Reports Of Meetings.

and declared all offices vacant , where upon Bro . Alfd . Henry Cooper J . W ., who had been elected as Master , was presented by Bro . W . Mason Stiles , and signified his assent to the ancient charges and regulations . A Board of Installed Masters , fifteen in number , was formed , and Bro . Cooper was installed in the chair of King Solomon in accordance with ancient tradition . Upon the readmission of the Brethren the new Master was saluted and proclaimed in the various degrees .

The following Officers were invested to assist the W . M . during the ensuing year : —Bros . Bobert Emery S . W ., G . S . Elliott J . W ., W . Mason Stiles Treasurer , 3 . 3 . Lamigeon Secretary , H . A . Badman S . D ., W . R . Itter J . D ., E . A . P . Broad D . C , Percie C Cooper I . G ., J . S . Keith , E . Le Bas , M . Faulkner , and G . H . Paine Stewards , T . C . Edmonds P . M . Tyler . The beautiful addresses to the Master , Wardens , and Brethren were

admirably delivered by Bro . Townend , and elicited the hearty appreciation of the assembly . Upon the termination of the last , the W . M . rose and said that he could not better reward the faithful services of Bro . Townend than by presenting him with the Past Master ' s jewel voted by the Lodge . He considered that no Master had better deserved the honour , and he had much pleasure in pinning the jewel to his breast . The I . P . M . briefly returned thanks .

Several communications wero read from Brethren who were unable to be present . The new Master having received the cordial congratulations of the visiting Brethren the Lodge was closed , and the company adjourned to the Grand Hall , where the banquet was served . Previous to commencing the toasts the Master explained that as there was a lengthy musical programme before them he would ask the speakers to be as brief as possible in their remarks .

He set a commendable example m proposing the Queen . He said " God save the Queen , and preserve the Craft . " Bro . W . A . Scurrah P . G . Std . Br . responded for the Officers of Grand Lodge . Bro . Townend , in kindly terms proposed the health of the Worshipful Master . He had been associated with Bro . Cooper in many matters , and always found him a real good fellow . He would work to the best of his ability for the Lodge , and when his year of office was terminated , ho felt sure the verdict would be satisfactory .

Bro . Cooper , who on rising to respond was received with acclamation , thanked his predecessor for his kind remarks , and the Brethren for their cordial reception . He certainly felt proud at being placed in the honourable position of Master , though be must confess that had it not been for some of his Masonic friends he would not have aspired to the office . It was an auspicious day lor him , as it was not only his birthday , but also the anniversary of the day ho commenced business in the Citv of London .

The W . M . afterward .- ; submitted the toast of thr- Installing and Immediate Past Master , saying that he regarded it as a proud privilege to be installed in so able and perfect a manner as Bro . Townend had performed the ceremony . The Lodge had expressed their appreciation of his services by presenting him with the jewel , and he trusted that he might be spared for many years to assist them .

Bro . Townend , in reply , said that if he had done his work to the satisfaction of the Brethren he was more than satisfied . His best efforts would be at the disposal of the Lodge whenever he could be of assistance . The Visitors' toast met with a warm reception , upon the Worshipful Master extending to the guests a hearty welcome ; and Bros . Wm . Stacey , F . 0 . Lintott , Walter VVesche , James Irvine , T . H . Russell , F . Marx , F . Campbell , F . Carpenter , and E . Strange responded for their colleagues , thanking the Lodge for their fraternal hospitality , at the same time wishing the Brethren continued prosperity .

The Treasurer , Secretary , and other Officers having been complimented in the usual manner , for which most of them returned thanks , Bro . Edmonds made his appearance and gave the Tyler ' s toast , thus bringing the proceedings to a pleasant and harmonious conclusion . The distinguishing characteristic of Freemasonry was evinced by two episodes which are worthy of record . The Charity Box was sent round after dinner , and afterwards sold to Bro . G . H . Paine , at what was considered a

high price , but to'the astonishment of those present it was discovered that the purchaser had made a bargain , there being a balance , which Bro . Paine handed over to the Treasurer . There was also a draw for two Life Subscriberships to the Masonic Charities , which fell to the lot of Bros . Stiles and Le Bas , who promised the amount , ten guineas , to Bro . Townend , who is acting as Steward at the forthcoming Centennial Festival of the Boys School . The Lodge likewise voted ten guineas from the funds for the same purpose .

The musical arrangements reflected much credit upon Bro . Henry J . Foan , Organist of the Molesey Lodge , who may be congratulated upon his company . Madame Ellaline Grantley possesses a soprano voice of fine quality , the like of which is but seldom heard at these gatherings , and should be in great demand . Miss Teresa Deviene is an agreeable contralto , while Messrs . Thomas Abel and Herbert Phillips are more than equal to the demands made upon them . Bro . Harry Hall and Mr . Ambrose Thorne contributed some humorous ditties , which were much appreciated , and Bro . Foan himself proved an efficient accompanist .

Tbe Worshipful Master presented each of those present with what he termed a "Peace Offering , " in the shape of ornamental boxes of confectionery for the acceptance of the members' wives or sweethearts , in order that there might be no heart burnings by reason of the late hour at which this very agreeable meeting terminated . Bro . Cooper appears to know something .

BRONDESBURY LODGE , No . 2698 . THE first regular meeting of this Lodge , since its Consecration by Bro . E . Letchworth last month , was held at the Earl Derby , High Road , Kilburn , on Wednesday of last week , the W . M . Bro . R . J . Campbell P . M . presiding , supported by the Officers of the Lodge : Dr . G . J . Morgan P . M-. I . P . M ., A . F . Hardyment S . W ., Fhritton W . M . ( Visitor ) acting J . W ., G . Coxen Treasurer , E . George Secretary , B . Stocker S . D ., A . H . Oldrey J . D ., J ; M . Goodwin D . C , C W . Paine I . G ., F . Crook and T . Battrums Stewards ; and Bros . W . G . Coxen , H . Coxen , Symonds , J . Crook , Wheeler , Greaves , Pearce , F . Crocker , J . H . Crook , Line , & c .

Visitors : Bros . Liddell P . M . 45 , Sexton Organist 2361 , Walker 177 , Harry Willsmer 15 G 7 , & c . The Lodge having been opened and the minutes of the Consecration meeting read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for the following candidates for initiation : Messrs . J . H . Crook , W . H . Pearce , E . G . Lines , A . R . Greaves , and Frank Crocker .

The W . M . in a very impressive manner proceeded with the ceremony of initiation , afterwards delivering the ancient charge . The following Brethren were admitted as Joining Members : Bros . G ,

Reports Of Meetings.

Wheeler , Domatic Lndge . No . 177 ; A . Hawes , Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 ; and F . Pim , Dalhousio Lodge , No . 860 . The report of the Committee to frame tho bye-laws was received and adopted . Five propositions were recsivod for initiation at the next meeting . On proposition by Bro . Hardyment S . W . seconded by Bro . Oldrey J . D ., it was unanimously resolved to form a Lodge of Instruction in connection with the Lodge . A preliminary meeting will shortly be called for the purpose of appointing a Preceptor , Treasurer and Secretary , framing byelaws , and making all necessary arrangements .

An excellent dinner was served by the host Bro . Coxen , aftor which the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were given , interspersed with vocal and instrumental contributions by members of the Lodge . Bro . Sexton Organist of the Cricklewood Lodge presided at the piano .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

— : o : — ROYAL ALFRED LODGE , No . 780 .

ON Thursday , 7 th inst ., at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridgo , Bro . E . H . Wilcox W . M ., F . M . Ridley S . W ., W . Fisher J . W ., F . J . Larkman Treas ., J . H . Gumming Sec , H . T . Johnson S . D ., D . Rawlings J . D ., R . H . Williams Preceptor , H . R . Worth I . G ., F . Craggs P . M ., J . Dinnis P . M ., F . J . Cross , and others .

The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . F . J . Larkman P . M . acting as candidate . The Lodge was called off and on . On resuming , the W . M . gave the charge in an admirable manner , and advanced the Lodge to the second degree , wlien the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . F . J . Cross being the candidate .

ON the 14 th inst ., Bro . F . M . Ridley acted as W . M ., with W . Fisher S . W ., J . Dinnis J . W ., J . H . Gumming Sec , F . Craggs P . M . acting Preceptor , F . 3 . Cross S . D ., H . Worth J . D ., R . W . Robinson I . G ., A . H . Bridger , H . T . Johnson , E . H . Wilcox , and others . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Bridger as candidate . The Lodge was called off and on . Bro . E . H . Wilcox having answered . the necessary questions , the Lodge was opened in the second degree , and the ceremony uf passing was rehearsed , he acting as candidate . The Lodge was resumed to the first degree .

Bro . W . Fisher P . M . 834 1503 1572 and 1828 P . P . G . Treas . Middlesex was elected to the cliair for tho next meeting . > v e can confiueutly assure any Brethren who can make it convenient to be present at this Lodge of Instruction that they will be sure of a fraternal welcome . The Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , is exceedingly easy of access from the west-end cf London , by rail , tram and omnibus , and the proprietor Bro . Captain Purkiss is highly esteemed by the Brethren residing in the district .

. -. V \ J LA TOLERANCE LODGE OF INSTRUCTION ANNUAL DINNER . rriHE annual dinner in connection with this excellent Lodge of I Instruction , No . 538 , took place on Wednesday , at the Frascati Restaurant , Oxford Street , W . Brother J . Paul the zealous Preceptor of the Lodge occupied the chair , while the vice chairs were filled by Bros . T . W . Smale P . M . Secretary of the La Tolerance Lodge , and Bro . L . S . Genese P . M . of the Barnato Lodge .

Among others who were present were Bros . E . 0 . Mulvey Grand Pursuivant , Clear W . M . 538 , J . Rainsford , Raphael , Leather , C J . Pennell , G . F . Johnson , F . W . Berry , Howard E . Mullins Secretary , Hammond , Beadle , Zoppenfeld , Carlish , Tidy , Cross , Proctor , Goldstein , Woolfers , Fisher , Kench , Hyde , Pettitt , Buffery , Podgers , & c After a capital repast , the Chairman rose and gave the health of the Queen , and prosperity to the Craft , which was drank with enthusiasm . This was followed by the toast of the Prince of Wales and the Officers of Grand Lodge , for whom Bro . Mulvey responded .

Bro . Mulvey said that the great success of Freemasonry in England was no doubt owing to the keen interest H . R . H . took in its welfare , and he was ably assisted by Lord Lathom and Lord Amherst . Of course they were aware that many Grand Lodge Officers had that honour thrust upon them , but as a rule the distinction was given for hard work in promoting the Craft and its charities . He was very pleased to know that the Lodge was in a flourishing condition , and he could speak highly of their Preceptor as a most efficient worker of the ritual .

Bro . Genese proposed , in very flattering terms , the President and Vice-President . He need not tnere ailate upon tneir many excellencies , but they were always ready to impart instruction , and assist in improving the minds of the members . Bro . J . Paul returned thanks for the compliment , and said he always

endeavoured to make everyone who attended the Lodge as comfortable as possible , and he considered that instruction and sociability could be very well blended , and the result in their Lodge was satisfactory . The ritual , addresses and sections were very easy—when you knew them ( ironical cheers)—and he was very proud to have so many proficient Officers .

Bro . Smale also replied , and expressed his pleasure at meeting so many old friends . In consequence of his many duties he had been obliged to resign the Secretaryship in favour of Bro . Mullins , but he would always be ready to assist in promoting the prosperity of the Lodge . Bro . Paul , in submitting the Lodge of Instruction , said he must express

his gratification at the progress made by the members during the past year ; the average attendance was good , and all took interest in the work . The Brethren must remember that "practice makes perfect , " and the more practice a Brother had the more proficient he would become . He greatly regretted the death of Bro . Welby , who presided at the last dinner , for truly he was an excellent Mason and a credit to the Craft .

Bro . Howard E . Mullins Secretary responded , and said ne could endorse what other speakers had said as to the qualifications of Bro . Paul as Preceptor as he had acquired all his knowledge of the ritual under his teaching Besides learning their lessons they were not unmindful of the wants of others , and had ontribufced thirty-six guineas towards the Masonic charities during the past ) ear . So far as he was personally concerned he could add that his services were always at the disposal of the Lodge .

Bro . Mulvey , in speaking for the Masonic Charities , said the Centenary of-the Boys School to be held on 10 th June would be the greatest event in the annals of Charitable Institutions , and he fully expected that the £ 100 , 000 required for re-building the Institution would be forthcoming . The money subscribed for the Charities was always faithfully applied , anu the recipients were not treated as paupers , nor considered as such iu any way . Bro . Ransford said lie always advised the Masters of Lodges to act as