Notices Of Meetings.

vote of thanks to Bro . Fenner , whose maiden effort in the Master s chair gave general satisfaction , observed that in this instance tin expression of approbation was well deserved . Tho W . M . ia fluem enough in his work , which is , however , scarcely in accordance with the mode practised in this Lodge . Bro . Fenner , by his readiness to listen to every correction , showed not only intelligent appreciation

but proved that before lonsr ho would get rid of the many incongruities which characterise his prosent method of workimr . Then are somo brethren impatient of interruption , and for a reason we can well understand . A first attempt especially is often accompanied by a great amount of nervousness ; interruptions , therefore , aro apt to confuse , and sometimes produce total failure . Bro . Fenner ,

however , was able to proceed in sp ite of tho stoppage caused by explanation and corrections . It was also pleasant to observe the somewhat novel plan ho laid down for himself in conducting the business of tho evening . Altogether , a vote of thanks has seldom had a more deserving recip ient . Bro . Fenner then briefly replied , aud tho meeting came to an end .

Clyde Lodge , No . 408 . —An emergency meeting was held on Friday , the 18 th inst ., at St . Mark ' s Hall . In the absence from the city of the R . W . M ., Bro . John Mclnnes presided ; Bros . W . Bilsland S . W ., J . Harley J . W . The work included the initiation of two candidates , and centering the 2 nd aud 3 rd degrees . Bro . W . E . J .

Dobson , R . W . M . of Dramatic Lodge 571 , very carefully initiated the two candidates , and Bro . J . M . Oliver S . W . of 3 G 0 passed two to the Fellow Craft Degree ; after which Bro . T . M . Campbell , P . M . of the Clyde , in a very elaborate manner raised them to the sublime degree , tbe brethren , including a good many visitors , had thus an opportunity of seeing three good specimens of working in one night .

Eoyal Oak Lodge , No . 871 . —An emergency meeting of this Lodge was held on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., at the White Swan Hotel , 217 High-street , Deptford . Bros . H . J . Tuson W . M ., J . J . Pakes S . W ., J . Baxter Langley W . M . 1423 J . W ., F . Walters P . G . J . D . Middlesex P . M . Sec , H . J . Fisher Org ., J . G . Vbhmann I . G . and Bros . C . Williams , R . Cox , A . Maeers , G . Eve , L . Lemon , F . H . Burr ,

J . Rennie , J . T . Stringer , W . Simmons , R . Mason , J . Woollott , Ac . The Lodge having been opened , ballots were unanimously in favour of Messrs . Walter Abbott , W . White , and L . Michael , who were separately introduced , and duly initiated into the Order , Bro . G . Andrews P . M . D . C . very impressively giving the charge to tho newly

initiated brethren . In consequence of the number of candidates for the other degrees and initiation , it was agreed to hold another Lodge of Emergency , on Thursday the 28 tb of September , at 7 o'clock . The Lodge was then closed and the brethren separated . There was no banquet . Among the nnmerous visitors wero Bros . E . A . H . Morley 1178 , E . W . Fisher 700 , R . Croft 1326 , & c .

Upton Lodge , No . 1227 . —At the end of a pleasant drive , along a remarkably well kept road , studded on either side with pretty suburban residences , mostly detached , and having forecourts ornamented with tho greenest of foliage and brilliantly hued flowers , a retired but very pleasant nook is reached , where is situated the somewhat antiquated looking hostelry which rejoices in the

uncommon appellation of the " Spotted Dog , " and whose geographical position is in the parish of Upton , in the county of Essex . Though in the immediate vicinity of the noisy and turbulent , metropolis , the aspect of the place is in every respect rural . Tho building presents an aged , and , at fiist sight , rather decrepid appearance , modern innovations seem to have as yet failed to penetrate this secluded but

cosy retreat . Yet , on the very threshold , a consciousness is felt that in this sombre , low ceilinged , somewhat grimy place , innocent of plate glass gilding and glare , real homely comfort and substantial good cheer are no strangers . To compensate for the lack of paint and tinsel , the eye is gladdened by the freshness of the surrounding fields and meadows , and tho olfactory nerves gratified by the exquisite

perfume exhaled by countless numbers of variously scented flowers from the adjacent gardens . A place better adapted for summer meetings will rarely be found , so easily come-at-able from the capital . The advent of Bro . D . Posener to the Master ' s chair is considered quite an event in the history of the Upton Lodge . Having , by dint of perseverance , diligence aud natural abilities , mastered the duties of

every office , ho has been enabled for some years past to render valuable services , by his co-operation and assistance , in conducting the work of the Lodge . He was therefore looked upon , and not without good reason , as the coming man , under whose fostering care the reputation and usefulness of tho Lodge cannot fail to be increased , and is bound to receive additional vigour and vitality . Under these circumstances

it was a matter of course for an unusual number of brethren to assemble , on the 17 th iust ,, at the appointed time . Past Master Bolton ascended the chair , and although having undertaken the oner , ons duties of installing master , kindly consented to relieve Bro . Holt , ham , who is in precarious health , of his work , by raising Bros . Lund and Let'g to the third degree , and to pass Bro . Mabbitt to the second .

The new W . M . having been installed , commenced his duties b y investing his officers , each of whom he addressed in appropriate terms , much appreciated by the assembly , who loudly applauded at the end of each speech . The officers are as follow : —Bros . Holtbam I . P . M ., G . Brown S . W ., W . J . Page J . W ., J . Wayland Treas ., G . Lsverk P . M . Sec , B . Lyons S . D ., W . Webster J . D ., A . Oldroyd I . G ., R . W . Goddard P . M . D . C , J . Andrews W . S ., Gullock Tyler . After the labours

of the Lodge were ended , banquet was served in a room iu which the overheated atmosphere was tempered by a cool breeze , wafted across the adjacent meadows . Next in order came the usual toasts . The National Anthem and " God bless the Prince of Wales "were exceedingly well rendered by Bro . Farqnharson , who accompanied himself on the piano . Bro . E . Gottheil , responding for the Visitors of " Tranquillity , " said : It appears to me , brethren , that my first

Notices Of Meetings.

luty on this occasion is to congratulate the new W . M . on his accession tothe dignitv of thechair , and you , brethren , on the wisdom of your shoioe . And I am sure no one can more heartily rejoice at his attain , ng tho honour—which my friend and brother so well deserves . The lext duty should bo to comment upon the work done iu the Lodge , but , unfortunately , the claims of my avocations prevented

ne from reaching hero sufficiently early to witness tho performance . I'ho small portion of tho work , however , to which I was privileged to listen , proved tho possession of considerable ability on the part of Bro . Bolfcou , tho Installing Master . With your hospitality no one can help being pleased and gratified , and for this we tender hearty thanks . First impressions , however , though often convoying truth ,

are nevertheless frequently misleading . This is mv first visit to this Lodgo . Therefore , if you care for my opinion or desire to obtain my nnbiassed judgment as regards the proceedings of this Lodge , I must ask yon to be liberal in your invitations to future meetings , of which I will gladly avail myself . Bro . Adolph Posener observed Although Bro . Gottheil has been desired to respond on behalf of the

visitors from Tranquillity Lodge , I cannot allow the opportunity to pass without saying a few words on this , to me , most interesting occasion . I feel the proudest man in this room in seeing my own brother occupying the high position of W . M . of this Lodge . That he is well deserving of the honour you will all admit . He has worked hard to achieve the pinnacle of his Masonic ambition , to which he has

risen from the ranks . In a humble and unpretending way , be might be compared with tho statesman—the beginning of whoso political career was anything but encouraging—who was lately elevated to a most exalted station , but who certainly cannot receive , but will add lustre to any sphere into which he may be placed . In like manner , brethren , in honouring my brother you have conferred honour

upon yourselves . Several other visitors addressed the meeting , and then the W . M . proposed the health of the Past Masters . Ho said : Without the assistance of Past Masters no Lodge could be worked properly . We must all acknowledge especially the valuable aid this Lodge has received at the hands of Bro . Bolton during the past twelve months . We must also be grateful to all the old P . M . ' s for favours

received in bygone days . I must not forget to mention my I . P . M ., Bro . Holtham , whom I believe to bo a thorough Mason , and who , I am sure , would have done his duties daring the past year—equally as well as I intend to do them in the coming year—were it not for tho severe afflictions he had to suffer , losing successively friends aud near relatives , and I am only surprised he was able to survive such severe

shocks . It is therefore with sincere pleasure that I place this Past Master ' s jewel upon his breast , a distinction of which you , Bro . Holtham , are as well deserving as any one whom I know , and may you live many years to wear it , and may affliction be averted from yon iu thefnture . Bro . Holtham expressed his hearty thanks for the testimonial . He never willingly shirked his duties , and although daring

his term of office he had unfortunately to attend no less than six funerals of near relatives , yet he was only twico absent from the Lodge . He assured the brethren that he gave second to none in his attachment to Masonry . Ho would wear this jewel with pride , not on accoaut of its intrinsic value , bafc as a memorial of their fraternal regard . He trusted to see many

follow in his footsteps , and be invested with similar tokens of friendship and esteem . Bro . Bratton , giving the toast of the W . M ., said : I claim your attention for a few moments ; you are all quite aware that I am no speaker , and never say much when I attempt to make a speech . I think there can scarcely be a harder working Mason than our W . M . Ho possesses plenty of useful knowledge , and is fall of

energy . But , as an old Past Master , I would advise him somewhat to curb his impetuosity , for in an assembly of gentlemen , offence , though not intended , is frequently taken , and the harmony of the Lodge disturbed . I will conclude by wishing him jolly good health , aud a prosperous year of office . Bro . P . sener W . M . replying , said , I assure you , brethren , I will take the remarks that have fallen from Bro .

Bratton seriously to heart . To do what ho wishes effectually , however , I shall require all possible assistance from the Past Masters , aud also from every individual member , for I mean to bo strict in conducting the business of this Lodge . Having been iu harness ever since I received the third degree , and never once failed to attend the meetings , you may be sure I am not likely to shirk my dnoies now .

My motto in Masonry , as in business , is , as the Yankees say , " Goahead . " I trust my officers will perfect themselves in tlioir duties , for there are plenty of opportunities for doing so . There aro Loigea of Instruction , aud there are quiet moments which might bo employed with advantage ; as , for instance , the other day I happened to be the only occupant of a railway carriage compartment ; so , to pass

the time , I rehearsed the third ceremony , which afforded me both amusement and instruction . I will here take the opportunity of publicly thanking Past Master Gottheil , for from him I have learned nearly all I know of Freemasonry . Now , brethren , your merriment of to-night has been of a somewhat noisy character , but as we have visitors here I will leave the reprimand for another time , In your

own households , when the children are noisy in tho presence of visitors , you reserve tho scolding untill these have gone . U pon second thoughts , however , I will forgive you this time , it being the most festive occasion of the year . But , in future , I mean to be strict , at the same time kind ; and I am sure you will assist me in the well , ruling of the Lodge . I sincerely thauk you for the very kind way in

which my name has been received . The officers then severally re . spouded , aud the brethren separated at au early hour . The Past Masters present were Bros . Bellerby , Pinking , Bolton , English , Bratton , Leverk and Goddard . The visitors were Bros . B . Gottheil P . M . 141 , 185 , Latteieil P . M . 1053 , D . Barnett W . M . 185 , A . Posener

185 , W . Greener 185 , Wot ton 933 , Groom 861 , Perkins 861 , H . Isaacs Finsbury , M . Barnett 1017 , Read 946 , Howard 1328 , Crellin 933 , Far . quharsou 99 . The proceedings during the evening were enlivened 1 y some very excellent singing , conspicuously by Bros . Farquharson and Land .

Lebanon Lodge , No , 1326 . —The last meeting of this Lodge ,