Reports Of Meetings.

Garrod P . M . Past Grand Pursuivant , W . Christie 2535 , H . Willsmer 1567 , H . Riad 2552 , A . S . f . Tovey , St . John Lodge , No . 1 , U . S . A ., A . S . Dale P . M . 1076 , R . R . Hayne 1227 , R . Coombs P . M . Treasurer 12 , C . Shutter 2400 , W . Ransom 2400 , R . Parish P . M ., & c . Other members of the Lodge who were present were Bros . E . E . Bland , E . A . Cross , F . Vernon , J . H . Riley , and Dunlop .

A very excellent programme of instrumental music was performed during tue banquet under the direction of Bro . F . R . Pritchard . During the evening under the superintendence of the Musical Director Bro . E . S . J . Flaxman Organist of the Lodge the following Ladies and Brethren entertained the company : Misses Jessie Mayell , Beatrice Cowley , F . Feistel , Minnie L . Cowley , Wilson , and Brothers Louis Breeze , Herbert Linwood and Finlay Dunn .

In proposing the toast of the King Bro . Feistel remarked that the members of the Craft had so long been associated with his Majesty in the character of Prince , as the ruler of the Order , and in the many good works he had begun , carried on , and completed , as to prevent any mistrust that he would be found wanting in the discharge of the high duties connected with his exalted position . The moral lessons he had been taught by his Royal Mother , and

the grand principles she had laid down for his guidance , would enable him to rule and govern his vast Empire in the admirable manner that she had done for sixty years or more , and we might rest assured that the sceptre she had bequeathed to him , and the charter of England's constitution , would lose none of their former lustre , but be transmitted to his successor pure and unsullied as he had received them .

In proposing the toast of the Queen , the Duke and Duchess of York , Duke of Connaught and the rest of the Royal Family , the W . M . remarked that many among us were well acquainted with the sterling qualities of Queen Alexandra , her sweet and amiable disposition , and were confident she would render great service to the state as advisor to the King in times of difficulties and perplexities , should such arise , and thus enable him to

surmount obstacles by her wise and prudent counsel . To the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York they wished God speed and a safe return to their native country . To the Duke of Connaught the Masons looked with pleasure as the future M . W . G . M . and to that eventful epoch of the 17 th July when he would be installed . That he might live long to occupy the position and work in the cause as his brother the King had done for so many years was their earnest wish .

The toast of the Ladies was proposed by Bro . C . Hubbard P . M . and in very happy terms received a stirring response on their behalf from Bro . E . A . Cross . The toast of the Chairman was proposed by Bro . C . Webstei P . M . and that of the Visitors by Bro . R . S . Murray , in a humorous speech , this being replied to bv Bro . H . Grimsdell P . M .

The thanks of the company were most heartily accorded to Bros . J . Sulley P . M . and Flaxman , both of whom rendered yeoman service to make the evening ' s entertainment a success .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

West Smsthfleld Lodge , No . 1623 . A - \ VELL attended meeting was held on Wednesday , Sth inst ., Bro . Ether Smith S . W . 2182 being in the chair , with Bros . C . A . Barter W . M . 1623 S . W ., A . Ellenden J . W ., H . Hill as Preceptor ( in the

unavoidable absence of Bro . F . P . Weinel who , we are extremely sorry to say , met with rather a severe accident , from which fortunately he is rapidly recovering ) , Henry King S . D ., Stanley Galpin J . D ., S . Van Royen I . G ., J . Hoffmann Sec , Thomas Powell W . M . 2182 , J . Shervington , T . Pearce , W . Sumner , A . Metcalf , George Henrich , Geo . Meissner , Geo . Newnham , James Brown , and the host Bro . J . R . L . Daish .

Bro . Jas . Shervington answered the questions , was entrusted , and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , after which Brother J . Hoffmann worked the first section , assisted by the Brethren . Bro . H . Hill then , to the delight of the Brethren , gave the lecture on the tracing-board in a masterly style . The Lodge was resumed in the first degree , when Bro . Smith vacated the chair in favour of Bro . C . A . Barter , who rehearsed the initiation ceremony ,

Bro . Geo . Newnham acting as candidate . Bro . Barter having in turn vacated the chair to Bro . Smith , the Lodge was closed with solemn prayer , the Brethren having previously accorded to Bro . Hill P . M . a hearty vote of thanks for kindly acting on this occasion as Preceptor , whereupon Bro . Hill expressed his gratitude , intimating at the same time that there was nothing that at any time gave him so much pleasure as when he could assist in Masonic work .

lor Wednesday . 22 nd inst ., the . chair has been specially reserved for the Preceptor Bro . F . P . Weinel , who will work the initiation , raising , and installation ceremonies , starting at 6 . 30 o ' clock . As it is not often that a Preceptor presides at any Lodge of Instruction all Brethren who would like to hear the- work done in an impressive and faultless manner are cordially invited .

To those Brethren whos ? . regular Lodge of Instruction may close during the simimer months it will be good news that the West Smithfield meets during the whole of the year , at 27 Knightrider Street , E . C ., every Wednesday , at 7 p . m ., and we are certain those who attend will benefit thereby , for Bro . Weinel may be reckoned as amongst the best arid most genial of Preceptors , while the other members are always willing to give way should any visiting Brother like to work any ceremony during the course of the evening . **********

West Middlesex Lodge, No. 1612.

West Middlesex Lodge , No . 1612 .

TENTH ANNUAL DINNER .

A VERY interesting meeting took place on Wednesday ) 34 th

West Middlesex Lodge, No. 1612.

ult ., at the house of Bro . J . F . W . Bird , the Feathers Hotel , Ealing , when Bro . J . R . Whittle W . M . 2662 Preceptor of the Lodge presided at the annual dinner . Bro . T . W . Jacobs W . M . of the Mother Lodge was in the vice-chair and amongst others present were Bros . J . G . Eden S . W . 2662 , Gabb P . M . 1612 , Reid P . M .,

Bragg P . G . S . B ., T . Kington P . M . 193 , Timpson Treasurer , Cocks P . M . P . P . G . D . C , Cole . P . G . S . B . Cambridge , Shore P . P . G . D . C . Kent , Hill , Allen , Brook , Crawley , Chambers , Conway , Lancaster , Mossman , Nicolson , Poore , Carter , Smith , J . F . W . Bird , Harper , Newson , J . Wynman , and many others .

The excellent repast provided by Bro . Bird , the popular host , was a credit to himself and his establishment , and was generally enjoyed by the company ; there was abundance of everything , and all was beautifully hot . Compliment is due to Bro . T . G . Kemp , the manager , for the very able manner in which he looked after the comfort of the guests .

Bro . Whittle proposed the toast of the King and the Craft , saying it was the first time he had had the honour of giving this toast . He was proud to say that the noble King was the Protector of English Freemasons , and they all wished His Majesty long life and a long reign in health and prosperity . Bro . Jacobs sang the

National Anthem . The toast of the M . W . G . M . H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught was received with loyal respect by the Brethren , and the toast was followed by that of the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy , and the rest of the Grand Officers present and past .

Bro . Bragg P . G . S . B . thanked the Chairman for the compliment paid to the Grand Officers . He was proud of his honourable position . They had very little work to do , and personally he should like a little more of the inner working . Bro . Shore and others suitably responded .

The Chairman next proposed prosperity to the Instruction Lodge , and with the toast he had the nleasure of coupling the names of the Treasurer and Secretary , whom he regarded as the pillars of the Lodge ; they did everything in their power for its welfare . This toast was most heartily received , as were Bros . Timpson Treasurer and Eden Secretary .

Bro . Timpson thanked Bro . Whittle for his very kind remarks , and the Brethren for receiving- the toast in so cordial a manner . He was pleased to hold the position of Treasurer , but the duties were very small . He should like to attend more regularly , but his private business prevented . He was pleased to say the Lodge was in a very flourishing condition , in fact the money which was in his

possession he wanted to get rid of , and if any Brother of the Lodge could make use of it for Masonic benevolent purposes , he was welcome to it . He thanked the Brethren for their cordial reception . Bro . J . G . Eden Secretary , on rising to respond , met such a reception as amply proved his popularity in the Lod < re . Referring to the remarks of the Treasurer , that the money they had in hand was at the disposal of the Lodge , he remarked he would be pleased

if the Chairman and Brethren would add the amount to his list for the Boys School . He did hot think it could be spent to a better purpose . He had received many letters from Brethren apologising for their absence , on account of unforseen circumstances . He concluded by thanking the Chairman for his very kind remarks , and said that as long as he appeared to give satisfaction as Secretary he considered he was well rewarded .

The Chairman next , in an eloquent speech , proposed the toast of the West Middlesex Lodge , wishing it every prosperity . Bro . Gabb P . M ., in reply to the toast of the parent Lodge , sincerely thanked , the chairman for his good wishes . Why the W . M .

of the Mother Lodge was not there that night he did not know , but Bro . Parson was an old and respected member , and knew his working to perfection . The Lodge of Instruction should be well patronised ; they had a very good Preceptor and he was pleased to hear that it was in a prosperous condition .

Bro . Gabb next submitted the toast of the Chairman Bro . Whittle W . M . 2662 their worthy Preceptor . He said he was a useful man , and every credit was due to him ; his capabilities were well known and he would give all the support to the Lodge which lay in his power . He was pleased to impart a knowledge- of

Freemasonry to those who required it , and would be of great service to them , as he was such a perfect exponent of the- ritual . It was not all roses to be a Precentor , but he was able to carry out the duties in a manner that was a great credit to himself and the Lodge of Instruction . That he might continue to be the Preceptor for many years to come was their earnest wish .

The toast , was heartily received , as was Bro . Whittle . He said he did not think he deserved one quarter of the compliments that had been paid him . It was through the Mother Lodge that he held the position of Preceptor of that Lodge and he had to thank Bro . Cocks for having introduced him to it ., He was very thankful to have joined , as he felt it was the only way to learn the ritual of Freemasonry . Having plenty of leisure time he had attended

regularly to the Instruction meetings , which brought him to the position which he held at present . He was always pleased to impart any knowledge which he possessed , and only taught the ritual which was recognised by the Grand Lodee . His term as Preceptor of the Lodge would expire on Monday , he hoped that during the time he had so officiated he had given satisfaction ; and sincerely thanked the Brethren for their cordial reception .

The toast of the Visitors was next given from the chair , and Bros . Carter and Smith acknowledged the compliment in short but appreciative terms . Bro . Reed P . M . said he proposed to found a Royal Arch Chapter , and if any Brother wished to support him he would be pleased to enter his name as one of the Founders . During the evening some capital songs were rendered , amongst those who added greatly to the harmony of the evening being Bros . Jacobs , Newson , Bragg , Eden , Poore , and several others .