Reports Of Meetings.

because he thought he had known Bro . Simpson far longer than any of the Brethren present , but he knew him as intimately as any of the Brethren could do . He had the honour of initiating him into that Lodge , and he then ventured to prophesy the progress he would make in Freemasonry . If a man showed qualities outside a Lodge which were likely to endear him to the Lodge they might be quite sure those qualities would show themselves within the Lodge . They knew more of his Masonio career than he did , but he had seen him do his work that night in a manner which must have given

satisfaction to every Brother who witnessed it . It was not every W . M . who on the night of his installation , when his nerves were necessarily unhinged , could go through the work so well and so quickly as their W . M . had done that evening , and he thought they would agree with him that what he had ventured to prophesy had been thoroughly fulfilled . He desired to thank the Lodge , and particularly the I . P . M . and Past Masters , for the privilege they had accorded to him in permitting him to perform the ceremony of installation , and the Brethren for the kind manner in which they had received the toast which had been so ably proposed . Other toasts followed .

PROVINCIAL .

AMITY LODGE , No . 137 . AT a recent meeting of the Brethren , at Poole , an interesting feature of the proceedings was the presentation to the Lodge Secretary Bro . C . J . Woodford of a centenary jewel in 18-carat gold . •A most gratifying circumstance in connection with the presentation was that the address accompanying the jewel bore the names of all the members of the Lodge

who could he reached . The presentation was to mark the esteem in which Bro . Woodford is held , and also as a slight recognition of the valuable services he has rendered as Secretary for the past four years . The presentation was introduced by Bro . Dugdale , the address was read by Bro . Taylor , and the investiture of the jewel was made by the W . M . Bro . Whadcoat . Bro . Woodford acknowledged the gift in a suitable manner .

HOLMESDALE LODGE , No . 874 . A MASONIO function is always a brilliant spectacle , says the " Brighton Gazette , " and precisely this may be said of the annual installation meeting held at the Tunbridge Wells Pump Room . In addition to the members of the Lodge itself there were present many Provincial Officers and visitors from other Lodges in Kent and Sussex . The chief business was the installation into the Worshipful Master ' s chair of Bro . Louis Beale , the ceremony being admirably performed by Bro . W . Roper . This was followed by a splendid banquet , also at the Pump Room .

Notable among the guests was Bro . W . Alworfchy Cleveland , of the Washington Dodge , U . S . A ., who , as a guest from across " the herring pond , " was welcomed with unaffected heartiness . Proposing the toast of the visitors Bro . W . 0 . Cripps referred eloquently to the feeling between Masons in America and England . They were Brothers in truth and Brothers in deed . At times , no doubt , there had been

difficulties between England and America , which it was only natural would exist between two such nations , proud of their respective birthrights , of their privileges , and rightly jealous of the duties and interests committed to their charge , bufc he believed that , should any serious difficulty arise between nations , England would have no truer friend than her younger daughter

America . And should any difficulties arise which would involve America , he knew she would get the assistance of England . Jealously between nations could be removed in no better way than by mutual intercourse . The American ambassador had always been well received by England , and this had tended to cement the friendship between the two countries . They were pleased that evening to welcome a Brother from America .

Bro . Cleveland's response was an excellent one . He commenced with a high compliment to the Lodge . He had been for fifty years a Mason , and he had no hesitation in saying that in all his experience he had never seen a Lodge conducted better than this Lodge had been . He had 128 Lodges to visit every year , and he had never , until that evening , been examined as a Mason ought to be examined . He could assure his English Brethren that

there was a feeling now growing up in the States in favour of England , and should any difficulty ever arise , she could safely count on having some eighty millions of Americans at her back . Further , the Bill for arbitration , passed by Lord Salisbury last session , would be passed by the Senate within one month from now . That would be the first step towards the federation

of the English speaking races throughout the world . Englishmen must not give heed to those men who were speaking against this scheme , as they were uot true Americans . He had found Masons in every known quarter of the globe , and in thanking the Brethren present for their kind hosp itality , he hoped the two countries would always be found joined hand in hand .

Bro . Hudson responded for the Province of Sussex , and Bro . Colonel Tester also responded as a visitor . He wished the W . M . a very happy and prosperous year of office . Masons were doing a great national good . He was especially pleased at being present that night , for his son had had the honour of proving their distinguished American visitor .

METHAM LODGE , No . 1205 . THE installation meeting wan held at East Stonehouse , on the 22 nd ult ., when Bro . Maunder , being convalescent , was presented to a large number of Past Masters , and duly installed Worshipful Master . Hearty congratulations were offered the newly installed Master on his recovery , and good wishes were extended to the Brethren generally .

During tbe evening Bro . A . E . Maddock was presented by Bro . Powell , on behalf of the Lodge , with a Past Master ' s jewel , in recognition of services rendered . Bro . Maddock returned thanks . The musical portion of the ceremony was admirably rendered by tbe Lodge choir , a feature that is worthy of imitation .

ST . JOHN LODGE , No . 1343 . A MEETING took place at the Masonic HaU , Grays , Essex , on Wednesday , 24 th ulfc ., under the presidency of Bro . F . W . Felling W . M ., who was assisted by Bro . Edward Ayres S . W ., J . Weymouth J . W ., Charles Westwood

Reports Of Meetings.

Prov . G . A . D . C . Treasurer , H . C Borradaile P . P . G . S . B . Secretary , Charles Cobham P . P . G . S . W ., G . H . Silverwood S . D ., 0 . Asplin J . D ., Richard Atkins I . G ., Robert Matthews , H . H . Slater , I . Sievewright , Arthur C . James , G . E . Gilbert , R . Ronton , W . Brown , D . Pean , T . W . Barrett , W . H . Brough , G . H . Jones , I . Melvin , H . Tuson , Herbert E . Brooks , F . Spencer Guy P . M ., Elliot Fletcher .

The Visiting Brethren were William Harvey I . P . M . 174 , H . Hyde S . W . 1227 , S . G . Thorne 1425 , G . A . Peters W . M . 1227 , and Orlton Cooper P . M 211 . The Lodge was opened in due form , after which the minutes of the

previous meeting were read and confirmed . The first business was to pass Bro . Rev . A . H . Delafield and W . Brown , who answered the usual questions leading to fche second degree . Having been entrusted and retired the Fellow Craft Lodge was opened , when those Brethren were duly admitted to this degree .

Bro . Frank Spurr , a candidate for the sublime degree , proved his proficiency , was regularly raised as a Master Mason , and took his seat in the Lodge . Both the ceremonies were admirably rendered by Bro . Pelling , who gave the whole of the traditional history . The Officers were also perfect in their respective duties , so that everything went smoothly .

In accordance with the regulations the Bye-laws were read in open Lodge , and the Brethren subsequently proceeded to ballot for a Master for the ensuing year , which resulted in the unanimous election of Bro . Edward Ayres S . W ., who suitably returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him . Bros . Charles Westwood was re-elected as Treasurer , and Bro . George Martin as Tyler for the year .

In earnest and eulogistic terms Bro . Ayres proposed that a vote of thanks , together with a Past Master ' s jewel and collar , be awarded to the W . M . upon leaving the chair , and for his services to the Lodge . This was agreed to with acclamation .

Bro . Pelling , in acknowledging the compliment , said the kindness of fche Brethren made him very reluctant to leave the chair , but he was much gratified to find that he had given them satisfaction during his tenure of office . He had endeavoured to do his best and maintain the dignity of the Lodge , and he should ever do his utmost to promote its interests .

Three members tendered their resignations owing to various circumstances , and one candidate was proposed for initiation . A grant was made to a Brother in temporary difficulty , and there being no further business fche Master received the hearty good wishes of the Brethren , the usual hymn was sung , and the Lodge was closed in perfect harmony . The Brethren afterwards partook of supper , and a pleasant evening was subsequently spent .

LIVERPOOL DRAMATIC LODGE , No . 1609 . THIS Lodge , which this year attains its majority , is justly recognised as the premier Masonic body in the Province of West Lancashire for the accommodation of Brethren connected with the musical , dramatic , medical , and literary professions . At tho ordinary monthly meeting held on Tuesday , 23 rd ult ., in the Masonic Hall , Hope Street , Liverpool , a large gathering of Brethren took place , upwards of 120 being present , including the leading members of the Lodge , fourteen Provincial Grand Officers , and thirty Masters , Past Masters , and Officers from other Lodges .

The occasion was also rendered specially interesting by the fact that four members of the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company were the recipients of Masonic honours . The chair was . occupied by Bro . Harris Fineberg W . M ., supported by a full complement of Officers . The ceremonial work was admirably carried through by the chief , and Bro . H . Round P . M . P . G . S ., and others .

A banquet took place afterwards , and in the course of the evening a choice musical programme was given by Bros . Eaton Batty , Nelson Jackson , Frank A . Wood , W Paull , L . Pringle , A . S . Winkworth , G . Holliday , Russell , Wallett , F . Mills , and the Masonic Quartet . The " Masonic Overture " ( Bro . H . Round ) was played by a full orchestra of Masonio Brethren , and elicited great enthusiasm .

ALBERT VICTOR LODGE , No . 1773 . rpHE regular meeting took place at the Pendleton Town Hall , on Friday , _ l 19 thult ., Bro . Thomas M . Brown W . M . It was not a large programme which confronted the Officers , the business consisting simply of a passing . Bro . James Hart , after proving his efficiency , was duly advanced another step in Masonry as F . C , the ceremony being performed by the W . M ., while Bro . William Lambert S . W . presented and explained the Working Tools to the candidate .

The festive board which followed was well sustained , the harmonious portion being contributed by Bros . G . L . Hardcastle Organist , John Horrick , Fred . Daniels , James Hart , Thomas Bradbury , and Edward Roberts P . M . 1459 , During the evening the W . M . proposed the health of Bro . J . Harrop

P . M . P . P . G . D . D . C , and alluded to his contemplated retirement from public life . Bro . Harrop has been connected with the Salford Corporation for a period of forty-two years , and the W . M . sincerely hoped that in their retirement he and Mrs . Harrop might spend very many years of unalloyed happiness . Bro . Harrop responded .

The visitors present were Bros . J . Bowers P . M . 1730 P . G . S . D ., Edward L . Littler P . M . 1730 P . P . G . P ., Walter Bowers I . P . M . 1730 , and William Thorp 191 .

CROOK LODGE , No . 2019 . THE installation of Bro . J . H . Pollard as Worshipful Master was performed at the Masonic Hall , Crook , on Wednesday , 24 fch ult ., by Bro . T . Hardy P . M . P . P . G . P . and Bro . E . Milburn P . M . P . P . S . G . D . Afterwards the Brethren sat down to a banquet to celebrate the festival of St . John the Evangelist , when the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to .

EARL OF LEICESTER LODGE , No . 2237 . ON Monday , 15 th ult ., at the New Hall , Wells , the members assembled in large numbers upon the occasion of the installation of Brother G . S . Andrews in the Master ' s chair for the year . The ceremony was performed by

Bro . A . Goddard P . M . P . P . G . W ., assisted by Bro . G . F . Smith P . M . P . P . G . S . B . After Lodge the Brethren assembled at the Crown , where a banquet was provided . The usual Masonic toasts were proposed , and the proceedings were rendered additionally pleasant by the musical contributions of Bros . Himson , Goddard , Smith , Wrighfc , Wainwright , Loynes , and others .