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ness which was never absent from any toast proposed in the Urban Lodge , the health of the W . M . of the lodge . For nearly a generation it has been my privilege and great advantage to be an intimate associate of the VV . M ., and during that time I have observed your W . M . when he has been called upon has shown the qualities of fortitude , virtue , and charity ; and on every such occasion your VV . M . had

ever been at the zenith with respect to those high and ennobling qualities . I can speak of your W . M . as one who is not by any means a stranger to this Urban Lodge . You have had the opportunity , the delightful opportunity , to observe the working of your W . M ., as S . W . during the year in which I had the distinguished honour of presiding in the chair ; and I feel that he is the most highly accomplished

amongst those who have reached the chair , and I am sure you will agree with me in saying that I do not exceed the plain statement of fact when I say that he has discharged those duties with credit to the Craft , and highly creditable to this Urban Lodge . It too frequently happens in speeches of this kind that we do not confine ourselves strictly to truth ( he meant among the outside world who are not

Masons ) , but I speak to you , brethren , as to those who know that I would not infringe the sacred domains of truth , even to do honour to a man to whom we cannot do too much honour . You have experienced his good qualities , so have I ; and we can have no doubt that Bro . Robert Manuel , the Master of this lodge , will maintain the prestige of this distinguished lodge , and , if possible , transcend the

highest possible attainments which have been reached by those who have preceded him . As a citizen , he is a man with the backbone of a man—a man modest in his demeanour . We have a right to expect great things from him , and I venture to say that the expectation with regard to Bro . Manuel will be realised , and that at the end of his period of office my words will have been fully proved . I

therefore ask you to charge your glasses , and drink the health of Bro . Robt . Manuel , W . M . ' of the Urban Lodge . In reply , the Worshipful Master said : I fear my old and esteemed friend , I . P . M . Haycock , has got me into a rather tight place , and I would ask you to allow a very liberal discount off the too flattering words which he has said . Much as I value his kind words , much as I value your approvalI

, could almost desire both to come at the end of my year of office , rather than at the commencement of it , because I should then be able to say whether I was worthy of the words Bro . Haycock has used . Indeed , any man who enjoys the privilege of being W . M . of a mother lodge ( and there is a good deal in that ) feels a certain sense of hopefulness that he will acquit himself in his office with credit to

his mother lodge . What shall I say with regard to myself ? I will say nothing with regard to myself . But there is another question with regard to the I . P . M . It looks a good deal like log-rolling , because he has been honouring me , and now I am going to honour him . But he has been through his year of office , and has been through it with distinct earnestness of purpose . I would

rather hear the ceremonies rendered by a man a little imperfect than by rote , if , notwithstanding the imperfect working I found the heart underneath it . Now we have not only perfect rendering by the I . P . M but the heart underneath it as well . But I think where he distinguished himself most was when he presided at the festive gathering of the lodge . I think he made some of the most graceful and

appropriate speeches which it has been my pleasure to hear . He is a great student of English literature , and any one who wishes to speak with effect must either have prepared himself or read and attuned his mind by intimate acquaintance with the great English writers who have made this country of ours distinguished in the forefront of literature . It is one of the privileges of the W . M : to adorn the breast

of his immediate predecessor with a jewel ; and I do not think a jewel can be more deserved than that which I now pin upon Bro . Haycock ' s breast . Brethren , I give you a toast that I am sure you will honour , I give you the toast of " Bro . Haycock ' s Health . " In returning thanks , Bro . Haycock said that it was along established usage—one that was almost dignified into a

custom—a custom which he thought was more honoured in the breach than in the observance , that where a company of one ' s countrymen ventured to express their approbation of services rendered before their eyes , for the majority of us ( he said it with shame ) to say " I do not deserve all these things that have been said about me ; and I am very humble indeed , and I am totally unworthy of the eulogies have been

you good enough to pass upon me . " Now he ( Bro . Haycock ) thought that was bad ; in the first place it was nothing else but rank hypocrisy , and in the second place it was a direct charge of untruthfulness against those who had been good enough to say that which they believed to be true . He ventured to think that the brethren had thought that when he occupied the post now occupied b

y Bro . Manuel that he did his best for the welfare of the lodge and for the extension of Masonic principles ; that he succeeded he ventured to feel assured , if at all events he knew that through his year of office , although conscious that he was not "letter-perfect , " he thought that the spirit of Freemasonry was not absent . He did the best he possibly could ; he had always before him the fact that this

lodge had in the past , as in the present , very distinguished men in it—men distinguished by ugh intellectual attainments , and by that which was equally honoured—great heart . He would mention two of the late lamented—Henry Marston and H . L . Blanchard . With Bro . Marston he had the opportunity and high privilege of many interviews , and had found him an enlightened and high-minded gentleman ; and Bro . Blanchard ' was one of

the kindest creatures who ever owned the name of a man . In Masonry he ( Bro . Haycock ) had always tried not to dishonour it ; to do nothing to bring it into disregard with the outside world who were not Masons ; and that he had not altogether failed had been assured him by the words that had come from the Master . Bro . Haycock concluded by thanking the brethren for listening to him , and trusted that he might be spared for many years to wear the jewel with which they had presented him .

Ihe next toast proposed by the VV . M . was "The Health of the Visitors , " and he coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Prideau . x , O . C , Recorder of Bristol , Boyle , and Watson , Past Grand Master of Delaware , U . S . A . Bro . Prideaux , in reply , said that the words of infallible

truth—that infallible truth which regulated the conduct of the true Mason towards himself , towards his brother , towards his neighbour , and towards his God -had said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh ; and he was sure that in speaking not merely for himself , but also

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for his brother visitors , he could apply those words to himself . He was aware that he was surrounded by men of high intellectual power , but he desired to speak out of the heart rather than out of the head—the heart which ruled supremely in the mind of the true Mason . This was to him a proud and happy day ; he had for many years been intimately associated with their honoured and respected Master

and their no less honoured and respected I . P . M ., because he had had the honour of presiding over a debating club of which they had both been most valued members . He knew them well , and knew the kindness of their hearts , the excellence of their disposition , the overwhelming love and affection they had for their brother Masons , and that no man could more proudly and

deservedly occupy that position than themselves . Of that he was quite assured , because of his intimate association with them in the Sylvan Club , of which he was the president . Though he was more fortunately situate with regard to the Sylvan Club , though he was notanactivememberof the Urban Club , he thought he might say that he had been intimately situated even with the Urban Club , they had done him the

great honour to make him an honorary member of the club for some slight services he had the honour of doing them when he presided at their annual festival in connection with the greatest man that ever improved the mind of man —the immortal Shakespeare . He quite admitted the intimate connection between the Sylvan Club and the Urban Club , and felt as if he might almost consider himself a

member , not only of the Urban Club , but also of the Urban Lodge , because of the free association between the Sylvan Club and the Urban Club and the Urban Lodge , and , owing to that association , it was that he had had the honour of being called on , as the first brother named , to respond to that toast . And he did respond to it from the bottom of his heart , not merely in his own name , though to him it was a

great pride and satisfaction . The visitors must feel with him that they had had a great honour done them , a great moral induction , a great intellectual treat , to witness the manner in which the splendid work had been done in the lodge . He asked them this : throughout the length and breadth of Masonry had they ever seen work more gloriously , more Masonically , more perfectly celebrated

than it had been by their valued friend , Bro . fairchild ? and from the bottom of his heart he asked whether they had ever seen the duties of the Master in lodge more ably discharged than they had been that day by the VV . M . ? It was impossible that they should do so . Bro . Prideaux went on to say that he loved Freemasonry from the bottom of his heart ; the more he saw of it the more he loved it , because

he knew that the tenets were based upon the principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth . The learned brother concluded by tendering his grateful thanks for the very kind and friendly reception that the visitors had received at the hands of the lodge . Bros . Boyle and Watson also responded on behalf of the visitors .

The Worshipful Master next proposed " I he Health of the Installing Master , Bro . Fairchild , " and in replying , Bro . Fairchild said that the Master , referring to the ceremony he had that day passed through , had referred to the possibility that he felt a difficulty in sitting down . For his part Bro . Fairchild said , without questioning the W . M . ' s accuracy , he rather felt a difficulty , not in sitting down , but in rising

to respond that toast . He could quite appreciate the I . P . M . ' s delicacy in leaving him ( Bro . Fairchild ) to do the work . He was sure that Bro . Haycock could have done the ceremony himself , but had thought he would confer a compliment upon him by leaving the work for him . That work he had done to the best of his ability , and he hoped he had done it to the satisfaction of the lodge .

Ihe toast to "The Health of the Past Masters" was next proposed by the Worshipful Master , who mentioned the name of Bros . Bray , Heap , Butler , and Fred . Exdine , and the last-named brother responded . " The Health of the Officers of the Lodge " was next proposed , and called forth responses from the principal officers , after which the Tyler's toast brought the

proceedings to a close . During the evening a selection of music was performed by Bros . Arthur Thomas , Edwin Bryant , and Franklin Clive , Bro . S . Lehmeyer , the Organist of the lodge , being pianist and conductor . In addition to the music there were two telling recitations contributed by Bros . Fairchild and Haycock .

Islington Lodge ( No . 1471 ) . —The installation meeting was held on the 13 th inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , Bro . Harry Hunt , W . M ., presiding , supported by the following officers : Bros . S . Napper , S . W . ; J . M . Scarlett , J . W . ; E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec . ; H . B . Harding , S . D . ; C . M . Coxon , I . G . ; R . Loomes , D . C ; and A . Hagan and A . Cox , Stwds . The following brethren were

present : Bros . D . P . Holness , P . M . ; II . Cox , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . Herts ; A . C . Halestrap , P . M . ; J . Fetch , P . M ., I . P . M . 227 S ; C . Hiiler , C . Isler , J . Gravatt , J . VV . Amand , C H . Stevenson , W . Taylor , G . VV . E . Walker , F . VV . White , C . Hor , t , E . J . Harrison , D . C . Ritchie , VV . C . Hiiler , J . H . Sheldrake , A . Fearnhead , A . Combes , C . Weber , G . W . Hooker , C . A . Chapman , J . A .

Blount , E . A . Beer , G . A . Hull , P . Faber , VV . Jarvis , A . Snook , B . Bridgwater , T . Ganter , F . Simmonds , j . Baker , and VV . B . Hartridge . Visitors : Bros . G . T . Chretien , S . D . 132 S , and 2278 ; H . S . Trego , l . G . 1 S 39 ; Walter Hancock , 1056 , S . D . 2191 ; F . Cakebread , 117 S ; C Kempton , P . M . 12 S 7 ; J . McLaren , 1805 ; C . Roe , I G . iSgi ; H . I . Fletcher , 1693 ; C . H . Abrams , 511 ; W .

H . Caton , P . M . 13 C 5 ; and G . W . Andrews , 2021 . The lodge having been opened and the minutes confirmed , Bros . Amand and Walker were raised to the Degree of M . M . The installation of Bro . Sidney Napper , VV . M . elect , was afterwards proceeded with , the duties of the ceremony being divided between Bros . Holness , P . M ., and Cox , P . M ., and the retiring VV . VI ., Bro . H . Hunt .

Bro . Napper , W . M ., having been placed in the chair , proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : Bros . J . M . Scarlett , S . W . ; H . B . Harding , J . W . ; E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec ; C M . Coxon , S . D . ; R . Loomes , J . D . ; A . Cox , I . G . j W . T . Tyrrell ( appointed in his absence ) D . C ; A . Coombes , P . M ., and J . A . Blount ,

Stwds . j and G . Couchman , Tyler . The Treasurer ' s account , as audited , was adopted , and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Notice was given of a proposal to vote £ 2 10 s . from the funds of the lodge to Bro . Binckes' retiring fund . A candidate was proposed for initiation . Bros . White and Hull signed and received their Grand

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Lodge certificates , Ihe VV . M . informed the brethren of his intention to represent the lodge as Steward at the forthcoming Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and the sum of 10 guineas was voted as the contribution of the lodge to his list . A Past Master's jewel was unanimously voted to the I . P . M ., Bro . Hunt . Other routine business having been transacted , the lodge

was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The usual toasts were given and duly honoured . The W . M ., replying to the toast of his health , said he had been a member of the lodge 13 years , during which time many changes had taken place . Some brethren had been removed by death , others by resignation . He hoped ,

however , to continue his connection with the lodge for many years to come . He trusted the lodge would prosper under his Mastership as it had prospered before . He should do everything in his power to that end . "The Health of the I . P . M ., Bro . Hunt , " was proposed by the Worshipful Master , who warmly congratulated the I . P . M . on the close of a most successlul year of office , and

concluded by presenting him with the Past Master ' s jewel previously voted . Bro . H . Hunt , I . P . M ., briefly expressed his thanks . " The Visitors " was proposed by the Worshipful Master , who regretted that the list of visitors was shorter than'had been hoped j they were very pleased to see those brethren who had been able to attend , and he hoped to see them all again during the year .

Bro . Caton , P . M . 1365 , said it was the second time he had attended the lodge as a visitor j he had been much interested in the working . If the VV . M . performed the other duties of his office in the same manner in which he invested his officers and presided at the banquet table , he would go through his year with credit . The VV . M . and himself were members of the same chapter . He thanked the brethren for the way in which the visitors had been received .

Bro . Walter Hancock , S . D . 2191 , and Preceptor of the Islington Lodge of Instruction , said the motto on the toast list , " Bid these friends welcome , " was one well understood and acted up to by the lodge in the entertainment of their visitors . He was exceedingly pleased to be present , arid to see the general working of the lodge . He occupied an exceptional position with regard to the lodge , though not a

member of it , he felt as much interest in it and in its working as though he were . He joined the Islington Lodge of Instruction as a learner , but the then Preceptor resigning he was asked to accept the post , and with great diffidence he accepted it . At that time the attendance had dwindled down to a wretched average , but they had worked away for three or four years and now might well be pleased at the

progress made . Personally , he was proud of the confidence placed in him and the friendly feeling shown to him at all times , and wished the mother lodge success . Bro . G . T . Chretien , S . D . 132 S , responded in a few well chosen words . Bro . C . Kempton , P . M . 12 S 7 , remarked that at the installation there was not one Richmond in the field , but

many ; it was a good and notable feature that so many Past Masters should be able and willing to take part in the work . He thought that though the VV . M . was a Napper they would never find him napping . Bro . Holness , in replying to the toast of "The Past Masters , " said he regretted that he occupied the position of senior P . M . that night , through the absence of Bro . J . L .

Mather , P . M ., 1 reasurer , and father of the lodge , who was prostrated by illness . No one took greater interest in the lodge , and he was sure that Bro . Mather ' s absence and the cause of it would be regretted by everyone present . Bro . H . Cox , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV . Herts , said it was a great pleasure to him to be called upon to perform any duty in the lodge . He had filled everv office in the lodge .

including two years as I . G ., so he considered he had earned the position he had attained . His inteiest in the lodge , however , was still as great as ever . Bro . J . Petch , P . M ., also replied . Bro . E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec , in reply to the toast of " The Treasurer and Secretary , " said he was glad to be able to state that there was no time during the existence of

the lodge that the funds were in so satisfactory a condition . There had been no curtailment of the enjoyment of the brethren , but they found their Benevolent tund growing to a respectable sum . This fund was invested , and they were receiving interest upon it . The next toast was that of "The Officers of the Lodge , " which was replied to , and the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .

Aldei'Sgate Lodge ( No . 1657 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , on Monday , the 17 th inst . The lodge was opened by Bro . Alderman Joseph Renals , W . M ., supported by Bros . E . Anderton , I . P . M . j A . B . Hudson , S . W ., W . M . elect ; E . Y . Jolhffe , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . Middx ., Sec ; S . White , P . M . ; W . H . Froom , P . M . ; M .

R . Webb , J . P ., J . W . ; J . Larkin , VV . M . 3 , S . D . ; E . F . B . Fuller , J . D . ; G . Rawlinson , l . G . ; J . Shotter , S . Croft , and others . Visitors : Bros . Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . W . ; R . P . Walkden , Org . 1364 ; R . Taylor , 140 ; J . P . Fitzgerald , I . P . M . 216 S ; J . furrott , P . M . 1479 , P . P . G . S . B . Herts ; H . Lovegrove , P . M . 1507 , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx . ; VV . H . Ferryman , P . G . P . ; S . R . Lovett , S . W . 3 ; A . T .

Pearce , P . M . 1572 ; G . Harlow , P . M . 1613 ; E . J . Bayhs , P . M . ; J . H . Dunn , 901 ; C . Lee , J . W . 1624 ; H . W . A . Cooper , 1747 ; G . Everett , P . M . 177 ; J . O . Carter , P . M . 209 , P . P . S . G . W . Berks and Bucks ; R . A . Morgan , P . M . 1671 ; J . C Chubb , 9 6 ; VV . Maple , P . M . 656 ; Nelson Reed , P . M . 1572 , & c . ; J . M . Wood , 33 ; H . M . Bates , P . M . 91 , P . G . S . ; VV . D . Townsend , l . VV . 3 ; B . Turner ,

P . VI . 132 S ; A . Hunter , P . M . 1 494 ; E . E . Harding , J . W . 210 S ; G . Low , P . M . 3 ; T . Owen , P . M . 1287 ; J . R . Cross , 2021 ; F . Taylor , P . M . 1260 ; A . Sandberg , l . G . 3 ; VV . J . Charles , W . M . 22 ; VV . R . Brooks , I . P . M . 22 ; J . Salmon , P . M . 2077 , P . G . Reg . Essex ; Baron de Bush , 1827 ; L . M . Myers , P . M . 188 ; M . Turner , J . W . 1329 ; A . J . Altman , VV . M . 60 , P . G . S . ; G . Jones , 101 ; Alex . Peebles , P . M . 1 S 27 ; A . Ashley , 3 ; C . Hilton . 1141 j G .

1 . I'horne , P . M . 1232 ; B . G . Repton , 1 S 1 S ; L . King , 2190 ; and W . VV . Lee , 1 S 97 . The minutes of the regular and emergency meetings were confirmed , and the report of the Committee of Finance received and adopted . In the unavoidable absence of Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , who was , unfortunately , too unwell to attend , the chair was assumed by Bro . Sir j . B . Monckton , P . G . W ., who installed Bro . A . B . Hudson as