Installation Meetings, &C.

Mr . Girdlestone , Sergeant Major Fowler , Sergeants Godfrey and Currie , and Mr . E . Russell would bo duly initiated at the emergency meeting of the Lodge on Monday , 28 th January . A vote of thanks was proposed by Bro . Probyn S . W ., seconded by Bro . Payne 3 . W ., to the W . M ., for the great interest and zeal he had shown in everything relating to the formation of the Lodgo , and also

for the splendid banner he had so kindly presented to the Lodge . The W . M . thanked the brethren and stated that nothing should be wanting on his part , and he was sure he would be supported by his Officers , to make tbis Lodge one of the best in the Craft . A vote of thanks was ordered to be recorded on the minutes of tbe Lodge on the proposition of Bro . H . C . Lnmbert , seconded by Bro . R . Payne

J . W ., to Bro . Captain Probyn S . W ., for the excellent box of working tools be had generously presented to the Lodge . Bro . Probyn thanked the brethren in a few well-chosen words . The W . M . having intimated his intention of serving as Steward for the Boys the Lodge was closed until 28 th January at 5 p . m . The brethren then adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant where Bro . Hamp superintended the banquet ,

which was served in the manner for whioh the Holborn is so justly celebrated . The usual toasts were proposed and duly responded to . Bro . Maloney P . M ., of Lodge 1839 , in proposing the toast of the W . M . drew special attention to the truly Masonio qualities of the W . M ., and the earnest zeal always displayed by him in everything he undertook , and wished the Queen ' s Westminster Lodge continued

prosperity . The W . M . thanked Bro . P . M . Maloney and the brethren for the manner in whioh the toast had been proposed and received , and felt sure that with the Officers he had snrrounded himself with , and from the manner he had been supported , that the Lodge was bound to be a snccess ; at all events he could assure them no pains wonld be spared by him to secure that happy result . The health of

the Initiates was then proposed by the W . M ., who addressed them in a few kindly words , and facetiously mentioned that he hoped and believed they would be able to Hunt with Canning and Kingdon , without giving Paine , and in Merryweather . The Initiates suitably replied . The visitors' toast was responded to by Bros . Smith and Kerr , The W . M . in proposing the toast of tbe Treasurer and Secretary

congratulated the Lodge in having in Bro . Bellerby one who would look well after and oarefully husband their resources , and in Bro . Coop one who during the lengthened period he had been in the Corps had proved a good volunteer and had spared no pains to perf eot himself in the ritual . This was certain to be of great use to the Lodge , and to him ( Bro . Coop ) in carrying out the important duty of Secretary . These

brethren having replied , the W . M . gave the next toast . He was pleased at having so able a body of Offioers , all of whom had given proofs of proficiency ; while the Lodge had Officers so able , willing and urbane , it was impossible for it to do otherwise than succeed . Bros . Probyn and Jones responded . The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close , the brethren separating , well satisfied with the afternoon ' s work . A Lodge of Emergency was held at tbe

Masonio Hall , on Monday , 28 th ulfc ., all the Officers being present . Bro . Delevante presided at the organ . Messrs . Girdlestone , Fowler , Godfrey , Currie and Russell having been duly balloted for , were initiated members of the Order . Lodge was adjonrned until Monday , 18 th inst ., when the first five initiates will be duly passed , and other initiates introduced into the Order . The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Holborn .

Complimentary Banquet To Bro. H. W. Townsend.

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET TO BRO . H . W . TOWNSEND .

ON Tuesday , a complimentary banquet to Bro . H . W . Townsend , upon his relinquishing the occupancy of the Naval Hotel , Portsea , was given in the billiard room of that hotel . Mr . T . Page presided , and Mr . H . J . Long filled the vice-chair , the company , which numbered between forty and fifty , being representative and influential . The dinner was of a recherche character , the viands and

wines giving unqualified satisfaction , while tho table was decorated with handsome silver ware and choice foliage and flowering plants . After the loyal toasts had been enthusiastically drunk , the Chairman gave the toast of the evening , health and success to Mr . Townsend . He only regretted that that duty bad not fallen into abler hands , for it was impossible to speak in too high terms of tbe personal qualities

of their esteemed friend . He was a worthy townsman , and during the twenty years he had known him he had never heard anying in reference to him which did not entitle him to their warmest regard . His genial characteristics were appreciated by all , and he had that English spirit which all admired , so that from the highest to the lowest they were all anxious to recognise his kindly acts and agreeable

disposition . After ten years' creditable connection with tbe Naval Hotel , they regretted that circumstances necessitated the termination of that connection , and sincerely hoped that in years to come he mi ght be abundantly successful in his business pursuits , and enjoy the best of health . The toast was drunk with musical honours , and Mr . Townsend , in reply , returned his hearty thanks for the flattering

terms in which the toast had been proposed , and the equally gratifying terms in which it had been received . He had not taken tho step which elicited that gratifying complimonfc without careful consideration . Since ho took these premises , ten years ago , times had very much changed . He had been justified from time to time in making certain alterations , and there was every prospect of their proving a

thorough success , bnfc , unfortunately , changes had taken place at the Admiralt y which had put quite a different complexion upon his prospects . It had not , of course , proved a commercial failure , but the labour attending the direction of such a large establishment did not warrant his continuing in that occupation , the remuneration for the

past two or three years not being a sufficient recompense for ( he exertions it involved . He had intended leaving on the 16 th February , and bo contemplated forming a proprietary club , many of his friends mvmg solicited him to undertake that task . His intentions had crept jnto print , which had resulted in an unexpected advantage , for it had led to his being promised very material help in connection with a

Complimentary Banquet To Bro. H. W. Townsend.

flourishing club ! Since he received tho invitation to attend that banquet circumstances had changed , and the ultimate result might be that be would remain in that hotel , uot as a tenant , but as proprietor . Nothing , he explaiued , iu conclusion , could bo more gratifying to a man than to receivo such a high compliment at that banquet at the hands of so many friends , whom ho had knowu for very many years ,

and he assured them tbat , whether ho remained there or went elsewhere , he should always retain the most gratoful recollections of that interesting occasion , and the flattering way in which his health had been drunk . The Chairman then , on behalf of numerous friends , presented a handsomely framed address , illuminated by Mr . J . Robertson , and running as follows : —

" To Mr . Henry Townsend . —lour many friends in Portsmouth , on learning that you are about to leave the Naval Hotel , desire to oxpress their high appreciation of the manner in whioh you have con . ducted tbat establishment , and also to testify their sincere respect for you as a townsman , and to offer their best wishes for your future prosperity and happiness . Portsea , 29 th January 1884 . "

The Chairman remarked that that little gift was intended as a lasting memento of their high regard for him , and as an expression of their oarnest desire that he might have a long and prosperous life . Mr . Townsend , in acknowledging the testimonial , said that it was qnito unexpected , bnt it , nevertheless , would be regarded as the highest compliment which had

ever been paid to him , and he would always treasure it as a proof of tho good feeling entertained for him by , he was happy to know , a very large circle of sincere friends . The health of the Chairman and other toasts was drunk with acclamation , and during tho evening some excellent harmony was contributed by the company Mr . G . Sylvester , R . N ., singing and occompanying with his usual skill . —Portsmouth Times .

Euphrates Lodge of Instruction , No . 212 . —Held at the Mother Red Cap , Camden Town , N . W ., on 28 th ult . Bros . Gidding W . M ., Halsey S . W ., Finch J . W ., Recknell S . D ., Dean J . D ., Boyden I . G ., Wenst acting Preceptor ; also Bro . May P . M . After preliminaries , the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . Boyden candidate . Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and Bro . Halsey was elected W . M . for the ensuing week ;

The monthly meeting of the General Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls was held on Thursday afternoon , at Freemasons' Hall , Colonel Creaton Past Grand Treasurer in the chair . The other brethren present were Bros . Letchworth , Grey , Matthews , Gladwell , Webb ,

E . Bowyer , Massey , Richardson , Major Finney , and P . R . W . Hedges Secretary . The minutes of the former meeting having been read and confirmed , and the other minutes ( Quarterly Court , House , and Audit Committees ) read for information , authority was given to the Chairman

to sign cheques in payment of accounts , & c . Tbe Secretary reported that he had received a letter from Dr . Corfield , thanking the brethren for their kind recognition of his services in connection with the late drainage operations at the School . A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings .

RoifATj EAR HOSPITAL , FRITH STREET , SOHO . —This useful charity held its annual general meeting in the rooms of the institution on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult . It is one of the oldest and most deserving of special hospitals ; and during the 63 years it has been established , over 100 , 000 patients have been treated for various ear diseases within its walls . The report of the surgeons . Dr . Urban Pritchard ,

F . R . C . S ., and Dr . F . Matheson , CM ., was read . From it we learn that during 1883 there were 8 , 000 attendances , at which nearly 2 , 500 separate cases received careful treatment . Of these , a largo proportion was reported as practically cured , and many more alleviated . During 1883 , a new in-patient department was opened , consisting of three wards , one for male patients , another for females , and a third

for children . This addition to the charity has already proved of great value , in the treatment of the more severe forms of ear disease ; but ifc has entailed a considerable increase in the annual expenditure , whioh the committee trust will be met by additional subscriptions and donations from the benevolent public . The accounts of 1883

were audited and passed . The financial condition of the hospital was shown to be more flourishing and the revenue larger than in any previous year . A vote of thanks to the surgeons , treasurer , and secretary , for their zeal aud energy during the past year , brought the proceedings to a close .

A handsomejwhite marble headstone has jusc been erected in Nunhead Cemetery over the grave of the late Mr . John Alleu , who for many years was principal sub-editor of the Morning Post . Mr . Allen was a gentleman who was very highly respected and dearly loved in all his relations in life , and in Freemasonry he obtained the sincoresfc affections of his brethren . It is by his brother Freemasons that tho headstone has been erected . Ou the stone is an inscription ,

surmounted by a circle wreathed with acacia sprigs , and bearing the square and compasses . The inscription is as follows : " In Meaioriam . John Allen , many years sub-editor of tho Morning Post . Departed this life on the 4 tb January 1883 , in hia 60 th year . This stone was erected as a token of the high esteem in which he was held by his brother Freemasons , members of the Orpheus Lodge , No . 1928 . He was one of the founders of the former , and first I . P . M . of the latter .

"The sweet remembrance of the just Shall flourish when he sleeps in dusfc . " Evening News .