Reviews.

Reviews .

"HANDY ASSURANCE GUIDES , FIRE AND LIEE , 1 S 94 . " —There are four of these , all most useful , accurate , and ably arranged , edited , and published by Mr . VV Schooling , Trafalgar Buildings , Northumberland-avenue . They are 3 d . each , so that 13 stamps will secure the set , popularly known as " Bourne's Guides , " Mr . Bourne , an insurance expert , having first brought out the " Handy Assurance Guide . " It is safe to state that these sheets

which fold for the pocket , and are marvels of condensation and extensive information , have never been equalled , so that if they have not an enormous circulation , it can only be due io their not being known to the general public . The first , an- old favourite , is devoted to the whole of the British Life Offices , and includes foreign offices doing business in this country ( of which there are more than there ought to be , if British offices were supported as they should be ) . In

columns are given dates of origin of each , total amount of Life and Annuity Fui . ds , number of policies issued during the year , sum assured , the annual premiums paid therefore , life premium income and ( what is most important ) the commission and expenses of management , both in amount and ' ¦ alio . Industrial and Friendly Societies are also duly noted . Then there is another concerning the "Life Premium Income of S 5 societies , and a table of new business ; one as

to " New Business and its Cost" ( an extraordinary compilation ) , and the fourth is the "Handy Fire Insurance Guide , " which deals with 47 offices representing in capital subscribed and fire funds , the enormous sum of over ^? S 6 , ooo , ooo , and the premium income amounts to £ 20 , 000 , 000 . We advise our readers to speculate in the 13 penny stamps , and get a set for themselves , not only to know the character of the offices they are insured in , but also as to future business .

THE HISTORY OF THE "PIKENIX" LODGE , —Portsmouth , promises to be the handsomest volume of the kind ever published anywhere . The author , Bro . Alexander Howell , of High-street , Portsmouth , is doing his utmost to make the text as valuable as the style will be attractive , and is sparing no expense in the production of this the largest history of a lodge ever printed . The ordinary edition of one guinea per copy may well be termed a large paper

edition , for it measures 9 by 1 r inches . The actual " large paper , " however , is a truly grand volume , and will be a pleasant surprise to the subscribers , who are not in the secret as to the massive tome now being printed . Bro . Howell promises to keep us supplied with the " proof sheets " from time to time , as received by him from the printers . At present we have to page 6 ( 5 , which brings us down to the Union of December , 1 S 13 , about which the

author has naturally much to say . The work is not confined to the Phoenix , but will cover the whole ground , more or less , as to the province , and in relation to the Royal Arch and Knight Templar ceremonies . Owing to such numerous details , and some delays as to the illustrations , the issue of the volume may not take place before next

month , hence there is time for intending subscribers to forward their names and subscription to Bro . Howell , and be enrolled accordingly in this magnificent book . The author deserves support , not only because of the importance of the history , but also because its production , even if all the copies are subscribed for , will involve him in considerable loss , owing to the necessarily large outlay .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

- TinTr ~~ Tir ~ fit * Bjrl ^ j'E ^ rvufflk' iTnif MWMmwmmit

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 60 ) . — This ancient lodge met for the dispatch of business at the Fr < emisons' Hall , Great Q leen-street , on the 2 o - . h ult ., when there were pres-nt among others : Bros . Cant . Walls , O . Stwd ., W . M . ; W . Master-, P . G . StwL . S . W . ; W . H . Kempster , jun ., I . W . ; F . Binckes , P .. M . P . G . Stwd ..

P . G . S . B ., Sec ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . G . D . C , S . D ; Debenham , P P G D .. I . G .: Polinz . St » d . : W . H . K-mp-ter , M . D ., I . P . M ., P . G . Stwd ; R . Barton , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; Chancellor , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; Jo ^ iin , P . M ., P . G , Stwd . ; E . Ropers . P vi ., P . O . ^ twd . ; H . SUde , P M ., P . G . Stwd . ; W J . Hamki , P . M . ; W . Tnona * , P . M ., and others . B os . W . Macintosh , P . G . Stwd ., A . G . D . C ,

W . M . Grand Stewards Lodg-, and E . St . Clair , G . S : wd ., W . M . 14 , were visitors . The minutes of the installation meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Jacques was passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Jackman , raised to the D -gree of M . M . Bro . W . H . Kempster , jun ., was recommended in nomination to the M . W . G . M . as Grand Steward for 1 S 94 . Bro .

W . Masters , P . G . Stwd ., was elected t > represent the Io Ige at the Royal Masonic Institution for B iys , and a sum of money voted to him as Steward . An apol > gy from Bro . Henry Young , P . M ., Treas ., P . G . S : wd ., wis read , and subsequently a telegram was received from him conveying "Hearty good wishes" to the W . M . and brethren . In consequence of the next regular meeting of the lodge falling

on Go id Friday , it was resolved to hold a meeting on the evening previous , andan emergency meeting and banquet on the last Friday in March . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren and guests adjourned to the banquet , which was well served . Upon the removal of the cloth , the customary toasts received full justice .

Bro . Dr . Macintosh , A . G . D . C , in responding to the toast of " The Grand Officers , " said that he thoroughly endorsed the remarks of the proposer of the toast as to the zeal , energy and interest taken in the Craft by Bros , ihe Karls of Lithom and Mount Kdgcumbc . 'There were other distinguished brethren of Grand Lodge whose services , although

not so prominently brought before the Craft as those of its chiefs , were productive of a vast amount of good . It had afforded him a great deal of pleasure , as an o'd Past Grand Steward , to visit a Lodge so highly respected as No . Go . He was gratified to see also that the W . M . was so well sup-I orted by the Past Masters , wearing the distinctive collars of P . G . Stwds . The other night he had had the honour

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conferred upon him of being installed W . M . of the Grand Stewards' Lodge , an ancient and distinguished institution , one that deserved to be more strong in point of numbers than it was . In conclusion , he said that he had been interested in the working of the lodge , and gratified with the warmth of the hospitality extended to him . Bro . Dr . Kempster , I . P . M ., irave "The Health of the

W . M ., prefacing the toast by many kind remarks . This pledge having been duly received , was responded to . "The Visitors" followed . Bro . E . St . Clair , W . M . 14 . G . Stwd ., acknowledged this toast in an effective speech . He said he felt somewhat in a dilemma as to the manner in which he should respond as a visito ' , and in what capacity . The proposer of the toast

had spoken of his services as an officer of the French Army , as a worker of Craft rituals , as a Grand Steward , and as a member of the Tuscan and La France Lodges . The remarks passed upon his humble efforts in these various capacities were , to his mind , far too complimentary . Bro . Dr . Mackintosh had spoken so well and so eloquently , as a Grand Officer , upon the working of the Peace and

Harmony Lodge , and the great services rendered to Masonry and its kindred Charities by so many of its members that it left him but little to add , except to heartily endorse every word that he had said . In conclusion , he called attention to the interesting fact that their W . M ., Bro . Dr . Macintosh , and himself were the respective heads of three of the oldest

lodges in the Craft having the privilege of nominating Grand Stewards . Bro . Dr . Kempster responded for "The Past Masters , " Bro . F . Binckes for " The Treasurer and Secretary , " and Bro . W . H . Kempster jun ., for "The Officers . " The . p-oceedings then terminated .

Lodge of Temperance ( No . 169 ) . —The installation meeting of this very flourishing South London lodge was held at the White Swan Hotel , High-street , Deptford , on Thursday , the iSth ult . Present : Bros . E . H . Johnson , W . M . ; F . Ladd , S . W ., W . M . elect ; M . T . Carpenter , J . W . ; G . Rosenstock , P . M ., Treas . ; J . G . Neeld , P . M ., Sec ; J . R . Wellington , S . D . ; W .

Bately , I . D . ; G . L . Moore , P . M ., D . C . ; A . Burgm , I . G . ; T . Best and J . Murray , Stewards ; W . Sanderson , P . M . ; G . Brown , P . M . ; J . G . Dale , P . M . ; T . Wallis , P . M . ; W . H . W . lton , P . M . ; J . T . Moss , F . G . Ramsey , G . Burterfield , I . F . Cripps , H . R . Mitchell , J . R . Piper , A . L . Oliver , F . W . Willmott , E . G . Briggs , A . Bates , Jas . Holm » s , S . Hoist , D . T . Bear , H . H . I lenbrey , J .

Johnson , T . Kefford , and W . C . Mowbray . The visitors were Bros . ) . Mason , Steward 220 G ; F . Fricker , 132 G ; R . D . Heckels , S . W . 1 C 01 ; J . G . Milbourne , P . M . 13 ; C . H . Stone , W . M . 507 ; T . Barnicott , 975 ; A . Ridney , Stwd . ¦ 5 W ; C . W . Georgensen , S 29 ; VV . J . Stevenson , 147 ; W . J . Scrivener , 14 S 9 ; E . VV . Hathersich , I . P . M . 54 S ; G . S . Cockton , 141 ( 1 ; R . H . Gundry , P . M . 975 ; and A . II .

Hobble , 171 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . Mitchell and Ramsey were passed , and Mr . J . Johnson initiated in a very commendable manner by the W . M . The Auditors' report was presented , received , and adopted , which showed a substantial balance in the hands of the Treasurer . Bro . G . L . Moore , P . M ., D . of C , then

presented Bro . F . Ladd , S . W .. W . M . elect , to the W . M ., to receive at his hands the benefit of installation , which ceremony was performed most perfectly , and for which Bro . E . H . Johnson , the Installing Master , received the hearty thanks of the brethren , the vote to be recorded on the minutes . The nev W . M ., Bro . Ladd , invested his officers in a manner impossible to be excelled as follows : Bros .

. E . H . Johnson , I . P . M . ; M . Carpenter , S . W . ; W . Bately , J . W . ; G . Rosenstock , P . M ., Treas . ; j . D . Neeld , P . M ., Sec ; A . Burgin , S . D . ; T . Best , J . D . ; C . Cobon , Org . ; G . L . Moore , P . M ., D . of C . ; J . Murray , I . G . ; Cripps and Henbrey , Stewards ; and R . W . Goddard , P . M ., Tyler . The addresses were most ably rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . Johnson .

The W . M . rose in the lodge , and , addressing the I . P . M ., said it was one of the greatest honours and ( pleasure in presenting the jewel so unanimousl y voted by the brethren , and in pinning it upon his breast said he only hoped while life lasted it would give him the greatest possible pleasure to wear it . In reply , Bro . Johnson , I . P . M .. said the past year had been one of the pleasantest in his life . He was

deeply sensible of the honour done hun . He had trial to do his best for that old and notable lodge , and must again thank all the officers who had rendered him such able assistance . It would ever be his aim to do his utmost for the lod ^ e , as all the brethren well knew . Bro . Dale , P . M ., announced that he was standing as Steward for the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and it was unanimously

resolved to place the sum of 20 gtnneas upon his list ; likewise the sim of 10 guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The W . M . gave in the name of a candidate well known to himself for initiation at the next meeting , which augurs well for the lodge . The business of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to an excellent repast , which was highly appreciated .

On ( he removal of Ihe cloth the usual loyal and Masmrc toasts were most efficiently given by the W . M ., and i . s loyally received . In giving the toast of "The M . W . Pro G . M ., Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " the W . M . remarked it was one which always was received with the greatest pleasure , as their duties were

onerous and were always carried out most efficiently . The W . M . next presented the toast of "The Initiate , " who had paid marked -ttention and seemed much impressed with the beautiful cereni ) ny , and he felt confident in placing the toast before the brethren that the initiate would ultimately develop into a good and true Mason . In reply , the Initiate most heartily thanked the brethren

for the honour done in receiving him into that worshipful body , and he hoped to fully carry out all that he had promised . The next toast was presented by the I . P . M ., that jof "The Worshipful Master . " fn proposing the toast , Bro . K . H . Johnson said the brethren well knew why he was entrusted with the gavel for the first time in that capacity , and he would say that no W . M . ever entered upon his duties

with greater e . / ut , which was evidenced by the investiture uf officers , the first step as regards the duties of the chair , and gave the brethren of the good old Lodge of Temperance the greatest pleasure to have such an one to guide over its destinies for the current year . The opinion of all was that at the end of the year the W . M . would have acquitted himself as ably as his predecessors , and he cuuli confidently

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state from experience , the more that was known of the W . M . the more the brethren would be attached to him . Bro . Ladd , W . M ., thanked the brethren most sincerely for the hearty response which had been given to the toast of his health . He hoped he might tie parloned if he seemed to strike one note of discord upon such an occasion , but so much had been slid in eulo ^ isinir him .

However , he would do his level best to perform his duties to the utmost of his ability , which , of course , would go without saying . He could not expect to arrive at tint acme of perfection as some , but , at . any rate , he did hope his endeavours would be to aim at such . lie m » t heartily thanked the brethren . The Worshipful Master next gave the toast of " The

Installing Master , " and he was afraid he could not do him justice , for it needed no words from him to commmd it , as all the brethren had witnessed his admirable rendering of the installation ceremony , which had given such entire satisfaction . He had left behind such a standard of excellence as he ( the W . M . ) hoped to attain . He would ask the brethren , as he was confident they would do . to drink

to the toast most cordially , which was most heartily responded to . In reply , Bro . E . H . Johnson stated he was much touched with such expressions , too flattering , but his resolve had been from the moment that he was placed in such a proud position as the W . M . of the good old Lodge of Temperance , to do his level best , which he was grateful to the brethren

in testifying in such a manner . His endeavour would be to keep up the prestige of the lodge , which was handed down year by year . He had been styled an old fossil already , but he would assure the brethren such was not the case for he was still an officer , and his greatest aim would be to do his utmost for the lodge . The splendid jewel with which he had been decorated that evening he

most heartily thanked the brethren for , and he hoped for many years to wear it , which would recall many happy reminiscences of the good old Lodge of Temperance . The toast of " The Visitors " received at the hands of the W . M . a most hearty and cordial reception , and was very ably reponded to by Bros . Hathersich , I . P . M . 54 s , and C . H . Stone , 507 , who remarked upon the excellence of

the working and cordial reception to the visitors . Bro . Stone paid a high tribute to the I . P . M ., whom he had known from a young lad , and hoped he should instal his successor as ably in a short time . Likewise commending the brethren of this famous lodge upon their benevolence , which was the first duty of them as Freemasons . The toast of "The Officers" was given in excellent

terms and responded to most efficiently by them all , each promising his very utmost to promote ( the best interests of the lodge . The toast of " The Past Masters " was most efficiently presented by the W . M ., and as efficiently responded to by tiro . J . T . Moss , P . M . The Tyler's toast closed a most happy and intellectual meeting . Bro . Cockton ably presided at the piano , and Bros . Moore , Scrivener , Dale , Biggs , Johnson , and Mason added greatly to the harmony .

Lodge of Industry ( No . 186 ) . —This centenary lodge held its installation meeting on Tuesday , the 23 rd ult ., at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Geo . Fox Spencer , W . M ., in the chair . Besides the officers the Past Masters present were Bros . S . M . Banker , J . W . Grover , J . B . Hunt Sherring , D . J . Robinson , Nicholas Cornvill , VV . H . Hook , Treas . ; W . S . Page , Sec . ; and W . W . Westley , D . C .

Visitors : Bros . F . J . Carter , 1543 ; Rd . Sinclair , 91 ; J . Brittiin , P . M . 13 S 5 , P . P . G . W . Herts ; W . J . James , W . M . 170 S ; G . J . Austin , P . M . 170 S ; Geo . Samuel , J . D . 170 S ; VV . Harper , Stwd . 1304 ; C . E . Codins , W . M . 23 , G . Stwd . ; J . H . Moggridge , J . W . 1321 ; C . A . Legg , 2331 ; \ V . A . Buxton , 153 S ; A . Stuart Morin , 70 S , Prov . J . G . W . Middx . ; J . M . AlcLeod , P . P . S . G . W .

Derby , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ; F . J . Sheppard , 3 ; H . Cotton , 1791 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 132 S , 1 ( 10 ; and C . Woodrow P . M . 170 S . Bro . Spencer raised Bro . Gittins to the Third Degree , and afterwards installed Bro . E . Apelt , S . W ., as Master of the lodge , performing all the work in an admirable manner .

Bro . Spencer was invested as I . P . M ., and the other collars were conferred upon Bros . T . M . Wood , S . W . ; S . Earl , J . W . ; W . II . Hook , P . M ., Treas . ; W- S . Page , P . M ., Sec ; A . J . Newton , S . I ) . ; G . Smith , J . D . ; W . VV . Westley , P . M ., D . C ; J . D . Phillips , I . G . ; S . Cartwright , Org . ; W . Stewart and C . Smith , Stwds , ; and C . Sheppard , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented

t > Bro . Spencer , and unquestionably it was well deserved . The banquet was served at the Holborn Restaurant , and when the speeches were delivered they were interspersed with seiiousand comic singing by respectively Miss Ethel Winn , Mrs . Buxton , Mr . John W . Josey , and Mr . Fred Searle . Bro . Spencer proposed "The W . M ., " and stated that

he and Bro . Apelt had worked up as officers together in the lodge , and he had had an opportunity of watching the zealous and assiduous manner in which Bro . Apelt had / illed the various offices he had been called upon to fill . From what he had seen of him he was sure that during his yearof office he would acquit himself in a way which would bring credit to himself and satisfaction to the brethren of the

lodge . ihe W . M . had that happy , genial spirit in him which would endear him to the brethren . B o . Apelt , W . M ,, in reply , said that day was one of the pleasantest days of his lilc , and it would never be effaced Iroiu his memory . I le was not generally ambitious , but he was ilistnicily aiuiised at his initiation , which was done by hru . Hanker . sitting at the banquet table , Bro . Banker

confidently told him that many years would pass before he was so near that chair again . Those years had passed , and he was now proud to be W . M . of the Industry Lodge . Siortly after his initiation , anuther brother—Sherringencouraged him , and now he hoped that having worked , he would occupy the chair with credit . Bro . Apelt next proposed " The I . P . M ., " a toast which was received with the greatest enthusiasm . Bro . Apelt

said that Bro . Spencer had done his best for the Lodge of Industry , which had every reason to be thankful to him . As I nstalling Master he had don ; his work nobly and well , and he could assure the brethren below the chair that the ceremony was one to be remembered . He should always think of it , and the day as a red-letter day in his life . Bro . Spencer , I . P . M ., cordially returned thanks . The W . M . had been kind enough to speak of what he ( Bro .