Inauguration Of New Masonic Rooms At Belvedere.

a verv kind communication from Lord Holmesdale , Prov . G . M . " Kent , who , being unable to attend the lodge in person , had sent his portrait , for which the Secretary was directed to thank Lord Holmesdale on behalf of the lodge . A valuable Masonic picture , by an old master , was then presented by Bro . Chillingworth , P . M ., and Bro . Colman , I . G ., with an appropriate speech , presented an extremely handsome banner , bearing the Saye and Sele arms .

Various other presents , donations , and loans having been suitably acknowledged by the VV . M ., the Secretary was directed to write to the different brethren concerned , and to convey the thanks of the lodge for their kindness . Bro . the Rev . H . Jamblin delivered the ancient charges in an admirable manner . The VV . M . then made a statement as to the different Masonic Institutions now flourishing in Belvedere , viz ., the Craft and Mark Lodges and the Red Cross

Conclave , and further stated that it was proposed hereafter to found a Royal Arch Chapter upon the same lines . After a brief interval , Bro . the Rev . H . CUMMINGS , P . P . G . C . Cornwall , delivered one of those _ impressive and instructive Masonic orations for which he is so justly celebrated , which . was listened to with much attention by the brethren . The W . M . then in appropriate terms referred to the

Masonic career of Bro . Cummings , and more particularly to his services rendered , on many occasions , tothe Saye and Sele Lodge , and proposed that , as a mark of the lodge ' s hearty recognition of his kindness , he should be created an honorary member of the lodge . This having been seconded by the I . P . M ., Bro . WOOD , was carried by acclamation , and was responded to in suitable terms by Bro . CUMMINGS . A statement as to the work of the Building Committee

was then made by Bro . HEAPS , and supplemented by the W . M ., after which Bro . Dr . SPURRELL moved a cordial vote of thanks to the Committee , which was seconded by Bro . CRUMP , The W . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the honorary architect , Bro . Church , which was seconded by the I . P . M ., Bro . WOOD . Bro . BRIGHT , J . W ., moved a similar vote to the honorary

solicitor , Bro . Newman , which was seconded by Bro . DE PI . V . VA , S . D . A vote of thanks to Bro . Park for his hospitality during the time the lodge had been held at the Institution was moved by the VV . M ., and seconded by Bro . CHILLINGWORTH , P . M . All these votes having been carried unanimously , the Secretary was directed to write to the Secretary of the

Royal Alfred Institution , thanking the Committee for their kindness in the matter of the Masonic Rooms . A vote of thanks to the VV . M . for his untiring energy and unceasing zeal in superintending the alterations of the building , in which he had spent much time and had succeeded beyond expectation , was eloquently proposed by Bro . CHILLINGIVORTH , P . M , and having been seconded

by Bro . ELLIOT , S . W ., and supported by Bro . WOOD , was carried by acclamation . A brother having been proposed for initiation , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the Belvedere Hotel , where a recherche supper had been provided , after which the remainder of the evening was spent in harmony .

Masonic Celebration At Alton.

MASONIC CELEBRATION AT ALTON .

This enterprising town made an effort some years ago to become a centre of Masonic work , but from various causes the warrant was not taken up , and it remained for a more favourable occasion to start a lodge . This occurred last year , thanks to the exertion of several members of Economy Lodge , 7 G , who were residents at Alton , and who , aided by their mother lodge , took the proper

steps , and were fortunate in gaining the aid of Bro . Major Shalden Smith , a genial and estimable gentleman residing near , and this obtained a warrant for the Shalden Lodge , 2016 . A twelvemonth ago it was consecrated , and since then it has , aided by the joint advantages of the Craft , the excellent first Master , Bro . Shalden Smith , the energy of the founders , become a strong lodge with every element of success . Wednesday week was the second anniversary of

the formation of the lodge , and the second installation of the W . M ., a poshion of honour and responsibility , has been very properly placed again on Major Smith , for various valid reasons . On that day a full lodge and attendance of P . G . Officers showed the high respect felt for him , there being present Bros . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Prov . G . M . ; J . E . Le Feuvre , P . G . Sec . ( who is the R . W . D . P . G . M . designate , with the entire approbation of the Craft ); Rev .

Hervey , P . G . Chap ., VV . M . 309 ; Rev . Barker , P . P . G . Chap . ; Rastrick , P . G . Treas . ; Robertson , P . G . D . of C ; Grier , P . G . J . D . ; Beall , P . G . Std . Br .,- Jacob , P . G . Stwd . ; Glasspool , Roumieu , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; Surrey , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Payne , Surrey , and others . The occasion was rather special , for the lodge after being opened proceeded in Masonic regalia and order to the parish church , where the vicar , Rev . A . Whyley , and choir

received and preceded them , singing as a processional " Through the night of doubt and sorrow . " When all had taken their seats—and there was a large congregation—the vicar commenced a short and select service , which included the opening portion of evensong , followed by a lesson from the Old Testament , read by the Rev . Bro . Barker , P . G . C , and selected from the 7 th chapter of the second book of Chronicles . The I 33 rd Psalm was most

appropriately selected and chanted , alter which was read tbe collect for the day , for the Queen and Royal Family , and the special prayers and thanksgiving , followed by the closing prayers of evensong , read by the vicar . The hymn " All people that on earth do dwell" was sung , and the P . G . C , Bro . Hervey , delivered a most impressive oration on Freemasonry , its connection with religion , its benefits—social , benevolentand charitable—and at the conclusion wassung ,

, whilst the offertory was collected , the Hymn 273 , " Lord , how joyful 'tis to see . " The vicar having pronounced the benediction , the choir sang , as a recessional chant , the Nunc Dimittis , and the procession moved out of the fine old church in due order , and proceeded to lodge , where the R . W . Prov . Grand Master duly installed Bro . Shalden

Smith a second time as Worshipful Master . The officers invested . were : Bros . Harber , S . VV . ; T . G . Timbrell , J . W . j H . Holman , Treas . j Cooper , Sec ; Swanborough , S . D . ; Blake , J . D . ; and Piggott , Org ., who presided at the organ in his usual good style at church . At the conclusion of the installation hearty thanks were accorded to the Prov . G . M . lor his attendance , and the

Masonic Celebration At Alton.

lodge adjourned from labour to refreshment , about 50 sitting down to a banquet capitally served by Bro . and Mrs . Blake , of the Crown Hotel , and the proceedings were marked with that geniality , moderation , and true enjoyment which is a characteristic of the Craft . It may be noted that the Vicar , Mr . Whyley , is a

candidate for initiation in the lodge , and it may be congratulated not only on this proposition , but also on the fact that its twelve months' initiation of many brethren exhibits a high standard of social and local position , the W . M . having remembered that Masonry requires a ; careful exercise of the doctrine of selection .

Presentation To A Liverpool Brother.

PRESENTATION TO A LIVERPOOL BROTHER .

On Wednesday evening , the 12 th inst ., Bro . Walter Hatton , a respected member of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , acting manager of the Prince of Wales ' s Theatre , was the recipient of a pleasing testimonial of the goodwill and esteem of many brethren and friends on his

leaving Liverpool to assume similar managerial duties at the Theatre Royal , Edinburgh , under Bro . H . Cecil Beryl . In order to show their appreciation of the unfailing courtesy of Bro . Hatton , and of his personal character generally , a number of brethren and others entertained him at supper in the Neptune Hotel , Clayton-square . Bro . Josef Cantor presided , the vice-chair was occupied by Bro . J . M . Boyd ,

and those present included Bros . J . L . Shrapnell , J . B . Curtis , VV . VV . Sandbrook , Ben Hughes , W . E . Smith , J . B . Mackenzie , D . Gumming , William Savage , Richard Burgess , W . Parker , Eaton Batty , J . Orr Marples , E . H . Allen , T . Hamson , and Messrs . H . Heard , J . Metcalfe , J . Stonehouse , H . Woodger , J . N . Petrie , S . Kirkham , E . Edwards , and N . Burt .

After supper the CHAIRMAN gave " The Health of Bro . Hatton , " and the toast was warmly pledged . Previously to this , Bro . Hatton was invited by the Chairman , in the name of the company , to accept a handsome gold locket and an illuminated address , the inscription on the former and the terms of the latter conveying to him a hearty recognition of his many fine qualities . Beneath a

design typical of friendship appear on one side of the locket the following words : " Presented to Walter Hatton by a few of the boys . Liverpool , December 10 th , 1 SS 4 . " On the other side of the elegant trinket is a horseshoe inclosing Bro . Hatton's monogram . The illumination of the address is highly artistic . Bro . HATTON shortly , but with deep feeling ,

acknowledged the kindness which prompted the bestowal of the gifts . In the course of the evening , songs , vocal trios , and quartets and pianoforte solos were given by the Chairman —who as an accompanist is unrivalled—and Messrs . E . Edwards , S . Kirkham , N . Burt , Bros . W . Savage , J . B . Mackenzie , Messrs . J . N . Petrie , Bros . Eaton Batty , and

R . Burgess . Early on the same day , Bro . Hatton was presented , on the stage of the Prince of Wales's Theatre , with a magnificent diamond solitaire and scarf pin , this coming from the working staff of the establishment , and on the eve of his departure he was further presented with a diamond ring by the gentlemen in attendance fn front of the theatre .

Amateur Dramatic Performance In Aid Of Masonic Charities.

AMATEUR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE IN AID OF MASONIC CHARITIES .

On Wednesday , the 17 th inst ., a dramatic performance was given in the Theatre Royal and Opera House , Rochdale , Bro . F . VV . Purcell , 191 , sole lessee and manager , by a number of Masonic brethren amateurs . The dress circle of the theatre was completely filled , but the other

parts of the house were not patronised as well as was expected , owing , no doubt , to the inclemency of the weather . A dispensation having been granted for brethren to appear in Craft and Royal Arch clothing , the theatre presented a most brilliant and striking appearance . The piece performed was the late Bro . H . J . Byron ' s

comedy of "Our Boys , " with the following caste of characters : Sir Geoffrey Champneys , Bro . N . T . Collinge , 54 . Talbot Champneys ... „ C E . Collingwood , P . M . 29 S . Perkyn Middlewick ... „ J . Dearden , P . G . S ., P . M . 54 . Charles Middlewick ... „ Thos . Stott , 54 . Kempster „ J . T . Buiterworth , J . W . 3 6 3 .

Poddies „ j . II . Collingwood , 54 . Violet Melrose Miss Blanche Ripley . Mary Melrose Miss Ada Melrose . Clarissa Champneys ... Mrs . Tullock . Belinda Miss Annie Tallow . Taking the characters in the order of the caste , we may say that Bro . N . T . Collinge gave an excellent rendering of the part of the haughty baronet , his acting being consistent

throughout , and such as stamps him as an amateur ol the first order . In Talbot Champneys Bro . C . E . Collingwood had a part which seemed exactly to suit him , and entered thoroughl y into the fpirit of it from the commencement , playing with a naturalness and assuming that hesitancy of speech necessary to a successful portrayal of the languid easy-going son of the baronet . Perkyn Middlewick found

a worthy exponent in Bro . Jas . Dearden , his acting being characterised b y a robustness and bluntness , which delighted the audience , and the various points in the part being brought out in a happy and telling manner , liro . T . Stott , as Charles Middlewick , gave a very fair rendering of this , a rather difficult , character , and , although at times he might be said not to raise equal to the part , he ,

nevertheless , throughout showed evidence of careful study , and a desire to make the best of the part . The minor characters of the two servants—Kempster and Poddies—received a careful rendering at the hands of Bros . Butterworth and J . H . Collingwood . The ladies , one and all , contributed materially to the success of thc performance by their easy

and finished acting of their respective parts , and it would be invidious to make any distinction . The pecuniary resultof the performances is not so large as was anticipated , and it was decided by the Committee to hand over the amount to the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Education and Benevolent Institution .

£ 50 to £ 300 . —Tobacconists . —A pamphlet ( So pages ) How to commence from ^ 20 ; three stamps . M . Myers & Co ., 109 , Kusfon-rd ., London . Sample cigars 6 , $ , 4 ,-1 / ., 14 stamps . [ ADVT , ]

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . HENRY SAREL COOPER . VVe regret to hear of the death of Bro . Henry Sarel Cooper , P . M ., who was well-known amongst Freemasons in lhe west of the metropolis . He was intimately associated with the Zetland , the South Middlesex , the Imperial , and many other lodges , and , having passed through the cliair on several occasions , was ever ready ' to impart his extensive knowledge to junior members of the Craft . At the

meeting of the Imperial Lodge , No . 16 94 , held at the Pier Hotel , Chelsea , on Wednesday , the 10 th inst ., the following resolution was unanimously passed : "That the lodge has heard with profound sorrow of the death of Bro . I-L S . Cooper , P . M ., who was a kind , true-hearted friend of every brother in the lodge , and to

whom the brethren were under the greatest obligations for instruction , advice , and assistance of every kind ; and that an expression of deep and sincere sympathy be sent to his relatives , and entered on the minutes , that brethren may for ever know the high estimation and regard in which Bro . Cooper was held , and the irreparable loss the lodge has sustained by his death . "

BRO . JAMES NORRIS . A paragraph in our issue of the 13 th inst . will have prepared our readers for the announcement which we now have to make of the death , at the patriarchal age of 95 , of Bro . Norris , who for such a lengthened period has occupied the position of Warden of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution at Croydon . Bro . Norris was born on the ist January , 1790 , and was initiated into Masonry in the

Sincerity Lodge , No . 174 , in March , 1812 . After an absence from Masonry for some years , he joined in July , 1 S 4 S , the Yarborough Lodge , No . 554 , and continued a member till December , 1851 , when he rejoined his mother lodge , and remained a subscribing member until 1 SG 2 , when he was elected an annuitant . In iSGS he

was appointed to the office of Warden , and his services in that capacity have given every satisfaction to the Committee , and his regular monthly reports were as well prepared and carefully written as those of many a younger man . Thc familiar figure of Bro . Norris will be sadly missed by visitors and inmates .

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE , WELLINGTOX , NEW ZEALAND . R . W . Bro . C . J . Toxward , D . G . M ., presided at the Quarterly Communication ofthe D . G . Lodge of Wellington , held on the 19 th June , in the Masonic Hall , Wellington . Amongst those present were Bros . A . de 15 . Brandon , D . G . S . W .: Sir G . O . Gibbes , as D . G . I . W . ; C . P .

Powles , D . G . Sec , as D . G . Chap . ; H . G . Williams , asD . G . S . D . ; J . G . Cox , as D . G . J . D . ; R . M . Simpson , D . G . S . B . ; Hautrie West , D . G . Org . ; C O . II . Smith , as D . G . P . ; and E . Back , D . G . Tyler . After opening D . G . Lodge , and before proceeding to to business , the D . G . M . spoke of the great loss sustained by Freemasonry through the death of H . R . H . the Duke of

Albany , and added that he had sent a letter of condolence to H . R . H . the Grand Master , and had also directed that all the lodges should wear mourning as a mark of respect to their deceased Royal brother . After reading and confirmation of the minutes , and letters ol apology had been read from several brethren owing to their inability to attend , the report of thc Board of General Purposes was submitted .

From this it appears that 489 certificates had been issued during the year to the lodges in the district ; that two ncw lodges had been formed and were working under dispensation from the D . G . M ., and that a Masonic hall erected at Wanganui , on a piece of land granted to the Fraternity , had been consecrated by Bro . the Rev . B . VV . Harvey , acting D . D . G . M ., in April last . Bro . C . O . IL Smith , R .

M . Simpson , and Sir Ii . O . Gibbes were elected an Audit Committee , and Bro . R . M . Simpson , D . G . Treas . The D . G . M . then invested the following D . G . officers , namely : Bros . K . Wilson , as D . G . S . W . ; A . de Brandon , D . G . Reg . ; Sir E . O . Gibbes , President of Board of , General Purposes , R . M . Simpson , D . G . Treas . ; C P . Powles ,

D . G . Sec ; H . J . Williams , D . G . D . C ; C O . H . Smith D . G . P . ; H . VVest , D . G . Org . ; J . G . Cox , D . G . Stwd . | and E . Buck , D . G . Tyler . The investiture of the other D . G . officers was deferred till some future occasion , and after the usual formalities had been complied with , District Grand Lodge was closed .

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NORTHERN CHINA . A regular communication of this District Grand Lod ge was held at the Masonic Hall , Shanghai , on Monday , the 22 nd September . R . W . Bio . Cornelius Thorne presided , tha following D . G . Officers being present , namelv , Bros . J . I . Miller , D . D . G . M . ; Thos . VV . Kingsmill , " P . D . S . G . W ., as D . S . G . W . ; L . Moore , P . D . S . G . W .: VV . C

Howard . D . J . G . W . ; W . H . Short , D . G . Treas . ; E . p . Lalcaca , D . G . Reg . ; C . J . Holliday , Pres . D . B . of Gen . Purps . ; A . Johnsford , D . G . Sec . ; j . D . Bishop , P . D . S . G . D ., as D . S . G . D . ; R . A . Gubbay , D . G . S ., as D . J . G . D . ; J . M . Cory , D . G . S . of VV . ; John Morris , D . G . D . of CO . Middleton , D . G . S . B . ; G . li . Fentum , D . G . O . ; John Findlay , D . G . P . ; A . M . A . Evans , D . G . S . ; Alex . P . MacGregor , D . G . S . ; C . Merrill , D . G . Tyler ; together

with several visitors and other brethren . 'The minutes of the last regular meeting , as well as that held on lhe iSth June , having been read and confirmed , the report of the Board of General Purposes was submitted and unanimousl y adopted , its chief features being that annual returns should be made by the D . G . Secretary to the D . G . Lodge of the members of the subordinate and D . G . Lodges ; that the

D . G . Treasurer ' s accounts should be presented in full at the Annual Communication instead of , as heretofore , in summary , and that the rule in the new edition of the Book of Constitutions as to the production of brethren ' s G . Lodge certificates and clearances from their parent or former lodges on offering themselves as joining members should be strictly enforced . The D . G . Master in his

address made special allusion to the importance of the last of these recommendations , and also directed attention to the new Book uf Constitutions , and likewise to a scheme for the education of the children of poor Masons in the district , pointing out with reference to the latter that though so long a time had elapsed since it was first proposed he had not received a single suggestion from any brother