Reports Of Meetings.

REPORTS OF MEETING'S .

" w " e shall be pleased to receive particulars of Masonic meetings for insertion in our columns , and where desired will endeavour to send a representative to report Lodge or other proceedings . — : o : —

GRAFT : METROPOLITAN . — : o : — LONDESBOROUGH LODGE , No . 1681 .

THE annual election meeting of this popular Lodge took place on Thursday of last week , at the Cafe Boyal , Begent Street , W ., when Bro . John Lewis W . M . presided , and was assisted by the following : —0 . Bayner S . W ., H . C . Bayner J . W ., K . Burlington P . M . Treas ., George Bead P . G . S . B . Sec , Edward Head S . D ., J . Freer J . D ., Hewett I . G ., J . E . Plows Steward , W . P . Usher Assist . Steward , E . J . Oliver P . P . G . O . Organist , Past Masters J . S . Cater , B . Corry , H . Eobinson , G . Wood , G . Dickenson , B . P . Laundy , and others .

Members : W : G . Gunn , W . Harris , George Quelch , F . H . Vant , B . Ballad , J . Hooper , C . B . Leatherley , John Hewitt , T . Kelly , W . Kingshott , D . Barnard , A . J . Walker , D . W . Doughty , S . Brooks , A . Kay , G . Johnstone , E . B . Mills , C . Bickards , B . Ellison , T . A . Marks . Visitors : C . A . Mayfleld 1716 , W . Long 2120 , John Wade W . M . 860 , C . Dart 860 , J . B . Dodson P . M ., Kirby , C . Dickinson , W . Hutchings P . M . 1425 , H . Nash , J . Van Gelder W . M . 2432 , W . Bates P . M . 1507 , E . G . Cooper 1158 , J . Wynman , and others .

The business of the day included the raising of Bros . Walker and Lovell , the passing of Bro . Ballard , and the initiation of Mr . T . Eielding and Mr . W . Dunscombe .

Then followed the election of Worshipful Master for the ensuing year , the unanimous choice falling upon Bro . O . Bayner S . W ., who , in acknowledgment , said how much he appreciated the compliment that had been paid him by the Lodge . He assured the Brethren he would do everything in his power to follow the good example set by his predecessors in the chair , and hoped his efforts would win the approval of the Brethren .

Bro . Burlington Treasurer was re-elected , which compliment was also acknowledged . The Tyler was re-elected , and Bros . Hewitt , Brooks , Kelly , Usher , and Plows appointed as Auditors . <* It was proposed and unanimously agreed to , that the Lodge present . the W . M . with a jewel , for the able manner in which he had fulfilled the duties of the chair during his year of office .

After a few more transactions , and well-earned compliments and hearty good wishes , the Lodge was closed , and the Brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where one of those excellent repasts for which the establishment is so justly famed was partaken of . After the Loyal toasts the W . M . submitted that of the Grand Officers , coupling with it the name of Bro . George Bead their Secretary . He . felt that if all the Grand Officers were as able and efficient as Bro . Bead then they need have no fear as to the proper management of the Craft at their hands .

Bro . Bead replied , thanking the Brethren for the kindness of their reception ., In the absence of the I . P . M . the Treasurer had very much pleasure in proposing the health of the Worshipful Master . It was quite unnecessary on that occasion to refer to his good qualities , or his ability in the work of the Lodge , as the Brethren had been able to see for themselves what he was able to do in the three degrees of the Craft . He had worked the different ceremonies that day in really faultless manner , and had won the approval of the members of the Lodge .

The toast was heartily received , as was the W . M . when he rose to respond . He hoped the Brethren would believe he had done his best during his year of office in the chair of the Lodge . He was pleased to know his efforts had won him some special marks of approval . He wished the W . M .-elect a prosperous year of office , and concluded by tendering the Brethren generally the compliments of the season . The toast of the Initiates was next given , the W . M . offering them hearty welcome , and expressing the pleasure he felt in admitting such promising members into the Fraternity .

Bro . Thomas Eielding , in reply , sincerely thanked the W . M . and Brethren for their kindness in accepting him among them as a member of the Craft . In time he hoped to prove to all of them that he was worthy of the confidence they had reposed in him . Bros . Dunscombe endorsed the observations of Bro . Eielding , and said he also hoped to show the members of the Lodge that he was worthy ; and further , make them feel proud of having accepted him as a Brother amongst them .

The health of the Visitors was next submitted from the chair , the W . M . assuring them the Londesborough Lodge was always pleased to welcome guests , and always strove to give them a hearty welcome . . Bro . John Wade W . M . 860 replied . It was not the first time he had visited the Lodge , and he hoped he should be present on many future occasions , as the meetings were always most enjoyable . As a frequent attendant at the Londesborough Lodge of Instruction he was also able to

vouch for the splendid way in which the Officers were able to carry out their work . What had been done that day was absolutely faultless , and must have made a greater impression than usual on the different candidates . He again thanked them for the kind reception accorded the visitors . Bro . Bates P . M . also responded , congratulating the W . M . on the abilit y he had displayed on that , the concluding night of his year ' s presidency in the Lodge . Other of the guests followed in similar strain .

The toast of the Past Masters was acknowledged by Bro . Laundy , and then came the health of the Treasurer and Secretary . The W . M . said that he could not remember when the Lodge was in a better financial position than at the present time , which fact spoke well for the interest shown by the Treasurer and Secretary in the welfare of the Lodge . The Treasurer replied . Since the consecration of the Lodge , now some eighteen years back , he had been there and had seen with pleasure the progress and prosperity of the Lodge .

Bro , George Bead also responded , expressing his determination to stick to his mother Lodge as long as the G . A . O . T . U . gave him health and strength to attend its meetings . In submitting the toast of the Officers the W . M . specially referred to

Reports Of Meetings.

Bro . 0 . Bayner S . W . and W . M .-elect , who was in every way the right man to be called upon to occupy the chair , being so well qualified in all the work of the Lodge . He strongly urged younger Brethren to attend the Instruction Lodge ( held at the house of Bro . Vant , the Berkeley Arms , John Street , W ., every Wednesday , at 8 o'clock ) , as by so doing they would gain the knowledge needed to place them in similar positions to those occupied by the Officers of the Lodge at the present time .

The S . W . thanked the W . M . and Brethren , and hoped he would give the same satisfaction in the chair as his predecessors had done . Other o £ the Officers responded , after which the Tyler concluded the list . Some excellent songs , & c , were given during the evening , notable among those who contributed to the harmony being Bros . Kingshott , Dobson , Bickards , Head , and Van Gelder , whilo Bro . Oliver rendered able assistance at the piano .

PENGE LODGE , No . 1815 . THE ordinary meeting was held at the Clarence Hall , Anerley , on the 8 th inst . Present : Bros . Albert E . Pridmore W . M ., H . Budd I . P . M ., G . T . Crockford S . W ., W . Peskett J . W ., J . B . Crowe Sec , Bev . Jno . Bobbins Chaplain , W . Atkinson S . D ., C . G . Jones J . D ., P . Betts P . M . D . C ., B . W .

Edye I . G ., P . K . Clarke and J . M . Thody , Stewards . Bros . B . Tidmas , T West , H . Leney , B . Jackson and W . Baker , Past Masters . T . Dunwoody , H . Aldridge , J . W . Fitzgerald , D . Parsons J . Johnson , C . B . Hall , H . Philipse , L . W . Bradbury , J . S . Hainp , H . King , E . L . Hall , O . B . Eellowes , and E . L . Partridge P . M . Tyler .

Visitors : —Bros . W . T . Hall , Cosmopolitan , Johannesburg 838 , E . M . Hislop P . M . Unity 1637 , W . N . Worfold 507 , C . W . Pineo 257 , and W . Welton 871 . The Busiuess of the Lodge was carried through in a thorough Masonic manner , four candidates being initiated into the mysteries of the Craft , and at the conclusion of the work the Brethren sat down to a banquet , after which the usual Masonic toasts were honoured .

Bro . Pridmore , in giving the toast of the Grand Officers , laid special stress on the sad loss sustained by the Earl of Lathom , through the fatal accident which befel the Countess , and said that , realising the great amount of work he had done for Masons , and the Countess having endeared herself to the hearts of everyone concerned in Masonry , they sincerely condoled with the Earl in his bereavement .

The health of the W . M . was proposed by Bro . Tidmas P . M ., who said it gave him great gratification to submit the toast , as Bro . Pridmore ' s work was beyond criticism . The Lodge having such a Master as Bro . Pridmore a splendid tone was given to the proceedings , and great credit reflected on the Lodge .

Bro . Pridmore , in reply , said he was surprised at getting praise from such a great critic and perfect Mason as Bro . Tidmas , as he felt fearful as to whether he should not have his chastisement . Praise from Cffisar was praise indeed .

The W . M ., in giving the toast of the Joining Member , said that Bro . Bobbins had travelled considerably , and having visited the Lodge had expressed himself so satisfied with the working , and the kindly disposition of all the members , that he could not desire to join a Lodge more after his own heart .

Bro . Bev . Jno . Bobbins responded , saying he was a Canadian Mason , and had a profound respect for everything Masonic . He had had practical experience that where Masons were true to their solemn vows Freemasonry was a very true thing indeed . They had an instance under notice that night , when a distressed Brother appealed for assistance , and was not sent empty away . A true Brother Mason was a friend indeed . They should bear one another ' s burdens , remembering they were Brethren in an ancient and noble Craft .

Bro . Budd proposed the Initiates , in eloquent terms , and each of the four newly made Brethren suitably responded . Bro . Pridmore gave the Visitors , saying he should much deplore the occasion when visitors did not grace the meetings of the Lodge . The members wished and accorded them a hearty and genial welcome . The visitors severally responded .

Bro . Dunwoody proposed the Past Masters , commenting on the excellent talent in the Lodge amongst the Past Masters . Bros . Jackson , Tidmas and Leney replied . The W . M . gave the toast of the Officers of the Lodge , whioh was responded to by Bros . Crockford and Crowe . The Tyler's toast brought a most enjoyable evoning to a close .

GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC LODGE , No . 2454 . THE installation meeting was held on Monday , 13 ch inst ., at the Holborn Restaurant , Bro . H . Guy W . M . presiding , says the " City Press . " After the opening of the Lodge and the confirmation of the minutes , the W . M . requested the G . Secretary Bro . Edward Letchworth , F . S . A ., to take the chair for the purpose of installing the Worshipful Master . Bro . Letchworth acceded to the request , and with due formalities installed Bro . W . H . Cummings , E . S . A ., Principal of the Guildhall School of Music , as W . M .

After Bro . Letchworth had delivered the address to the Master , Wardens , and Brethren , a vote of thanks was passed to him for the performance of the ceremonies , on the motion of Bro . T . Hastings Miller P . M ., seconded by Bro . W . H . Thomas P . M .

Bro . Cummmgs W . M . then presented to Bro . Henry Guy I . P . M ., on behalf of the Lodge , a handsome jewel of a Past Master , which had been unanimously voted to him by the Brethren , in recognition of his services as Worshipful Master during the past year . Bro . Guy feelingly acknowledged the present .

Bro Cummings presented the Lodge with a banner . On the motion of Bro . G . F . Smith G . Org . Secretary , seconded by Bro . Henry Gadsby P . M ., a cordial vote of thanks to Bro . Cummings for the gift was adopted with acclamation . The Lodge was then closed , and the Brethren were entertained at a choice banquet . The usual toasts succeeded , and , as might be expected , some lovely music was provided for the delectation of the company .

The W . M . referred sympathetically to the loss recently sustained by the Earl of Lathom , whom , he said , ho knew not only as Pro Grand Master , but as a musician , when his lordship took the chair at the Boyal Society of Musicians , and gave a handsome donation . Bro . Henry Guy I . P . M ., in proposing the toast of the Worshipful Master , said the Brethren knew Bro . Cummings so well that any words of his would not add to their appreciation of the W . M . They had heard that evening that every candidate for the office of Master must be of good report , true , and