Craft Masonry.

Bro . J . Mason , P . G . S . B ., representing the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , acknowledged ' The Masonic Charities , " and referred to the fact that that Institution at the last Festival only received one-half oi the sum necessary for the year . They were trying to retain their position , but in many places had been met with the answer— "You cannot expect us to do anything ; look at what we didjfor the Boys' last year . " That lodge was founded 22 years ago to see what they could do for each other , and to see what

they could spare for others , and on those lines it had done well . He remembered with gratitude that their lodge of instruction had done wonders . During the past month Stewards had been coming along better ; but the Institution needed much support , and he hoped the members would give their best endeavours to increase the list of the ] W . Master . "The Visitors" was acknowledged by Bros . J . O'Connell , P . P . G . D . Surrey ; Rev . C J . Smith , W . M . 2648 ; W . Hancock , P . M . ; W . Dennis , [ P . M . 9 ; and C J . Sherwood , W . M . 2473 .

Other toasts were "The Past Masters , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and " The Officers . " Bro . Herbert Schartau , P . P . G . Org ., was assisted in the musical arrangements by Miss Kate Cherry , Miss Marie Hooton , and Bro . Walter Churcher .

Aldersgate Lodge , No . 1657 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Albion Tavern on Monday Iast > the 20 th instant , when there were present Bros . Rupert Smyth , ; Ralph Langton > Dr . C . E . Milnes Hey ; Col . and Sheriff Probyn , G . Treasurer ; J . Tickle , P . P . G . Reg . Middx . ; Paul Alliston , W . M . ng 6 ; Brooke-Hitching ; Thomas Briggs , Installing Master ; Alderman and Sheriff Alliston ; S . White , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Rock ; Deputy Goodinge ; W . T . Roberts , J . W . 1 S 27 ; J . C Hayes , P . M . 610

and 170 S ; W . H . Greaves ; H . F . Woodward ; P . M . Rogers ; William Baker , W . M . 192 ; T . H . James ; John Dives , 1670 ; C . R . LeedJiam ; N . R . Hart , J . W . 2020 ; Walter Hooker , P . M . 53 S ; John Robeson , W . M . elect 192 ; Frederick Hughes , P . M . 192 ; Geo . W . Thompson , Grove Lodge ; J . N . Noakes , 92 ; Geo . Biiggs , P . M . 1572 ; Edw . Anderton , P . M . ; Hudson , P . M ., ; M . R . Webb , P . M . ; S . Croft , P . M . ; H . C . Heard ; G . Rawlinson , P . M ., Stwd . ; Ernest Robinson , W . M . 179 ; Gordon Langton , P . M . 9 G ; E . Brooks ; J . E . G . de Montmorency ;

W . H . Hewitt ; J . V . Sherrin , ; and Dr . Fagan , 170 S . The minutes of the previous meeting and the emergency meeting of November 20 th were read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee having been sent to every member , it was proposed by Bro . T . Briggs , and seconded by Bro . Hudson , that it be received , adopted , and entered on the minutes , which was carried unanimously . Bro . Rupert Smyth was duly installed into the chair of King Solomon by Bro . Thos . Briggs , LP . M ., who acted as W . M . in the unavoidable absence , through illness , of liro . H . N ,

Bennett . The W . M . then appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bro . II . N , Bennett ( by deputy ) , I . P . M . ; Ralph Langton , S . W . ; Dr . C E . M . Hey , J . W . ; S . VVhite , P . M ., Treas . ; George Kenning , P . M ., Sec ; George Briggs , acting Sec . ; H . F . Woodward , S . D . ; T . H . James , J . D . ; J . V . Sherrin , I . G . ; G . Rawlinson , P . M ., Stwd . ; A . B . Hudson , P . M ., D . of C ; and Plant , Tyler . The Installing Officer then delivered the addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren . The VV . M . then presented his banner to the lodge . Bro . George Rawlinson , P . M ., accepted it in

the name ofthe lodge . Mr . A . Clarke Williams was proposed for initiation by theW . M ., and Bro . Rawlinson seconded . The W . M . then proposed , and Bro . S . White , Treas ., seconded , Bro . A . A . Barnes , 1321 , as a joining member . Thelodge was then closed , and the brethren dined together under the gavel of the W . M . The W . M . proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . In replying for " The Grand Officers , " Bro . Joseph Rock , said it was always a pleasing duty to reply to the Grand Officers . Headed by such a G . M ., the subordinates would always do all they could to enhance the ancient fraternity and the Prince of Wales was

always most anxious to do all possible to promote in every way the prosperity of all Institutions connected with our glorious Brotherhood . We all had to lament the death of the Earl of Lathom ; the gap that has been created by his demise , will be difficult to fill , but in Grand Lodge there are many good men and I am glad to be here as a Grand Officer to say how much they do to promote the true tenets of Freemasonry , and especially am I proud to avow it in the grand old hall in which I partook of the first dinner after I had the honour and privilege to see the light . I congratulate you W . M . on your elevation to the chair , and I am glad to see you keep the true spark of Freemasonry alive in Brotherly love , relief , and truth .

The Installing Officer next proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " and in doing so said—Our W . M . has always taken a deep interest in Freemasonry , and l may say from the moment he entered he has never missed a single meeting , and it has given me great pleasure to install him this evening , and all I can say is 1 do wish you most sincerely a most successful and happy year of office . You have endeared us all to you by your courteous modesty and sincere attachment to the best interests of the lodge .

The W . M . replied by thanking all for the hearty reception they had given to the toast of his health . Especially do 1 thank the Installing Officer fur the kindly manner in which it was proposed , . but still more especially do 1 thank him for the beautiful and grace f ul mantiet in which 1 was instated , and 1 may now sav frankly to you all , brethren , that though I may not be able to do all so lavishly towards the lodge as some of my predecessors , yet I do not give way to anyone in the true zeal of promoting its best interests , and on that account I feel I have your best wishes , brotherly love , and

support . The W . M . next proposed "The Installing Officer . " This , said he , is a case of deeds , not of words . AU you who have the ptivilege to know him know what a man he is ; he has been invaluable to the Aldersgate Lodge almost from the moment he entered . Formerly we had to depend on the goodness of one of our hon . members ( Sir John B . Monckton ) forour installation , but he finding his quiver of engagements rather full , Bro . Th > mas Biiggs came to the rescue , installed his successor , and now you have seen to-night how ably for the second time he has performed the ceremony .

Bro . Thomas Briggs replied : I scarcely know how to thank you for your kind words , W . M ., and you , brethren , for the warm manner you have received the to . st of my health , and as you have now listened so long to my voice to-night , 1 feel I shall best conduce to your happiness if 1 simply say how very much I thank you , and as my heart is always with the Aldersgate Lodge , I can assure you I will always do all possible to promote its best interests .

The W . M . proposed the toast of "The Visitors . " VVe have to-night the Grand Treasurer , Bro . Sheriff Probyn , and we think it exceedingly good of him to supplement his other engagement to come among us . Then we have our gooJ old friend , Bro . Alderman and Sheriff Alliston , Bro . Rock , Basset Hopkins , and Bro . Paul Alliston . I am especially proud to see you all here at my installation , and the Aldersgate Lodge extends to you a hearty welcome , and I hope to have the pleasure to see vou all here again next year .

Bro . Sheriff Probyn , G . Treas , replied , and said : W . M ., Wardens , and brethren , personally I feel deeply honoured in being included in the toast the W . M . has so cordially proposed . 1 desire , firstly , to say to all the members of the lodge how deeply I regret not being present at the meeting , and also to the splendid fare I know the Aloion can provide . I have also to express my regret in not presenting myself in the regalia of the high office 1 have the honour to hold ; but man propo . es and circumstances

dispose , and it is impossible to be in two places at the same time ; but I came as soon as 1 possibly could , and now find myself surrounded by friends and my dear old colleague , Bro . Alderman Sheriff Alliston , whom to know is to know a man , and a man whose word is his bond . I see also on my right a worthy son of a woithy father , who has recently been installed into the chair of the Urban Lodge , so 1 feel I am quite at home , and can with all sincerity thank you sincerely for your kind expressions .

Bro . Alderman and Sheriff Alliston also replied , and said : If there is anything wanting , it shall not be wanting in truth , and I desire , W . M ., to tender- you my sincere thanks for your hospitality , and to tell the members of the lodge , firstly , how delighted I am to come here as a Mason , and , secondly , as an Alderman of a neighbouring Ward . I want now to remind you of a great writer ( Shakespeare ) , when he speaks of the baseless fabric of vision

a , it seems to rae he must have been a Mason , and also Robert Burns refers in a poem to the sons of light , which makes me think , also , he must have been a Mason ; and now let me thank you for all your kindness and generous treatment . Bros . Tickle and Heard also briefly replied .

Craft Masonry.

The toast of " The Past Masters , Treasurer , Secretary , and Officers of the Lodge " was duly honoured . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a most enjoyable an 3 brilliant eveninf . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Miss Florence Venning , and were carried out in a most perfect manner , which added greatly to thejiarmony of the evening . Eltheldreda Lodge , No . 2107 .

The installation meeting was held on Thursday , the 16 th inst ., at the Subscription Rooms Club , Newmarket . The lodge having been opened by Bro . W . Hutchinson , P . M ., four new members were balloted for and elected , and also one joining member . The installation of Bro . Thomas Leader , P . M . of the Gooch Lodge , P . P . G . S . of W ., was then proceeded with , Bro . H . Price , P . M . 2012 , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., acting as Installing Master . The duties of D . C . were discharged by Bro . J . Royston , P . M . 441 ,

P . G . Reg . The officers for the year are as understated : Bros . Thos . Leader , P . P . G . S . of W ., W . M . ; J . G . Chennell , P . P . A . G . D . C , I . P . M . ; J . W . Carr , P . P . A . G . D . C , S . W . ; C . H . Davey , P . G . Treas ., J . W . ; C F . Moody , Chap . ; W . Hutchinson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., Treas . ; Geo . Simpson , Sec . ; J . G . Cowell , P . G . Stwd ., S . D . ; F . H . Potts , J . D . ; T . Jennings , jun ., P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., D . C ; J . W . Metcalf , I . G . j H . M . Martin , Org . ; C . B . Bosworth , Stwd . ; and J . Arnold , Tyler . The addresses were impressively delivered by Bro . H . Price .

The lodge afterwards voted 10 guineas to the Royal Masomc Benevolent Institution , and a similar sum was collected after banquet for the same purpose . At the banquet , the toast of " The Grand Lodge Officers " was responded to by Bros . George Everett , P . G . Treas ., and H . Price , P . G . Std . Br . TheW . M . submitted the toast of "The Prov . G . M . of Cambs , the D . P . G . M ., and the rest of the P . G . Officers . "

Bro . Frank Piggott , P . M . SS , P . J . G . W ., responded , and spoke of the progress of Masonry and the support given to Masonic Charity during his 20 years' career in the Craft . Bro . J . Royston , P . M . 44 , P . G . Reg ., also responded . "The Health of the Worshipful Master" was happily proposed by Bro . Oliver Papworth , P . M . SS , P . G . Sec , and was received with the liveliest enthusiasm , Bro . Leader having a real hearty " send off , " which he acknowledged ir . fitting terms .

Bro . H . Price gave " The Masonic Charities , " which was acknowledged by Bro . H . Laxton , who collected the 10 guineas mentioned . The toast of "The Visiting Brethren " was responded to by Bros . H . Wood , 2012 ; H . S . Davison , SS ; WoUenden , E . Wavell , T . VV . Liddington , F . W . Potts , Dr . Hatgraves , and Dun Woody . " The Officers of the Lodge " vvere not forgotten , and the proceedings closed with the Tyler's toast .

A number of musical items wcre contributed , and Bro . Cheeseman was in great form .

Iris Lodge , No . 2545 . The installation meeting of this young lodge was held on Monday , at the Hotel Cecil , Bro . H . L . Chaplin , W . M ,, in the chair . The other brethren present were Bros . T . M . E . Armstrong , S . W . ; A . F . Howard , P . M ., Treas . ; R . E . F . Lander , P . M ., Ssc ; CH . Knight , S . D . ; G . J . Fowler , P . M ., D . of C . ; J . Murray , I . G . ; H . Stubbings and N . F . O'Brien , Stewards ; P . Rothermel , J . M . O'Donnell , R . More , B . M . Trendle , G . Hallowes , VV . Gayton , T . S . Egan , H . C Houndle , Bedford Fenwick ,

R . H . Peren , W . P . Humphris , C S . Grossman , C L . Chubb , A . Hetherington , and J . Scarlett . The visitors were Bros . F . G . Mellows , 210 S ; R . Hughes , S . W . 20 S 6 ; VV . L . Aylmer , P . M . 1725 ; J . H . Whitaker , 240 S ; Wm . FooUs , 2033 ; S . H . Goldschmidt , P . M . 1329 ; Wm . Campbell ; T . Greenwood , P . M . 357 , P . P . G . Reg . Oxon ; G . C . Kent , P . M . 54 GJ C W . A . Trollope , P . M . 1 S 2 G , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey ; A . M . Stuart , P . M . 1826 ; R . H . Stimpson , P . M . 59 , - C . W . Ernson , W . M . 1 S 72 ; Francis Drury ; F . Barry , 1526 ; H . W . Turner , 1347 ; C . A . Hardwick , 1347 ; J . H . Hayes , 1347 ; H . Massey , P . M . Gio and 192 S ; J . J . Marsh , IP . M . 2528 ; Clement

Godson , M . D ., P . G . D . ; R . S . Fairbank , W . M . 2000 ' . A . J . R . Trendell , P . A . G . D . of C ; H . W . Douglas , 2335 ; R . T . Tyler , 1599 , P . P . G . Org . Middx . ; J . Lewis Alorgan , W . M . 1150 ; A . H . Jessel , 10 , 234 G ; J . H . D . Todd , I . P . M . 4 , 2312 ; J . W . Ivimey ( Cavendish ); and J . JF . Wood , P . M . g Q p . Bro . G . J . Fowler , P . AL , D . C , initiated his friend ( Mr . George Clunies-Ross , pro . prietor and ruler of . the Keeling-Cocos Islands inthe Indian Ocean ) , after which Bro . Henry Leopold Chaplin , W . M ., installed Bro . Thotras Mandeville Emerson Armstrong

as W . M . for the ensuing year . Bro . Chaplin was invested as ( . P . M ., and afterwards received a handsome Past Master's jewel . The other brethren invested were Bros . C . H . Knight , S . W . j A . Chapman , J . W . ; A . F . Howard , Treas . j R . E . F . Lander , P . M . 20 S 6 , Sec ; J . Murray , S . D . j N . F . O'Brien , J . D . ; H . Stubbings , LG . ; G . J . Fowler , P . M ., D . C . ; P . Rothermel , Org . ; B . Fen wick , Stwd . ; and H . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler . At the conclusion of the lodge business the brethren adjourned to a choice banquet , after which the usual toasts were proposed , and some lovely violin performance , given

by Bro . Joseph Ivimey . Bro . Dr . Clement Godson , P . G . D . ( who during the ceremony of installation had acted as S . W . ) , responding to the toast of " The Grand Officers" said the Grand Officers were only too pleased to take part in the work if asked to do so , and they considered it a privilege , as he had considered it that evening . As one of the Consecrating Officers of the lodge it was a special pleasure to be now present . He had been elected an honorary member of the lodge , and there was only one installation meeting of it that he had not been present at , which was on account of a professional engagement . But

it wasa great denial to him that he was not present . He could neverforget the number of the lodge—2545—for he was the first Master of the Rahere Lodge , which was 2546 , He was placed in that chair by the Grand Master , fie was happy to say that lodge was most prosperous , and he was happy to find that this lodge was also prosperous . Both were prosperous both in finance and in the number of their members . That did not always make prosperity . What made prosperity wis what he found in the Iris and in the Rahere Lodges—admirable working , good fellowship , and sufficient money to keep them going .

Bro . A . J . R . Trendell , P . A . G . D . C , who also replied , said he also had th : honaur of being an hon . member of the lodge , allhaugh he took only a small part in its consecration . He was much struck with the great promise of vitality thkt seemed to exist within it , and he saw then , with great pleasure , the good working and the good fellowship that was maintained . He congratulated the lodge on taking in a gentleman from the Dutch East Indies , who ruled over a vast population with justice and mercy . He was sure that the principles of Masonry would add to his sympathy for those who were poor and distressed . It was a great thing to see men from all parts ot the world drawn

into the Masonic Brotherhood . Bro . Kent , in his reply , said that among the members of the lodge were men who represented the best traditions of this country , and he hoped the lodge would continue to have such men put in the chair as the W . M . of that day . Bro . Chaplin , I . P . M ., proposed "The W . M . " Those ot the brethren who wire in the lodge at the commencement , knew the active part Bro . Armstrong took in the Secretaryship ; he worked hard and zealou sly in that pr > st . In the office of S . W . his work was all that could be desired ; and now they saw him in the proud position of W . M . they knew no man deserved it more .

Bro . Armstrong , W . M ., in acknowledging the toast , said it was very inspiring to a youthful W . M . to have his health proposed so nicely . It was a great service of delight to him that hc was so loyally supported by officers from whom he could expect a certain amount of service as well as from other members of the lodge . He wanted especially to mention a matter to the lodge , but , unfortunately , it escaped his attention . He was asked to say on that occasion , when there were more than the usual . number of members of the lodge present , and junior members , too , that that was not a cricket club . Bro . Fowler said that . That had a somewhat hidden meaning ; but he gathered

that what was intended was that they were not entitled to treat the lodge as if it was a cricket club ; if a member could no : come to time he should send a telegram . He then proposed "The I . P . M ., " who had given them no mean example of capacity asa Master , he had done his work in a very loyal way . Bro . Chaplin , LP . M ., in reply , said that , looking . back at his past work , he did not know what he had done to earn the brethren ' s commendation ; if he had to do it again he hoped he should give a better account of himself . Havever , he tried to do hi ; duty , and he was glad that what he had done had met with their satisfaction . He thanked the brethren very heartily for supporting him and for overlooking his faults .