Reports Of Meetings.

Cpnservative Club , when the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were pledged . An excellent musical programme was rendered by a quartette party from the Apollo Lodge , Liverpool .

ST . DAVID LODGE , No . 366 . ON Tuesday , 12 th inst ., the Brethren met at their Temple in the Masonic Hall , Milford Haven , for the purpose of installing Bro . Peter Ebbeson S . W . as Worshipful Master for the ensuing twelve months . The installation ceremony was efficiently performed by the retiring W . M . Bro . E . J . Biddlecombe P . P . G . P ., assisted by Bro . W . H . Bamkin P . BI . and Bro . W . Williams

P . M . The Brethren adjourned to the Lord Nelson Hotel , where a first-class banquet was provided , presided over by the W . BI ., he being supported on his right and left respectively by two of his Past Blasters . There were several visitors present from neighbouring Lodges , and a few from distant parts .

PERSEVERANCE LODGE , No . 455 . THE local Brethren foregathered in large numbers , and were joined by numerous visitors , on Monday , 18 th inst ., when Bro . J . W . Fisher was installed W . M . for the ensuing year , with all the customary ceremony . The honour done to Bro . Fisher is one that is highly deserved , for besides the popularity that Brother has attained as the captain of the local Volunteer company , he is held in much esteem by everyone who knows him , and with his Brethren of the Craft is a general favourite .

LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 581 . THE annual meeting was held at the Old Boar ' s Head , Withy Grove , Blanchester , on Thursday , 14 th inst ., proceedings commencing at the early hour of 5 . 30 p . m . After the confirmation of minutes , the following wero successfully balloted for as joining members : —Bros . F . Simpson and Benjamin Wilmot , Integrity Lodge , No . 163 ; C . H . Griffiths , Faith , 581 ; A . R . Albert , Yarborough , 663 ; W . A . Bacon , Egerton , 1030 ; S . B . Riley , Clarendon , 1166 ; Geo . Robinson , Ashbury , 1459 ; and G . T . O . Crocker , Zion

1798 . The following proposition , made by Bro . James W . Abbott P . M . W . M . 1030 P . P . G . D . C . Preceptor , was carried : — " That the sum of five pounds be voted from the funds of the Lodge tovyards the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution . "

Then followed the festival of St . John , an exceptionally brilliant function , at which over sixty Brethren were present . Bro . Abbott occupied the principal chair , being supported by Bros . Wm . Bee P . BI . P . P . G . A . D . C , G . W . Davies P . M . P . G . S ., A . 'Eichholz P . BI ,, and others . Visitors Bros . Captain C . R . N . Beswicke-Royds Deputy Provincial Grand Blaster , Dr . Daniel Leech P . M . P . S . G . W ., John Chadwick P . G . Swd . Bearer England

P . P . G . Sec , Geo . Lmgard Vaughan P . M . P . G . D . R ., Seth Wrigley P . M . P . J . G . D ., Benjamin Whitwam P . BI . 1219 , James Robinson P . BI . 1219 , & o . The Senior Warden's chair was in possession of Bro . Dr . J . K . Coutts , while Bro . Willliam Findlay acted as Junior Warden . Blrs . Stopford , the hostess , had provided an excellent banquet , to which the Brethren did ample justice . Then followed the usual Loyal and

Masonic toasts , these being pleasantly varied by an entertainment which was as diversified as the most exacting could expect , the contributaries being Bros . Fred Hilton P . BI . W . BI . 2363 P . P . G . D . C , James Robinson P M . 1219 , Edward Roberts P . BI . 1459 , T . P . Cooper VV . M . 1458 , Francis Simpson 163 , Alfred Hurd , Harry Norris 1798 , F . Todd 2363 , and others .

The toast of the Grand Officers , proposed by the Preceptor , was responded to by the Deputy Provincial Grand Blaster . That of the Provincial Officers was responded to by Bros . Dr . Leech , G . L . Vaughan , and H . H . Warburton P . P . S . G . D ., all the speakers referring in eloquent terms to the beneficial work which had been done , and which was now being accomplished by the Lodge of Instruction .

Bro . Warburton proposed the health of the Preceptor , saying that iavi who were then present had known him for a longer period . When acting in the capacity of Secretary , Bro . Abbott ' s genial face was one of the first he had noticed . He had made friendships in connection with the Lodge , and tbey had been of the happiest kind . One he claimed in this sense was

that of Bro . Abbott , a most indomitable worker and excellent Freemason . He seemed to enjoy work , and the more arduous it was the greater amount of heart and soul he put into it . In conclusion he said that it would take a good deal to shake his confidence in the subject of his toast , and what he uttered came from his heart .

Bro . Abbott replied , saying that his feelings on this occasion , in answer to the toast so eloquently proposed by his esteemed friend Bro . Warburton , would be readily understood . He fervently believed that what he had said was uttered in all sincerity . The position which he then occupied had come to him through tho medium of good predecessors . Bro . Godfrey Higham had held it in the first instance , then it had descended to Bro . Warburton , and

lastly to himself , and he could assure his auditors that while he enjoyed their confidence he would do his duty with all the fervour which his health and strength would allow . He might sometimes be abrupt in his methods , but this was perhaps more the result of mannerism , and if he offended , he must claim their indulgence . So far the Brethren had extended towards him the greatest consideration , and for this , and also for their warm reception of his name when his health was proposed , he must heartily thank them .

Bro . Godfrey Higham P . M . P . P . G . D . D . C . then proposed the health of the Secretary , saying that when he arrived in the room he had no idea that he would be called upon to perform so important a dut y . He well remembered Bro . Hebden ' s advent into the Lodge , where , during the whole period of his connection with it he had been most indefatigable in trying to make it a success . There might be among them many men who were as

good , but there was not one more earnest , and certainly there was no superior . His secretarial duties had gone on increasing with the growth of the Lodge , and had now become very arduous , indeed for the last twelve years he had had no easy task . Still , by his nice , s ' auve , affable manner he had endeared himself to the Brethren , and personally he had great pleasure in testif y ing to the respect iu which Bro . Hebden was universally held . This was marked

by the fact that on behalf of the members of the Lod ge it became his pleasant duty to present him a Past Secretary's jewel , and a purse of gold . In reverting to the domestic sacrifices which the recipient must have made , Bro . Higham hoped his wife would think well of their act on this occasion , and that his family also , appreciating the fact that the gifts were earned by the exertions of their parent , might emulate his example . Bro . Higham concluded wth a very admirable peroration , expressed in true Masonic terms

Reports Of Meetings.

The jewel referred to boro this inscription : — Bitn . A . HEBDEN P . BI . P . P . G . D . D . C , for services rendered as Secretary to Lodge of Instruction , No . 581 . 14 th January 1897 .

Bro . Hebden replied , saying he felt lost as to the manner in which to express gratitude for the enthusiastic way in which his health had been drunk , and also for the handsome presents he had received as testimonials of their esteem . His work had been entirely a labour of love , and he could hardly bring himself to believe that ho was fit for anything so elaborate . He thanked the

members of the committee who had taken up the matter , and more especially was he grateful to Bro . George Rotherwell Berry , whose activity had been crowned with such magnificent results . When he joined the Lodge twenty years ago he had given so much trouble to the various Officers by asking questions , and soliciting assistance from them , that he had formed a

resolution to do the best in his power towards helping on their work . In those days the numbers were very small as contrasted with the membership of the present time , and the labours in connection with the Lodge were comparatively light , but the extra duties which increasing membership naturally entailed would not have been felt so muoh by him had he not at

the commencement of last year been crippled by a severe illness . During the period cf his prostration he had found many friends who had expressed in various ways their deep sympathy with him in his affliction . Among their subscribing members they numbered twelve present and past Provincial

Officers , and fifty-seven Blasters and Past Masters of Lodges , their total numerical strength being 195 . This , said Bro . Hebden , was a most satisfactory state of things , and very encouraging to all the Officers connected with the Lodge of Instruction .

In reply to the toast of the Treasurer , ably proposed by Bro . Dr . Coutts , Bro . Geirge T . Lenard P . BI . said he thanked them for their hearty acceptance of his name . He gave some very interesting statistics , amongst others stating thab the subscriptions received during the financial year just ended amounted to £ 63 2 s , leaving a balance to be carried forward of £ 3915 s .

He might inform his Brethren that the balance was safely lodged in the bank . He spoke of the benefits which members derived from the Lodge by their connection with it , and was glad to say that many had lately joined who were coming men , and able to take any part which might be assigned to

them . Personally he was willing to do anything at any time when called upon , and there were others in exactly the same position . Bro . Lenard concluded a very interesting speech by expressing a hope that next year he might be able to double the balance in the bank .

ST . CYBI LODGE , No . 597 . THE annual installation took place on Tuesday , 26 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Holyhead , when Bro . W . J . Bradshaw was installed W . M ., Bro . W . Guest P . M . P . P . G . Sw . B . North Wales being the Installing Master . There was a large attendance of visiting Brethren from all parts of the Province , the W . M . being very popular with the Craft . The banquet was served at the Station Hotel .

WILTSHIRE LODGE OF FIDELITY , No . 663 . THE annual meeting of this Lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Devizes , on Tuesday , the 19 th inst . There was a good attendance of members , and several visitors were present . Bro . A . H . Baker S . W . was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year by the Dep . Prov . G . Bl . Bro . C . N . P . Phillips , the ceremony being most ably performed .

The W . BI . invested his Officers for the ensuing year as follow : —Bros . W . J . Baldwin S . W ., J . Hunt J . W ., Rev . W . Humphreys P . M . Chaplain , F . S . Hancock P . BI . Treasurer , J . C Hopkins P . M . Secretary , F . Rendeel S . D ., D . Owen J . D ., J . A . Randell P . M . D . C , W . H . Bush P . M . Organist , Nash I . G ., W . R . C . Sudweeks and G . T . Smith Stewards , and W . G . Pike Tyler .

After the Lodge was closed tho Brethren adjourned to the Bear Hotel , where an excellent dinner was served by Bro . J . Reynolds P . M .

LIND 8 EY LODGE , No . 712 . THE annual installation meeting was held at Louth , on Friday , 15 th inst ., when there was a number of distinguished visitors present , including the Earl of Yarborough Provincial Grand Blaster of Lincolnshire , and several Provincial Grand Officers from Grimsby and Alford . Bro . B . G . Stone was installed as W . BI . by the retiring W . M . Bro . Jones .

The customary banquet was held the same evening at the Mason ' s Arms Hotel , the W . M . being supported by the Earl of Yarborough , Mayor W . H . Smyth P . P . G . M ., and other distinguished Brethren .

SCIENTIFIC LODGE , No . 840 . rriHE Lodge held its annual installation at the Victoria Hotel , Wolverton , I on Blonday , 18 th inst ., and there was a fair attendance . Bro . A . Rose

S . W . was installed W . BI . by Bro . A . Milne W . BI . A banquet followed , and the usual Blasonic toasts were honoured . Bro . A . Rose presented Bro . A . Blilne I . P . M . with the jewel of a Past Blaster .

PELHAM LODGE , No . 939 . ON Thursday , 21 st inst ., at the Blasonic Hall , Worksop , took place the installation of Bro . J . W . Spedding , of Welbeck . There was a large attendance , including Brethren from Retford , Mansfield , Newark , and other neighbouring Lodges . The Installing Master was Bro . the Rev . W . F . Boot P . P . G . C . After the ceremony the Brethren adjourned to the Lion Hotel , where the banquet was sumptuously served by Bro . George Phillips .

WILTON LODGE , No . 1077 . A SOCIAL evening and dance took place on the 18 th inst ., at Cheetham Town Hall , under the presidency of Bro . Robert H . Jackson W . M ., who was supported by Bros . F . Bliddleton S . W ., Dr . J . K . Coutts J . W ., J . J . Sawyer Treasurer , R . Winfield Secretary , and others . The evening passed off very successfully . In addition to the usual