Notices Of Meetings.

was highly appreciated , the W . M . proposed tho health of tho distinguished Officer who kindly performed the installation ceremony last Saturday , and regretted that Bro . Hervey was not present amongst them on this occasion . Bro . "Walter Joyce then recited tho "Charge of tho Light Brigade , " which was followed by the singing of "Nil Desperandnm , " by Bro . Bromwieh , and "Never

Mind the Rest , " by Bro . Avery . In proposing tho health of tho Visitors , the W . M . expressed the pleasure it afforded to seo so many distinguished brethren amongst them on this licensing nr d spoke of the great good that was effected by the interchange of' visits between members of various Lodges . Ho associated with the toast tho names of Bros . Saunders W . M . 889 , Bush W . M . 1728 , and Jones

W . M . 657 , the latter of whom very kindly signed tho Wairant of tho Mizpah Lodge . Tho toast was received -frith the ntmost enthusiasm , and ( after a humorous recitation by Bro . Donald Clark ) wan responded to by Bro . Jones P . G . J . D . Mid ., who expressed regret at hiving been unable to be present at the ceremonies , but from what h « 3 knew of their excellent W . M . he did not anticipate auy difficulties or

shortcomings during his year of office . Bro . Bush followed , and spoko of the excellent working he had witnessed in the Lodgo , the perfection of stylo the W . M . had gained in the Lodgo of Instruction , where so many of the brethren had admired him . He felt sure 11 at at tho expiration of his year of office Bro . Medcolf would fully . justify tho confidence they had reposed in him , and merit their war ; . ; est

approbation . Bro . Whittaker then sang "Hearts of Oak , " rfter which the W . M . proposed the health of the P . M . 's , of whom thero were yet only two belonging to tho Lodge . Bro . Still had sent a telegram from Manchester , regretting his inability to bo preient ; they all missed him from their midst . They had , however , in tho person of Bro . Nelson Reed tho Father of tho Lodge ; ho had to

thank that worthy Brother for his kind assistance on that as on many previous occasions . The brethren ever evinced a kindly disposition to assist in the execution of duties , and he ( tho W . M . ) hoped to acquit himself in such a manner aB to be a credit to them when the time came for him to join their ranks . Bro . Reed , in response , hoped that he had discharged his duties satisfactorily during tho

past year , and promised to afford all the assistance and support he could to the Lodge in time to come . Bro . Frantzen , a visitor , then delighted the company by playing a brilliant pianoforte solo , which was loudly applauded and encored . The health of the Treas . and Sec . was duly honoured , and tho Lodge was congratulated upon its immunity from liabilities or arrears , an event most s itisfactory

in tho first year of its existence . Bro . H . Massey ret ponded in appropriate terms for the Masonic Press , and the health of the Officers having been proposed and duly acknowledged , the Tyler ' s toast brought these very harmonious and agreeable proceedings to a close . Several selections of vocal and instrumental music wero rendered by tho brethren , and all were evidently mnch appreciated and enjoyed .

Albert Victor Lodge , No . 1773 . —The regular meeting of this Lodgo was held on Friday , last week , at tho Town Hall , Pendleton . Bro . S . Stotham P . P . G . T . W . M ., E . Williams P . M . as S . W ., J . Lees J . W ., D . Asquith Sec , W . Slater Treas ., E . Winterbottom S . D ., W . Almond J . D ., W . Hardcastle I . G . ; P . M . 's J . Harrop , J . Brooks , A . Allen j Bros . Oldham , G . Crossfield , A . Gilbert , J . Kay , Grundy ,

J . Statham , Moffatt , H . Hewitt . Visitors—Bros . J . Hewitt jun ., Dr . Young , Dr . Riely , McKollrick , and Wray . Tho Lodgo was opened about seven o ' clock , and after Hie minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed , Bro . Allen P . M . delivered the charge in an effective manner to Bro . Moffatt , who was initiated at a former meeting . The Lodge was then advanced , when tho customary ques .

tions were put to Bro . Thos . Hewitt , who had expressed his desire to make further progress in Masonry , aud who , having oxhibitcd his proficiency , was entrusted . The Lodge was afterwards advanced , and Bro . Hewitt was raised , the ceremony being performed by tho W . M . in a most impressive nnd effective manner . The Lodgo was then dnly reduced , and the W . M . in feeling terms , and with trno Masonic

sympathy , alluded to the sad bereavement which Bro . J . L . Hine P . P . S . G . W ., a member of this Lodge , had sustained in the loss of his wife , and proposed that a letter of condolence shonld be drawn up and forwarded to Bro . Hine on behalf of tho Lodge , expressing their deep sympathy with himself and his dear family in the great affliction they had sustained . Various brethren expressed their deep sympathy , and

the resolution wns passed unanimously . After other Masonio bnsiuess , including a resolution to co-operate with the Salford Lodges for the meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge next month , tho Lodge was closed in peace and harmony , and the brethren adjonrned to the social board The W . M . genially presided , nnd proposed the Loyal and Masonic toasts . Bro . E . Williams , in proposing the health of tho newly raised Bro .,

said that the brethren of tho Albert Victor Lodge were particularly pleased when Bro . Hewitt was proposed for initiation , because as the fidelity of Masons is proved by the care exercised in the acceptance of candidates for the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry , in Bro . Hewitt ' s case the name bo bears was a sufficient passport to seenre their confidence . The brethren also wero mnch impressed

with Bro . Hewitt ' s intelligent progress throngh the necessary stages , and this augured well for his future usefulness as a Mason , and the services he will bo enabled to perform for his mother Lodge . Bro . Williams fnrther remarked that although Masons do not regard themselves as a body superior to other classes , yet their ceremonies and beautiful ritual are calcnlated to elevate them , and must naturally tend to make honourable thoso who are obedimt to the

precepts of Masonry . Bro . Hewitt possesses a cultivated mind , and could readily appreciate tho harmony of our whole sjstem , and therefore the members of the Albert Victor Lodge would witness his advancement in Masonry with pride and satisfaction . Bro . Thos . Hewitt , in returning thnnks , said he should alwayr look back to the day when he was made a Masou as a " red-letter" day . The ceremonies of each degree were calculated to make a man moro thoughtful as to the way in which he shonld live this life , and

Notices Of Meetings.

ponder on his exit from it . He thought the pnnoiples of Masonry , being founded as they were on the Bible , could not but make a man a better and more upright and charitable citizen . The W . M . proposed the Visitors , remarking that in every Masonic Lodge this toast was received with the greatest satisfaction and pleasure , and tho Albert Victor Lodgo was no exception to this rule . He was sure tho

brethren were mnch gratified in being favoured with the company of so many excellent and worthy Masons , and would accord to them that cordial , hearty welcome and fraternal greeting which none better than brethren of the " mystio tie" knew how to give , and bow to appreciate and estimate . Two of their visitors , although natives of this district , hailed from foreign lands , but whether

visitors came from the N ., S ., E ., or W . they all came expressing the same brotherly feeling , the same fraternal attachment to Masonic principles , and anxious to share with them the samo earnest desire to strengthen tho bonds of true Masonio brotherhood amongst them . And did not this show the great beanty and value of Freemasonry in the universality of the science ? Spread

over the surface of tho habitable globe , it folded in its embrace men of all dimes and all tongues , and rejoiced in the possession within itself of a tie nowhere to be fcund outside the pale of Masonry . In times of difficulty , danger , or distress , whether at home or in far distant lands , Masonry extended its chord of sympathy , and found a responsive echo in the heart of every brother . It truly " weeps with

those who weep , it rejoices with those wiho rejoice . " In prosperity it reflected tho radiant smile , and in adversity it held out tho helping hand . In the name of the Lodge he offered to one and all a truly hearty and Masonic welcome , and trusted their first experience of tho Albert Victor would induce them to favour the Lodge with their company on other occasions . The toast was received with great

enthusiasm . Bro . John Hewett sen ., in responding as one of the Visitors , said it was with great pleasure he had heard of hiahrother b « eoming a Mason , and he was pleased to be present at his raising , and thanked tho Lodge for the kind way in which they had entertained him . Personally , he had derived great benefit from Masonry in time of need . When a stranger in Natal he had attended Lodge there , and

had been received with unexpected cordiality , and had partaken of sound advantages whilst in that place , which , nothing but Masonry could have obtained for him . When overtaken by fever in Africa he was nursed by a strange brother , and had it not been for the kind care which he had received , he wonld not have then stood in that Lodge . He was thankful to say it had been his good fortune to return some of

tho favours which to him had been so valuablo . Bros . Dr . Young , Dr . Riely , and McKellrick also replied in suitable terms . Bro . Georgo Crossfield then proposed tho Past Masters , referring to the excellence of each and all in their working ; interest they took in the welfare and prosperity of tho Lodge . Bro . J . Harrop I . P . M . responded , and said that it was really " a labour of love" to assist to tho best of his

abihty va carrying out the grand object which had animated the hearts of the promoters of tho Lodge , viz ., tho cultivation of kind and brotherly feelings , and the dissemination of a truly Masonio spirit , not only within the Lodge , but in tho outer world . Judging from what had already been done , ho anticipated a prosperous and useful future ; and he had no doubt that all tho mombers would be largely benefited ,

and rendored moro useful members of society by . the excellent precepts inculcated , and the study of tho beautiful lessons loarned by them in this Lodgo . Other toasts followed , and although the interesting proceedings were protracted to a later hour than usual , the brethren seemed to regret tho necessity of the S . W ., calling thoir attention to the setting sun .

John Hervey Lodge of Instruction , No . 1260 . —At the Albion Hall , London Wall , on Monday last , the chair was taken by Bro . Paddle W . M ., supported by Bros . Evans S . W ., Beeton J . W ., Ryan J . D ., Reason I . G ., J . H . Southwood acting as Sec , Saul Preceptor , and several other brethren . Bro . Bntterfield , of tho Har . lington Lodge , was introduced as a Visitor by Bro . W . W . Morgan .

Lodge was formally opened and preliminaries wero duly observed . The W . M . rehearsed the coremony of the second degree , Bro . Bntterfield kindly acting as candidate . Several sections of the Lecture pertaining to tho degree were worked by tho Preceptor , assisted by the brethren . On the motion of Bro . Saul , seconded by Bro . South , wood , Bro . Bntterfield was elected an honorary member of this Lodge

of Instruction . Both proposer and seconder assured Bro . Butterfield that the members of the John Harvey Lodge would experience great pleasure if , on his periodical visits to London , Bro . Bntterfield wonld attend the meetings of their Lodge of Instruction . Bro . Bntterfield , in acknowledging the compliment that had been paid him , stated that he had called upon Bro . Morgan that morning , and had expressed a wish to visit one of the Lodges of Instruction j that brother had

kindly arranged to meot him there . He had been greatly pleased with his visit , and assured the brethren that should any of them visit his Province , that of Derby , he could promise them an equally cordial reception . He was much gratified with his visit , and with the compliment that had been paid him . He shonld make a point of attending their Lodge of Instruction whenever his time would permit . Bro . Beeton was elected W . M . for next mooting , and the Lodge was closed .

At tho last meeting of the Eboracnm Lodgo No . 1611 , at York , the charity box was passed round tho supper table for the benefit of tho Znln War Fnnd , and resulted in a collection of £ 2 . Tho ceremony of installation will be worked at tho Royal Arthur

Lodge of Instruction , Princes Head , York Road , Battersea , on Tnesday evening next , at eight o ' clock . Bro . Joseph Wright P . M . will instal tho S . W . of the Royal Commemoration Lodge . Brethren are kindly invited to attend .

Bro . R . G . Thomas , the courteous manager of tho Mohawk Minstrels , announces his annual benefit on 1 st May , when , in addition to the excellent entertainment given by tho tronpe , a new sketch , entitf-ed " La Stotne Noir , " will be produced , and a ball is to follow .