Reports Of Meetings.

Miss Nicholson , Bros . Cooper , G . ( Leonard Jones , Mr . Walter Hengler , and a conjuring entertainment by Bro . Baron von Buch , all of which were much , appreciated . Altogether the Installation Night of the Chaucer Lodge was most successful , and if , at the end of the proceedings , the Brethren unanimously thanked the W . M ., they themselves are to be congratulated on having at their head for the ensuing twelve months such a popular and earnest Mason as Bro . W . Miles .

Special mention must be made of the programme , upon which the name of each Officer was followed by a quotation drawn from Chaucer , referring to his duties , as may be seen in the following reproduction :

W . M . — "And gladly would he learn and gladly teach . " I . P . M . — "A better envied man was nowhere named . " S . W . — " He was a very perfect knight . " J . W . — " Not a word spake he more than was need . " Treasurer— " For gold in phisic is a cordial , Therefore he loved gold in special . "

Secretary— Nowhere so busy a man as he . D . C . — " That first he wrought and afterwards he taught . " S . D . — "He was a philosopher . " J . . D . — "A better fellow should a man not find . " I . G . — "To do the gentle deeds that he can . " Organist— " He could songs make and well endite . " Stewards— " So was our jolly whistle well wetted . "

Chaplain— " Well could he read a lesson or a story . * * * Skelmersdale Lodge , No . 165 8 . THE ordinary meeting of this Lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New Road , on Thursday , 25 th ult ., under the presidency of Bro . Robert Gabell W . M ., who was supported by Bros . William Croxson I . P . M . Treas ., W . H . Boys

P . M . Sec , R . Rowland P . M ., James Lechford P . M ., Henry Buckeridge P . M ., Erie Douglas Side P . M ., Humphrey Cohen P . M ., T . J . Rawling S . W ., B . Cohen acting J . W ., E . S . Rice S . D ., J . E . Smith acting J . D ., W . E . Bennett I . G ., A . E . Kipps Organist , C . Plant P . M . Tyler : Bros . F . Penny , W . Gunton , S . Morris , A .

Levy , E . Wass , P . Nilen , E . H . Smyth , J . E . Davies , J . Shaw , W . R . Hummerston , R . Symons , John Gibbs , G . Cully , John Kibble , H . Gibbons , C . Sisman , G . Potter , N . Knapman , G . F . Tavener , J . Lockett , L . Bell , J . Atkinson , F . Atkinson , F . A . Marlow , W . Biles , Frank Palmer J . W . 16 5 8 , F . Lloyds , J . Papworth , L . D . Godefroy , J . F . Wetzen , & c , & c .

Among the Visitors were Bros . W . A . Able 1901 , W . A . Williams J . W . 101 , W . C . Sargent 2488 , H . Pitt 1441 , George White P . M . 975 , A . E . Button 901 , J . Salley I . P . M . 266 3 , Rev . St . Clair Hill P . M . 2513 P . G . Mark Chaplain Surrey , & c .,. J . Wynman , & c .

The Lodge was regularly opened and the minutes confirmed . Bros . G . Cully , G . Potter , F . C . Atkinson and J . Atkinson , who were initiated at the previous meeting , were examined , entrusted and subsequently passed to the second degree . Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and the ballot taken for Mr . Sydney Charles Stanley May . It proved unanimous in his favour , and he was regularly admitted to the mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry .

The work of the W . M . was most satisfactory , while the several Officers were well up in their duties . Bro . Henry Buckeridge P . M . rendered efficient service by a fine delivery of the Ancient Charge . A letter of apology was read from Bro . W . Rose , who was on the agenda as a candidate for passing , but who was unable to be present . The resignation of a member was accepted with regret and a gentleman was proposed for initiation .

Bro . Boys P . M . Secretary reminded the Brethren that the annual Ladies banquet , concert , and ball would take place on the fourth Thursday in January next . Bro . W . Croxson I . P . M . Treasurer said he had received information that Bro . Frank Nilen was ill . He proposed that a letter of sympathy be sent him , wishing him a speedy recovery , and this was agreed to .

Lodge was closed , and the Brethren adjourned to partake of an excellent dinner provided by the hostess Mrs . Venables , after which the W . M . proposed the usual introductory toasts . Bro . Croxson I . P . M . gave that of the W . M . who , he said , had been a hard working Mason from the time of his initiation , and

particularly from the period when he was appointed to fill the minor Offices in the Lodge . As W . M . he had shown ability , particularly that evening in the rendering of the first and second ceremonies , which he had gone through in a manner highlv creditable .

The W . M . acknowledged the compliment paid him , in a neat little speech , and promised to do all in his power to make the future of the Lodge prosperous . Particularl y he hoped the coming Ladies night would prove as successful as any of its predecessors . The health of the initiate was proposed by the W . M ., who gave the new Brother' a hearty welcome , and trusted he would prove himself a worthy member of the Lodge .

Bro . May replied , expressing the pride he felt in being admitted a member of the Skelmersdale Lodge , and sincerely thanking all for the confidence they had reposed in him . The Visitors were next toasted , the W . M . expressing the pleasure of the members at being able to entertain guests , and hoping each of them would have further opportunities of visiting the Lodge . He specially referred to Bro . George White P . M . 975

Reports Of Meetings.

who was an old and regular visitor , more like a member in fact , and it was probable he would some day seek to join the Lodge . The Rev . Bro . St . Clair Hill was the son of their late P . M . and Treasurer and was most welcome as a guest in the Lodge of his late father .

Bro . Hill replied . It was with considerable feeling he stood in the Lodge of his late worthy father , the kind expressions in regard to whom showed he was not forgotten by the members . His father was a member of the Lodge for nearly twenty-five years , and personally he was pleased to recall the fact that he was himself initiated in the Lodge some eighteen or nineteen years ago , at the same time as Bro . Robert Rowland P . M . He was delighted to

see such an increase in its membership , and recognised the Lodge as one of the most prosperous in the south-east of London . He knew the Lodge had a great reputation for excellent working , and hoped to have future opportunities of paying a visit to it . By permission of the W . M . Bro . Hill reminded the Brethren that he was Scribe E . of the Skelmersdale Chapter , and if any Brethren wished to join the degree , or those who had been exalted desired to visit it , he would be pleased to hear from them .

Bro . J . Salley I . P . M . 266 3 thanked the W . M . for his kind reception . He was pleased to have been present to witness the perfect working of the W . M . and the excellent assistance rendered by the Officers . Bro . W . Williams J . W . 101 said that was the first time he had

had the pleasure of visiting the Lodge , but he hoped it would not be the last . The working of the Officers—from the Worshipful Master down to the Inner Guard—was perfection , and it was with great delight he had seen Bro . Smith acting as Junior Deacon in the absence of the regular Officer .

Bro . George White P . M . and others also responded to the

toast . The Past Masters having been toasted , Bro . Boys P . M . Sec . thanked the W . M . and Brethren for their kindness . He was pleased to see their Master so well supported by the members of the Lodge , of whom there were no less than sixty present that

evening , and hoped the Lodge would continue to prosper . Referring to the proposed Ladies' night , he said they would call a Committee meeting , and let the Brethren know fuller particulars . Last year they had 250 present , but there was plenty of room for 300 , and he hoped that number would be reached , so as to make the meeting an exceptional success .

Bro . W . Croxson I . P . M . and Treasurer said the W . M . knew his work so well that the duties of Immediate Past Master were very light indeed . He was particularly pleased to see the son of their late Treasurer present that night . Bro . Hill was a grand Mason , Treasurer of their Lodge for many years , and at all times he did his very best for its welfare .

Bros . Cohen , Rowland , and other Past Masters also replied . Bro . T . J . Rowling S . W . responded to the toast of the Officers , as also did Bro . James Palmer J . W ., who said he was exceedingly sorry that he had not been present earlier ; important business had detained him , and he sincerely thanked Bro . Cohen for the able manner in which he had filled his place in his absence .

Praise is due to Bros . J . Shaw , W . J . Williams and others for songs , and to Bro . H . Cohen for his recitation . The evening was altogether a great success .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

Confidence Lodge , No . 193 . AT the usual weekly meeting at the Hercules Tavern , Leadenhall Street , on Wednesday , the Brethren turned up in mighty strength . Bro . Mears occupied the chair , ably supported by Bros . Green S . W ., Rowlands J . W ., Bushell S . D ., Carr J . D ., Done I . G ., Goovearts acting Secretary , Baillie StewardSpice P . M . Preceptor .

, The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Fells S . W . of the Mother Lodge , being the candidate . Questions leading to the second and third degrees were ably answered by Bros . Geddes and Johns . The ceremony of raising was rehearsed by the W . M . in a masterly and perfect manner , Bro . Johns being candidate .

We particularly noticed the manner in which Bros . Green and Rowlands performed their duties as Senior and Junior Wardens , they were almost perfect in their parts , and showed the great attention they had previously paid to the instruction of the worthy I ' receptor Bro . Spice I . P . M . Next week will be devoted to the Officers of the Mother Lodge .

Westbourne Lodgre , No . 733 . AT the Oliver Arms , Westbourne Terrace North , Harrow Road , on Tuesday , Bros . E . W . Lindsey W . M ., H . Bagnall S . W ., F . J . Middleton J . W ., H . Dehane P . M . Prec , G . Mogford P . M . Sec , C . Halston S . D ., F . Beasley J . D ., W . H . Handover W . M . 1642 I . G ., C . E . Lilly W . M . 733 , George Weaver I . P . M . 733 , R . J . Barns , J . Potter , F . Chidley , W . Weirfenbach , J . Wynman , & c

The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Weiffenbach acting as candidate . The Lodge was called off . On resumption , the W . M . vacated the principal chair in favour of Bro . Lilly W . M . of the Mother Lodge , who rehearsed the third ceremony , Brother Chidley first acting as candidate for examination prior to raising . Bro . Bagnall was elected W . M . for next Tuesday .

A letter was read by the Secretary from Mrs . Rogers , acknowledging the letter of sympathy and condolence sent by the members on the death of her husband Bro . Rogers P . M . and Treasurer of the Lodge . * * a