Reports Of Meetings.

ordinary meetings you are deprived of our presence ; but on what I may term your state occasions , such as this , you are pleased to have us with you , . to benefit by our society , to gaze upon our fair faces , and graceful proportions . As the petals of the flower form the chief attractions of its unfolded loveliness , so do we , the Ladies , form the greatest charm of the highest type of civilisation . Without us , man would deteriorate , would become effete .

Deprived of us , where would be those blissful moments in cosy nooks—for two ? Those delightful walks by running brooks , 'neath leafy trees—also for two ? And where , in later life , would be those little quarrels , which I am informed on a most credible authority , go so far to make up the sum total of connubial bliss ? Man , without us , would become , as Carlyle says , " A forked radish with a fantastically carved head . "

" Dame Nature swears the pretty dears Her noblest works she classes O ; Her prentice han' she tried on man , And then she made the lassies O . " So sang the poet , and whilst avoiding all false modesty , we are fully alive to our undoubted superiority ; still we do not wish to discourage you . We would rather take you by the hand , and endeavour to raise you up to . our

own high level , though years must go by ere we can hope to succeed in our aim . It is true that the wisest of men once said , " 1 have found woman bitterer than death ; " but surely Solomon said this in one of his atrabilious moods . Further , it is a well-known fact that over repleteness produces exactly the opposite effect to that which would be produced by an elegant

sufficiency , and whilst one of us is the true embodiment of all sweetness , still a thousand of us are far too many for one man . No , I prefer to take another dictum of Solomon , spoken in a calmer and more thoughtful mood , when he said , "He who hath found a woman , hath found a good thing . " In conclusion , permit me again to thank you all for your hospitality , also for tha good things you have said about " a good thing . "

Brother Siddell proposed the Masonic Charities , and adduced many instances of their practical usefulness . His speech was a Homeric hymn upon Charity ; he introduced in words and descriptions gradatorial the varying lights and shades of Freemasonry , and pourtrayed in a pleasant and artistic manner the impressive universality by which we , as members of the Craft , are surrounded and governed , touching a chord of thoroughly philanthropic cadency which vibrated sensitively among the audience .

Besides those mentioned above , we noticed in the number of visitors Bros . I . Davies P . M . 1147 P . P . G . Supt . Works , M . Naylor W . M . 44 . Thos . P . Cooper W . M . 1458 , Samuel Gaskill P . M . 163 , A . B . Sidebottom P . M . 582 , J . M . Williams P . M . 1011 , Edward Roberts P . M . 1459 , Nathl . Dumville P . M . 2156 , John Walker P . M . 2359 and S . D . 37 , S . Dixon P . M ., J . H . Dean I . G . 44 , John Townend 163 , H . A . Kay 2359 , and many others .

Bro . George Hargreaves , tha newly-installed W . M . of the Wolseley Lodge , whose portrait we produce , is a very active Freemason . In the higher degrees ha is connected with the Royal Arch through the Benevolence Chapter ,

No . 226 , Littleborough , where since his exaltation he has evinced the greatest interest , and now holds the office of P . S . Last year he joined the Starkie Chapter , No . 935 , thus at the present time being attached to two Chapters .

At the November meeting 1898 he was advanced in the Saint Andrew's Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 34 , Manchester , where he has gained the position of M . O . It will thus be seen that he is making headway for the

principal chairs both in the Royal Arch degree and also in Mark Masonry . He is the printer and publisher of the " Manchester Programme , and Tram Guide , " being part Proprietor of the same , in conjunction with Mr . Howarth , a resident

of Didsbury . The more active part of the business , however , is in the hands of Brother Hargreaves , who issues a smartly illustrated , as well as useful and entertaining pamphlet , which is a faithful record of theatrical and other public proceedings in Cottonopolis and neighbourhood .

BRO . GEORGE HARGREAVES Worshipful Master .

Of Brother Harris it is not necessary to say much , except that he is a well-known Manchester personality , and is actively connected with the extensive printing firm of Messrs . William Harris and Sons , 21

Cannon Street , in the above mentioned city . The menu and toast list previously reverted to in this report was issued from his establishment , and was of that recherche description which usually distinguishes his numerous Masonic undertakings .

Bao . WM . HARRIS P . M . P . P . G A . D . C Installing Master .

IXION LODGE , No . 2501 . THE annual meeting was held at the Roebuck Hotel , Buckhurst Hill , on the 12 th inst ., when Bro . W . J . Barnes was installed . We shall give a report of the meeting next week . o o o

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN .

PANMURE LODGE , No . 720 . THE annual meeting of this well known metropolitan Lodge—consecrated in 1857—was held on Monday , at the Balham Hotel , Balham , when Bro . W . E . Reeve W . M . presided , and was supported by Bro . T . Holland S . W . W . M .-elect , E . J . Dilnutt J . W ., G . Treves P . M . Treas ., E . G . Young

Sec , W . J . Woodward S . D ., G . R . Huntley J . D ., T . E . Comins I . G ., W . Graham acting Org ., T . Sheppard Tyler ; Past Masters G . Nott , A . C . Wood , and others ; together with Bros . H . Callan , T . Hurdle , H . H . Symonds , F . Wells , A . Hewes , J . Bitter , W . Jones , C . Cartwright , G . Rutson , J . G . Roberts , J . Gillham , & c .

The Visitors included Bros . W . Shaw J . W . 1772 , G . Graham 1420 , G . Wetton P . M . 1624 , F . Morgan P . M . 2353 , E . De Vere P . M . 1772 , F . Higham W . M . 1772 , C . Mead S . W . 2316 , G . Ingram W . M . 2469 , E . Sinclair P . M . 1441 Secretary of Terriers Lodge of Instruction , J . Wynman , S . M . Samuels , G . Le Brumm 1772 , and others . The Lodge being duly formed the minutes were read and confirmed , whereupon Mr . Alfred Davidson was presented as a candidate for initiation ,

the ballot having been previously proved unanimous in his favour . This gentleman was regularly initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry . Bros . Herbert H . Symonds , Henry Callan , and John Gillham , who had been initiated at the previous meeting , now sought preferment at the hands of the Master . They answered the usual questions in a very satisfactory manner and were entrusted . Lodge was then opened in the second degree , and the three Brethren were passed as Fellow Crafts .

The second ceremony being ended , as satisfactorily as the former , the W . M . proceeded to instal as his successor Bro . Thomas Holland , who was regularly presented to the Installing Master by Bro . G . Treves P . M . Treasurer . Bro . Holland gave his consent to the charges and regulations , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and he was regularly placed in the chair as ruler of the Lodge for the ensuing twelve months .

Upon the re-admission of the Brethren the new Master was saluted in the three degrees , and then proceeded to invest the following as his Assistant Officers : Bros . C . J . Dilnutt S . W ., W . J . Woodward J . W ., G . Treves P . M . Treas ., E . G . Young Sec , G . R . Huntley S . D ., T . E . Comins J . D ., W . T . Clarkson I . G ., F . G . Welsh D . C , T . McCormick A . D . C , E . Price and A . Francis Stewards , C . H . Cartwright Org ., T . Sheppard Tyler .

Great praise is due to the new Master for the ability he displayed in the investiture of his Officers , his remarks at to the duties of each , and the work they had to discharge for the benefit of the Lodge , being most impressively given . Bro . Reeve completed the ceremony with the delivery of the usual addresses . A gentleman was proposed for initiation at the next meeting and then the W . M . proceeded to close the Lodge , having first received the hearty good wishes of the numerous visitors who were present .

After an enjoyable banquet the new W . M . was fairly put upon his mettle , and proved himself equal to the occasion , the way in which he proposed the different toasts showing him to be fully qualified for the position he now

occupies . In proposing the Loyal toasts the W . M . remarked on the great popularity of the Prince of Wales in Freemasonry , and paid a high tribute to the Grand Officers , who rendered their chief every support . Bro . Reeve I . P . M . having assumed the gavel , in flattering terms

proposed the health of the Worshipful Master , wishing him every success during his year of office . By the perfect way in which he had invested his Officers it was evident they had elected the right man as the ruler of the Panmure Lodge , and he felt the Brethren would join most heartily in drinking to his very good health , which was done with considerable enthusiasm . "

Bro . Holland W . M . met another hearty reception on rising to respond . He tendered sincere thanks for his reception , and expressed the pride he felt in being Worshipful Master of the Panmure Lodge . He assured the Brethren he should always study the welfare of the Lodge , and do everything in his power to make it , if anything , more prosperous than it was at the present moment .

The next toast afforded the W . M . very much pleasure to bring under the notice of the Brethren , being that of the Immediate P . M . Bro . Reeve . All knew him to be one of the best workers of the Lodge , who had done everything that could be desired of a Worshipful Master , and had given general satisfaction . Under such circumstances it became a very pleasant duty to present to him the Past Master ' s jewel of the Lodge , and in doing so the W . M . tendered his best wishes , and expressed the hope he might live to wear it in good health amongst them for many years to come . The jewel bore the following inscription :

Presented by the Brethren of the Panmure Lodge , No . 720 , to BRO . W . E . REEVE , for able services as Worshipful Master . May 1898 .

The I . P . M . suitably returned thanks . He felt their cordial reception and the jewel that had been presented him that evening proved he had given satisfaction during his year of office . He most sincerely thanked the Past Masters and Officers for their kind support during his term of Mastership , and concluded with another expression of his indebtedness to the members one and all .

The next toast was that of the Initiate , which the W . M . submitted in fitting terms . He felt sure they had admitted a Brother that day who would make an excellent Freemason . Bro . Alfred Davidson thanked the W . M . for having initiated him , and the Brethren for receiving him as a Brother amongst them . In time to come he hoped he would be able to show that the confidence reposed in him had not been misplaced .

The visitors were next toasted , and in proposing their health the W . M . expressed the pleasure he felt in being able to tender the guests a most hearty welcome . The members of the Panmure Lodge were always pleased to see visitors , and they hoped all had enjoyed themselves . Among the Brethren who responded to the toast was Bro . Sinclair P . M ..

who said he had known Bro . Holland for a considerable time , and from the eloquent way in which he rendered the ceremonies in the Lodge of Instruction he felt the Brethren would soon discover they had a Master who not only knew the ritual , but was able to give it in that impressive manner which could not fail to impress the candidate and the members alike . The Past . Masters were next honoured . The W . M . regarded them as the