Reports Of Meetings.

by saying that if all roads led to Earl ' s Court it was no less true that all candidates came to the Earl's Court Lodge , for its progress was amazing . He was delighted to be associated with such a Lodge , and proud to occupy the J . W . chair on behalf of Bro . Lieut .-Col . Watts . Replying to the toast of the W . M ., proposed by Bro . F . Langford I . P . M .,

Lieut .-Col . Blunt said he hoped to be long spared to come amongst them . He attributed the success of the Lodge in a great measure to the businesslike method evinced by their Treasurer and Secretary , no less than to the cordial manner in which every Brother of the Lodge worked for the common causa , and the advancement of the best interests of the Craft .

Bro . Cox Treasurer , in his reply , stated that the Lodge was absolutely financially solvent ; they had entertained their guests well , and furnished their Lodge in good style , and with all the expenses incidental to a first year he would enable the W . M . to hand over a substantial balance to his successor . He thought this highly satisfactory . Bro . Facey Secretary thanked the Brethren for their ready help . They had absolute unanimity and concord , and not a dissonant voice in the

Lodge . He hoped they never would have , for the formation of cliques was the ruin of any Lodge , and Masonry should be above the petty jealousies of the outer world . He believed they all thanked Bro . Kiralfy for so worthily filling the place of Col . Watts , to whom he , on behalf of the Lodge , had conveyed their good wishes for his speedy and victorious return from the campaign . They earnestly hoped to see him yet as their W . M ., and give him their loyal support .

Other toasts followed , that of the Visitors being heartily responded to by Bros . Stutfield , Dancocks , Ormond , Sidders , & c . The meeting was indeed altogether a most enjoyable evening , both from the business and social aspect , and we heartily congratulate the Officers and Brethren of the Lodge .

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS LODGE , No 2795 . THE regular meeting was held at the Hotel Cecil , on Saturday , 17 th inst ., when Bro . Robert A . Tidruas W . M . presided , and was supported by his Officers Bro . H . O . Budd S . W ., Thomas Elliott J . W ., John Irwin Secretary , B . Kench S . D ., C . W . Bailey J . D ., C . H . Simmons I . G ., J . M . Maynard D . C ., John Poole Robinson and Alexander Albu Stewards . There were also present Bros . R . J . Vincent P . M . P . Z . as I . P . M ., Lt .-Col . Peckover , and a goodly number of other members and visiting Brethren . Among the latter we had the pleasure of seeing Bros . H . Hall P . M . 1693 , Robt . Jackson P . M . 1815 , John J . Potter P . M . 503 , W . O . Welsford P . M .

1321 , J . S . Whitley I . P . M . 1730 . The Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . A very handsome set of working tools was presented to the Lodge by Bro . John Irwin Sec . It was proposed by Bro . R . A . Tidmas W . M ., and seconded by Bro . H . O . Budd S . W ., that the very best thanks of the Lodge be given to Bro . J . Irwin for his present .

The ballot was then taken for Mr . W . H . Harris , Mr . Henry Hall , and Mr . A . J . A . Santi , as candidates for admission into the Order . They were unanimously approved , and regularly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . Bros . Robt . Bowman and Frederick Charles Walker answered the questions leading to the second degree , and were afterwards passed to the rank of Fellow Craft .

Bros . Frederick Coysh , William Walter Gibbings , John James Hanson , Rev . William Henry Maynard , M . A ., Morris William Coopman , and Henry Enderby , after answering the usual questions , were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason . The three degrees were worked by the W . M . in his usual inimitable style , which will leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to be present .

The Lodge voted ten guineas to Bro . R . A . Tidmas's list , who will represent the Lodge at the ensuing Festival of the Boys School . The Brethren , after the close of the Lodge , adjourned to the banqueting room , where a very pleasant evening was spent , the speeches and songs being of a high order .

Provincial.

PROVINCIAL .

METHAM LODGE , No . 1205 . rflHE annual installation was held at the Masonic Hall , Caroline Place , JL Stonehouse . The retiring W . M . Bro . R . Stoneman presided over the large company which assembled to honour the W . M .-elect Bro . J . Baynard James . The ceremony of installation was very impressively performed by Bros . Captain W . Powell P . P . G . D ., P . J . Dunn P . P . G . S . B ., R . Dickson P . P . G . D . D . C ., G . Perring , J . J . Facey , and R . Stoneman .

Before the Lodge was closed an interesting presentation took place , Bro , D . Cross , who for many years past had carried out the duties of Treasurer , being the recipient of a framed illuminated address , voted him by the Brethren in recognition of his valuable services to the Lodge .

The installation banquet was held on the 27 th inst ., the W . M . Bro . J . Baynard James presiding . Amongst those present were Bros . Colonel J . Elliott , C . B ., O . M . G ., Past District Grand Blaster of Barbadoes , F . B . Westlake P . G . D . D . O . England P . Prov . G . S . W ., Major J . G . Shanks P . M ., Colonel Edyvean W . M . 2655 , J . E . Bone J . W . 1550 , & c . In giving the . toast of the Queen , the W . M . said her womanly and gracious sympathy with her soldiers had been an example to the whole world . Bro . Dunn brought the colonial forces into the usual service toast .

Bro . Lieut .-Col . Edyvean W . M . of Queen Victoria Lodge , St . Budeaux , replied . He thought the short service system had been justified in the present war—their young soldiers had fulfilled the highest traditions of the British Army . Bro . Powell proposed H . R . H . the Prince of Wales Grand Master of

England and Grand Lodge . He congratulated them on having two members of Grand Lodge present . One of them was one of the principal founders and the first Master of Metharn Lodge ; he alluded to Bro . Colonel Elliott . He was initiated in Metham Lodge the first night of Colonel Elliott ' s Mastership , and they all hoped the Great Architect of the Universe would long preserve their Brother to them .

Colonel Elliott , in reply , said there could be no doubt of the progress of Freemasonry during the past quarter of a century , not only in numbers , but in the manner of its government . As to their Lodge , he remained among them to instal seven of his successors in the chair , the last being Lord Charles Beresford , and he ( Colonel Elliott ) , was in the chair for a great portion of those years , because each Master was removed by the service . He

Provincial.

could never forget the interest he took in Metham Lodge then , an interest which had never waned , nor could he ever forget the confidence placed in him , and the support he received from the Brethren . Bro . Westlake , whose name was also coupled with the toast , said the great increase in their numbers caused some anxiety , and he urged them to be very cautious whom they admitted into Freemasonry .

Bro . Facey proposed the Prov . Grand Master and P . G . Lodge , for which Bros . Westlake and Shanks responded . The health of the Worshipful Blaster Bro . James was proposed by Bro . Stoneman I . P . M ., who said they knew they had in Bro . James one very

capable of filling the chair of their Lodge . The W . M . responded , and asked the support of the members to make the coming year memorable to the Lodge and to Freemasonry in connection with it , and trusted that at the end of the year the confidence they had reposed in him would be fully justified .

Bro . Dickson proposed the I . P . M ., who was cordially received , and the other toasts usual on such occasions followed .

ZION LODGE , No . 1798 . rjlHE regular meeting took place at the Grsnd Hotel , Manchester , on Wed- . _ L nesday , 14 th inst ., Bro . Mark Steel W . M . The principal business was that of balloting for and initiating Mr . Alfred Hirsch , Merchant , & c , Manchester . The ceremony was performed by the W . M ., assisted by Bro . Hy . Norris J . W ., who presented and explained the working tools and also delivered the ancient charge . The usual festive board followed .

MINNEHAHA MINSTREL LODGE , No . 2363 . THE regular meeting was held at the Victoria Hotel , on Monday , 26 th ult ., Bro . Sam Luke W . M . After the confirmation of minutes , and the reading of an ancient charge , Mr . Matthew Henry Chapman , who had been previously balloted for , was initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry by Bro . Cyril H . Beever P . M ., assisted by Bro . Todd J . W ., who presented and explained the working tools , and delivered the charge .

Bros . John Prescott Crankshaw and Robert Brotherton Whitfield were then passed to the degree of F . C ., the former by the W . M ., and the latter by Bro . Fred Hilton P . M . P . P . G . D . O . Bro . Stubbs S . W . presented and explained the working tools . The W . M . next raised Bro . Joseph Gabriel to the sublime degree of Master Mason . The usual festive board followed .

DUKE OF YORK LODGE , No . 2449 . THE annual meeting and festival of St . John took place at the Albion Hotel , Manchester , on Thursday , 8 th instant . A ceremony of passing and one of raising had been announced , but these were waived for the more important business of installing Brother Simon Mamelok P . M . 1798 P . P . G . J . D . into the chair of K . S . The ceremony wai performed by Bro . A . G . Bryce , the retiring Master , assisted by Past Masters of the Lodge . o

The Festival of St . John , which followed , was an excellent function , something like forty Brethren sitting down to the same . Loyal and Masonic toasts were agreeably varied by the efforts of a glee party under the direction of Bro . Bridge Hopkinson P . M . 1140 , and consisting of Bros . J . H . Greenwood P . M . P . G . O ., K . M . Stewart W . M . 1140 , R . Morecroft P . M ., and others . During the evening a very handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the retiring Master , which contained an inscription as follows : —

Presented to BKO . ALEX GRAHAM BBYCE P . M . by the Brethren of the Duke of York Lodge , No . 2449 , for services as W . M . during the years 1899-1900 . 8 th March 1900 .

Among the many visitors were Bros . C . R . N . Beswicke-Royds Dep . Prov . Grand Master , C . D . Cheetham P . M . 993 P . P . G . W ., T . J . Hooper P . M ., & c , C . H . Griffiths I . P . M . 581 , Geo . Rideal P . M . 1798 , Mark Steel W . M . 1798 , and J . H . Maybury W . M . 1219 .

THE MANCHESTER LODGE , No . 2554 . THE regular meeting was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , on Friday , 9 th inst . Bro . Arthur C . K . Smith Worship ful Master . Three initiations had been announced , but only two were taken , namely those of Messrs . Harry Taylor Nicholson , Chartered Accountant ; and Hiram Taylor , Surveyor ; both of Manchester . The first ceremony was performed by the W . M ., and the second one by Bro . W . A . Boyer I . P . M . Prov . G . D . Reg ., Bro . W . E . Davis J . W . presented and explained the working tools , and also delivered the ancient charge .

At the festive board which followed , Loyal and Masonic toasts were pleasantly relieved by songs , recitations , & c , given by Bros . J . A . Thompson Treas ., A . J . Hoyland , F . J . Yates 317 , Francis W . Gatley 1993 , M . Harday 317 , and others .

Metropolitan : Instruction.

METROPOLITAN : INSTRUCTION .

— : o : — CONFIDENCE LODGE , No . 193 . GOOD wine needs no bush , and good work requires no blazoning of trumpets—both will soon win a reputation for themselves , and each will secure the position its merit deserves . Recognising this we were not at all surprised to find a particularly good attendance at this Lodge of Instruction when we paid a visit to the quarters at the Bunch of Grapes , Lime Street , Leadenhall Market , on Wednesday evening .

The chair was taken by Bro . W . Hattersley , who was supported by Bros . J . Done S . W ., T . Goodchild J . W ., G . Spice I . P . M . 193 Preceptor , D . Elbin P . M . Treasurer , J . K . Pitt P . M . P . P . G . J . D . Secretary , Metcalfe Baillie S . D ., A . Carr J . D ., J . Jackson I . G ., Alex . E . Green , C . Gooveartz , W . Osborne , W . H . Latham P . M ., J . W . Simeons W . M . 193 , H . Rowland , J . Wynman . Having observed the formalities of opening , the W . M . proceeded to rehearse the ceremony of initiation , for which Bro . J . W . Simeons kindly