Installation Meetings, &C.

INSTALLATION MEETINGS , & c .

— : o : — AVILLIAM PRESTON LODGE , No . 766 . THE regular meeting of this Lodge , of which Bro . S . D . Ewins is I . P . M ., was held on 25 th Sept ., at tho Cannon-street Hotel , E . C . Lodge was opened by Dr . C . R . Cutmore , tho AV . M ., who , in duo course , put the minutes for confirmation . These being accepted , the other business of the day was proceeded with . On the Lodgo being advanced , Bro . Lawrence Stevens Burt was raised to the degree

of M . M . Lodge was then resumed , and the following gentlemen , after being balloted for , were initiated into Freemasonry : —Messrs . Charles AVilliam Lenox Hall , George Hutchinsou , and Alfred AVortham , tho ceremony in each case being performed by Bro . Dr . Cutmore , in an impressive manner . The election of AV . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , Bro . AV . Manfield Newton ,

receiving the majority of votes for the first office , Bro . Capt . Kain was re-elected Treasurer , and the Tyler also was re-elected . The usual quota of brethren were appointed as an Audit Committee , and thus tho business of the day was brought to an end . The decease of Bro . AVilliam Edward Newton , which took place on the 1 st April last , was then formally announced by Bro . Capt . Kain , who also

addressed a few words to the Lodge , feelingly pointing out the merits of their departed brother . It was proposed and unanimously carried , that the sympathy of the Lodgo with tho bereaved family should be recorded on the minutes , and a copy of the same forwarded to the widow . This latter duty was , on the request of tho Secretary , kindly undertaken by tho Treasurer , to whom the various members

of the family aro well known . Some other matters ot routine business having been disposed of , the Lodgo was closed and the brethren repaired to the banquet hall . Here a pleasing novelty was provided by Bro . Dr . Cutmore , who has mado his year of Mastership memorable in the annals of tho AVilliam Preston Lodge . The variation in the usual formalities which onr brother had provided on this

occasion was that of allowing the wives and non-Masonic friends of the members to join the festivities of tbe evening , and we think he , as well as tho brethren who have assisted him and Brother George Newman—who wo believe first suggested the innovation—are very much to be thanked for the excellent way in which the whole of the arrangements were condncted . A first-rate

banquet , served in tho best style of tho Cannon-street Hotel , was thoroughly enjoyed by all present , and at its conclusion the regular toasts were gone t hrough ; the speeches on this occasion , out of respect to the ladies , we presume , being kept very short aud to tho point . Capt . Kain proposed the health of the AV . M ., briefly referring to his good qualities , displayed both inside and outside tho Lodge . In reply , the

AV . M . stated that tho present was among the proudest moments of his life ; ho had never before experienced such pleasure at a Masonic meeting as he did now that they wero graced by tho attendance of the ladies . Tho toast of the initiates followed , and each in their turn replied . To the toast of the visiting brethren Bro . AV . W . Morgan jun ., and others , tendered a brief reply , after which

tho health of the Past Masters was most heartily given and received . Bro . Capt . Kiiin was figain " able" - —ns ho facetiously termed itto address a few words l . o tlio . se assembled , lie hoped their present attempt at initiating tho ladies would not be the last by very many . Bro . Miller followed , and then Bro . Newman was called for . It was but natural that this brother should express tho pleasure ho felfc

that his proposal had resulted in so pleasant a meeting . He hoped that each succeeding September meeting of tho Lodgo wonld be graced by the attendance of the ladies who , ho trusted , would go away satisfied at tho entertainment the members had been enabled to offer . Bro . Worrell followed , and then Capt . Kain " ably " explained the banners of the several Past Masters , which in this Lodge form an

important part of tho surroundings . To the toast of the Treasurer and Secretary , Bros . Capt . Kain and AVoivell respectively replied , and then the non-Masonic Visitors and the Ladies were each honoured , Bro . Capt . Kain proposing the latter toast . To tho Masonic Press , Bros . Morgan and Kelly responded , the representative of the City 1 ' ress following . Tho Officers of the Lodge was next given ,

and then tho Tyler's toast . A most enjoyable musical programme was provided and carried out in a manner that gave great pleasure to thoso assembled . The artistes comprised Madame Worrell , Miss Marion Burton , and Bros . Alfred Kenningham , Seymour Smith , and J , Turlc Lee . To particularise any piece as being the most deserving , would be invidious , suffice it to say thafc each carrird out their

part in a faultless maimer , the encores , which were in a few instances accorded , being fully appreciated . Among those present were Bros . Dr . C . It . Cutmore AV . M ., E . Kidman S . AV ., AV . Drake J . W ., Capt . G . J . Kain P . M . Treas ., AVm . AVorrell P . M . Sec , AV . J . Roberts S . D ., AV . J . Cohens I . G ., E . B . Broomhall D . C , George Newman P . M . Steward , J . Pringlc P . M . ; Bros . H . E . Heath , J . AV . Hutchinson ,

AV . Manfield Newton , Turlo Lee , AVilliam Johnston , L . S . Burt , J . G . Appell , A . G . Rces , F . G . Barnes , P . Steinniann . \ isitors Bros . H . Garrod P . M . 719 , Louis Beck AV . M . 1559 P . G . O . Middx , H . Harman 1511 , V . A . Kelly 152 ! , AV . AV . Morgan jun . 13 S 5 , Seymour Smith 712 ; Messrs . Alfred Smart , M . A . Trass ami

Mrs . Trass , J . Tozcr and Mrs . Tozer , D . M . Forbes , F . Ullmer anil Miss Ullmer , Mrs . Newman , Mrs . Smith , Mrs . Marshall , Mrs . Roes , A . S . A . Dodson , MadameAVoiTc-II , Miss Marion Burton , & c . The Inmui Salvini , a child of five years , entertained those assembled by giving two recitations , iu a stvle which for ono so yunug was perfect .

AVe are pleased to announce that the weekly meetings of the Upton Lodge of Insttuction have been resumed , at the King ai . d Queen , Norton Foigato , E . C . Bro . A . AV . Fenner is the Preceptor ,, and Lodge will be opened each Thursday evening at b' p . m . I

Royal Alfred Lodge, No. 780.

ROYAL ALFRED LODGE , No . 780 .

THE members of this popular Lodge met for the Installation of W . M . and appointment of Officers for the next twelvemonths on Friday , 26 th ultimo , at the Star aud Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge . In addition to the Installation business , tho agenda paper was a very full one , consequently Bro . Charles F . May , the W . M ., had called tho brethren for one o ' clock . Lodge was accordingly opened , and

minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed . There were three candidates for raising , but consequent upon the inconvenience of tho timo set down for this ceremony , only one of thoso entitled to tho degree attended . However , Bro . Charles Edward Botlcy passed his examination , and received the benefits of the sublime degree . Tho next business undertaken by Bro . May was to pass Bros . Robert

Charles Owen Emmorson , Jonas Hole , and John Brill , which task was performed in a careful aud impressive manner . Bro . May now signified his willingness to proceed with the ceremony of tho day , the Installation of tho AV . M . elect , Bro . AVilliam Gomm was presented , and ho took the obligation . A Board of Installed Masters was formed , and the ceremony was proceeded with . On tho

readmission of those below tho rank of Installed Master , tho new AV . M . was saluted , and he appointed his Officers as follow : —B . Blasby S . W ., C . Costelow J . AV ., AV . Goss P . & I . Treas ., IV . Hilton P . M . Sec , L . Franckel S . D ., J . J . Gunner J . D ., Beckett I . G ., J . Tarling AV . S . Le Grys D . C , Gilbert Tyler . Bro . May then delivered the addresses , and resumed his seat amidst hearty congratulations of members and

visitors . Bro . Gomm , who is an old and highly esteemed member of the Lodge , and a constant attendant at the Lodge of Instruction held under its warrant , was anxious to show his capacity for office . Tho ballot was brought into requisition for Mr . John Gunthorp , who was proposed by Bro . Squires , and seconded by Bro . Clarke ; for Mr . Charles Maton , proposed by Bro . Goss P . M ., seconded by Bro .

Blasby , J . AV . ; for Mr . Henry H . Tolhurst , proposed by Bro . Brill , seconded by Bro . Franckel ; and for Mr . Alexander George Emmerson , proposed by Bro . Gomm , seconded by Bro . Goss P . M . The result was satisfactory , aud Mr . Charles Maton , who was present ; , embraced the opportunity and took his first step in Freemasonry . Tho celerity with which tho business of the day had been carried

out was now manifest , as ample time remained at the disposal of the brethren ere the hour fixed for tho banquet . Consequently it was intimated to the AV . M . that Mr . William Pollok Meaden , a candidate for our mysteries who had been ballotted for at a previous meeting , was in attendance , and Bro . Gomm kindly undertook to again work tho ceremony of initiation , to his advantage . Some proposed alterations

in tho bye-laws were then considered , and after some little discussion the desired changes were agreed to . The resignation of two members was announced , and the AV . M . intimated that he had undertaken to serve as Steward at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys next year , when he trusted he might bo well supported by the members of his Lodge . After some routine business , Lodge was

closed . At 5 . 30 a capital banquet was served in the New Hall afc tho Star and Garter , and all present seemed to appreciate the excellence of tho arrangements . Bro . James Tarling , as usual , acted most efficiently as Director of tho Ceremonies , and spared no effort to minister to tho comforts of the guests . Ou tho removal of tho cloth the loyal toasts were briefly introduced by the AV . M . Iu speaking of

the M . AV . the Grand Master Bro . Gomm remarked that wherever ho visited ho heard a good word said for the Prince of AVales . Individually he ( the AV . M . ) thought well of His Royal Highness , and he had never met with a brother who , in this respect , differed with him in opinion . Bro . Charles May felt few words were required of him to bring the toast of tho AV . M . to their notice . Bro . Gomm had the

welfare of the Craft and its Institutions at heart . Tho Masonic Charities were known in all parts of the world , and it was gratifying to all to know how well they were supported . Bro . Gomm had nofc been unmindful of their claims , aud under his rule the Royal Alfred Lodge would continue the support it had always rendered to the Institutions . Bro . Gomm , in replying , was sure Bro . May had said

more than he had deserved . However , he would strive to sustain the position and reputation of his Lodge , and would do all he could to maintain tho good opinion the Lodge was held in ; in this he hoped to receive every help from the members . The next toast given by the AV . M . was the health of the Pasfc Masters . Bro . Gomm stated he had received great help from tho Past Masters . However , on this

occasion what he had most directly to do was to propose tho health of Immediate Past Master Bro . May , and he would take the opportunity of presenting him with the Past Master ' s jewel , which he hoped ho would long live to wear , and become as well known in connection with Freemasonry as was his father , the late Bro . Samuel May . Bro . May , in reply , remarked : —As a Past Master he felt he brought with him but

a limited experience . He , like Bro . Gomm , had received help from tho P . M . ' s , to whom he tendered his sincere thanks . He had endeavoured during the last twelve months to do his duty , and was gratified to know his exertions met with their approval . Ho recognised , in the presentation of the jewel that had been voted to him , the sentiments of the brethren . He would exert himself to promote tho

welfare both of the Lodgo and its members . Bro . Littlewood was the next Past Master who addressed a few words to the Lodge . Ho waa followed by Bro . Brown , who delicately and in tho kindest manner referred to the comments that appeared in this journal on certain incidents that attended the proceedings at the last meeting , tie ( Bro . Brown ) was aware that a disagreeable feeling existed in

tho minds of some of tho members in regard to what had appeared in print , and he was of opinion that opportunity should oc afforded for any explanation that might bo forthcoming . After a few words from Bros . Beasley and Gardiner , the AV . M . proposed -, he health of the initiates , aud Bros . Maton aud Meaden rep lied .

flic remaining toasts comprised the Visitors , which was responded :, o Bro . AV . T . Scott and others ; the Treasurer and Secretary , icknowledged by Bros . Goss and Hilton ; while that of the Officers > f the Lodge drew out the oratorical ability of the several members ivho had bean honoured by being invested with collars . The final