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long to wear it and remain among them . He congratulated him on the eloquent manner he had performed the c eremony of installation that night . The I . P . M . having suitably replied , The VV . M . submitted the next toast , " The Visitors , " heartily thanking them for their presence there that night , , nd Bros . Clifford Probyn , P . M . j Albert J . Pearce ,

p . M . ; J . R . Duff , W . M . ; W . Bolt , W . M . ; E . J . Qavies , S . W . ; Gardiner Wigley , and D . Romain bore eloquent testimony , both to the pleasure they had by seeing the VV . M . that night , and the manner in which the work in the lodge was performed . In replying for "The Past Masters , " Bro . George Harlow reminded the brethren that the W . M . was his child in Masonry , and he hoped he would always be as proud of

him in the future as he was that night . Other toasts followed , and "The Tyler's " toast closed a most successful and memorable evening . The musical arrangements were excellently carried out under the able direction of Bros . W . Price and Walter VVarter , assisted by Bros . Frank Swinford and Rupert Man tell . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

Barnato Lodge ( No . 2265 ) . —The installation meeting of this well-known lodge took place at the Cafe Monico , Regent-street , on the 17 th instant , and , as usual , attracted a large number of brethren . The members present included Bros . M . J . de Leeuw , W . M . ; E . J . Acworth , P . M . ; C . F . Hogard , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; J . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . B . ; J . Joel , Treas . j

T . Honey , P . M . 1017 , Sec , W . M . electj I . B . Joel , S . W . ; I . H . Gluckstein , J . W . ; M . Bash , S . D . ; H . Warner , D . C . ; W . Wright , P . P . G . Org . Middx ., Org . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . Geo . Everett , P . G . Treas . ; Lennox Browne , W . M . 231 S , P . P . S . G . W . Essex ; Richard Eve , P . G . Treas . ; J . A . Harrison , 1589 ; H . Ellis , 933 ; A . Michel , 177 ; J . Franklin ; A . M . Cohen ,

P . M . 205 ; J . Jacobs , iSjq ; A . F . Casperd , W . M . 166 S ; G . H . Finch , P . P . G . W . Essex ; S . G . Vaughan , W . M . 1706 ; J . Davidson , 1 SS j J . Barnett , P . M . 2192 ; Walter Martin , P . M . S 78 ; Leonard Lees , 135 S ; W . J . XV Beard , P . M . 101 ; W . W . Lee , W . M . 23 S 1 ; and others . Lodge was opened , the minutes confirmed , and the report of the Audit Committee adopted . Bro . Acworth , P . M .,

then passed Bros . W . J . Beard and S . H . Baker to the Second Degree . The chair of W . M . was assumed by Bro . C . F . Hogard , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., who impressively installed Bro . Thos . Honey , P . M . 1017 , as W . M . for the ensuing year . The officers invested were Bros . M . J . de Leeuw , I . P . M . ; I . B . Joel , S . W . ; I . H . Gluckstein , J . W . ; j . loel , Treas . ; E . I . Acworth , P . M ., Sec ; M . Bash .

S . D . ; H . Warner , J . D . ; M . Hyman , D . C ; E . J . Whiteway , I . G . ; W . Wright , P . P . G . Org ., Org . ; and Somers and H . Barnato , Stwds . The W . M . thanked Bro . Barnato sincerely for coming forward and kindly undertaking the duties of Steward . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . de Leeuw , J . P . M ., and was enriched by the addition of a diamond , the gift of Bro .

Barnato . The I . P . M . returned thanks , and expressed his regret that ill-health had prevented a full performance of his duties during the past year . The lodge was closed , and a recherche' repast was served in the Egyptian Room . The usual toasts were subsequently given and received with enthusiasm .

Bro . R . Eve , P . G . Treas ., replied for "The Grand Officers . " He said they were numerous , but his task in responding was considerably lightened by the fact that a brother would follow him , who could speak as an old Alason , and one who was held in high estimation . The Grand Officers were generally those who had done good work in ¦ their time , and had well earned their laurels . Having thus

returned thanks for the Grand Officers , he would refer to certain propositions recently made , which he trusted the brethren had all considered . He was one of those who were very conservative in Masonry , and he did not like to see any change initiated , unless brought forward with good reasons . It might be that there were the greatest reasons for alterations , but if such reasons were not stated , who was

lo blame if the resolutions were not carried ? In Grand Lodge they had the concentration of sense as far as the Masonic Order was concerned , but they should not support a proposition simply because it was proposed . Masonry was essentially an Institution which should not be changed unless with great reasons . This was the first time he had had an opportunity of alluding to these proposition '** , to

which no opposition would have been raised if due reasons had been given . bro . F . Binckes , P . G . S . B ., in response , said Bro . Eve had thought proper to draw a distinction from the classes of Grand Officers . He would not say invidious distinction , but he had alluded to those appointed by the prerogative of the Grand Master as distinguished from those elected by the suffrages of the Craft . He would not disoute which was

wist honourable . They were both honourable and alive to the responsibilities and duties of their position . It was not 'or him to attempt to occupy their time with a disquisition on tbe past of Freemasonry , its present or its future . Its Past had been a glorious one ; its present was a successful one ; and they were perfectly satisfied in their own minds , inuring from that past and this present ! that the future

nau every indication of success . Hro . E . J . Acworth , P . M ., said that , through the kindness of the I . P . M ., he was permitted to propose "The " ¦ " aUh of the Worshipful Master . " The honour was his , j ™ the loss that of the I . P . M . That toast always fell upon b " u ? '" 1 a great deal of P leasu ** c - an ( 1 they would car him out in savinir thev now had one of the most in the

^ Pular men lodge as their W . M . Bro . Honey's senial way was well known , and also the fact that he could "raupy the posjt ; on 0 f the c j , ; r w ; tl , cred ; t to himself and S UL on t 0 " brethren . They were now starting what "ould be one of the happiest and best years this lodge had "Penenced . It would not be the fault of the W . M . if it i-. _ - P ot so > and everyone would tally round him and do 0

heal * !' , ^' * A ' ' * a " i '" heartily drinking the li ofthe W . M . and wishing him success , the ' * H ° r , ey > W . M ., thanked the brethren heartily for I V Cj annei * '" which they had received the toast . Thc nam posscsse < i a tongue something like his ( the W . M . ' s ) liim ' "" '""^ ' ' swee ' t possible things respecting \ ng ' ' . ' . could assure them that nothing should be waning . ' ¦? part to please the brethren , and to recognise the Pleas " * u s attacn ' S t 0 his position . His greatest sure had been to occupy the position , and if he could

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only meet with the same reception at the end of his year lie should be satisfied . He thanked the I . P . M . again , and hoped that all he had said of him he would be able . to repeat in 12 months' time . The VV . M ., in proposing " The Past Masters , " said there was no more devoted and enthusiastic Mason in the lodge than the Installing Master , Bro . Hogard . Speaking as the late Secretary , he could say that Bro . Hogard was

practically VV . M ., P . M ., Sec , and Installing Officer , and filled nearly all the offices . Nothing seemed any labour for that brother , who seemed to live only for them . Bro . De Leeuw , I . P . VI ., in reply , thanked the brethren for the jewel presented to him , and also Bro . Barnato for the diamond . In the future he trusted to be alwuys ready to assist the VV . M ., and ( ill any office required . Bro . C . F . Hogard , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., in response , said

that if he could in the future do anything for the lodge his services were at their disposal . His position in the lodge had been made such that he should be wanting in every feeling of respect if he did not do what he could . He was one of the founders , and since that time he had installed three Masters in the lodge . He would do whatever he could to promote the prosperity of the lodge , whether in the lodge or in connection with the Charities .

Bro . Lennox Browne , P . P . S . G . W . Essex , responding for "The Visitors , " said that having been in South Africa , which was not now an uncommon thing , he could testify to the best of Masonic receptions there . He had pleasurable recollections of his two visits there , and of his reception there both in a professional and Masonic sense , which were all that an ambitious man could desire . Bros . Casperd , VV . M . 16 GS ; John Barnett , P . M . ; and

Finch , F . M . ; also replied . " The Treasurer , " " The Secretary , " and " The Officers " were given , after which the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . Under the direction of Bro . VV . Wright , P . P . G . Org . Middx ., a long and varied programme of music was rendered , which included several excellent contributions by Miss May Clarke .

Warrant Officers Lodge ( No . 2346 ) . — The regular meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Friday , the 21 st inst ., when there were present Bros . A . Molony , W . M . j H . Gardiner , I . P . M . ; J . Hitching , S . W . ; C . A . Pugh , j . W . ; G . Cook , P . M ., Treas . ; W . F . Cheesman , P . M ., Sec ; J . Lewis , S . D . ; J . VVilliams , I . G . j J . Hazard , Org . ; W . E . Bailey , Stwd . j M . A . Mclnerny , P . M . ;

J . B . Short , J . J . Palmer , J . Betts , A . A . Bingham , J , Tillett , E . W . Little , J . P . Newsham , E . H . Ridge , H . Wall , J . A . Dent , E . Arnold , T . Baker , L . Solomon , J . S , Davis , W . Ofield , G . E . Berry , J . R . McGill , G . Ring , A . Neele , J . D . Lidbury , H . Iggulden , F . VVilliams , W . H . Smith , H . m > . Dickins , H . C . Johnson , J . S . Laughton , R . H . Johnson , and W . j . Boyle . Visitors : Bros . A . Taylor , 153 , Gibraltar ; G . Holland , LP . VI . 1604 ; W . Gilbert ,

P . M . 1327 , P . P . J . G . W . Herts ; T . J . Sturgeon , 1 S 15 ; J . T . Simmons , 1327 ; J . A . Bridges , 492 j F . Allan , 16 S 6 ; W . Chattey , J . W . 2271 ; and VV . J . Windle , 110 7 . The minutes were read and confirmed , and the ballot was taken for Mr . Joseph Smith Laughton , which proved unanimous . The billot was then taken for Bro . T . j . Sturgeon , 1 S 15 , as a joining member , which proved unanimous . Bro . A . A . Bingham was raised to the Third Degree and Bros .

H . Wall , G . E . Berry , and L . Solomon were passed to the Second Degree . Mr . J . S . Laughton was then initiated by the W . M , Bro . J . Lewis brought forward , in a very able manner , a distressing case of a late brother ' s widow , he being a member of Dublin Garrison Lodge , 730 ( LC ) , and succeeded in obtaining a substantial grant from the lodge on her behalf . Two brethren were proposed as joining members .

The business of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where a sumptuous dinner was provided , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given in becoming terms by the W . M ., and well received by the brethren . The toast of " The Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " received its just measure of praise from the W . M ., and was well received by the brethren .

The toast of " The VV . M . " was next given by Bro . H . Gardiner , I . P . M ., who remarked it was a most pleasurable duty , and one that would be received with acclamation . He was a most genial and kindly brother , and did his duty most perfectly , as they had witnessed in the ceremonies that evening . He wished long life , health , and prosperity to Bro . A . Molony , W . M . The Worshipful Master , in reply , stated all the brethren

knew the magnitude of Bro . H . Gardiner s heart , and the very kind way he had spoken of his work , but it was a labour of love . He felt delighted that all had enjoyed themselves , and it would be his utmost endeavour to carry out the duties of the lodge to the best of his ability . The toast of "The Initiate and Joining Member" was given by the W . M ., who stated it was the toast of the evening , and in some well-chosen remarks dilated on the

care shown in introducing candidates , ana upon the friendship and true brotherhood in Freemasonry . This was most suitably replied to by the initiate and Bro . Sturgeon . The toast of "The Visitors" was given by the VV . M . in a most cordial manner , and was as cordially received . Bro . VV . Gilbert , P . M . 1327 , replied in very appropriate terms on behalf of the visitors , and said the noble way the

lodge responded to the cause of Charity that evening made him feel proud to be a visitor , and he should not torget to tell his lodge of the excellent working he had witnessed . All the visitors responded in turn . The toast of " VV . Bro . M . A . Mclnerny , our first Master , and the Past Masters , " was next given by the Worshipful Master , who remarked on their capabilities and readiness to assist all whom they could . He wished them long life and prosperity to continue in the same good

work for many years . In reply , Bro . M . A . Mclnerny said he thanked the W . M . for all such kind expressions on behalf of himself and the Past Masters . The Past Masters had always rendered able service , and would continue the same with the greatest pleasure . The toast of "The Secretary and Treasurer " was given in eulogistic terms . The VV . M . said Bro . Cheesman was called upon to do almost too much , but such was his ardour for the lodge , that anything he was asked to do was carried out most cheerfully . He personally thanked the Secretary

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for such fervour and his noble assistance . He also had to thank the Treasurer , who hid so ably looked after . ' the comfort of the brethren that evening . In reply , Bro . G . Cook , Treas ., thanked the VV . M . for the compliment paid him , and said he always felt it a pleasure when working for the brethren and the interests of the lodge . Bro . W . F . Cheesman , Secretary , in a comprehensive

speech , remarked that such a cordial greeting he much appreciated . He must , first of all , congratulate them on the success of the lodge during its two and a half years existence . There had been 102 names recorded on the books of the lodge , and out of that number 92 still remained . The lodge was in a sound financial positi in , and he was always most happy when he was called upon to perform any duty .

The toast of "The Officers received at the hands of the VV . M . his high appreciation of their valuable services , and congratulated them on the smart work done by them . The Officers individually responded . The Tyler ' s toast closed a most delightful evening . Some excellent harmony was given by Bros . Gardiner ,

Short , H . C Johnson , J . Hitching , and Lidbury , and Bro . Holland recited "The Old Colours" with much pathos . Bro . Gilbert gave a laughable recitation , and Bro . Cheesman contributed three of his parodies on "The Holy Friar , ' * " Wot Cher , " and "The Longshoreman" in his own inimitable style .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BECKENHAM . Cator Lodge ( No . 2266 ) . —This lodge , which meets at the Public Hall , held its annual installation meeting on Wednesday , the 21 st ult ., when Bro . John Christian Osterstock , S . VV ., was installed W . M . for the ensuing year . The installation ceremony was performed in a very able

and masterly manner by Bro . Robert C Davis , who is now senior P . M . of the lodge . Immediately after the ceremony of installation , the new Master proceeded to initiate four candidates—Messrs . Ball , Lale , Johnstone , and Mortimer-Mclntosh . Taking these gentlemen two at a time , the VV . M . by his brilliant and singularly impressive rendering of the ceremony gave an ample justification of the unanimous

vote ot his brethren , by virtue of which he holds his present position . Bro . Osterstock is , by the way , a very wellknown and certainly a very popular member of the Fraternity , and equally at home in North as in South London ; his genial good fellowship , and , perhaps above all , his gigantic efforts on behalf of our Charities could not have failed to secure him this honour . Before the closing of the

lodge propositions were handed in for two more initiates and two joining members . Among the visitors present were Bros . Bartholomew , P . M . 1673 ; Coulon , S . W . 2347 ; Bramley , P . M . 950 ; Goffin , P . M . 1572 , P . P . G . D . of C . Surrey ; Chatterton , W . M . 1185 ; Wilson , W . M . 209 ; Taylor , W . M . 913 ; Harvey , W . M . 1963 ; Venner , W . M . 901 ; Norman ,

W . M . 1767 ; Voisey , P . M . 1329 ; Murche , P . M . 1963 ; Dodd , P . M . 1223 , P . P . G . O . Kent ; Row , P . M . 11 S 5 ; Bigley , P . M . 129 S ; Sadler-Wood , P . M . 2005 , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; Vincent , P . M . 19 C 3 ; Goodwin , S . W . 1 475 ; Lloyd , P . M . 11 S 5 ; Ball , P . M . 209 , P . P . G . R . Berks ; Clinch , I . G . 11 S 5 ; Mildred , P . M . 2024 ; Pearce , 11 S 5 ; Nicol , 11 S 5 ; Chatterton , jun ., 11 S 5 ; Keating , 11 S 5 ;

Piggott , 16 70 j Ivory , 1269 j W . F . Osterstock , 226 9 j Auguar , 351 ; Pellew , 1963 ; Briant , 1641 ; Chandler , 1347 ; and Sutton-Shepley , 170 C . The banquet was served in the large hall in a most highly satisfactory manner by Bro . W . Levens , a member of the lodge . After the usual loyal toasts had been briefly givenBro .

, Gribble , I . P . M ., rose to propose " Thc Health of the W . M . " Commencing with a review of Bro . Osterstock ' s work and conduct through the various offices since the foundation of the lodge , and proceeded next to add his own just mead of congratulation and praise , he closed by saying that if he had nothing else to be thankful for in connection with the Cator Lodge , he had this , that it had introduced

him to Bro . Osterstock , whom he now hoped to hold in a life-long friendship . The Worshipful Master , in reply , said he remembered very distinctly the few words he used seven and a half years ago when he was called upon to respond after his initiation . They were to this effect , that while he could never hope to add the least ray of lustre to the Order , he trusted the day would never dawn when he would do anything to disgrace it . Thus far , in his onward course to that sublime moment ,

the G . A . O . L . 11 . had helped him to remember those words , and he hoped to have them ever present with him . Although he had made many friends in the world he felt deeply grateful to Freemasonry which had given him his fastest and closest friends of all . It was certainly a happy day when he became a founder of the Cator Lodge . This lodge would always be very dear to his heart , and the brethren might freely count upon him to do all that in him lay to further its interests .

In proposing the next toast , that of "The I . P . M ., Bro . Gribble , and the Installing Master , Uro . Driver , " the VV . M . spoke in very high terms of Bro . Cribble ' s self-denying economy and care during the past year . He had been the means of removing all their financial difficulties , and the lodge was now , through him , in a fair way for a prosperous future . He also thanked Bro . Gribble for the hearty way

in which he had worked with Bro . Davis for thc lodge since its foundation . With respect to Bro . Davis he felt that it was mainly due to his good sense , tact , and conciliatory Masonic spirit , during the time of storm and stress through which they had passed , that the lodge had been saved from shipwreck . Bro . Divis had had a most successful year of oflice as VV . M ., and his skill in conducting the

lodge then had only been equalled by his splendid work as Installing Master that evening . The W . AI , added that it would be to him a great and abiding pleasure that he had been placed in the chair of K . S . by Uro . Davis . Bro . Gribble feelingly responded , and promised to deserve by his conduct in the future the good opinions

which he appeared to have won in the past . Bro . Davis spoke confidently of the coming year and of the future of the lodge , and thanked the I . P . M ., Bro . Gribble for his kindness in permitting him to install his old friend . The toast of "The Initiates" followed , the Worshipful Master calling attention to the extreme care and caution that should be exercised , so that none but good and true