bro . Marrian was one af the founders and had proved himself one of the best Secretaries in the kingdom . Bros . Hobrow , Treas ., and C . J . Marrian , P . M ., Sec , suitably replied , and " The Officers " was afterwards given .

Bro . H . Schartau , P . P . G . Org ., directed the musical arrangements , and was assisted by Miss Annie McBride , and Bros . F . N . Rush . Joseph Hill , R . H . Thurlow Baker , and John Warren .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

industry Chapter , No . 48 . The annual convocation was held on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Jackson-street , Gateshead , when the following were present : Comps . H . lackson , M . E . Z . ; Wm . Stafford , H . ; W . C . A . Holzapfel , J . ; R . Whitfield , P . Z . ; M . Corbett , P . Z . ; R . Stewart , P . Z . ; W . J . Jobson , P . Z . ; Wm . M . Lyon , P . Z . 4 S 1 ; W . Brown , P . Z ., D . C . ; A . Dodds , S . E . ; W . Dalrymple , Treas . ; W . E . Peacock , istA . S . ; I . T . Pragnell , as 2 nd A . S . ; R . Ferry , Org . ; J . Curry , Janitor ; Thos .

Douglass , G . F . Pringle , Sam Brown , John Carr , and others . The first business was the installation of the Pri'icipils for the ensuing year , viz ., Comps . VV . Stafford , M . E . Z . ; W . C A . Holzapfel , H . ; and A . Dodds , J ., who were respectively installed by Comps . H . J ickson , P . Z . ; Wm . Stafford , M . E Z . ; ani W . C . A . Holzapfel , after which the other officers were invested as follows : Comps . T . A . Moffitt , S . E . ; W . E . Peacock , S . N . ; W . Dalrymple , Treas . ; H . H . Pitt , P . S . ;

J . Armstrong , 1 st A . S . ; J . T . Pragnell , 2 nd A . S . ; W . Brown , P . Z ., D . of C . ; R . Ferry , Org . ; T . Douglass and J . Carr , Stewards ; and J . Curry , Janitor . The Treasurer ' s account , showing a balance in hand of , £ 46 14 s . 6 d ., having been adopted , the chapter was closed . The annual festival was held in the refreshment room , when most of the companions a ove-named were present .

Royal Arch.

Selwyn Chapter , No . 1901 . The installation meeting of this successful chapter was held at the Montpelier Hotel , Choumert-road , Peckham , S . E ., on Thursday , the 12 th inst . Present : Comps . A . H . Fraser , M . E . Z . ; F . E . Pow , H . and M . E . Z . elect ; H . C Turner , J . and H . elect ; Hy . Cornford , L elect ; W . H . Hook , P . Z ., Treas . ; Chas . H . Stone , P . Z ., S . E . ; J . Lightfoot , P . Z ., D . C ; J . Pointon , P . S . ; H . P . White , 1 st A . Soj . ; Thos . Bowler , Janitor ; E . Gauntlett , P . Z . ; Thos . Grummant , P . Z . ( Hon . ); E . C . L . Hawley , J . M . Wimble , Josial Merrill , J . E . Poole , Chas . H . Marrison , and

H . Hayward . The visitors were Comps . J . A . Braik , M . E . Z . 1216 , and L . C Shipton , 1323 . The minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . The conclave of Installed Principals was formed , and Comp . F . E , Pow was installed by Comp . A . H . Fraser , M . E . Z ., into the chair of M . E . Z . Comp . H . C . Turner was installed by Comp . F . E . Pow , M . E . Z ., into the chair of H ., and Comp . Hy . Cornford was installed by Comp . H . C . Turner , H ., into the chair of J ., each installation being worked in an exemplary manner by the respective Principals . The conclave of Principals was closed

and the companions admitted . The investiture of officers took place as follows : Comps . W . H . Hook , P . Z ., Treas . ; Chas . Hy . Stone , P . Z .. S . E . ; J . Lightfoot , P . Z ., D . C ; J . S . Pointon , S . N . ; H . P . White , P . S . ; J . M . Wimble , 1 st Asst . Soj . ; C . H . Marrison , 2 nd Asst . Soj . ; Jos . Merrill , Stwd . ; and Thos . Bowler , Janitor . Comp . F . E . Pow , M . E . Z ., in very appropriate terms presented the P . Z . jewel to Comp . A . H . Fraser , I . P . Z ., and remarked that it fell to his very fortunate lot in the Selwyn Lodge to present the P . M . jewel , as then in the chapter to present the I . P . Z .

jewel , for the excellent manner he had carried out the duties during the past year , and to show to him the high affection he was held in by all the companions , and also to hops that for many years he might wear the same . It gave the M . E . Z . very great pleasure in handing the jewel , and to assure him so excellent a Past Principal , that he pissessed the love and esteem of them all . To further enhance their love , he presented the P . P . collar and jewel voted him by the companions withevery hearty good wish . In reply , Comp . A . H . Fraser , who was received most cordially ,

said he most heartily thanked them for their kind gift , and he would assure them , as in the past , so he would do to his utmost ability to benefit the chapter . His earnest desire was that he should live many years to wear the jewel , which would remind him of their esteem and the many happy hours he had spent with them in the Selwyn Chapter . Before sitting down , as a souvenir of his happy year of office , he had very great pleasure in presenting a ballot-box , with suitable inscription thereon , with the hope that it might often be used for the purpose of bringing in brethren good and true

to be numbered among the companions of the Selwyn Chapter . The inscription , on a ' silver plate , was as follows : " Presented by Ex . Comp . A . H . Fraser , I . P . Z ., on his vacating the chair , as a mark of appreciation of the many kindnesses received from the members of the Selwyn Chapter . October 12 th , 1 S 99 . " It was pioposed by Comp . W . H . Hook , P . Z ., in appreciative terms , "That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Comp . A . H . Fraser , I . P . Z ., for the handsome ballot-box , which was both useful and ornamental . " This was ably seconded by Comp . I . Lightfoot , P . Z .. and carried

unanimously . Comp . A . H . Fraser most heartily thanked the companions for their great kindness . Apologies were tendered for inability to attend from Comps . William Wills , P . Z ., through pressure of business , and Benj . Morgan , P . Z ., through sickness . It was resolved that Comp . Stone , S . E ., write him a letter of sympathy , with earnest wishes for his recovery . Three propositions were handed in for exaltation , which is a happy augury for a successful year . The business of the chapter ended , it was closed . An excellent banquet followed , supplied by the worthy host , Comp . F . E . Po * , in his usual capital style .

The cloth removed , the M . E . Z . gave the customary loyal and R . A . toasts right heartily , and they were most enthusiastically received , Comp . W . H . Cook singing the National Anthem with much feeling , and the companions most heartily joining with him .

That of "The Pro Grand Z ., G . H ., G . J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , " received at the hands of the M . E . Z . its just merit of praise for their eminent services . Comp . A . H . Fraser , I . P . Z ., said it was a great pleasure and privilege to propose the toast of "The M . E . Z ., " who had succeeded him in every office in the Selwyn Lodge , and now [ followed him so closely in the chapter . He was confident that the duties in the First Principal ' s chair would be carried out in the same efficient manner . He asked the companions to drink most cordially to the toist .

In reply , Comp . F . E . Pow , M . E . Z ., was grateful for so very kind a reception at the hands ot the companions , which he appreciated very dearly . He had succeeded the I . P . Z . in the lodge and now also in the chapter , for which he was peculiarly proud in following so excellent a Past Principal . He hoped in his working he should succeed in making an impression of the beautiful ritual upon the candidates , and he was

confident he should be assisted by his co-Principals and the officers which would redound to the credit of the chapter . All his exertions would be exercised in that direction to produce that result . The M . E . Z . next proposed the toast af "The H . and I . " in words of eulogium , having known them for years and worked with them , and feeling assured that they would prove themselves most efficient co-Principals .

Comps . _ H . C . Turner , H ., and Hy . Cornford , J ., most ably responded , and promised their utmost to advance the Selwyn Chapter in every way . Comp . F . E . Pow next presented the toast of " The Visitors " in most cordial terms , which were thoroughly reciprocated by all the companions in the chapter . There were present Comps . J . Braik , M . E . Z . 1216 ; and L . C . Shipton , 1320 .

In reply , Comp . Braik said he thanked them for their kind reception , which was only characteristic of the chapter , for the visitors at all times received great kindness and rtspect . He was delighted at the work shown by the Principals , each of whom had installed his successor , but how could it be wondered at when the companions had so excellent a tutor as Comp . Thos . Grummant . He hoped his co-Principals in the Macdonald Chapter would carry out their respective duties and instal their successors in the same efficient manner .

Comp . Shipton said he was delighted to be present for the first time to see Comp . Hy . Cornford , J . of the chapter , who was also their respected Master of the Earl of Lathom Lodge . He was proud of Comp . Cornford , who was his first initiate in that lodge and who had shown himself so proficient both in lodge and chapter . He most heartily thanked the companions and hoped to be with them on other future occasions .

The M . E . Z . next proposed the toast of "The Past Principals , Treasurer , and Secretary , " in terms of great appreciation for past services , and also for their great interest in the chapter . This was ably responded to by Comp . Fraser , who remarked upon the steady progress of the chapter , which gratified him , and the happy augury of three candidates for the next convocation . So long as he was connected with the chapter , which he 1 oped would be for many years , he should do his very best for its welfare .

Comp . E . Gauntlett , the senior Past Principal , congratulated the chapter upon having such worthy Principals in the chairs , who had created the precedent in the chapter of each installing his successor . He was delighted to see Comp . Shipton present one of his mother chapter . Comp . J . Lightfoot , P . Z ., also very ably responded . Comps . Hook , P . Z ., Treas ., and Stone , P . Z ., S . E ., replied in very appreciative terms .

Comp . T . Grummant , P . Z ,, stated that he was certainly delighted at being elected an honorary member of such a chapter , which certainly must be congratulated on having such efficient officers , fn all his experience he had never witnessed the installations of the three chairs better worked nor with such feeling . The M . E . Z . next gave the toast of " The Officers" in words of strong commendation , which was replied to very pertinently by Comps . Lightfoot , P . Z ., D . C . ; Pointon , S . N . ; White , P . S . ; Wimble , 1 st Asst . Soj . ; Marrison , 2 nd Asst . Soj . ; and J . Merrill , Stwd . The Janitor ' s toast closed a very happy convocation .

An excellent programme of music was arranged by Bro . E . Pownall , efficiently assisted by Comps . Hook , Stone , Pointon , Messrs . R . Debonnaire , and T . L . Bramley ( mandol ' n solo ) , and Bros . E . Pownall and Valentine Hill ( reciter ) , Mr . Percy J . Bradford ably presided at the piano . The jewel was manufactured by Bros . Geo . Kenning and Son , and was much admired . The inscription was as follows : " Presented to Excellent Companion A . H . Fraser by the Companions of the Selwyn Chapter for the valuable services rendered as the seventh M . E . Z ., 1 S 9 S-99 . "