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Tyler ; J . Steele , First Steward ; and W . Auckland , Second Steward . It was moved by Bro . Magnus Ohren , and being seconded , was put and carried : " That a Past Master's jewel of thc value of three guineas be presented to Bro . J . C . F . W . Rogers on his leaving the chair , as a mark of respect from the members . " Bro . Rogers acknowledged the compliment in suitable terms .

Mr . William Batchelor , son of Bro . W . G . Batchelor , was approved of upon ballot as a candidate for initiation , and by the courtesy of the VV . M ., Bro . Batchelor was accorded the privilege of performing the ceremony of initiating his son into the First Degree , which he did very carefully and impressively . It was stated that the initiate was about to go abroad , and was very desirous ; to become a memberof the Craft before leaving England .

There being no further business the lodge was closed in due form . The brethren of the lodge and their guests dined together in the lodge room , after which a number of loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured . The toasts of " The Queen and the Craft , " and " H . R . H . thc Prince of VVales , M . W . Grind Master , " were simply proposed bv the VV . M . in a very few words , and met with

the usual loyal reception . 'The next toast , the VV . M . said , was that ef the " M . W . the Pro Grand Master , the R . W . the Deputy Grand Master . and the rest of the Grand Ollieers , Present and Past , " remarking that the Frederick Lodge was always honoured with the presence of one Grand Officer , the worthy Treasurer of the lodge , and he should therefore commend the toast to their notice , coupled with the name of Bro . Magnus Ohren .

Bro . Magnus Ohren said that he rose with pleasure to respond to that toast which must be envied by any man , and the position was one that must be worked for by any man who aspired to the honour . He could not say that there was any royal road to it , but he knew that a man must make some mark in Masonry to arrive at that point . Many of those present were entitled to sit in Grand Lodge , and no doubt had done so , and must have observed how

many of the Grand Officers there were who filled such position . It was a great thing for them to know that there were always brethren willing and able to fill those positions , and the Grand Master never made a mistake when he called upon brethren to fill those posts . Some of the posts had been filled with great advantage to the Craft for years past . The Pro Grand vtaster always gave great satisfaction when he attended , because everyone felt that the

work would be done in a manner worthy of a brother holding that high position . Bro . Ohren said he only felt sorry that the Grand Master was not more frequently among the brethren , but they could well understand how that was ; they knew that the Prince of VVales when asked to preside at some great undertaking was able to choose his own time , and was generally punctual , but the meetings of Grand Lodge , at whicli they were so anxious to have him

preside , fell on fixed dates , which almost inevitably clashed with some other appointment , so that we could not expect him to be there ; that , llro . Ohren said , he believed to be the reason why the Grand Master did not more frequently preside at Grand Lodge . Another reason was possibly that it had frequently been proved that the room in which Grand Lodge had been in the habit of meeting was not larire enough . On the very last occasion when the

prince was the-re he ( Bro . Ohren ) , as Past G . D . C , was asked to assist , and he assured them that there were scores who went away who would not attempt to get into the hall to sign , and there were many others who stayed there for hours who had to go away after all . But now that the fire had occurred , though some people looked upon it as a great misfortune , which he would not deny , thiy would have an opportunity of building a hall fit to receive the members

according to the growth of the CraH , anJ he had no doubt that when that hall was completed they would more frequently see the Grand Master among them . In proposing " The Health of the Provincial Grand Master , " the Worshipful Master said that the lodge was favoured by having several Prov . Grand Officers among its members ; but he was sorry to say that only two were present on this occasion . He should couple the name of

Bro . Jeffreys with this toast . Bro . Jeffreys in replying said that he was sorry he was the only one left to reply to this toast ot the Provincial Grand Oflicers . It was partly perhaps owing to the unfortunate illness of Bros . W . Sugg and | . VV . Sugg . Since he had himself been a Prov . Grand Officer there had never befoi e been so small an attendance of Prov . Grand Officers . Sometimes thev had mustered 14 . While on his legs he

would take occasion to remind them that the Prov . Grand Lodge meeting would take place at Oatlands Park Hotel , Walton-on- Thames , on Thursday , the 28 th inst ., ' ar . d he reminded them that if any of them desired grand office it was very necessary to attend Provincial Grand Lodge that they might bring themselves under the notice of the Provincial Grand Master . Bro . Rogers , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the

W . M ., " at the same time wishing him a happy and prosperous year of office . The Worshipful Master in reply said that he thanked the l . P . VI . very heartily for all the kind expressions he had made use of in proposing his ( the W . M . ' s ) health , and said that he should do his utmost to support the dignity of the chair during his year of ollice , and hoped to prove that their confidence had not been misplaced when they elected him their Master .

The W . M . in proposing "The Health of the Initiate , " said that he hoped that the initiate would follow in his father ' s footsteps , for if he took his father as his guide he would not go far wrong . The initiate having briefly returned thanks , the W . M . proposed " The Health of the Visitors . " He said they had not many visitors on this occasion , but they had live , viz ., Bros . Carmen , Hunter , Dutton Morgan , and Massey . The

brethren were very much indebted to Bro . Carmen for the music they now had , and he should couple his and Bro . Hunter ' s name with the toast . Bros . Carmen and Duiton both acknowledged the compliment , expressing the pleasure they had felt in seeing Bro . Chas . , vl . Ohren installed , and the added pleasure of

seeing their friend Bro . Batchelor initiated , and concluded by expressing their wishes that he might have a happy and successful year of office . The W . M . said the next toast was "The Past Masters , " and referring to Bro . Rogers said he had to thank him for the assistance he had rendered in carrying out the altera-

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tions in thc bye-laws . Of the wisdom of the alterations there could be no doubt . Bro . Rogers returned thanks briefly in the name of himself and the other P . Ms . It was true he said that he had done no real work , being prevented by illness , but he hoped that the VV . M . would take example not by him but by his predecessors . The toasts to "The Installing Master , " and "The S . VV . and other Officers , " were also proposed .

Bro . Ohren said that he had much pleasure in returning thanks for the toast which was usually _ put as the " Treasurer and Secretary , " but on this occasion the VV . M . had very properly put it as the Installing Master , and the Treasurer , Bro . Frances , was well known as a teacher of Freemasonry ; he was was one who had devoted a great part of his life to Masonry , and it was highly important to the Craft at large that there should be those who for the love of

Freemasonry were willing to devote themselves to the task of spreading a knowledge of the ritual . There were many men who attended lodges of instruction who taught young Masons who were coming on and wanted to learn the duties of the chair . No brother could hope to be proficient in the duties of the chair unless he attended lodges of instruction , and unless there were men like Bro . Frances to teach it to them . On his own behalf Bro . Ohren said

that looking back at an old book that lay on the table in the lodge room he found that he joined this Iodge on the 2 nd May , 1 S 67—just 16 years ago—and he had not been in the lodge more than six months when he was found assisting in the secretarial duties , when he was entreated to become the Secretary , and for 15 years he had done the duties of Secretary to the lodge , he would say to the satisfaction of the brethren , because he had had many proofs of that

throughout . Through the death of their old friend and brother Bro . Robins , Bro . Ohren said he thought he would give the lodge the opportunity of appointing Bro . Frances to the chair of Secretary , and knowing it was a duty Bro . Frances could perform , he had thought it well to resign that position ; and he added that he hoped that for another 16 years the brethren might see Bro Frances in the Secretary's

chair . As regarded the Treasurership , he hoped that as long as he held that office he would be able to conduct the affairs of the lodge to the satisfaction of the brethren . During the evening Bro . Magnus Ohren and his two sons , Bro . Carmen , and other brethren sang some delightful songs ; indeed it is not often that a lodge is found to be so thoroughly musical and to possess so many well-trained

. DERBY . —Arboretum Lodge ( No . 731 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on the 13 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Gower-street . The VV . M ., Bro . J . Bland , presided , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . C . Webster , S . W . ; J . Copestick , J . W . ; VV . Whittaker , Treas . ; Rev . Thos . Orrell , Chap . ; Edgar Home , S . D . ; A . Woodiwiss , jun ., J . D . ; J . W . Brigg ,

Org . ; James Maxey , I . G . ; J . Walker and S . Taylor , Stewards ; E . Holden , Tyler ; G . T . Wright , P . M . ; J . Smith , P . M . ; J . C . Merry , P . M . ; J . Brown , P . M . ; A . Frazer , P . M . ; J . Taylor , P . M . ; Dr . J . C . Wigg , H . Home , W . Forman , T . Jordan , J . Ascott , G . Sutherland , A . Tyler , F . Sale , and A . Moore ; also the following visitors : Bros . VV . L . Ball , I . P . M . S 02 ; C . D . Hart , S . VV . 10 S 5 : and Rev . E . C Hipkin , 1031 .

Lodge being opened the minutes of the last lodge were read and confirmed , and a ballot was taken for Mr . James Melrose , a candidate for Freemasonry , he being duly elected . Bro . F . Sale was then raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in ancient and solemn lorm , the whole of the work being performed by the VV . M . in a manner which elicited great praise from the Past Masters and brethren . On the proposition of Bro . J . Brown , P . M ., and which was

seconded , the following alteration of bye-law was agreed to : " The fee for a joining member shall be three guineas , which shall include the subscription for the current year . " Bro . G . T . Wright , P . M ., Chairman of the Prov . Charity Committee , then proposed that an additional sum of three guineas be voted from the lodge funds to be added to the two guineas usually subscribed by the lodge , and placed upon the list of Bro . VV . H . Ball , I . P . M . S 02 , who is

Steward for the Boys School Festival . I his was duly seconded and carried unanimously . A letterwas read from the Secretary , Bro . VV . Cooper , P . M ., expressing regret at being unable to be present , also a telegram from the I . P . M ., Bro . Geo . Cay , who had wired remembrance to VV . M . and brethren from St . Petersburgh . Notice of motion was given by Bro . J . Brown , P . M ., respecting the mode of voting Pas : Masters' jewels in future , and the

VV . M ., P . Ms ., and brethren then signed a petition to the Board of Benevolence for the purpose of obtaining a grant for the widow of a deceased brother . Lodge was then closed and shortly after the brethren assembled in the lower hall , where an excellent supper was provided by the esteemed and energetic caterer , Bro . G . T . Wright , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . The W . M . presided and gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , Bros . Whittaker ,

P . M ., P . G . R ., and G . T . Wright , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., responding for Prov . Grand Lodge , the latter highly complimenting the W . M . for the manner in whicli the ceremony had been performed . "The Health of the W . M . " was then proposed by Bro . C . Webster , S . W ., and on responding theW . M . expressed his earnest desire to carry on the good work of the lodge in as able a manner as those who had preceded him . He

also informed the brethren that at their next regular meeting he should not be able to be present , as business would call him to York during the royal show meeting , and that he hoped to be present when the Grand Master of England layed the foundation-stone there on July 18 th . Bro . A . Frazer , P . M ., then proposed "The Visiting Brethren , " assuring them of a cordial welcome whenever they could attend .

Bro . Rev . E . C . Hipkin , 10 3 1 , responded , thanking the VV . M . and brethren for their kind reception of the toast , and expressing ihe p leasure his visit to the lodge had given him , especially praising the excellent working , comparing it favourably with the work he had seen in Birmingham , Bros . VV . L . Hall , 253 and 432 , also responded . "The Heahh of the Past Masters" was then

proposed hy the W . M . and ably responded to by the oldest member of the lodge , Bro . John Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . The W . M . in proposing "The Officers" payed them a deserved compliment for the manner in which they assisted him wilh the ceremony . To this Bros . J . W . Brigg , Org ., and Rev . T . Orrell , P . G . Chap ., suitably responded . The worthy purveyor , Bro . G . T . Wright , P . M ., was specially toasted and made

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one of his usual earnestly practical speeches in response . 1 he private members were also toasted in a speech by Bro . VV . VVhittaker , P . M ., Bros . T . Day and H . Home , responding . Some excellent songs were given by Bros . J . Maxey , J . VV . Brigg , G . Sutherland , VV . Forman , and G . T . Wright , and the lyler's toast closed a most pleasant gathering .

LIVERPOOL . —Prince of Wales Lodge ( No . 1035 ) . —The annual celebration of the Festival of St . John by the members of this lodge took place on 'Thursday afternoon , the 14 th inst ., at the Skelmersdale Hall , Westminster-road , Kirkdale , and the very numerous attendance clearly evinced the popularity of the lodge , the prosperity of the Craft at the north end , and the general

approval by the brethren of the selection and election of the W . M . for the ensuingyear . There were about go members and visitois present , amongst whom were nearly 30 VV . Ms . and P . Ms , hailing from lodges in various parts of the city . The chair at the opening of the proceedings was occupied by Bro . J . P . Bryan , P . G . O ., the retiring VV . M ., who was supported by a full complement of officers and excellent

representation of P . Ms . The principal members and visitors present were Bros . John F . Newell , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . W . Ballard , P . P . G . P . j S . E . Ibbs , P . P . G . S . B . ; R . Martin , jun ., P . M . 11 S 2 ; Councillor J . W . McWean , P . M . ; W . Donkin , I . P . M . ; T . Fozzard , P . M . ; T . McWean , P . M . ; G . Sculthorpe , P . M . ; R . R . Forshaw , P . M . ; T . Hatton , I . P . M . 203 ; J . Hilton , P . M . 203 ; R .

E . Milton , VV . M . 1756 ; W . Grierson , P . M . 1756 ; W . P . Vines , W . M . 1570 ; C . E . Bryan , P . M . 1313 ; T . Foulkes , P . M . 1325 ; VV . Savage , W . M . 1609 ; J . L . Shrapnell , S . W . 1 G 09 ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . M ., Treas . 1609 ; and others . After the transaction of some preliminary business , Bro . J . P . Bryan concluded his year ' s excellent services in the

chairby installing Bro . Lewis Peake , his successor , as W . M ., the whole ceremony being performed in an irreproachable manner and with great impressiveness . The W . M . subsequently invested the following as his officers for the coming year : Bros . J . P . Bryan , I . P . M . ; J . B . Bunting , P . M ., M . C . ; J . J . Smith , S . W . ; John Tunstall , J . VV . ; Alfred Willis , P . M ., Treasurer ( re-elected ); George Mitchell

Sec ; VV . Addison , S . D ; C Burchall , J . D . ; Thomas McCreavey , l . G . ; S . E . Davies , S . S . ; W . Hill , J . S . ; J . Solomon , A . S . ; and XV . Watson , Tyler . At the conclusion of the installation ceremony , Bryan's anthem , " Behold , how good , " was sung with fine effect , and the business closed , after " Hearty good wishes " had been conveyed to Bro . Lewis Peake , VV . M ., from the representatives of about

JO lodges . Dinner was subsequently served in the lower hall , and during the evening a handsome P . M . 's jewel was presented to Bro . Bryan , I . P . M . An enjoyable musical programme was given by Bros . D . J . Davies , D . Williams , J . T . Jones , O . J . Rowlands , K . N . Hobart , H . J . Nicholls , VV . J . Burnett , T . Foulkes , S . E . Davies , VV . Quayle , J . P . Bryan , and others .

BATTLE . —Abbey Lodge ( No . 1184 ) . — An emergency meeting of this thriving provincial lodge took place on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , the W . M ., Bro . Charles W . Duke , P . P . G . D ., P . M . 40 , 11 S 4 , presiding , supported by his officers : Bros . j . B . Sargent , I . P . M . ; A D . SVomersley . S . W ., W . M . elect ; VV . Lamborne , P . P . G . P ., P . M ., acting J . VV . ; H . G . F ,

Wells , P . M ., Treas . ; C . R . Chandler , P . M ., Sec ; the Very Rev . E . R . Currie , M . A ., Chap ., acting S . D . ; Jas . Richardson , J . D . ; C . W . Till , l . G . ; J . Fielding Org . ; Leslie , T y ler ; B . H . Thorpe , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M ., D . C . ; C . Martin , G . Farley , R . M . Lambert , j . Foord , 40 ; Drucquer , R . Hughes , Walder , Jordan , Dr . Davison , H . Foster , and Henry Kimm , 40 ( Freemason ) . Visitors :

Bros . G . F . VVood , Sec . 40 ; F . Duke , 40 ; and J . Hunter , 40 . At the conclusion of the preliminary formalities , a ballot was taken for Mr . William Augustus Raper , proposed by Bro . Thorpe , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Very Kev . Currie , with unanimous result . The next business on the summons was raising Bros . R . T . Davison and H . Foster ,

the impressive ceremony being very ably performed by the VV . AI ., Bro . Duke . The candidate being in attendance , Bro . B . H . Thorpe , P . M ., next occupied the chair , by the courtesy of the W . M ., and initiated Mr . Raper into the mysteries of the Order in a faultless manner . The W . M . then proposed a cordial vote of thanks to the Chaplain , the very Rev . E . R . Currie , for his presentation

to the lodge of a new set of collars , and ordered the same to be entered on the minutes . All business being ended the VV . M ., Bro . Duke , invited the brethren to a collation at the George Hotel . On the removal of the cloth the usual Masonic toasts were honoured . Bro . the Very Rev . Currie in proposing " The Health of

the W . M . " spoke in most eulogistic terms of Bro . Duke and the assiduous attention he paid to all matters connected with the lodge . The Worshipful Master suitably acknowledged the compliment . The evening was enlivened by some good songs given by Bros . J . Hunter , R . Hughes , and C . VV . Duke , bringing the evening to a pleasant close .

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE . —Walker Lodge ( No . 1342 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this very promising lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Grainger-strcet West , on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., when many members and a large number of visitors , over 4 6 , were present . The W . M ., Bro . William Smith , P . M ., Prov . Grand Superintendent of Works , occupied the chair .

lhe minutes of the last regular meeting were confirmed , after which Bros . George Brown , Frank Graham , and John Wm . Robson were in due course passed to the Fellow Craft Degree by the W . M . Bro . Dixon Cowie explained the working tools . The lodge having been closed , several business matters of a routine character were transacted . The brethren adjourned to the festive board , where a light

repast was partaken of , the VV . M . in the chair and tne S . W . in the vice-chair . The W . M . proposed the first toast , " Her Majesty the Queen " which was enthusiastic aly received . Other toasts followed , amongst them being that of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the Grand Master of England , " given by the W . M . I he visitors was responded to by Bro . Robt . Smaile , P . M . 541 , P . P . S . G . W ,