Our Portrait Gallery.

in the inaugural address this evening . Of the hidden mysteries of nature and science , he has given us a glimpse , and in an instructive manner , after commending that each of us in the Quatuor Coronati Lodge should apply himself to speak or write on the subject with which he is most familiar , has reduced theory to practice , by descanting on some of the wonders revealed by the science of astronomy . There is perhaps no other branch of natural science in which our W . M . has attained greater distinction , and it is from the methods he has acquired , it may be

insensibly , as an Astronomer , that I shall venture to hope we may derive great benefit during his presidency over our asscc . ation . it is unfortunately a common habit to prefer the pretty story to the true story , and the custom of historians , by no means omitting those of Freemasonry , has been remarkably uniform in this respect . With the Astronomers , however , it is different . It is a prettier story ( to borrow the words of the late Professor Freeman ) , to believe that the sun dances for joy on Easter Day than to believe that it obeys the laws of gravitation on all

days . But he who should set forth the pretty story now would hardly win the reputation of a scientific astronomer . Yet a man may even now pit forth things or history , particularly Masonic history , quite as far from the world of fact as the sun dancing on Easter Day , and he will , nevertheless , get a following , who will deem it sacrilege to call his statements in question . I therefore hope that if in this lodge we have neglected the more critical methods , which are followed with

so much success by the Astronomers , we may regain them under Bro . Klein . Brethren , the reign of our W . M . has begun very auspiciously , and it will be the general hope , as indeed , it is the general hope , that when , a twelvemonth hence , he lays down the sceptre with which he has this evening been invested , he will be conscious of having performed the duties of his high office , with satisfaction to himself , and advantage to the lodge , and be able to say with a contented mind and a dear conscience :

Be fair or foul , or rain , or shine , The joys I have possessed , in spite of Fate are mine , Not heaven itself upon the past has power , But what has been , has been , and I have had my hour . '

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

SCOTTISH FREEMASONRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES .

Masonry , under the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland appears to be in a most flourishing condition , for there are no less than 12 Royal Arch chapters working in the Colony , three in Sydney , not to omit three Mark lodges . The M . E . Grand Superintendent of the District is Comp . Nicholson Hopton . The appended Degrees are also worked , for at the annual , meeting of the conclave attached to the Kilwinning Chapter , No . 135 , Sydney , in September , the grades of Royal Ark Mariners and Red Cross Knight were conferred on seven

candidates by M . E . Comp . B . G . Campbell , P . Z ., an old army Cvaftsman , who takes a great interest in Scottish Capitular Masonry . And it would seem that no particular desire exists for leaving the Scottish Constitution , for at the meeting in question , the speeches were entirely in a contrary direction , whilst a point was made of the intentions to " permit no innovations and recognise no irregular or illegal chapters . " There is also an Irish Royal Arch Chapter , No . 266 , in Sydney , the members of which are on the most amicable terms with their Scottish companions .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Sphinx Lodge , No , 1329 . The installation meeting of this well-known and distinguished South London lodge took place at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on Saturday , the 20 th inst ., when there were present Bros . Robert Elgar , W . M . j C . J . Allen , I . P . M . ; W . T . Andrews , S . W ., and W . M . elect ; W . T . Snell , acting J . W . ; W . Andrews . Treas . ; R . I . Voisey , P . M ., Sec ; B . T . Whitehead , S . D . j G . Coote , J . D . ; C . E . Jones , acting I . G . ; R . J . Pitt , Org . ; H . W . Phillips , Stwd . ; G . Harrison , Tyler ; J . A . Thornhill , P . M . ; Geo . Bickerton , P . M . ; Charles Wilson , P . M . ; Perceval A .

Nairne , P . G . D ., D . C . ; J . C . Reynolds , P . M . ; J . Hernaman , P . M . ; Thomas Ed . Webb , P . M . ; D . D . Mercer , P . G . P . ; W . II . Webb , H . Skelton , M . Tooley , R . J . Falkner , F . Ellis , J . Shuttle , W . G . Vaughan , F . Andrews , H . M . Reid , A . E . Stove , S . Bullock , H . Falkner , J . W . Bell , Wal C . Williams , W . E . Allard , W . H . Bathurst , F . S . Sutton , F . G . Flux , Wm . Bath , C . Wheeler , W . Allard , jun ., and Ernest Young . The visitors were Bros . Thomas Roe , P . M . 1641 ; C . B . Hughes , I . G . 1 S 1 S ; J . A . Anderson , J . W . 1 S 1 S ; W . H . Cloake , iyS 6 ; S . P . Fisher , Treas . 217 ; Valentine Hill , 1641 ; J , Cooper , 1 S 15 ; J . Foley , 2263 ; C .

W . Bird , late 1641 ; E . Jeffery , P . M . 1227 ; J . T . Kidman , 2345 ; J . C . Jordan , 2444 ; G . E . King , P . M . and Sec . 1 G 41 ; S . C . Phillips , 2579 ; R . B . Cheverton , P . M . 151 ; S . C . Rhodes , B . B . J oy , P . M . ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 ; J . Loader , P . M . 1 G 22 ; ¦ Wm . Dawson , P . M . 7 SS ; j . T . Galloway , 159 S ; R . C . Klyne , I . P . M . 2266 ; Alf Andrews , S . D . 534 ; VV . W 00 lf . 7 GG ; Aub . M . Ohrcn , P . M . 452 ; R . J . Vincent , P . M . 1641 ; E . A . Rice , W . M . 1320 ; V . T . Murcho , P . M . 2513 ; J .

Nowakowski , P . M . S 34 ; F . C . Finch , iyoi ; E . Hollands , P . M . 170 S ; Wm . Briant , W . M . 1641 j G . Ryan , J . D . 200 G ; R . W . Benns , P . M . 749 j George R . Langley , 23 S 1 , P . l . G . D . Middx . ; Arthur Blcnkarn , 23 S 1 , P . P . G . 1 ' reas . ; W . H . Wilson , 1572 ; J . J . Ball , 21 S 2 ; G . W . Townsend , 700 ; W . W . Richardson , 857 ; B . Morgan , P . M . late 1901 ; S . Cronecn , late iGSG ; J . VV . Jopson , 21 S 2 ; L . C . Roberts , 14 G 0 ; F . Tebbutt , 2 oyo ; G . T . Grcner , 13 S 1 ; and C . H . Stone , P . M . 507 , S . D . 1 G 4 L

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted , which showed the lodge to be in a sound financial position . Bro . J . C . Reynolds , P . M ., was unanimously elected Treasurer in place of Bio . Wm . Andrews , Tieas . elect , who had been appointed S . W . of the lodge . Bros . Stove and Valentine Hill were passed in an impressive manner by the W . M . A ballot was taken for Messrs . Francis G . Flux and Wm . Hy . Isaacs Bathurst which proving unanimous , they were initiated in a perfect manner by Bro . Robert Elgar , W . M . Bro . T . W . Andrews , S . W . and W . M . elect , was next presented b

y Bro . Perceval A . Nairne , P . G . U . D . C , to Bro . Robert Elgar , W . M ., to receive at his hands the benefit of installation , which cere-nony was carried out in a highly conmendable manner in a Board of is Installed Masters . The new W . M . invested the officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . Robt . Elgar , I . P . M ., Sec . ; W . Andrews , S . W . ; B . T . Whitehead , J . W . ; J . C . Reynolds , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Coote , S . D . ; W . D . Edwards , J . D . ; P . A . Nairne , P . G . D ., D . C . ; VV . T . Snell , I . G . ; II . W . Phillips and B . C . Jones , Stwds . ; B . H . Young , P . M ., A . D . C . ; R . J . Pitt , L . R . A . M ., Org . ; and Geo . Harrison , Tyler . The three addresses were most ably rendered by

the Installing Master . Bro . W . T . Andrew , W . M ., rose and said a very pleasant duty devolved upon him in presenting the Past Master ' s jewel to Pro . Robert Elgar , I . P . M ., which had been unanimously vottd him from the lodge ; no Master could have served the lodge belter and none deserved the jewel better than he . It was the earnest wish that he might wear it for many years and honour the lodge with his presence . In reply , Bro . R . Elgar thanked the brethren most heartily and sincerely for such a handsome jewel , also for the kind and flattering remarks of the W . M . He should with pride hope to wear the same for many years as a token of their appreciation for his humble services

Craft Masonry.

rendered the lodge for the past year . Notice was given for an initiate at the next meeting . Also the W . M . announced that he hoped to represent the lodge at the Centenary Festival of the Boys' School . Bro . Wm . Briant , W . M . 1641 , thanked the W . M . for his kindness and courtesy in passing Bro . Valentine Hill , 1 G 41 , to him a matter of urgency . Bro . Robt . Elgar , I . P . M ., gave notice of motion " To present the outgoing Treasurer , Bro . William Andrews , and Bro . R . J . Voisey , P . M ., Sec , each with a jewel in appreciation of their services . " Bro . D . D . Mercer , P . G . P ., stated he had nominated 12 brethren for the Board of Benevolence but there would be an election and these brethren would be pleased to receive votes . Several letters for inability to attend through various reasons were read , which expressed hearty good wishes to the W . M .

The business ^ of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , the tables , being nicely decorated by Mrs . Venables , the proprietress , who provided a banquet , which was highly appreciated . This completed , the W . M . gave the toast of " Her Majesty the Queen and the Craft , " and remarked that it was always received with enthusiasm , especially in Masonic

circles . In giving the toast of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . said he was most firmly attached to Freemasonry and those who were privileged to be there saw how royally he presided at the Albert Hall at the Diamond Jubilee Festival . He was always ready to associate himself with the cause of Charity , and especially thos ; connected with the Craft .

The W . M . next presented the toast ol "The Pro G . M ., Dep . G . M ., and the rest of ihe Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and said their duties were most faithfully discharged . The lodge was fortunate in having two Grand Officers among its members who were brethren of distinction . He would couple with the toast Bros . P . A . Nairne , P . G . D ., and David D . Mercer , P . G . P . Bro . 'P . A . Nairne replied . Once more he thanked the brethren for so kind and cordial a reception . He was not surprised , as the ruling officers were brethren of a high class , and therefore had the confidence of the whole Craft . The present year had

been most eventful , and the Craft had recognised the valuable services rendered by our brethren in our various colonies . Many were such able pioneers of Freemasonry that the M . W . G . M . had bestowed about one-third of the honours in Grand Lodge upon them , which were not in the slightest degree begrudged them . A most eventful ceremony was about to take place—the bi-centenary of the opening of St . Paul's—to show the force that Freemasonry has in the world , and its close connection with religion . Sir Chris . Wren was the one architect during its building , in striking contrast with St . Peter ' s at Rome , which was built during the lives of 11 Popes and very many architects . The noble edifice of St . Paul ' s was second only in size to the great pyramids of Egypt ,

and in stability equal , but in beauty superior . He had no doubt the occasion on December 2 nd would be a most striking spectacle . The 20 th November was of special interest to himself , for on that date 35 years ago he first knew the right word and sign of a Free and Accepted Mason .. He had always taken the greatest interest in Masonry , and had derived much benefit from it . For 27 years out of the 35 he had been associated with the Sphinx Lodge—from its birth , through its youth , and now it had reached its manhood and was still doing excellent work . It would certainly outlive him , and he was thankful to the brethren through the whole of that time for their kindness and cordiality , which had always been extended to him .

Bro . D . D . Mercer , P . G . P ., also most heartily thanked the brethren on behalf of the Grand Officers . Bro . R . Elgar , I . P . M ., proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " which was a great honour and privilege . To the I . P . M . it was the toast of the evening , not because it fell to his lot to place it before the brethren , but because of the W . M . himself . Bro . Andrews , jun ., 12 years ago was initiated , and had during the whole of that time taken a deep interest in the concerns of the lodge , and had now attained the highest position . He was the worthy son of the highly-respected S . W . —one of the oldest members in the

lodge—had been most regular in his attendance , and also had taken the liveliest interest in its welfare , yet had never aspired to the chair ; but now he was in a fair way to become the W . M . In the W . M . they had a brother who would uphold the dignity and prestige of the lodge , and he ( the I . P . M . ) would offer the four congratulations—first , to the W . M . on attaining the honourable position ; secondly , the lodge on having such a Master ; thirdly , . the W . M . on having such a father ; and , lastly , the father on having such a son . The toast was drunk most enthusiastically .

1 he W . M ., _ in reply , thanked the brethren for so hearty and cordial a reception . He could assure " the brethren it was the proudest moment of his life . From the time of Ms initiation , 12 years ago , to that night he had done his duty , and had now reached the summit of his ambition , which should be every Mason ' s aim . During the coming year he would do everything for the welfare and uphold the dignity and prestige of the

lodge . The W . M . next presented the toast of " The Installing Master , Bro . R . Elgar , I . P . M . " He said he knew it would be received with acclamation , for Bro . Elgar had done great things for the lodge . He had known him for many years outside Freemasonry , and had found him a most valued friend . The toast was cordially drunk .

Bro . Elgar ( who received quite an ovation ) , in reply , said the brethren had heard so much of him during the past year that he should not occupy much of their time , but he heartily and sincerely thanked thsm for such an enthusiastic reception . He could assure them he was particularly proud at being a Past Master of the lodge . lie had had a most pleasant and happy year of office , and had been enabled , by the help of the G . A . O . T . U ., to perform his duties to their satisfaction . His best thanks were due to the brethren , who had so kindly assisted him , and specially to Bro . R . J . Voisey , P . M ., who had acted as Secretary for some years , and had also helped for many years with his counsel and advice .

The toast of " The Initiates' was proposed by the W . M ., who remarked they had two worthy sponsors , and were highly recommended . One had been obliged to leave , as he had a long way to return home . They were heartily welcome to the lodge , and from the attention they had paid to the ceremony , the W . M . was sure the same would be given in the succeeding Degrees , and they would become true and faithful brethren . The toast was duly responded to , and The W . M . next presented the toast of "The Visitors , " numbering 35 , which was always most cordially received by the members of the Sphinx Lodge . He coupled the names of Bros . K . A . Rice , W . M . 1320 ; Wm . Dawson , W . M . 1 G 22 ; Wm . Briant , W . M . 1 G 41 ; and Mai . Vincent , 1 G 41 .

Bro . Kice responded in eloquent terms , and said he was honoured as being about the youngest W . M . present , but eulogised the excellent work performed by the brethren , and specially Bro Elqar , Installing Master , who was a Master of many Degrees , the unique position of the W . M . investing his esteemed father and brother as S . W ., and to the kind and generous hospitality always evinced by the Sphinx Lodge .

Bros . Dawson , Briant , and Mai . Vincent also ably replied . The toast of "The Past Masters" received at the hands of the W . M . the measure of praise it deserved , for they were all such excellent workers , and ever ready to perform any duty they were called upon to perform . There was a goodly array , and it gave the W . M . great pleasure to see so many . He coupled with the toast Bros . G . Bickerton , P . M ., and R . J . Voisey , P . M .

In reply , Bro . Geo . Bickerton said he and the S . W . were initiated in the lodge 27 years ago by Bro . Nairne , P . G . D ., but through ill-health was obliged to absent himself sometimes . However , on hearing of the exceptional circumstances of the W . M . investing his father with the collar of S . W ., and considering their long attachment , he had attended to offer his congratulations , and he heartily thanked the brethren . Bro . R . J . Voisey , P . M ., also very ably replied . The W . M . next gave the toast of " The " Secretary , Treasurer , and the other Officers , " and remarked they were all most competent .

This was most eloquently replied to by the S . W ., J . W ., Treasurer , Stewird , and Organist . 1 he Tyler ' s toast closed a happy and very successful meeting . A capital programme of music was arranged by Bro . R . J . Pitt , Org ., the artistes being Miss Gommersall , Miss Alice Reed , Mrs . T . Parr , Bros . Frank Tebbutt , Edwd . Hollands , and G . T . Miles ( solo harp ) . Bro . R . J . Pitt ably presided at the piano .

IHK DUCHESS OV CI . KVKI . ANU , before leaving lor India , gave directions that the Abbot s or Creat Hall of Battle Abbey , which is not shown to visitors when the family is in residence , should be open to inspection during her absence . The splendid tapestry on the walls of the ancient hall is a great attraction . *