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HAMER LODGE , No . 1393 . ON Thursday , 20 th inst ., the members celebrated the annual festival of St . John the Baptist , to intal the W . M .-elect , Bro . J . 0 . Jones . This Lodge has had an existence of over twenty years , says the " Liverpool Post , " having been founded and named after the late Bro . Hamer , in whose name one of the most useful charities of the Province was

dedicated—viz ., the Hamer Fund for Old Men . The Lodge has had a most successful career , and Thursday's gathering was a very large one , the chair being taken by Brother T . A . Laidlaw Worshipful Master . The installation was excellency performed by Bro . Thomas Pierrepont P . M ., and the Officers were invested .

During the evening a P . M . ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . M . with a massive case of silver plate , suitably inscribed , on behalf of the Lodge . Brother R . J . L . Kynaston P . M . Treasurer was also presented with a handsome marble timepiece and bronzes , on the completion of his seventh yean of office , and a very pleasant evening was spent . O O o

CONCORD LODGE , No . 1534 . THE regular meeting of the above Lodge was held at Chester Bank , Prestwich , on Thursday , the 20 th inst ., the following being present : — Bros . Wm . B . Midgley W . M ., Edwin S . Done S . W ., F . W . Maxwell J . W ., J . W . Thompson P . M . P . P . G . S . B . Treas ., John Wardle P . M . Sec , H . B . Fawsett S . D ., J . E . Lightbown Std ., John Walkden P . M ., Edward Hilton P . M ., Edward Roberts P . M . 1459 ( FBEEMASON ' S CHEONICLE ) , R . Hothersall P . M . P . P . G . D . D . C , James Kershaw . Visitors : —Bros . Samuel Gaskell S . W . 163 , John Peake J . D . 146 , E . Webb P . M . 1134 , Robert Race 163 , Peter Davison 581 .

Although Bro . Midgley has reached the antepenultimate stage of his Mastership with few ceremonies , yet on this evening he entirely redeemed himself in that respect , for the privilege was afforded him of performing three initiations , which he did with the carefulness and perfection expected from him . By way of variation in the working , he received the assistance of his Wardens , and also of Past Masters Wardle and Walkden . Bro . Maxwell

J . W . presented and explained the Working Tools , the Charge was rendered by Bro . Done S . W ., while the two Past Masters named divided the honour of addressing the candidates from the N . E . The candidates in question were Messrs . John Bird Midgley , Estate Agent , Whalley Range ; George Harry Nield , Didsbury ; and Ashton Whitworth , Merchant , Cheetham , who , at the festive board which succeeded , thanked Bro . Hothersall for many kindly expressions which he used in proposing their health .

It was announced that the annual picnic of the Lodge would take place on Saturday , 13 th July , to Trentham . It is intended as part of the programme to visit the porcelain works of Messrs Minton , to drive through the grounds of the Duke of Sutherland , and also to view his fox-hound kennels . If the day is fine , a pleasant trip is in anticipation .

Before finally separating for the recess , Bros . Fawssett , Roberts and others contributed songs , being accompanied upon the piano by Brother Lightbown .

ALBERT VICTOR LODGE , No . 1773 . THE regular meeting was held at the Pendleton Town Hall , on Friday of last week , Bro . William Mosley W . M . There were also present : — Bros . Thos . T . Sefton I . P . M ., J . Clough S . W ., Saml . Statham P . M . P . P . G . Treas ., F . Townson P . M . Treas ., Thomas M . Brown Sec , William Lambert S . D ., W . T . Blease J . D ., W . Allen Smith I . G ., J . Harrop P . M ., Thomas Kay P . M ., Thomas Threlfall P . M ., Edward Holland P . M ., Edward Roberts P . M . 1459 ( FBEEMASON ' S CHEONICLE ) , J . H . Burton , J . Hudson ,

G . L . Hardcastle , E . Hewitt , James Stewart , William Woodeson , Rov . James Preston , Richard Hilton , W . Robinson , John Harwood , W . H . Barrett , J . Handley , and A . H . Sellers . Visitors : —Edward L . Littler P . M . 1730 P . P . G . P ., J . Bowers P . M . 1730 , W . Shepherd 298 , and Geo . Evans 367 .

The principal business of the evening was that of raising to the sublime degree Bros . Joseph Hudson and William Robinson , the first ceremony being performed by the W . M ., and the other by Bro . Statham . This over , the Brethren partook of supper , after which was the usual festive board , where Loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . That of the Provincial Offieera was responded to by Bro . Littler , to whom the duty had been relegated .

Bro . Statham proposed the health of the candidates , and treated them to a definition of the beautiful precepts of Freemasonry . He also took the opportunity of paying a suitable tribute to Bro . Harrop , for the perfect manner in which he performed his duties as Director of Ceremonies , adding that when the Preceptor is so perfect , it was no wonder that his example should be reflected in the work of the other Officers .

Bro . Hudson , in reply , thanked the Brethren for drinking his health so enthusiastically , and also Bro . Statham for the excellent way in which he had given expression to tho sentiments regarding himself . . In respect to the ceremony of that evening , he had anticipated something of an especial character , but the sublimity of all he had seen far exceeded his expectations . He would never forget it , and should endeavour to be a good Mason , and uphold the high position which the Albert Victor Lodge had attained in the Province of East Lancashire .

Bro . Robinson said that he was not much of a speaker , but he took that opportunity of thanking the Brethren for so heartily drinking his health . He had been impressed by the previous ceremonies , but that of to-night had been still more impressive ; what ho had seen would take a lifetime to digest . To his mind the ceremonies and symbols were wonderful , and reminded him that his duty was to become a good Mason among them .

Bro . Sefton proposed the health of the W . M ., saying that great regard had always been shown to the position which he occupied ; . personally he felt warmly towards him , and esteemed him very highly . The efforts which he had made that night had added fresh laurels to his already fine working , and he had set an example for all of them to copy . Without the ceremony of that evening he already stood very high in their estimation , but he had now increased their respect and endeared himself still more to them .

Bro . Mosley W . M . responded , saying that he rose with feelings of great gladness to thank them for the way in which his name had been accepted . He had without doubt had plenty of work ; the duties of the chair , however , had not appeared to be of an arduous character , but rather ones of profit and pleasure ; he should always try to do his best for the benefit of the Albert Victor Lodge . The various toasts and speeches were lightened by songs , recitations , & c , given by Bros . Harwood , Clarkson , Rev . James Preston , Allen Smith , and Edward Roberts P . M ., a pleasant evening passing quickly away . In connection with the above Lodge a picnic took place on tho 19 th inst .,

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two days previous to tho meeting just described . The place selected was the Cheshire town of Knutsfoid , which , to residents of neighbouring counties is usually suggestive of May-day festivities and ancient games , with bold Robin Hood , Maid Marian , and Friar Tuck redivivus , and very much in evidence . The party , consisting of over thirty Brethren and lady friends , went bv train from the Central Station , Manchester , to Altrinchara , from whence they were driven by coaches through some of the loveliest of Cheshire

scenery which it is possible to see , including High Legh , Peover , Tabley Tatton Pack , & c , arriving at the Red Cow hostelrie , Knutsford , in time for a substantial meal . After the symposium the usual concomitants of a Masonic gathering were not forgotten , Loyal and other toasts being indul ged in . Bro . Tom Bradbury also treated the company to a very humorous song Bro . Thomas T . Sefton I . P . M . proposed the health of Bro . and Mrs ! Mosley in very kind and appropriate terms , to which the Worshipful Master replied on behalf of himself and wife .

Bro . James Clough S . W . was responsible for the toast of the ladies and Visitors , and he acquitted himself in a most creditable manner . The return journey was commenced at 7 * 30 , ending in Manchester shortly before 10 p . m . o o o

BOSCOMBE LODGE , No . 2158 . THE installation meeting was held on Thursday , 20 th inst ., at Boscombe , when there was a large attendance of members and Visitors . Bro . ' , E . F . Francis was installed by Bro . C . T . Miles P . P . G . S . W . Tho installation banquet was subsequently held at the Hotel Burlington , when the customary toast list was honoured . o o o

MINNEHAHA MINSTREL LODGE , No . 2363 . THE regular meeting was held at the Victoria Hotel , Manchester , on Monday , the 24 th inst ., the following being present : —Bros . Cyril H . Beever W . M ., W . A . Brabner I . P . M ., Chas . Harrop S . W ., Jos . Hilton Treas Fred Hilton P . M . S . D . P . P . G . D . C , Sam Luke I . G ., F . W . Wollaston P . M

Chaplain Prov . G . A . D . C , Seth Wrigley P . M . D . C , Edwyn A . Smith Org ., S . H Stubbs Std ., Thos . Black P . M . P . P . G . D ., J . W . Lloyd P . M ., E . Roberts P . M 1459 , H . Bowes , F . Todd , A . J . Holt , F . V . Arden , W . F . Dearden . Visitors Bros . Rev . John Challoner 2232 Prov . G . A . Chaplain , Thos . Shorrock P . M 350 , Wm . Rushton Org . 1375 .

In the absence of Bro . Hy . Nail P . M ., Bro . Beever W . M . gave an explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board , which was received with very great approbation by the Brethren . Brother Luke reported that over sixty had responded favourably to the circular sent out respecting the picnic to Ripon , and he looked hopefully forward to a very pleasant trip on that day week , every necessary preparation having been made to secure that end .

The festive board was an exceptionally merry one , and for downright enjoyment has probably not been often surpassed even in the annals of Minnehaha gatherings . Some lively , yet withal friendly passages at arms took place between Brother Brabner and the Rev . Challoner , who treated their listeners to some very fine and humorous utterances .

The musical portion of the entertainment was sustained by Bros . Beever , Harrop , Luke , Rushton , Roberts , and Shorrock . Bro . Thos . Black gave a very fine recitation . The W . M . announced that Bro . Geo . Black , whose father we have just

mentioned , had been engaged by Sir Henry Irving to play at the Lyceum Theatre , and that he would make his first appearance before a London audience that evening . Properly speaking , however , his real debut would be made on Thursday evening in Louis XI . Bro . Black jun . would also accompany the celebrated actor in his contemplated American tour .

Here is another " on dit" for our readers . Bro . Brabner , of the Minnehaha Minstrel Lodge , has just completed a new five-act drama , entitled " A Woman ' s Victory , " and it is to be produced at the Pavilion Theatre , Mile End , London , on 19 th August , and afterwards taken on tour with special scenery and printing . The representation will be in the hands o Marie Dagmar's company , that lady herself undertaking the leading part .

Instruction.

INSTEUCTION

INSTRUCTION LODGE , No . 581 . THE regular meeting of this Lodge was held at the Old Boar ' s Head , Manchester , ou Tuesday , with the following present * . —Bros . Jas . W . Abbott P . M . P . P . G . D . C . Preceptor , G . T . Lenard Treasurer , Alfred Hebden P . M . P . P . G . D . D . C . Secretary , E . Entwisle W . M ., Eugene Loebell S . W ., W . M . Bond J . W ., Jno . Whittaker S . D ., G . B . Goodfellow J . D ., J . J . Dean I . G ., H . J . Harrison , Geo . R . Berry , Godfrey Higham P . M . P . P . G . D . D . C ., A . Ashworth P . M ., Edward Roberts P . M ., and John Renwick .

Bro . Entwisle having assumed the principal chair , put the necessary questions to Bro . Ashworth , who had consented to act as candidate , and the ceremony of Initiation was rehearsed . This over , Bro . Harrison took tho chair , and Bro . Dean acting as candidate , the ceremony of passing was rehearsed . Bro . Berry introduced the name of Bro . Chas . G . Rickard , Merit Lodge , No . 934 , who will be balloted for in due course . The ordinary business of the Lodge having been transacted , the proceedings were adjourned until Thursday , 12 th September .

Royal Arch.

EOYAL ARCH

HAYLE CHAPTER , No . 450 . THE Companions met in tbe Freemasons' Hall , Hayle , on Tuesday , 18 th inst ., when Comps . R . S . Read , F . W . Thomas , and W . Vial were installed as Principals . The Chapter having been consecrated and constituted in 1874 , it was the

twenty-first year of its existence . Companion Anderton officiated at its consecration , assisted by the Companions of the Cornubian Chapter , and it was a source of great gratification to several of those present at that time to see him among them again , to take part in the interesting ceremony . A summary of the work performed during the period of its existence was