Reports Of Meetings.

UNITY LODGE , No . 267 . ON Thursday , 16 th inst ., the members celebrated the festival of St . John the Baptist , when Bro . William Richmond P . P . G . S . was installed W . M . The Lodge met at the Town Hall , Macclesfield , under the presidency

of Bro . Charles Stoneley W . M ., whose year of office has been marked by painstaking attention to the onerous duties of the chair . The annual banquet took place in the evening , the newly-installed Master being in the chair , and the Immediate Past Master in the vice-chair . The usual Masonic toasts were honoured .

CONCORD LODGE , No . 323 . THE members of this Stockport Lodge , with their ladies , journeyed to Matlock , on the 9 th inst ., to enjoy their annual pic-nic . About halfpast eight the party left Tiviot Dale station , arriving at Matlock Bath about ten o ' clock , thence taking a walk to the New Bath Hotel . Luncheon was then partaken of , after which drives to Haddon Hall or Chatsworth were open to the company . Tea was the next item of importance , and the return journey was completed shortly before nine o ' clock .

LEBANON LODGE , No . 1326 . THE installation meeting was held at the Railway Hotel , Feltham , on Saturday , 18 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . William Kite W . M . After the passing of Bro . John Evans , the installation of Bro . David Moss as W . M . was proceeded with , Bro . James Laurence P . M . and Treasurer P . P . G . D . C . acting as Installing Master .

Bro . Moss appointed and invested his Officers as follow : —J . G . Bailey S . W ., A . Russell J . W ., Frederick Dunstan P . M . P . P . A . G . D . C . Secretary , J . Laurence P . M ., & c , Treasurer , G . de L . Lamer S . D ., W . J . Burton J . D ., A . F . Holland I . G ., L . C . Brooke ( who has been acting Secretary for the past two years ) D . C , T . W . Alderman Organist , C . Collett Charity Steward , J .

Parry and G . Teideman Stewards . Amongst the members of the Lodge , in addition to those already mentioned , were Bros . J . C . Goslin P . M . P . P . G . S . B ., A . Robertson P . M ., Raymond Thrupp Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Howard Room Prov . Grand Secretary , and others .

Amongst the visitors were Bros . Harry Willsmer Secretary 1567 , T . Matthews 1585 , Woodrow 1421 , Chapman 394 , and others . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented by the newly-installed W . M ., on behalf of the Lodge , together with a Past Master's collar and jewel subscribed for by the members , to Bro . William Kite I . P . M . The Brethren afterwards sat down to a sumptuous banquet supplied by , and under the superintendence of Bro . H . P . Harris .

The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts received due recognition at the hands of the W . M ., and several Brethren and friends contributed to the evening's enjoyment by some excellent singing .

ST . JOHN LODGE , No . 1343 . THE new W . M . Bro . Frederick W . Pelling presided for the first time since his installation at a regular meeting of this Lodge , held at the Masonic Hall , Grays , on Wednesday , when he was supported by the following Brethren : —Edward Ayres S-W ., Joseph Weymouth J . W ., W . B . Heagerty P . P . G . R ., H . C . Borradaile P . P . G . S . B . Secretary , Charles Cobham P . P . G . S . W ., Chas . Westwood I . P . M . Prov . G . D . C , J . G . Wingrove P . P . G . O .,

J . Raper Williams , Robert Soutar , H . R . Heasman P . P . J . G . D ., William Harvey W . M . 174 , Orlton Cooper P . M . 211 , J . A . Gillett 483 , John Spencer J . W . 1437 , Richard Atkins P . M ., G . H . Silverwood S . D ., C . Asplin J . D .. F . G . Bird I . G ., Robert Matthews Assistant Organist , A . J . Baldock , B . D . Borradaile , 0 . B . Chatley , J . W . Barefoot , W . H . Brough , J . Siveright , Herbert Brooks , Elliott G . Fletcher , G . E . Gilbert , G . Cunningham , A . C . James , J . Melvin , H . N . Fryer , W . Daines , and others .

The Lodge was placed in mourning for the late Bro . James Howell , the respected Treasurer , the Brethren wearing crape rosettes on their badges ; and the first business , after the minutes had been confirmed , was to move a vote of sympathy and condolence with Bro . Howell's family . This was proposed by the Worshipful Master in feeling terms . He said that in moving

this melancholy resolution he was quite sure the Lodge would agree with him that Bro . Howell was one of the best and most sincere Masons that ever lived , and was esteemed and loved by hundreds outside of the Lodge . His genial disposition had done much to promote the good fellowship that prevailed among them , and his loss would be severely felt .

Bro . Ayres S . W . seconded the resolution , and desiied to add his tribute to the memory of their deceased Brother . The Lodge had sustained a loss that was only equalled by that of Essex Freemasonry generally . He need only refer to the large numbers who attended the funeral to prove the esteem and respect that Bro , Howell enjoyed by all who knew him * .

Bro . Borradaile supported the resolution , saying that no one in the Lodge was better able to speak of the good qualities of their late Treasurer than he was , for he had known him upwards of twenty-seven years , and had been one of his dearest friends . He was one of the most charitable men that ever lived ; although not wealthy , he was connected with every benevolent

movement in the district , and he was sure to be greatly missed by the poor of Grays . Almost his last duty was to go with the speaker to the Bank and see that their financial matters were correct . He was a staunch Mason and a sincere friend , and it would be long before his services to the Lodge were forgotten .

The resolution was carried unanimously , and the Secretary was instructed to forward it to Bro . Howell ' s family . The ballot was then taken and proved unanimous in favour of Mr . Frank James Crouch and Mr . David Pean , who , being in attendance , were admitted and regularly initiated into the Order by the W . M .

The chair was then taken by Bro . Westwood , who performed the ceremony of passing , Bros . H . E . Brooks and J . Higgins being the candidates for that degree . The office of Treasurer being vacant , a ballot was taken , with the result that Bro . Charles Westwood was chosen to fill the post , and Bro . Pelling was elected as Charity Representative of the Lodge . Both these Brethren returned thanks for the honour conferred .

Before separating , it was decided to send a telegram to H . R . H . the Grand Master , conveying the respectful congratulations of the Lodge upon the occasion of Princess Maud ' s marriage . All Masonic business being finished , the Lodge was closed in due form , and the Brethren adjourned to dinner . During the evening an excellent entertainment was provided by Bro . J . G . Wingrove , which was much enjoyed .

Freemasonry And Dissension.

FREEMASONRY AND DISSENSION .

IT is a popular notion that everything in connection with the Masonic Craft runs on without even a ripple , and always as " smooth as a glove . " Occasionally , however , difficulties arise through the formation of new Grand Lodges , and much care , discretion , and good feeling are needful to prevent irritation , especially in our colonies . A few years ago a Grand Lodge for New Zealand was formed of Lodges hailing from England , Scotland , and Ireland , but the movement had not the support of the majority of the

Brethren from these Grand Lodges . Bro . Lord Onslow endeavoured to promote a better feeling on the subject when Governor , but was . not successful ; and , as a matter of fact , there are not even now a majority of the English Lodges that have joined the new organisation , some sixty or more still remaining loyal to the parent body . In consequence of this divided authority considerable friction arises , and it is with the laudable desire of improving this state of things that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as

M . W . Grand Master of England , has ordered a special Grand Lodge to be convened on the 29 th inst . Recognition of a new Grand Lodge is only granted by the Grand Lodge of England on condition that the English Lodges be free to join the newly-formed body , or continue their allegiance as before . There is , however , a growing tendency on the part of these new organisations to demand that all the Lodges concerned should return their Warrants , and accept new ones from the local body , whether the members of such Lodges wish it or not . This is the American view , and though a

communication was read from Bro . Hughan , of Torquay , saying that such a position was contrary to the usage of the Grand Lodge of England for nearly two centuries , the Masonic Congress held in the United States declined to alter their decision , and still require absolute rule for all these new societies , notwithstanding the highest authorities on Masonic Jurisprudence in this country are opposed to this arbitrary regulation . If the so-called Grand Lodge of New Zealand declines conditional recognition , it is likely that tho wishes of the Grand Master for union will not be gratified . — " Western Morning News . "

PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE OUTING . THE annual outing of the West London District division of the Prudential Assurance Company took place on the 17 th inst ., to the Rye House . Bro . W . Hillier , the Superintendent , kindly undertook all arrangements , which , considering there were between 300 and 400 of his staff present , were

of no light character , and everything was carried out without a hitch . Athletic sports were the order of the day until dinner , after which Bro . Hillier proposed the toast of the Queen , and Bco . A . Williams that of success to the Prudential Assurance Company , which were enthusiastically received , as also was that of success to the West London District .

Bro . Hillier , responding , exhorted his staff still to keep his division the premier one of the Company , as it had been for some years , only being run close on one occasion . He mentioned the large increase of upwards of £ 3 , 000 since the end of last year , which was gratifying to all concerned .

A cricket match then followed , until tea-time . Mrs . Hillier presented the prizes—which were exceedingly beautiful and valuable—to the winners in the sports and match , the day ' s enjoyment concluding with dancing , singing and other music . Amongst those present were several of Bro . Hillier ' s Masonic friends .

THE series of Masonic sketches and portraits which were commenced some time back in the monthly magazine "In Town" fully maintain their popularity , and continue as one of the features of the magazine . The August number , which is already in print , contains the seventh contribution to " Our Masonic Gallery , " Bro . Richard Eve P . G . Treas . being represented , and his Masonic career being briefly sketched by Bro . Henry Massey . Bro . Eve's popularity and zeal are too well known to render any lengthy remarks

necessary here , but we may quote from Bro . Massey that so far the subject of the sketch has served upwards of forty Stewardships for the Institutions . In other respects the Magazine is attractive , being " well edited by Bro . T . H . Roberts . The current number is issued as a novelty , for although fully illustrated there is not a photograph in its pages , old fashioned drawings being substituted for the now common—and popular—process engravings , but the change to old ideas is by no means an unpleasant one .

The Theatres, &C.

The Theatres , & c .

Covent Garden . —Royal Italian Opera . This evening , Carmen . Monday , Don Giovanni . Tuesday , Romeo et Juliette . ( Last night of season . ) Globe . —8 , The Journey ' s End . 9 , Charley's Aunt . Matinee , Wednesday , 3 . Prince of Wales ' s . —8-15 , On the March . Matinee , Saturday , 2-30 . Gaiety . —8 , My Girl . Matinee , Saturday , 2 . Shaftesbury . —8-30 , The Little Genius .

Duke of York ' s . —8 , The Gay Parisienne . Matinee , Wednesday , 2-30 . Lyric . —8-15 , The Sign of the Cross . Matinee , Wednesday and Saturday , 2 * 30 . Savoy . —740 , After All . 8-30 , The Mikado . Matinee , Saturday , 2-30 . Comedy . —8-30 , The Countest Gucki . On Tuesday , Love on Crutches . Princess ' s . —8 , Drink . On Saturday , In sight of St . Paul ' s . Daly ' s—8 - 15 , The Geisha ; A story of a Tea House . Matinee , Saturdav , 2-30 . > J .

Vaudeville . —8-15 , Papa's wife . 9 , A night out . Matinee , Wednesday , 3 . Criterion . —8-30 , Rosemary . ( Last night . ) Court—8-15 , The littlest girl . 9 , Mam ' zelle Nitouche . Royalty . —8-15 , Kitty Clive , Actress . 9 , The Queen's Proctor . Matinee , Saturday , 8 . Alhambra . —7-45 , Variety Entertainment . 9 , Irish Ballet Divertissement . 10 , The Animatographe . 10-35 , Blue Beard .

Empire . —7-40 , Variety Entertainment . New Ballet Divertissement , La Danse . Cinematographe . Second edition of Ballet Faust , Palace . —8-0 , Variety Entertainment , Tableaux Vivants , & c . Royal . —7-30 , Variety Company . Saturday , 2-30 . Oxford . —7-30 , Variety Entertainment . Matinee , Saturday , 2-30 .

Olympia . —Grand Pleasure Gardens . Cycle Races , Concerts , & c . Crystal Palace . —Varied attractions daily . Exhibition of Motor Carriages . Royal Aquarium . —Open at 10 ; close at 11-30 , Constant Amusement . Tivoli . —7-30 , Variety Entertainment . Saturday , 2 30 also . Mohawk Minstrels . —( Agricultural Hall . )—Daily . Madame Tussaud ' s ( Baker Street ) . —Open daily