Reviews.

Reviews .

"MASONIC YEAR BOOK FOR THE PROVINCE OP CAMBRIDGESHIRE , 1 9 '_ ' ( W . P . Spalding , 43 , Sidney-street , Cambridge ) . —This tasty little annual is edited , printed and published by Bro . W . P . Spalding , and assuredly no province is better situated , in proportion to its size , than Cambridge to be so highly favoured . The preface is dated March , ipoi , and briefly glances at the state of the Craft under the new conditions , ending with the hope that "the new Century now begun , may be as propitious for the cause of Freemasonry as that which has just concluded . " To which all srood Masons

will respond So mote it be . The lodges number seven in the province with 541 members ; the sum . of £ 408 having been raised for the Central Masonic Charities during the past year . The senior lodge is the "Scientific , " No . S 3 , dating from 1754 , the " present warrant" being of the 30 th April , 1 S 72 . This document should be termed a " Warrant of Confirmation . " The "Isaac Newton University Lodge" was warranted in 1 S 61 ,

and is evidently a very successful organisation , as also the " Euclid " R . A . Chapter held under its wing . The " Pythagoras Chapter " dates from 1 S 2 S . There are two Mark lodges , one K . T . preceptory , and two Rose Croix chapters at work in the city . The province owes much to the valuable services of Bro . Oliver Papworth , the Prov . Grand Secretary . A portrait of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , the new Grand Master , makes a capital frontispiece .

We have received a copy of the " Masonic Calendar for the Province of Warwickshire for 1901—1902 . " It is one of the best publications of its kind with which we are acquainted , and does great credit tojVV . Bro . George Beech , the D . P . G . M . of the Province , who , in addition to his other duties , undertakes that of Editor . There is a full list of Past and Present Officers of the various Masonic bodies in the Province , with dates of meeting , and other useful information with respect to each , and also particulars of the meetings of Grand Lodge , Grand Chapter , the anniversary , and other Festivals .

In addition , there is a mass of information of interest to Freemasons generally , and especially to those connected with the Midland counties . There are various memoranda for officers , including arrangement of lodge rooms , regalia , reception of visitors , and toast lists ; in fact , there seems nothing omitted which we might expect to find in such a publication , and we should imagine that the book is indispensable to Freemasons of Warwickshire and the neighbourhood . In a note opposite the title-page the Editor asks

for suggestions ; but in a work so complete it is difficult to comply with his request , and after careful perusal , we can only propose that the names of Warwickshire brethren holding office in Grand Chapter should be added to the other lists on page iS . The Calendar is published in a neat and handy form by Bro . A . J . Webb , of Birmingham , and last ( or rather first ) , but not least , it contains an excellent photograph of W . Bro . J . T . Collins , P . D . P . G . M . of the Province .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Royal Sussex Chapter , No . 342 . INSTALLATION OF COMP . H . H . KEEPING . Wednesday , the 3 rd instant , was a record day in the history of thc above chapter , which meets at the _ Masonic Hall , Commercial-road , Portsmouth , has lately increased in numbers and activity , and thc annual installation ceremony took place with every promise of _ renewed energy and capability of good work . For the first time for many years the installation ceremony was performed by the retiring M . E . Z ., Comp . J . J . outer , P . G . A . S ., who earned many congratulations by his able performance , and was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks on the motion of the newly-installed M . E . Z .,

Comp . H . H . Keeping , seconded by Comp . G . F . Lancaster , P . P . G . J . Thc new head of the chapter , Comp . H . H . Keeping , appointed and invested the following as his ollicers for the ensuing year : C . J . C . Lone , H . ; F . W . E . Evans , J . ; C . Nock , S . E . j H . A . Smith , S . E . ; A . W . Hewett , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; J . T . Lewis , P . S . ; S . A . Lilling . on , ist A . S . ; F . Mortimer , 2 nd A . S . ; B . Bradley , D . of C . ; J . Faber , Org . ; P . W . J . Treleaven and W . G . Easthope , Stwds . ; and J . Excll , Janitor . After the installation the company adjourned to the banqueting-room , where a very pleasant evening was spent , songs interspersing the toasts which followed the banquet .

Skelmersdale Chapter , No . 1658 .

INSTALLATION OF COMP . JAS . SMITH . The regular convocation was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Cambcrwell , S . E ., on the 2 nd instant . Present : Comps . Thomas Grummant , P . Z ., acting as M . E . Z ., in the unavoidable absence of Col . P . H . Dalbiac , M . E . Z . ; Jas . Smith , H ., M . E . Z . elect ; Sydney F . Mackway , P . Z ., Treas . ; Rev . St . Clare Hill , P . Z ., S . E . ; J . VV . Cumberland , S . N . ; E . H . Smyth , ist A . S . ; W . Bennett , 2 nd A . S . ; D . Campbell Whytc , Perceval A . Nairne , and J . Whieman , Janitor . Visitors : Comps . Alf .

Harvey , P . Z . 2345 ; W . Rogers , 1556 ; and Charles Henry Stone , P . Z . 1275 and 1901 . The minutes of previous convocation were read and confirmed . A dispensation was read from Grand Chapter allowing Comp . Capt . D . C . Whyte to be installed into the chairs of J . and H . A conclave of Installed First Principals was formed , and Comp . Jas . Smith installed into the chair of M . E . Z . by Comp . Thos . Grummant . The conclave was closed , and a conclave of Third Principals was formed , and Comps . Whyte and Cumberland installed into the Third Principals' chair , also by Comp . Thos .

Grummant . The conclave of I turd Principals was closed , and a conclave of Second Principals was formed , and Comp . Capt . D . C . Whyte installed into the chair of II . by Comp . Charles Hy . Stone , P . Z . Thc conclave was closed , and the companions readmitted . Comp . Jas . Smith , M . E . Z ., invested his ollicers as follows : Comps . S . F . Mackway , P . Z ., 'lreas . ; Rev . St . Clare Hill , P . Z ,, S . E . ; Jas . Farmer , S . N . ( deferred ); E . H . Smyth , P . S . ; W . E . Bennett , 1 st A . S . ; and J . Whiteman , Janitor . Letters were read apologising for unavoidable absence , and wishing the M . E . Z . and the companions every success .

The chapter was closed , and the convocation adiourned to a capital banquet , which was ably served and personally superintended by Mrs . Venables , the proprietress , and gave every gratification . The banquet ended , the M . E . Z . gave the usual loyal and R . A . toasts in eloquent terms , remarking of his Gracious Majesty the King and the excellent service he had rendered to R . A . Masonry , and the companions were gratified beyond measure that the cause of Freemasonry would still flourish with his Majesty as Protector of the Order . The toast was most loyally drunk .

The toast of "The M . E . G . Z ., H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , " was also most cordially presented and received by the companions . The M . E . Z ., in complimentary terms , next proposed the toast of "The Pro G . Z ., G . H ., and G . J ., " and remarked all knew what excellent Masons they were , and the admirable manner they performed their duties . The chapter was indeed honoured in having as a member Comp . Perceval Nairne , a Grand Officer , one who was always most cordially received .

Comp . P . Nairne , most ably replied , and thanked the companions for the cordial reception always given to the toast of the Grand Officers . It was certainly highly instructive for companions who were privileged to attend Grand Chapter for ths manner the various functions were performed . While the King was their G . Z . the cause of Freemasonry had flourished , and it was to be hoped that whoever might be the G . Z . he would maintain its prosperity and he would be most ably and loyally supported by Comps . Earl Amherst and Earl Warwick who would fully keep up its prestige .

Comp . S . I ' . Mackway , P . Z ., in very eulogistic terms , proposed the toast of " The M . E . Z ., Comp . Jas . Smith . " Among his remarks he said it was a pleasant duty and one which would be most cordially received . He was an excellent worker in the Craft and also in the R . A ., and if only worthy brethren were brought for exaltation the M . E . Z . would prove himself most capable as nothing was too great a trouble for him , and

Royal Arch.

whatever he took in hand he did it most thoroughly . The chapter should congratulate itself upon having elected so worthy a companion . The M . E . Z ., in reply , thanked the companions most sincerely for receiving the kind remarks that had fallen from Comp . Mackway which were almost too flattering . Certainly , he would perform his duty to the very best of his ability , which he hoped the ' companions would endeavour to prove bv worthily introducing brethren . He paid a compliment to Comp . T . Grummant , P . Z ., the worthy Preceptor to the Star Chapter of Instruction , where he had gained most ot his instruction . For the honour of being installed as M . E . Z . of the chapter he most cordially thanked them , and he hoped his conduct and service in the chair would fully justify their choice .

In presenting the toast of " The Installing Principals " the M . E . Z . stated that the ceremonies of installing the Z . and J . were most impressively and intellectually rendered by Comp . T . Grummant , the worthy Preceptor , and also that of H . by Comp . Chas . H , Stone , the Scribe E . of that well-known and successful chapter of improvement—the Star .

Comps . T . Grummant and C . H . Stone most ably responded . _ Comp . Jas . Smith , M . E . Z ., most forcibly presented the toast of " The H . and J ., " which was most appreciatively responded to by Comps . Whyte , H ., and Cumberland , J . The toast of " The Visitors" receive ! at the hands of the M . E . Z . a most cordial reception . Comps . Stone , Harvey , and Rogers replied .

The M . E . Z . next presented the toast of "The Past Principals , " coupled with the Treasurer and S . E ., to all of whom the M . E . Z . paid a high compliment , and said the chapter was deeply indebted to them for their able services . Of Comp . Mackway , their worthy Treasurer , none were more ready and willing to further the interests of the chapter , and the funds at his disposal were most loyally disbursed . Of the worthy S . E ., Comp . Rev . St . Clare Hill , his duties , though onerous , were most ably and satisfactorily carried out .

In reply , Comp . Mackway said whatever the Past Principals did it was a pleasure , and they were only too pleased . He paid a high tribute to the memory of Comp . Jas . Hill , the first M . E . Z . of the chapter . For himself as Treasurer , he was ever ready to perform the duties , and thanked the companions for electing him to that position . Comp . Rev . St . Clare Hill very ably responded .

"The Officers" was presented by the M . E . Z . in very appreciative terms , and he congratulated them upon their excellent work . The toast was duly replied to . The Janitor ' s toast closed a very happy meeting . Some excellent harmony was rendered by Comps . Rogers , Stone , J . Smith ( reciter ) , and Thos . Grummant ( reciter ) . Miss Venables very ably presided at the piano .

Secret Monitor.

Secret Monitor .

Cleve Fast Conclave , No . 8 . PRESENTATION TO BRO . BIDEN . A meeting of the above conclave was held on Friday , the 29 th ult ., at the Criterion Restaurant , Piccadilly-circus , when there were present V . W . Bro . Frank Adams , G . C , S . R ., R . W . Bros . W . J . Spratling , P . S . R .. and J . Tickle , P . S . R . ; V . W . Bros . L . M . Biden , P . S . R ., Sec , and N . Brokenshire , P . G . C . ; W . Bro . W . Stiffin , Guarder ; and Bros . P . Williams Moses , S . K . R . Cama , W . G . R . Spencer , and C . H . Cooper . The conclave was opened in due form , when the S . R . moved " That the brethren of

this conclave before proceeding to business place on record their sense of the unparalleled loss experienced by the nation through the death of her late beloved and respected Majesty Queen Victoria . " This was carried in solemn silence . It was reported that R . W . Bro . W . R . Shute died on the 19 th ult ., and that the conclave in conjunction with the Premier Conclave , No . i ., sent to his late residence a floral tribute to his msmory , and that several members of the Order attended the funeral . And it was reported that R . W . Bro . Col . H . M . Gordon died on the loth ult . It was resolved unanimously that

letters of condolence be written to the respective families , expressing the brethren's deep sympathy with them in their bereavement . Bro . P . Williams Moses was nominated for the appointment of Grand Steward for the ensuing year . By desire of the S . R ., V . W . Bro . F . Adams , who had been in ill-health for the past six months , V . W . Bro . N . Brokenshire occupied the chair and inducted into the Order the following Master Masons : Bros . W . G . R . Spencer , of Chine Lodge , No . 1 SS 4 , and Charles Hunwicks Cooper , of Corinthian Lodge , No . 13 S 2 . The conclave was opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . P . Williams Moses was

admitted a Prince of the Order by R . W . Bro . W . J . Spratling , G . R . The conclave was resumed in the First Degree . The conclave then proceeded to the election of a S . R ., and the ballot proved unanimous in favour of V . W . Bro . A . II . Chapman , G . C The ballot was also unanimous in favour of R . W . Bro . C . L . Nelson , G . T ., as Treasurer . The Sentinel was unanimously re-elected . V . W . Bro . Frank Adams and Bro . C . H . Cooper were appointed the Audit Committee jointly with the ollicers . The S . R . rose the customary times , and the conclave was closed . Thc brethren afterwards dined together .

In the course of the usual toasts , R . W . Bro . W . J . Spratling announced that since the last meeting the marriage of the Secretary , V . W . Bro . L . M . Biden , had taken place , and in commemoration of that event , and also in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him as Secretary , the members of the conclave had purchased a silver salver for presentation to Bro . Biden on his marriage , which took place on January 22 . Bro . Spratling then handed the salver , which bore a suitable inscription , to theS . R ., and desired him , on behalf of the brethren , to make the presentation to Bro . Biden . The S . R ., in happy and appropriate language , made the presentation , and Bro . Biden suitably replied .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . ZILLWOOD MILLEDGE ,

It is our painful duty to record the death of Bro . Zillwood Milledge , which sad event occurred at his residence , Avondale , Weymouth , Dorset , suddenly , early on the morning of Wednesday , the 27 th ult ., at the comparatively early age of 5 6 years . Our deceased brother was for many years a martyr to rheumatism , each attack , of course , affecting him more acutely than tho last , but though much drawn by these attacks , it was marvellous to notice with what activity he got about . A man of very determined will and force of character , with abilities it-r

and away above the average , it was not surprising to find in him a leader amongst his fellows . His influence was always devoted for good , and Weymouth and the ports beyond are distinctly to-day the poorer for his loss . His sympathy for those in sorrow or distress was marked , and many a one will miss the ready ear , ever open to listen patiently to their tales of woe . For many years past he had sat as a magistrate for the borough , and whilst possessing a clear judicial mind , he was ever wont to temper mercy with justice . He leaves a widow and six children , all

grown up , to mourn his loss . The funeral service , which was attended by a number of brethren from his own lodge and province , took place in the parish church , St . Mary , Melcombe Regis , Weymouth , at nine o ' clock on the Saturday morning following his death , the remains having been removed from the residence to the church the previous evening . The rector of the parish , the Kev . J . L . G . Hedow , Rural Dean , conducted the service , assisted by Bro . the Rev . ]• Miller , P . P . G . Chap . Dorset , Head Master of Weymouth College , and the Re' - A . R . Thurlow , one of the assistant clergy of the parish . Immediately alter the service the remains were removed by rail to . Wokmtf for cremation , in accordance with the written request of deceased . Also in accordance with the wishes of deceased the funeral arrangements were"'