Reports Of Meetings.

MINNEHAHA MINSTREL LODGE , No . 2363 . THE regular meeting was held at the Victoria Hotel , Manchester , on Monday , the 25 th ult ., Bro . Henry Nail P . M . Prov . G . Treas . West Lancashire W . M . There were also present : —Bros . Cyril H . Beever I . P . M .,

Fred Hilton P . M . P . P . G . D . O . S . W ., Edwyn A . Smith J . W ., Joseph Hilton Treas ., M . Thomas P . M . P . P . G . D . Sec , Thomas Hamnett S . D ., Sam Luke J . D ., S . H . Stubbs I . G ., F . W . Wollaston P . M . P . G . A . D . C . Chap ., W . F . Dearden Std ., W . T . Watts , H . Bowes , C . Harrop , Herbert B . Muir , G . R . Ward , Edward Pamoll , and Edward Roberts P . M . 1459 .

Visitors -.-Bros . J . Lee Wood P . M . 350 and 2216 , S . Seavle S . W . 633 , and W . H . Worsley S . W . W . M .-elect 1458 . The minutes were confirmed , after which the Chaplain read one of the Antient Charges .

A ballot , which was successful , was taken for Bro . Wm . Hy . Worsley S . W . 1458 , who afterwards entered tho Lodge amidst acclamations of pleasure . Bros . Muir and Parnell were then questioned as to proficiency , and afterwards passed , the former by the W . M ., and the latter by Bro . Beever I . P . M ., the Working Tools being explained by Bro . Fred Hilton P . M . S . W .

At the festive board , Loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and honoured , that of the newly-passed Brethren falling to the lot of Bro . M . Thomas P . M . Bro . Muir having retired , Bro . Parnell responded to the toast .

To that of the newly-joined Brother , proposed by the W . M ., Brother Worsley said that ho thanked the Brethren for having accepted him . He had many times had private thoughts of joining that Lodge , but had not anticipated that upon such a short membership he would have been placed in office . For the confidence which they had reposed in him by making him their Organist he was truly grateful . He reverted to the admirable manner

in which the work had been performed that evening , and said that he had been deeply impressed not only with the ceremonials as conducted by the W . M . and I . P . M ., but by the share which the Deacons had taken in it , they having studiously rendered each passage entrusted to them . Ha rejoiced that he was now a member of a musical Lodge , assuring them that he looked forward to many pleasant evonings , and if he could personally minister to that pleasure he would willingly do so .

Other toasts followed , these being relieved by songs , & c , given by Bros Nail , Thomas , Ward , Todd , Luke , and Stubbs .

TRISTRAM LODGE , No . 2415 . ON the 28 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Shildon , Bro . George C . Askew was installed as W . M ., the ceremony being ably performed by Brother J . Barnet P . M . Past Prov . Grand Standard Bearer , assisted by Bro . Tlhomas Dunn P . M . Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies .

There was a very large attendance of Visiting Brethren . The annual festival of St . John was subsequently held , when the usual toasts , interspersed with song and sentiment , were honoured .

HEDWORTH LODGE , No . 2418 . ON Thursday , 28 th ult ., an official visit was paid by the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham to this Lodge , at the Freemasons Hall , South Shields , when there was a very large attendance of present and past Officers and Visitors . The W . M . Brother Charles R . Toomer P . P . G . Std . presided . The proceedings were of an interesting character , the meeting being most successful .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION

SYMPATHY LODGE , No . 483 . THE third annual supper of this Lodge was held at the Star Hotel , Gravesend , on Monday , 25 th ult ., under the presidency of Bro . Forss , the excellent Preceptor , who has devoted so much time , patience , and ability in bringing the Lodge to its present position .

Owing to another Masonic meeting in the neighbourhood the gathering was not so large as had been anticipated , but those present numbered most of the more frequent attendants , and included Bros . T . T . Hogg P . M ., H . Doughty P . M ., Hy . Watts S . D ., J . N . Willis J . D ., E . Ingman Secretary , A . J . Walklin D . C , J . Gillett , J . C . Aylen , J . A . Axcell , F . Quick , T . Dunecliff , C . Lane , Pattison , Bowen , Rayfield , Liley , A . Martin , Betts , Townrow , Smith , and many others .

An abundant supper was capitally served by Host Watts , who was most attentive to the wants of the Brethren . As the gathering was more of a social than a Masonic character , speeches were tabooed as far as possible , but Bro . Hogg , in proposing the health of the Chairman , paid a fitting tribute to tho exertions of Bro . Forss , who had done so much to instil the true principles and tenets of Freemasonry into the members of the Lodge .

In acknowledging the compliments Bro . Forss said that so long as the Brethren appreciated his teaching he should be only too happy to continue to be their Preceptor , and it was very gratifying to him to notice the interest they took in the work .

Bro . Orlton Cooper P . M ., in responding for the Visitors , said that the best thanks of the members of tho Lodge of Sympathy were especially due to Bro . Forss for teaching them the true and correct Emulation ritual , and breaking away from the erroneous working practised in certain Lodges . It

was all very well for those Lodges to uphold their ancient traditions , and to pride themselves on the ritual that had been handed down for many generations , but if those traditions were wrong , and the ritual opposed to commou sense , they should be disregarded .

The evening was enlivened by some capital singing , most of those present obliging in turn , and where all were so good it would be invidious to mention any , still we feel bound to record the assistance rendered by Mr . Fred Forss , the talented son of tho worthy Preceptor , who not only ably presided at the piano , but contributed several songs himself .

ST . JOHN'S LODGE , No . 1343 . AS stated in a former issue the annual dinner of this Lod ge was held at the King ' s Arms Hotel , Grays , on Wednesday , 27 th ult . Bro . Charles Westwood P . G . S . Worshipful Master of the Mother Lodge presided , and was supported by Bros . R . Atkins P . M . Preceptor of the Lodge ,

Instruction.

the Rev . F . Haslock P . G . C ., James Howell P . P . G . S . B ., H . C . Borradaile P . P . G . S . B ., Frederick W . Polling S . W ., Joseph Weymouth S . D ., J . G . Wingrovo Organist . Robert Matthews , G . H . Silverwood , F . G . Bird , W . Harvoy , Asplin , Cunningham , Clark , Dyson , Walker , Geo . Masters , C . Beach , and others .

The Banquet Hall presented a very pretty appearance and , together with the excellent dinner , reflected credit on Bro . Cunningham , who had made the arrangements . As is usual on these occasions tho toast list was limited . The Queen and the Craft were dulv honoured , after which Bro . Howlett , in eulogistic terms , proposed the health of the W . M ., saying that the Brethren were greatly indebted to him for bringing the Lodgo to such a state of perfection .

Bro . Westwood having acknowledged the compliment , proceeded to propose the toast of the evening . Prosperity to the St . John ' s Lodge of Instruction , He personally testified to the good work done in the Lodge by Bro . Atkins , as it was entirely from tho lessons learned therein that he was able to occupy his present position with satisfaction to the Brethren . Their Preceptor was one of tho best of good Masons ; he was well skilled in the ritual , and was always willing to give assistance . The Brethren had evinced their gratitude

in a practical manner , and ho had much pleasure in handing Bro . Atkins a purse that had been subscribed , hoping he would long live to afford them the benefit of his services . Bro . Atkins , who was received with great applause , thanked the Brethren for their substantial mark of esteem and regard , and humourously alluded to his pupils in the Lodge . It was a great pleasure for him to know that during the nine years he had presided over them they had worked together in perfect harmony , without a single hitch .

Bros . Borradaile , Pellin , Asplin , and Weymouth were also complimented for services to the Lodge , and before the party separated it was decided to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary , which takes place on 7 th December , with a Masonic Ball .

The pleasure of the evening was greatly enhanced by some capital songs , given by Bros . Masters , Wingrove , Atkins , and others . Bro . Matthews ably presided at the piano .

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN .

PROSPERITY LODGE , No . 65 . THE annual suppor of this well-known Lodge was held on the 20 th ult ., at tho Old Parr ' s Head , Knightrider Street , E . C , under the gavel of Bro . W . 0 . Thomas , who acted as W . M . After the Loyal toasts Bro . Harlow P . M . Preceptor proposed . the W . M . He said nothing could give him greater pleasure . The Brethren all knew of

the excellent manner , as W . M . of the Mother Lodge , in which he carried out the duties entrusted to hira , and if the Visitors present favoured the Lodge at the next meeting to judge for themselves they would readily acknowledge tho justice of the assertion ; in addition to that they all knew and appreciated him personally as a good fellow all round .

Bro . Thomas , in reply , briefly thanked all for the evident hearty reception of the toast , and expressed the pleasure he felt in presiding at the festive board on that occasion , supported as he was by the presence of several Worshipful Masters and Visitors , to whose honour he proposed the next toast .

In proposing the Preceptor and Assistant Preceptor , the Worshipful Master said both Bro . Harlow and Bro . Greig wore anxious to impart to any Brother the information desired , and nothing could exceed their zealous efforts for tho benefit of the Lodge . Bros . Harlow and Greig responded .

A beautiful illuminated address was then presented by the Worshipful Master to the late Secretary , as a slight mark of esteem in recognition of his services extending over many years . The presentation was acknowledged by Bro . Sarson , who said that only increased business had necessitated his retirement from the office it had afforded him pleasure to bold .

PERCY LODGE , No . 198 . IN the presence of a large assemblage of Brethren the Fifteen Sections were very excellently worked at tho Jolly Farmers , Southgate Road , on Saturday . Brothers J . Oxley P . M . 1306 acted as W . M ., Basil Stewart P . M . 1278 S . W ., G . Hayson D . C . 1816 J . W ., J . Anley I . G ., I . P . Cohen P . M . 205 Preceptor I . P . M ., F . Stallard P . M . 1613 Secretary .

The Brethren who very ably assisted the Officers in tho working wore Bros . DaCosta , D . J . Witte , Peters , J . Davis , J . Blyth , Bebrouth , and H . Harris , other Brethren who had promised to assist being unable to do so . Several joining membors were elected , and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Brother Oxley , who was elected an honorary member of tbo Lodge , and to those Brethren who had so kindly assisted him .

UPTON LODGE , No . 1227 . AT the Great Eastern Hotel , on Monday , 2 nd inst ., Brothers Thomson W . M ., Hyde S . W ., Jeffery J . W ., Smith P . M . Preceptor , G . A . Peters Sec , Cohen S . D ., Stenner J . D ., Isaac I . G ., also Brothers Carroll , Fiestel , Simpson , Gottlieb , C . Schmidt P . M ., Levy , S . Toye P . M ., Sharer , Free P . M . Treasurer , W . H . Toye P . M .

The ceremony of Initiation was rebearsod , Bro . Schmidt candidate . The W . M . vacated the Chair in favour of Bro . Isaac , who rehearsed the ceremony of Investment of Officers . Brother S . Toye P . M ., with the assistance of tho Brethren , worked the 1 st Section of the Lecture . Bro . Hyde was unanimously elected W . M . for tbo next meeting .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE , No . 1524 . THE weekly meeting of this Lodge was held at the Lord Napier , London Fields , Hackney , on Saturday . This being the fifth Saturday in the month , the chairs were occupied respectively by Bros . J . Bunker Treasurer , G . Edwards Assistant Preceptor , and F . Kebbell Assistant Secretary , and the rendering of the ritual hy those capable Officers was most impressive .

The ceremonies of initiation , passing , and raising were rehearsed , Bros . Zender , S . Punter , and A . Rusby being candidates . There were also present Bros . J . Ives P . M ., H . Caton P . M ., James Pinder P . P . G . Treas . of Essex , H . Bestow , P . Felthensal , J . B . Frost , G . Kebbell , Worthington , Sexton , Harding , J . Clark Secretary , R . Fairclough Preceptor , Baraganwanath , Rogers , and Feistcl .