Royal Arch.

Thursda _ v , 1 st inst ., being the first after the election of the new officers . In the unavoidable absence of the M . E . Z ., the first chair was taken at 4 p . m . by Comp . Jones , P . Z . He was assisted by companions J . B . Hebbert , H . ; E . AA'orrall , J . ; Genever , E . ; Partridge , N . ; Burnet ] , Prin . Soj . ; AYhitehead , Assist . Soj . ; Bedford , P . Z . There were present , as visitors , Comps . Dr . Hopkins ( 590 ) ancl P . Z . ( 587 ) and AVest . The

, attendance was very limited , although this chapter is rumerically unusually strong , there being more than 100 members . Tlie minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . There were several candidates for exaltation named in the circular , of whom only one , Bro . Rowe , presented himself . Having been previously ballotted for he was admitted , properly preparedand duly exalted to this supreme degree . Too much can

, hardly be said in praise of all the oflicers , who , without exception , did their work in excellent style , the more commendable as this was the first occasion on which they officiated in their new positions . Not only were they textually perfect , speaking with fluency , but there was a quiet impressiveness of manner which gave dignity to the ceremony , and could not but produce a favourable impression on the candidate . One point is to be

regretted , namely , that with the exception of the acting M . E . Z ., the I . P . Z ., and the reporter , himself , though a visitor , a P . Z . of this chapter , there were none present of tho many who have . ¦ passed the chairs .

The Chapter was closed at six o'clock , and the companions adjourned to the banqueting room , whore an excellent repast bad been prepared . This was followed by the usual complimentary toasts , several addresses ancl songs , all which contributed to the happiness and harmony of the meeting , which was terminated about nine o ' clock . In regard to the mention made above as to the absence of P . Principalsthis appears to be a defect too common throughout

, the Craft . Many are most zealous for a few years , aro ambitious to rise to the higher offices , peihaps perform their duties in each thoroughly , and then , as if the effort had exhausted all their powers , soon become indifferent , and after a time entirely . give up attendance , forgetful of their original obligations , which ought ever to be considered as binding . They thus , too , lead the outer world to think lightly of the Craftwhen it is

, found that those who from their superior privileges might be expected to appreciate it most highly , and to seta good example to younger members , prove the opposite by their neglect of its principles and advantages . This is not a mere surmise , for such disregard of loclge duties on the part of old members is often adduced by those unfriendly to us , as evidence of the limited hold that Masonry has ujion their affections . Moreover , the

absence of such as have gained experience is frequently felt by younger Masons , who have to exercise authority , when being in office they meet with difficulties and need the advice of their seniors .

Reviews.

REVIEWS .

Calendar of the Order of Masonic Kniqhts Templar and Knights of Malta for 1867-8 . We have much pleasure in drawing the attention of all the members of these Orders to the above useful publication , which is issued annually by the Grand Conclave of England and Wales , Sir Knight AVilliam Stuart Most Eminent ancl Supreme Grand Master .

The first few pages are devoted to the muster-roll of Grand Officers , and among the distinguished list we greet several fresh faces . Sir Knight the Rev . John Huyshe , since tbe last '' Annual , " has been appointed to the high position of Deputy Grand Master , and the following Provincial Grand Commanders appear in its pages for the first " time , viz .: —Sir Knights Major George Cornwall Leigh , M . P . for Cheshire ; Thomas C . Marshall ,

for AA ' est Indies ; William J . Meymott , unattached ; Captain Nathaniel George Phillips , for Suffolk ; Right Hon . Lord Eliot , 3 & -P . for Cornwall : Staffordshire and Warwickshire , vacant . The ro ! I _ of encampments is then presented according to an alphabetical arrangement which enables the reader to find the information required almost as soon as the want is felt . The total number of active encampments being some 110 , as comwith 100

pared , in the last year ' s calendar . An abstract of each of the meetings of Grand Conclave during the twelve months , as respects the business , and the attendance of officers and members , come next in order , and we cannot too

Reviews.

highly speak of the exactness and care displayed in compiling and arranging the whole . We cannot help thinking that were the "Quarterly Communications of Grand Lodge" to be similarly printed and arranged , they would be much more convenient and valuable than in the present form . The Grand Lodge of Scotland has for years issued a " Reporter , " and we understand it is much appreciated by the members , who take a pride in preserving so handy a record of their proceedings .

Public Amusements.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS .

Mr . aud Mrs . Howard Paul make their first tour of the watering places this month since their return from America . They will visit the following towns"Whitby , Eedcar , Eichmond , Ambleside , Blackpool , Lytham , Southport , Buxton , Congleton , Llandudno , Warrington " Welchpooland

Aberystwithcom-, , , mencing the 9 th inst ., and ending the 30 th inst . Their great success in America will cause them to re-visit that country in the autumn of next year . Their opening entertainment at the Crystal Palace on Saturday , the 3 rd inst ., was a success .

Lodge Meetings, Etc., For The Week Ending August 17th, 1867.

LODGE MEETINGS , ETC ., FOR THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 17 TH , 1867 .

MONDAY , 12 th . —Wcstbonrne Lodge of Emergency ( No . 733 ) , Now Inn , Edgcware-road - , Peckham Lodge ( No . 879 ) , Edinboro' Castle , Peckham Rye ; Panmure Chnptor- ( No . 720 ) , Longhborough Hotel , Brixton . TUESDAY , 13 fch . —Wellington Lodge CNo . 548 ) , White Swan Tavern , Deptford . WEDNESDAY , 14 th . —Committee Royal Benevolent

Institution , at 3 ; Doric Lodge ( No . 933 ) , Masons'Hail , Basinghall-sfcreet . THURSDAY , 15 th . —Westbonrne Lodge ( No . 733 ) , New Inn , Edgeware-road ; Cosmopolitan Lodge ( No . 917 ) , Great Westbourne Hotel , Paddington . FRIDAY , 16 tb . —New Concord Lodge ( No . 813 ) , Rosemary Branch Tavern , Hoxton .

The Week.

THE WEEK .

THE COURT . —Tho Qucon drove out on tho 31 st ult . with Princess Louis of Hosso , aud her Majesty walked in tho grounds on tlio morning o £ tho 1 st inst ., accompanied by Princess Louiso and tho Princess of Leiningon . Tho Queen walked in tho grounds on tho morning of tho 2 ud inst ., accompanied by Princoss Louiso and tho Princess of Leiningon . Tho Queen , walked in tlio

grounds in tho afternoon , accompanied by Princoss Louiso and tho Princoss of Leiningon , and Her Majesty walked out on tho morning of tho 3 rd inst . with Princess Louiso . Tho Quoon hold a Council at ono o ' clock , at which wore present tho Duke of Marlborough , tho Earl of Bradford , tho Earl of Malmesbury , and tho Right Hon . Wilson Patten . Tho Quoon , Princoss Louiso , and

tho Princess of Leiningon rode on ponies in tho grounds in tho afternoon , and Prince Leopold and Princoss Beatrice wont out walking . Hor Majesty and tho royal family attended divine service at Osborne ou tho morning of tho 4 th inst . Tho ladies ancl gentlemen iu waitiug were in attendance . Tho Rev . Goorgo Prothoroo officiated . Tlio Queen , accompanied by Princess

Louiso aud tho Princess of Leiningon , walked in tho grounds on tho morning of tlio 5 th inst . Princo Arthur , Princo Leopold , and Princoss Beatrice also went out . Tho Queen , accompanied by tho Princo of Leiningon , drove out in tlio afternoon , and her Majesty and Princess Louiso rode on ponies in tho grounds