Royal Arch.

The companions sat down to an excellent banquet , supplied by Bro . Casey , the House Steward , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . YORK . —Eboracxim Chapter ( No . 1611 ) . —On the 2 nd inst . the installation meeting of this chapter was held at Freemasons' Hall , St . Saviour-gate , when the Principals

for the year were installed in their chairs , the ceremonies being performed by Comps . T . B . Whytehead , P . Z ., Prov . G . H . The following are the present officers : Comps . G . Simpson , P . Z ., M . ETZ . i M . Millington , H . ; J . Blenkin , I . ; 1 . Kay , S . E . ; G . Chapman , S . N . ; Rev . R . Blakeney , Treas . ; VV . Brown , P . S . ; T . 1 ? . Whytehead , P . Z ., D . C . ; and P . Pearson , Janitor . There were also present Comps . C . G . Padel , P . Z . ; J . T . Seller , P . Z . ; and several other

members and visitors . There were three names of candidates on the summons ; but none were able to be present , and therefore , after an explanation of the pedestal , & c , by Comp . T . B . Whytehead , and the report of the Auditors , which showed a handsome balance in hand , the chapter was closed , and the members retired to supper , and spent a pleasant evening under the presidency of the M . E . Z .

Allied Masonic Degrees.

Allied Masonic Degrees .

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL . —An emergency meeting of this council was held at the Masonic Hall , Red Lion-square , on the 5 th inst . Among those present were Bros . Roy . W . M . ; T . C . Walls , S . D ., actingS . W . ; Godson , acting J . W . ; Powell , Treas . ; C . F . Matier , P . D . G . M .,

Sec ; Baron de Ferrieie * , Browne , Kidder , U . Spence , Brittain , and others . A report of the Committee appointed to revise the bye-laws was received and adopted . A vote of thanks having been passed to them for their services , the council was closed , and the brethren adjourned to dine at the Holborn Restaurant .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

YORK . —Hilda Chapter ( No . 23 ) . —A meeting was held on the Gth inst ., when , in the absence of Bro . A . T . B . Turner , M . W . S ., through illness , and at the unani - mous wish and request of the Ex . and Perfect Princes , III . Bro . C . J . Banister , S . G . I . G ., 33 ° , and I . G . North-Eastern District , occupied the throne , and opened the chapter , assisted by the officers of the chapter . The minutes of the

last chapter were read and confirmed . Bro . Donald Grant was unanimously elected , and , being present , was perfected into this beautiful Christian Degree by 111 . Bro . Chas . Jas . Banister , 33 ° , in his usual impressive manner , and proclaimed in due form . . , ,,,,, 0 , This being the installation meeting , thc M . W . S . elect , Bro . G . Simpson , was presented by Bro . T . B . Whytehead ,

P . M . W . S ., to HI . Bro . C . J . Banister , who installed him into the chair in due form . Bro . Simpson then appointed the following officers : Bros . M . M . Reynard , High Prelate ; VV . Brown , ist Gen . ; McClachen , 2 nd Gen . ; T . B . Whytehead , Treasurer and Recorder ; VVaddington , G . Marshal ; Fraser , Raphael ; and Chadwick , C . of G . Letters of apology were read from several brethren for nonattendance . The chapter was visited by 111 . Bro . Voight ,

30 ° , P . M . W . S . of the Talbot Chapter , Sheffield . The third point was given by the M . W . S ., Bro . G . Simpson , and the chapter was closed . 111 . Bro . the Hon . VV . T . Orde-Powlett , 30 ' , was unable to stay for supper , which was presided over by the M . W . S ., at which there was a fair attendance . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed from the chair , and duly responded lo . III . Bro . C . J . Banister , being an invalid , had lo leave very early .

HULL . —Antient York Chapter of Redemption ( No . 6 S ) . —This chapter was opened , in the absence of the M . W . S ., Bro . R . Huntley , by 111 . Bro . F . A . Hopwood , 10 ° , P . M . W . S ., assisted by the officers of the chapter . III . Bro . Charles James Banister , S . G . I . G ., 33 ° , and I . G ., North-Eastern District , was received under an arch of steel and saluted in due form .

The mintes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Three candidates viz ., Bros . S . VV . Fisher , H . Toozes , and M . P . Hockley , being in attendance , were perfected , the first part by III . Bro . VV . Reynolds , 32 " , P . M . W . S ., the second part by III . Bro . F . A . Hopwood , 30 ° , P . M . W . S ., and perfected by III . Bro . C . J . Banister , 33 ° . Ihe Auditors reDorted that they had examined the Treasurer's

accounts , and found a very satisfactory balance to thecredit of the chapter . The M . W . S . elect , 111 . Bro . Col . R . G . Smith , 31 " , was presented by 111 . Bro . VV . Reynolds , 32 , to III . Bro . C . J . Banister , who installed him into the chair with his usual care . The M . W . S . appointed the following officers , viz . : Bros . R . Huntley , P . M . W . S . ; F . A . Hopwood , High Prelate ; VV . H . Wellstead , ist General ; J . C .

Thompson , 2 nd General ; M . C . Peck , 30 ° , P . M . W . S ., Treas . and Recorder ; M . C . Whiteside , Grand Marshal ; Lieut .-Col . H . F . Pudsey , Raphael ; VV . Reynolds , 32 , P . M . W . S ., D . of C . ; T . Oates , Org . ; R . VV . Mo ! l , C . of G . ; and VV . Clayton , Equerry . The chapter was then closed in due form . The banquet was held in the dining hall , and was served up in excellent style , presided over by the M . W . S ., III .

Bro . Col . U . G . Smith , 31 " , having on his right 111 . Bros . C . 1 . Banister , 33- ; VV . Reynolds , yi ; and on his left F . A . Hopwood , 30 ° ; G . Wilkinson , 30 ° ; M . C . Peck , 30 ' ; and Bros . Logan , Clarke , Oates , Wellstead , Pudsey , Thompson , Whiteside , and others . After grace the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly and efficiently proposed and responded to , and some most excellent songs rendered , and a most happy and enjoyable evening was spent , xvhich is alxvays the case in this well-worked chapter .

Turkey.

Turkey .

CONSTANTINOPLE . —Bulxver Lodge ( No . 891 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 12 th ult . Prcsr-nt : Bros . B . H . Hanly , P . M ., acting VV . M . ; Blair , P . M ., S . VV . ; Nisscn , P . M ., J . W . ; C . | . Keppen , Treas . ; Frederick Jorgensen . P . M ., Sec ; M . Polyak , S . D . ; Petrocochino , J . D . ; Vinnicomb , P . M ., D . C . ; Atkinson , P . M ., I . G . ; Gingell , Tyler ; Woods , P . M . ; Wills , P . M . ;

Turkey.

VV ' erndel , Ratcliff , Mooney , Streater , Flam , Maynani , and Wallenberg . Visitors : Bros . Birrulf and Snell . The W . M . elect , Bro . Admiral H . F . Woods , was installed in the chair of K . S . Bros . Polyak was invested as S . VV . ; Petrocochino , J . W . ; Wallenberg , S . D . ; and Werndel , J . D . The Past Master s jewel voted by the lodge tc the Secretary , Bro . Jorgensen , was presented to that brother as a token of merit for distinguished work from 1 S 75 to 1 SS 6 as VV . M ., P . M ., and Secretary .

Gibraltar.

Gibraltar .

CONSECRATION OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT GIBRALTAR . The consecration of the Masonic Hall in the new Assembly Room Buildings , on the Alameda , was carried out on Saturday , the 30 th ult ., with the usual imposing ceremonies , and with the very greatest success , the size and beautiful appointments of the magnificent lodge room giving additional lustre to what it is , at all times , a most impressive

ceremony . The occasion will long remain a memorable event in the annals of Freemasonry in general , not only on account of its being the first time the brethren have solely possessed suitable premises for their accommodation , but on account of the very large gathering of brethren , and the extreme accuracy and beauty which characterised the different details of the ceremony . The consecrating officer was the District Grand Master , Bro . Sir H . Burford

Hancock , who opened D . G . Lodge at 7 o'clock , in the smaller lodge room , being assisted by the Provincial Grand Master , ( S . C . ) , Bro . T . Haynes , the officers of both the Grand Lodges , and representives also of the Irish Constitution . Bros . Franceri , P . M ., and Clemer . te , P . M ., occupied the chairs of the D . G . Wardens . The lodge being adjourned , the rest of the brethren , supplemented by many visitors from Linea , Algeciras , and Tangier , marshalled by

Bro . P . Lyons , P . M ., D . G . D . of Cers ., who was ably assisted by Bro . VV . F . Cottrell , P . M . 27 S , and P . D . G . S . VV ., marched in imposing procession to the great Hall , where they were ranged in order , being followed by the members of the two Grand Lodges , the procession being closed by the Dist . G . M ., the Prov . G . M . ( S . C . ) , attended by their Deputies , Bros . Lieut .-Col . Gilbard and Bryant , preceded by their banners and Sword Bearers , and Bro .

G . F . Cornwell , Past Dist . G . M . for Gibraltar . These distinguished brethren having taken their seats on the dais , which was occupied also by the Senior P . M . ' s of the three Constitutions , the ceremonies were immediately commenced , Bro . Rev . D . Nickerson officiating as D . G . Chaplain . The Hall at this moment presented a really magnificent sight , the powerful sunlight in the centre bringing out into

strong relief the beautiful decorations of white and gold and the crimson and azure draperies of the seats of the officers , and shedding its brilliant lustre on the large number of brethren of the different Constitutions , xvith their handsome Masonic clothing of divers colours and jewels , xvho to the number of nearly 300 , stood in serried array , in some places five or six deep , round the Hall , leaving a clear space in the centre for the different pedestals , on

which were placed the vessels of gold and silver containing the elements of consecration , covered with fair linen cloths . The acting D . G . Chaplain , Bro . D . Nickerson , offered up the preliminary prayer , and the D . D . G . M ., Bro . Lieut .-Col . G . J . Gilbard , having requested the D . G . M ., in the name of the brethren , that the consecration of the building might be proceeded with , Bro . H . Cavana , P . M ., member of the Building Sub-Committee , as representing the

architect , Bro . C . H . Driver , P . M ., delivered up to the D . G . M . the square , level , and plumb rule , with the usual address , after which the lodge rooms and appointments having been reported on by the D . G . S . of VV ., the dedication was proceeded with , the D . G . Chaplain offering up the first portion of the dedication prayer in the most impressive manner . The " Sanctus " having been sang , a procession was formed by the D . G . D . C , Bro . P . Lyons , and Bro . VV . F . Cottrell ,

P . M ., the several lights being borne by P . M . ' s Bros . Henry Cunningham and Gomez ; and the elements of consecration bv Past Masters Bros . J . Holliday , VV . Roberts , J . Bryant , Deputy Prov . G . M . ( S . C . ) , and Lieut .-Col . Gilbard , D . D . G . M ., the cushion , with Holy Bible , square , and compasses , being carried by Bro . H . Cavana , P . M ., the procession being closed by the R . VV . D . G . M ., Bro . Sir Henry Burford Burford-Hancock , with the

R . W . Bro . T . J . Haynes , P . G . M . ( S . C . ) , on his right , and Bro . G . Cornwell , Q . C ., P . D . G . M . for Gibraltar , on his left . The several invocations to Freemasonry , to virtue , and to universal benevolence were very impressively given by the Consecrating Officer , and the beautiful accompanying music , admirably performed , added an extra grace to the different points of this part of the ceremony . The music was under the direction of Bro . J . Sproat ,

P . M ., who had kindly undertaken the difficult task , and the execution of the several odes and Masonic hymns by the carefully trained choir , under his leadership , was excellent in the extreme . The censer was then taken round thc lodge by the D . G . Chaplain , who followed with the second portion of

the dedication p rayer , and the dedication and consecration of the lodge being declared by the Consecrating Officer in the usual form , a very interesting oration was then delivered by him , and after the circulation of the Charity box , District Grand Lodge was closed in due and ancient form .

At the banquet which followed , to which over 220 brethren sat down , and which was provided bountifully by Bro . VV . I . equich , of the Koyal Hotel , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were received in the most enthusiastic manner , and with the usual Masonic honours , and several able and interesting speeches followed , especially from Bro . H . Cavana , P . M . 115 , who possesses an unusual gift of eloquence . He spoke in Spanish , and rendered a worthy tribute to officers of private lodges , District ,

Provincial , and Grand Lodges , to His Royal Highness the Most Worshipful Grand Master , and Her Most Gracious Majesty Ihe Oucen , tracing in this way the support and encouragement given to Freemasonry by these links from the lowest ti thc highest . Bros . Discombe , VV . M . 153 , and Stevens , W . M . 27 S , also spoke with great feeling , advocating the constant exercise of Masonic principles in all the details of private life . Space does not allow us to enlarge on other excellent speeches which were made , but xvc will add that the D . G .

Gibraltar.

Master , in proposing " The Health of the Members of the Committee oE Arrangement , " paid a warm and well deserved tribute to the zealous and energetic way in which they had worked to get the rooms and their beautiful apartments ready for the ceremony , particularly to Bro . W . F . Cottrell , P . M ., P . D . G . S . VV ., who had spared neither time nor labour in the work before him . It was a difficult

matter , but his extraordinary energy made light of all obstacles , and was fully appreciated by all the brethren present ; also to Bro . Sproat , P . M ., for the excellent way in which the music had been performed , and to Bro . P . Lyons , D . G . D . C , for the perfection of his arrangements in the different processions , & c , and for accommodating the large number of brethren in the lodge rooms . We will

end bj' saying advisedly that never before have the Freemasons in Gibraltar witnessed a ceremony so imposing in its details and carried out in a manner so thoroughly complete and satisfactory . The new lodge rooms just opened occupy the east xving of the Assembly Rooms and Masonic Hall on the Alameda , the whole building being now nearly completed . It has

been erected by the firm of Messrs . Lascelles , and Co ., Bunhillrow , London , from designs of Bro . C . H . Driver , Victoria-street , Westminster , who , to the general regret , was not able to leave London in time to take his part in the ceremony . The building is admirably adapted for the purposes for which it is required , and will doubtless prove a great benefit to Gibraltar .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The General Committee of this Institution held their regular monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Saturday last , Bro . VV . Roebuck , P . G . Stwd ., Vice-Patron and Trustee , presided as Chairman , and among those present were Bros . C . F . Hogard , L . Ruff , Stephen Richardson ,

George Cooper , Geo . P . Gillard , Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; G . Haldane , Controller S . G . Bake , J . L . Mather , James Moon , Rev . Richard Morris , M . A ., LL . D ., F . Adlard , J . G . Stevens , T . Hastings Miller , A . F . Gladwell , T . Cubitt , P . G . P . ; Charles Belton , W . Maple , A . F . Godson , Richard Eve , and F . Binckes , P . G . Stwd . ( Sec ) . The minutes of the previous Committee having been

read and verified , and those of the House Committee and Quarterly Court read for information , the reports of the Audit and Finance Committee were submitted and accepted . The Committee having approved of one of the boys elected in October last being educated out of the School ,

and agreed that thc usual allowance should be paid on his behalf , took into their consideration the petitions of four boys , whose names were directed to be placed on the list of candidates for the October election . The proceedings terminated with the customary vote of thanks to the Chairman .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of Management held their regular meeting at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday . Bro . Edgar Bowyer , Trustee and Patron , P . G . Std . Br ., occupied the chair , and among those present were Bros . VV . J . Murlis , C . F , Hogard , S . B . Wilson , J . Newton , G . Bolton , 1 .

Bulmer , VV . J . Darnell , Joseph Freeman , C . H . Webb , Jabcz Hogg , P . G . D , ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P . ; John R . Dawson , Jas . Willing , jiin ., and James Terry , Secretary . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the Secretary reported the deaths of two male annuitants , and also of one of the female candidates ( Mrs . Scott ) . The Warden's report was read . The Committee next considered the vacancies to be filled

at the election in May next , when it was shown that there were 12 male and six female annuitants available ; which , with the three deferred candidates op each fund , would make the numbers to be elected 15 men and nine widows , from approved lists of 5 S of the former , and 71 of the latter . The proofs of the balloting papers having been passed , a vote of thanks xvas accorded to thc Chairman , and the Committee rose .

Norwich Masonic Association, Limited.

NORWICH MASONIC ASSOCIATION , LIMITED .

The sixth annual meeting of this Association was held on Monday , ist inst ., at their rooms , 47 , St . Giles-street , Norwich , Bro . E . Orams presiding . This Association , which was incorporated on the 9 th June , 18 S 0 , has noxv reached a period of success , which must not only be

gratifying to the directors and to the shareholders , but to Masons generally . The Committee report that the revenue account for the past year shows a balance in favour of the Association of £ 14 10 s . 5 d ., which , considering the large outlay for permanent improvements and necessary repairs made during the year , promises fair to be augmented at the end of next year . There is every accommodation for

holding Masonic meetings , and four out of thc five lodges are located there ; two U . A . chapters , one Mark Mason ' s lodge , and one Knight Templar ' s Priory also hold their meetings . In the reception room is a capital billiard table . There is also an excellent card room , and during the past year a bowling-green has been laid down at the back , which will attract brethren in the summer lime to spend

their time at the Masonic home . The catering , thanks to the care and attention of Bro . Pretty and his wife , gives every satisfaction . During the past year their excellent Secretary , Bro . II . A . Pepper , was obliged to resign , but his place has been admirably

filled by Bro . G . Kersey . The number of shares at £ 1 each amount to 2241 , and those brethren who first started the concern must now be agreeably astonished at its success . At the meeting the retiring directois and the officers were again unanimously re-elected . We wish the Institution every success .

Bros , the Lord Mayor , Sheriff Clarke , and Alderman DeKeyser were among the guests xvho supported the French Ambassador at the banquet held at Willis ' s Rooms , St . James's , on Saturday last , in aid of the French Hospital and Dispensary , Leicester-place . The subscriptions during the evening amounted to £ 2400 ,