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his sterling worth in every office , and he was quite sure he would do great credit to the high office they had placed him ; n that day as Alaster of the Talbot Lodge . He concluded by wishing the W . M . a happy year oE office and a successful term in the chair . Bro . F . Batty , W . AL , in responding , said he was not a sneech-maker by any means . School Boards did not exist

in the days when he was a boy . 1 herefore they must excuse him , but he quite appreciated the high honour the brethren had conferred upon him . He found it difficult to express himself adequately , but he assured the brethren he would do his best to maintain the high standard the lodge had attained . He then proposed the toast of "The LP . M ., Bro . Shirley , " and said whatever anticipations had

been formed of Bro . Shirley they had been fulfilled . He entered in the office of W . M . with the good feelings of every member , and he had conducted the affairs so well that the same feelings still existed to such an extent that the brethren of the lodge had decided to subscribe and present him with the very handsome Past Master's jewel he had now in his hand . He desired in the name of all the brethren

to present it to Bro . Shirley , and he hoped he would live long to wear it as a token of how much he was esteemed by the members of the lodge . Bro . A . Shirley thanked the brethren for their great kindness to him during the past year , and although it had not been as successful as previous ones , yet he had been quite nreoared to do anything that would be required .

Circumstances over which he had no control had arisen that he was not able to attend as regularly as he would have desired . But he was pleased to see that the brethren had such good feelings towards him , and which they had shown by presenting him with the beautiful jewel which had just been placed on his breast He should always wear it with pride , and consider it as an heir-loom in his family . And he hoped it would be handed

down to his son , whom he trusted one day would be one of the Craft . The jewel bore the followinginscription : " Presented by the brethren to Bro . A . Shirley , P . AL , in recognition of his services as W . M . during 1 S 91 . " A capital musical programme added much to the evening ' s

enjoyment , songs beinggiven by Bros . Seth Wrigley , P . M ., Edwin Faulkner , Frank Green , Batey , Wilson , G . S . Smith , P . AL , Martin Thomas , P . J . G . D ., and Charles Alackay , Bro . Batey acting as accompanist . Bro . Seth Wrigley , P . AL , also gave a delightful solo on the zither-harp , which was much appreciated . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

ROMILEY . OakWOOd Lodge ( No . 1126 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the lGth inst ., at the Nantioal Schools . 'The following brethren were present : Bros . T . Walker , W . AL j J . VV . Leathley , P . AL ; H . Leathley , S . W . ; J . Taylor , J . W . ; J . H . Hartley , Treas . ; H . Woodall , P . AL , Sec ; 1 . Brine , S . D . ; Hv .

Greenlialgh , I . G . ; VV . Connor , P . AL ; J . Rosser , P . H . Mitchells , P . AL ; R . VV . Baker , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . ; W . H . Ross , T . M . Draper , T . R . Alargison , and H . White . Visitors : Bros . H . Finch , P . G . Reg . ; Hawthorn Thornton , VV . M . ; T . Gillibrand , W . AL ; C . H . Andrew , W . M . ; J . G . Bromley , P . AL ; William Booth , P . P . G . D . C . j G . S . Smith , P . AL ; j . E . Radford , P . M . ; W . Dumville , P . M .

and Alark Stafford , P . AI . The lodge was opened by the W . M .., and the minutes of the previous meeting were readandconfirmed . The Auditor ' s report was received and adopted . Bro . H . Finch , P . G . R ., took the chair as Installing Master . Bro . Rev . H . Leathley , S . VV ., VV . M . elect , was presented by Bro . J . VV . Leathley , P . AL , and was installed into the chair in a most effective manner .

The VV . AI . was proclaimed and saluted in the Three Degrees . The work-in ir tools were presented respectively by Bros . VV . Connor , P . AL ; J . W . Leathley , P . M . ; and W . l \ Brownrigg , P . AL Bro . Hy . Woodall , P . M ., presented the warrant , Constitution , & c . The VV . M . invested nis officers as follows : Bros . Thomas Walker , Charity representative , I . P . AL ; John Taylor , S . VV . ; lohn Brine ,

J . w . ; Kev . Herbert Moore , Chap . ( Hon . ) ; J . H . Hartley , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; Hy . Woodall , P . M ., Sec . ; | . . Clough , S . D . j Henry Greenhalgh , J . D . j J . VV . Leathley . P . M ., D . C . j J . H . Hartley , P . AI ., P . P . G . P ., Urg . j Harry White , I . G . James Rosser , Thos . Henry - \ largison , and F . Walker , Stwds . ; andjjos . Jas . Wiltou , V * v ? ' .. *" officers were afterwards addressed bv Bros .

k « , if rtley « PM - > and H . Finch . Bro . Finch addressed w i " and bre'hren , and Bro . J . VV . Leathley , P . M ., the wardens . I he W . M . said it was with extreme regret he had io announce that Bro . H . Howard , who was to have installed mat day , would not be present on account of the death of ws wife , and a vote of condolence was unanimously agreed upon , which was forwarded to Bro . Howard . Bro . Rev . i . j - — .. « . u ^« . « "iu . nuivaiu . uiu . ivev . i

... ; . > -eathley , W . AL , said he had now a most pleasing duty o perform , inasmuch as the brethren had decided to mark th E l J " i . ey had for Bro - Thomas Walker , I . P . AL , and ncy had subscribed spontaneously towards purchasing a handsome Past Alaster ' s jewel . During the year he had < K 7 . t ° the lod ? ehe had been loyal and had done his sur t t sat , ! , iac t'on of everyone . He had had a very uccesstul yearand he trusted that would

, same success iewli j'i ll , m through life , and asked him to accept the ' ., h and he trusted he would long be spared to wear it . vi « w arty / Y ' . ! s , ies" were expressed from very many visitors , and the lod ge was closed . ' Fesi ' ] vJi ! c * , l uet was prepared to celebrate the p \ , i ° , - John , at which Bro . Rev . H . Leathley , toast * ,,, '• ' ! ) resid < - " - The usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were ( riven and mnnn ^ H tn J

Walker H !? V . . W . M . " was ' proposed by Bro . Thos . of this il „ i - ; We are . as a body of men and members another 7 „ , 7 M ndeed ff , ad " lat wa have this day installed was M ^ 7 , t ey ^ ° preslde over us - Whilst your brother sure that y 0 u a ° ^ . ; ; ras , ti P erai , ' s and l , a Ppy . and I feel we have ew ™ * r i add s' ? lustre to th , s lod S ' »"! haWS S ? £ " « ' !? ' '" , , our ha " > brcth ™ eat the lodworked successfull

and it is v .. r „ uvX" > an" ge y , a ? ° od aKindtfe ' W ' hat a " ° " S feCl wehave Popularity whi ^ i ? - * ' 1 ^ " ^ . said he had heard of the "fee , and 1 " hrother . J ° ^ < i """ S his year of his predecessor ?? ° ?™*<* of the fact that other of r ^ Sfe ?* with g - reat ability ' and he hrethrcn during wf hl ? 2 . vver to £ ' satisfaction to the n > thin » - but ; iu , U ° ^ ? n , ce > and he assured them that re gularly . u' £ , , Prevent him from attending y - He thanked them for reposing in him the

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guidance of the lodge , and assured them it was with great pleasure he presided over them , and concluded by wishing every member God-speed . Other toasts followed , but on account of some delay in the installation ceremony the time was very limited , as many of the brethren had to go long journeys , so that they were all very brief .

The pleasure of the evening was very much enhanced by the charming glee singing of Bros . Mark Stafford , P . M . ; W . Dumville , P . AL ; W . Alcock , and W . Booth , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ,- and Bro . R . W . Baker , P . P . G . O ., acted as accompanist in a most delightful manner and with great ability . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

SOUTHEND . Priory Lodge ( No . iooo ) . —The installation meeting was held on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., at Aliddleton Hotel , when there were present Bros . G . Berry , P . M . j W , D . Merritt , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; C . Floyd , P . AL , P . P . A . G . P . ; G . I . Glasscock , P . AL , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . Hood , P . M ., Prov . G . Stwd . ; A . Prevost , H . Brown , iun ., L .

Warren , F . Cantor , W . T . Darke , G . Brown . G . F . Vandervord , H . O . GrenfelLG . L . Wood , P . M . 1 C 0 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; W . Burton , J . A . Mason , J . Pritchard , W . Trigg , W . Elam , and E . Wright . Visitors : Bros . W . Willson , P . AL ifio , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Palmer , P . AL 7 S 1 ; J . Walker , 1 C 0 ; W . J . Light , P . M . 299 , P . P . G . D . Kent ; G . J . Thomas , P . AL 1104 ; W . Clarke and R . F . Bourn , 160 :

C . Tichiaz , P . M . 917 ; VV . Fowler , 1728 ; T . Mayes , 1613 ; G . Aloss , P . AL 1 S 51 , P . P . G . D . C . Surrey ; C . J . Russell , 1 S 37 ; W . S . Aliller , 22 G 4 ; W . H . Judd , 1734 ; R . G . Settenfield , 1 S 17 ; W . J . ChignelLA . L Arthy , W . AL ; H . Harper , P . AL , Sec , P . P . G . S . B . ; and VV . TayVav , 1 G 0 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed . The Auditors' report ,

which showed the lodge to be in a flourishing state , was adopted . Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , D . P . G . M ., G . Reg ., was announced and received with the honours due to his rank , and afterwards installed Bro . B . Thomas as W . M . for the ensuing year . A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the D . P . G . M . The following officers were invested : Bros . A . Vandervord , S . W . ; C . VV . Barnard ,

J . W . ; Rev . T . W . Herbert , P . P . G . C , Chap . ; F . Wood , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., Treas . ; A . Sucking , P . G . P ., Sec ; T . J . Cumine , S . D . ; E . J . Bowmaker , J . D . ; G . R . Dawson , P . AL , P . P . S . G . D ., D . C ; R . J . Smith , LG . ; B . Fearnside , AIus . Bac , Org . ; J . A . Hobday , S . VV . 1 G 0 , and VV . Tyler , Stwds . ; and A . VV . Alartin , P . G . T ., Tyler . Bro . F . Wood , P . M ., Treas ., was re-elected to represent

the lodge on the Charity Committee of the Province , and 40 guineas were voted out of the General Fund of the lodge to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to be placed on the lists of Bros . F . Wood , P . AL , Treas ., and A . Lucking , P . M ., Sec , who represent the lodge as Stewards . A vote of condolence with the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , on the death of his son , H . R . H . the Duke of Clarence and Avondale , P . G . W ., and Prov . G . AL Berks ,

was unanimously agreed to , and a copy ordered to be transmitted to his Royal Highness the M . W . G . M . Three candidates for initiation were proposed . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the [ . P . M ., Bro . T . Hood , for his services during the past year . " Hearty good wishes " having been given by the visiting brethren the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet presided over by the Worshipful Alaster . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

TIPTON . Noah ' S Ark Lodge ( No . 347 ) . —The members of this lodge , which is one of the oldest in the province , held their annual festival in the lodge room at the Star Hotel , Bloomlield , on Friday , when there was a large attendance of members and also visiting brethren . Amongst those present were Bros . A . Smith , W . AL ; VV . H . Smith ,

S . W . ; E . VV . Smith , J . W . ; VV . Brown , Treas . ; R . Mason , Sec ; G . Bott , S . D . ; VV . H . Fellowes , J . D . ; J . Powell , P . M ., D . C ; G . H . Newns , LG . ; j . Totty , Tyler ; G . AL Waring , P . M . ; J . Whitworth , P . AL ; J . Powell . P . AL ; J . Stanford , P . M . ; and J . Collins , P . M . The members and visiting brethren present were Bros . Dr . Belcher , P . G . O . Warwickshire ; M . Smith , T . Clulce , E .

AL Scott , Bailey , Bott , James Jones , J . W . Harmonic , Worcestershire ; the Rev . I . W . Down , Prov . G . Chap , Worcestershire ; H . J . W . Ince , R . Dainty , AL Fletcher , J . Tyler , W . Stansfield , W . Whitehouse , A . Morton , W . Hall , J . flail , J . Pastield , J . Hamblett , VV . C Palethorpe , T . Harper , and others . The lodge having been opened , it was announced that

Bro . W . H . Smith , S . W ., had been unanimously elected Worshipful Alaster , and the usual questions having been put to him by the Secretary , Bro . A . Smith performed the ceremony of installation in a highly impressive manner , the addresses to the Wardens and brethren being given in a very pleasing manner by Bro . G . Al . Waring , P . J . G . W . The Worshipful Master afterwards invested the folio / wing

brethren as his ollicers , to' each of whom he delivered a very appropriate address on his respective duties : Bros . A . Smith , I . P . AL ; E . VV . Smith , S . W . ; G . Bott , J . W . ; Brown , P . AL , Treas . ; E . Deering , Sec ; W . II . Fellowes , S . D . ; R . Alason , J . D . ; James Powell , P . AL , D . C . ; AL Fletcher , I . G . ; Alex . Smith , P . AL , Org . ; II . VV . J . Ince , Stwd . ; and f . Totty , Tyler . The Secretary announced that a

letter of apology had been received from the Provincial Grand Alaster , Bro . Lieut .-Col . Foster Gough , regretting his inability to be present . Apologies were also received from a number ol brethren legrett ' mg their absence through illness . After the lodge had been closed , the brethren adjourned to the banquet room .

At the conclusion of the banquet the Worshipful Alaster gave the toast of "The Queen and the Craft , " which was heartily received , a ter wnich he gave the toastof " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., M . W . Grand Alaster , and the rest of the Grand Ollicers , Present and Past , " and in doing so referred to the sad bereavement which had befallen the Grand Alaster of England , the Princess of Wales , and the

Princess May by the death of the Duke of Clarence . He remarked that as Alasons and Englishmen they deeply sympathised with the Royal Household , the whole ol the circumstances being of an exceedingly painful character . In the Duke of Clarence the Craft had lost a very worthy brother , he having since his initiation taken the greatest possible interest in the work , and no doubt had he lived he would have occupied a much higher position in the Alasonic WJrld , He was quite sure that the Grand Master

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of England had the sympathy of every Mason in England in the very great loss he had sustained . Bro . J . Whitworth proposed "The R . W . Bro . Colonel Foster Gough , P . G . S . B ., P . G . AI . ; the V . W . Bro . Colonel Brindley , D . P . G . AL ; and the Officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " He referred to the great amount of work done by the Prov . Grand Master throughout the Province of

Staffordshire , and said the members of the Craft had reason to be highly pleased that Col . Foster Gough had undertaken such important duties . Bro . Waring having responded , proposed the toast of "The W . M . " He said he did so with a great deal of pleasure , because he well knew that it would be well received in the lodge , Bro . VV . H . Smith having always since his initiation taken great interest in Freemasonry , and

performed the duties of his respective offices in a very efficient manner . He was fully persuaded that the brethren would not have cause to regret the choice they had made in electing Bro . VV . H . Smith to the very important office of W . AL of that lodge . The Worshipful Alaster , in responding , said he very much appreciated the honour conferred upon him , and he hoped with the assistance of the officers and other brethren the lodge would make still further progress during the present

year . Bro . Powell proposed "The Installing Master , " and in doing so paid him a high compliment for the very interesting manner in which he had performed the ceremony . Bro . A . Smith , I . P . AL , in responding , said lie very much appreciated the kind remarks of Bro . Powell , and said his sole ambition had been to do his best in Alasonry . He was

glad to state that during his year of office there had been a considerable increase in the number of ceremonies , and also in the contributions to the Charities . The W . AL proposed "The Visitors . " Bros . Dr . Belcher , M . Smith , T . Clulee , and E . AL Scott responded , the latter stating that the members of the lodge could boast of a very exceptional incident , viz ., that of

having had three brothers of one family in the three chairs in the same year . He referred to Bros . A . Smith , W . H . Smith , and E . VV . Smith . Bro . E . VV . Smith proposed " The Past Masters , " and Bro . J . Collins responded . Other toasts were observed , which were interspersed with music rendered by Bros . Dr . Belcher , the W . AL , A . Smith , E . VV . Smith , G . M . Waring , VV . H . Fellowes , W . Stansfield , and G . II . Newns .

TRURO . Phoenix Lodge of Honour and Prudence ( No . 331 ) . —The annual festival and installation meeting was held on Alonday , the iSth instant . 'The lodge having been opened , Bro . H . VV . Hockin , S . VV ., VV . AI . elect , was presented to the W . AL by Bro . Anderton for the benefit of installation . The ceremony was most

abl y performed by the VV . M ., Bro . G . H . Chilcott , P . G . R ., assisted by Bro . E . Forbes Whitley , and supported by the following large Board of Installed Masters : Bros . Rev . Edgar Hextable , P . P . G . C ; T . H . Lake ; J . I . Hawken , P . P . G . T . ; Joseph Rogers , P . P . G . D . C . ; John Brewer , P . P . A . G . S . ; E . D . Anderton , P . P . S . G . W . ; Charles Bryant William Lidgev , P . P . LCD . ; W . H . Christoe .

P . P . S . G . D . ; P . Colville Smith , W . AI . 357 , P . S . G . W . Oxford ; E . VV . Carus-Wilson , W . M . 1529 ; Rev . R . F Fraser-Frizell , W . AI . 131 , P . P . G . C ; J . VV . Aliddleton , P . P . S . G . D . ; John Roberts , W . AL 23 G 9 ; G . M . Downing , P . P . A . G . D . C ; N . B . Bullen , P . P . G . O . ; T . C . Alack , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . R . C Crewes , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; Bernard F . Edyvean , 330 , P . S . G . W . ; and T . K . Grylls , 75 , P . P . G . S . B . The W . AI . then invested his ollicers as follows :

Bros . G . H . Chilcott , LP . M . ; R . J . Newby , S . W . ; E , Rundle , J . W . ; E . VV . Carus-Wilson , Chap . ; C . Bryant , P . AL , Treas . ; E . L . Carlyon , Sec . ; VV . E . Kilminstcr , S . D . ; VV . H . Biicher , J . D . ; B . Carter , D . C ; F . I , Alountford , I . G . j E . F . Whitley , P . M ., Org . j and VV , H . Liddicoat , Stwd . Following the closing ot the lodge the installation banquet was held , an excellent repast being served by Bro . VV . F , Clarke .

Ihe newly-installed W . AI . presided , and dinner being over , the usual loyal and Alasonic toast list was gone through , the lir .-. t-named being drank in silence , and many complimentary references were made to the Alaster on his having attained to so high a position in such a distinguished lodge . A pleasant evening was thus brought to a conclusion , several of the brethren contributing to the harmony of the meeting with songs .

YORK . York Lodge ( No . 236 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Alonday , the iSth instant , at the Masonic Hall , Duncombe-place , the W . AL , Bro . E . W . Purnell , presiding , supported by his officers as follows : Bros . jno . Sampson , S . VV . j A . Jones , J . W . j C Linley , Chap . ; J . Todd , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., 'Treas . ; C . Anderson , Sec ;

G . Carter , S . D . ; M . Bryson , J . D . ; A . Procter , D . C . ; F . VV . Laughton , acting I . G . j A . Sample , Org . j J . A . Askew and W . N , Stimpson , Stwds . j and J . Hall , T y ler . The following Past Alastcrs were present : Bros . 1 . S . Brogden , LP . M . j J . Sykes Rymer , P . P . G . Rj S . Border , P . P . G . R . ; and Alark Rooke , P . P . G . D . Amongst others present were Bros . A . F . King , P . S . W . ; VI . Scott , E .

R . lurner , Thos . Smith , H . Churcnill , T . Archey , A . Stead , C . Wardle , and T . Rawling . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last regular meeting having been confirmed , Bro . J . Todd , P . AL , 'Treas ., said that before the business of the lodge was commenced , he felt sure that the brethren would agree with him that something should be said with regard to the sid event which

had happened within the last few days—he referred to the death of his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence . This melancholy event was at once a national calamity , and a deep loss to Freemasonry . In York this was especially felt , Prince Albert Victor having resided nearly four years in the old city whilst attached to his regiment . 'The late Prince was a true Alason , and it was only a short time ago that the hall in which they were assembled was graced

with his presence , when the annual festival in aid of the Education Fund for the province took place . Alany of them had also met him on other occasions in connection with city affairs or in Alasonic gatheringshence his lamented death became a very personal matter with them , both as citizens and Alasons , and he was sure that the terms of the resolution he had to propose would express the feelings of the brethren . He moved " That this lodge desires to record its deep sense of the