Reports Of Meetings.

Worthington in the chair must have been most gratifying to him . We wish him renewed health and strength , and sincerely congratulate him on his miraculous escape . The W . M . had the support of Bros . J . W . Goram I . P . M ., T . F . Strutt S . W ., Robert M . Crompton J . W ., William Boyce P . M . Sec , C . W . Hiscocks S . D ., P . Page J . D ., A . E . Patman I . G ., Sidney Roberts Org . ; with Past Masters Sigismund Stampfer , A . J . Street , C . J . Sowton ; and Bros . Henry W . Page , Ch . H . Smallman , R . S . Cox , T . Embrow , W . Tipton , George White , H . Edwards , John Crawford , J . Wynman ( visitor ) , and others .

The Lodge being formed the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Bro . George White , who wished to rejoin the Lodge . It proved unanimous in his favour , and the W . M . said he was pleased to see an old member join again ; be gave him a most hearty welcome . The Lodge was opened in the second degree , and Bro . Charles Henry Smallman being present was examined , answered the questions in a perfect manner , was entrusted , and retired .

The Lodge was opened in the third degree and in due course Bro . Smallman was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason , the W . M . rendering the ceremony in an excellent manner . The Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and the annual election took place . We were not at all surprised to hear the announcement from the Worshipful Mister that Bro . Thomas Frederick Strutt had received the unanimous vote of the Brethren as Worshipful Master of the Henry Muggeridga Lodge for the coming year ; the announcement of the result of the ballot was most heartily received by the members .

Bro . Strutt thanked the W . M . and Brethren for having elected him W . M . of the Lodge . The Bye-Laws were read . It was proposed that the usual gold jewel and Past Master's collar be presented to Bro . J . A . Worthington W . M ., on his retiring from office in May next , the proposition being carried unanimously . The W . M ., on rising , was again most heartily received . He thanked the Brethren for having voted the jewel and collar , but he did not think he had

earned it , on account of not having been able to attend by reason of his severe accident ; during his illness his heart was with the Brethren , and after the severe operation he had to go through he was told he had spoken while under chloroform about the Lodge . At any rate he would content himself for the present by thanking the Brethren , and he also thanked the Great Architect of the Universe that he was again amongst them . Again and again he sincerely thanked them all .

Bro . Sowton proposed that the sum of five guineas be given to the widow of a late Brother . The W . M . asked if five guineas would do the poor widow any good ; if the Brethren intended to assist her let it be more substantially , and let them give her something that would do her good ; therefore he proposed that ten guineas be given to her , so as to render her a better service , and this was unanimously supported . Four gentlemen were proposed as members , showing that the Brethren intend to give their W . M .-elect ample work during his year of Office .

Letters were read from Bro . Sack P . M . Treasurer , and Bro . John H . Kirby , expressing their inability to attend . The important communications from Grand Lodge were read by the Secretary . Bro . R . M . Crompton J . W . proposed that a hearty vote of congratulation be passed , and recorded on the minutes , to their esteemed Worshipful Master , Bro . Worthington , on his recovery from his very severe accident .

Bro . Strutt W . M .-elect in a nice little speech brought the proposition forward , and also seconded it , whilst the Brethren unanimously endorsed the sentiments expressed . The W . M . briefly thanked the members for their expression of goodwill . There being no further work the Lodge was closed , and the Brethren retired to partake of an excellent repast , after which the W . M . gave the Loyal toast , which was most heartily received by the Brethren ; the National Anthem being sung by the W . M .

This was followed by the toast of the Grand Master , Bro . Gomm I . P . M . singing the solo of " God bless the Prince of Wales . " Bro . Gomm I . P . M . also gave the next toast , that of the W . M . He had been prevented from being present since his installation , on account of the severe accident he met with . He would have performed the duties of the

chair to perfection , but it had been willed otherwise . The ceremony he had worked that evening had given sufficient proof of his ability , as it had been rendered most efficiently . He therefore felt confidence in calling upon them to drink the health of the W . M ., wishing him renewed health and strength , and expressing their pleasure at seeing him again occupying the position in the Lodge of which he had been deprived for such a very long time .

The W . M . s reception on rising to respond showed his popularity amongst the members . He thanked the Brethren for their very hearty greeting , and said he could not find words sufficient to express his feelings for the way in which his toast had been received . He thanked Bro . Gomm I . P . M . for giving it , and the Brethren for honouring the same in such a cordial manner . Since last July he had passed through a very hard time , but he thanked the Great Architect of the Universe that he was again

amongst them . In spirit he had been present at all their meetings , and he had very much regretted his enforced absence . He thanked Bro . Gomm for having done all the work of the Mastership during his absence . He was happy to say he was greatly improving , and at the next meeting he hoped to be among them again to hand over the gavel of his Office to his successor Bro . Strutt . He should have liked to say a good deal more , but his heart was too full for words . He could but again thank them for all their kindnesses .

The W . M . next gave the toast of the W . M .-elect . It was a very happy moment to him to be able to give that toast , and it was principally for that purpose he had attended . He felt very proud to be in the position to congratulate Bro . Strutt , as they had worked together for many years , and Bro . Strutt had proved himself one of the most worthy members' of the Craft . He had the interests of Masonry at heart , and showed it in various ways . They

must not only allow he did everything in his power for the welfare of the Lodge , but also that he studied the pleasures of the Brethren likewise . He knew the W . M .-elect would have good support from the Past Masters—really the pillars of the Lodge , and ready at all times to render any assistance that might be required of them—and also from good Officers , especially from Bro . Crompton , who was coming on next in rotation .

Bro . Strutt , replying , thanked the Brethren for the way in which they had elected him as Master of the Lodge ; and now , for the very hearty manner in which they had received the toast . He was pleased to know he had introduced several members into the Lodge , and was happy to see all its members so united . Ho hoped to say much more on the occasion of his installation , when he should be very happy to have the present Worshipful Master on his left , in greatly improved health . He felt sure he would receive able support from his Officers , from the Past Masters , and , indeed , from every member of the Lodge .

Reports Of Meetings.

The W . M ., in submitting the health of the Past Masters , said it was the last time he would be entitled to give the toast , and he desired to accord them all the honour in his power . They had Past Masters in the Lodge to be proud of ; they were , indeed , of the very best ; there was nothing too much for them to undertake in furtherance of the welfare of the Lodge . He hoped

each of those present would say a few words in response . Bro . Stampfer , as one of the oldest members of the Lodge , expressed the pleasure all must feel in seeing the W . M . present again after his accident . He trusted God might grant him health and strength to wholly recover . Bro . Street said he was initiated twenty years ago , and had the pleasure of introducing the W . M . as a candidate . Ever since he had carried out his

duties in perfect manner , and it was most unfortunate that during his yea , r as Master such a great misfortune should have happened to him as hia accident of last summer . Their worthy Secretary had read the letter from Grand Lodge as to assisting their Masonic Brethren in South Africa ; he hoped that a proposition would be made at the next meeting to meet the case , and that it would be favourably received .

Bro . Boys tendered his thanks . It was very flattering for the Past Masters to be so honoured as they had been that evening . He spoke of the unfortunate absence of the W . M ., and commended his working that evening as a pattern to be followed by his successor , who , as they were no doubt aware , was at the present time Worshipful Master of the Hygeia Lodge , of which h « was a prominent founder . They would find in Bro . Strutt an excellent worker , one who did not study inconveniences , or his pocket ; one who stuck to his post like a true soldier .

Bro . Sowton followed , tendering his thanks , and congratulations to the Master and Master-elect . Bro . Gomm I . P . M . said the small services he had rendered during tne absence of the Master were , he was pleased to think , regarded as satisfactory by the members .

The Treasurer and Secretary were next toasted , the Master complimenting those Officers , and congratulating the members on the general good feeling that existed as the direct result of their efforts . The Secretary said he was sure important business kept the Treasurer away that evening , but he always studied the welfare of the Lodge . As Secretary he thanked them for their kind remarks . Bro . Crompton J . W . responded on behalf of the Officers . but

The W . M . said it was rather out of place to make a proposition , as he thought they ought to strike the iron while it was hot he suggested that all fees be remitted for those members of the Lodge away fulfilling their duties on the battlefields of South Africa ; that during such absence no fees should accumulate ; and , further , that any arrears should be wiped out . The approval and patriotism of the Brethren was shown in the heartiest manner , and the kindness evinced was acknowledged by Bro . Hiscocks , a personal friend of one of the Brethren more intimately concerned .

During the evening several Brethren added to the enjoyment of the company with displays of their musical ability , among them Bros . Carl Brandt , H . Page , C . Hiscocks , T . F . Strutt , & c , while Bro . R . S . Cox , a retired soldier , gave an excellent exhibition of sword practice . Bro . S . Roberts presided at the piano .

DUKE OF FIFE LODGE , No . 2345 . THE annual Installation of this Lodge took place on Wednesday , 21 st inst ., and was exceedingly well attended . Bro . G . F . Winny was most impressively installed , and invested his Officers .

LOMBARDIAN LODGE , No . 2348 . THE last meeting of this Lodge , held on the 7 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . C . A . Guthbert Keeson P . M . Worshipful Master , was transferred from the Ship and Turtle Hotel , Leadenhall Street , to the Masonic Temple , Holborn Restaurant , and was visited by a very large contingent of Provincial Lombardians , who had received a special invitation .

After the dispensation had been read Bro . Herbert Attenbury was raised to the sublime degree of M . M . Bro . La Fenillade then proposed for election as an honorary member of the Lodge Bro . jErnest Attenbury P . M ., one of the founders , who is now serving with the 37 th Company of the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa . Bro . Alfred Layman S . W . seconded the proposition , which was carried unanimously .

Lodge was closed about 7 p . m ., and the members and visitors proceeded to partake of an excellent banquet , which had been prepared in the magnificent Gordon Room of the Restaurant . The menu , a copy of which we have received , is identical with that provided by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen , for the Emperor of Germany , at Windsor Castle , on 21 st November 1899 .

EARL'S COURT LODGE , No . 2765 . THE fifth , and perhaps we may truly say the most enjoyable meeting of this flourishing Lodge , one of the latest additions to West London Masonry , was held on Wednesday , 14 th inst ., at the Royal Palace Hotel , Kensington , when upwards of fifty members and visitors assembled .

The W . M . Lieut .-Col . G . E . E . Blunt P . P . S . G . W . Middx . presided , supported by Bros . J . Worth S . W ., Imre Kiralfy P . A . G . D . O . as J . W ., F . Langford I . P . M ., J . Cox P . J . G . D . Middx . Treasurer , J . W . Facey P . M . Secretary , C . G . Halt P . M . J . D ., W . S . Lyon D . C ., A . J . Taylor A . D . C ., J . J . Orr I . G . " W . Neighbour and J . H . King Stewards , and F . Packer Organist .

Among the visitors were Bros . F . Stutfield P . M . 144 , C . Ormond P . M . 51 , 0 . H . Dancocks P . M . 1671 , H . J . Oousens P . M . 172 , S . Bidders P . M . 865 , and many others . On the opening of the Lodge the W . M . announced that Bro . Lieut .-Col . William Watts P . P . G . S . W . Dorset , their J . W ., was now with his regiment in South Africa , and that Bro . Imre Kiralfy had most kindly undertaken the duties during the gallant Colonel ' s absence at the front .

The Lodge was opened in the three degrees , and in the course of the ceremonies Bro . Thomas M . Ross was raised as a M . M ., and Bro . Frederick Fewell passed F . C . The ballot was taken , and proving unanimously in their favour , Messrs . E . A . Warton , F . Stovold , S . H . Procter , andS . R . Rogers were initiated into Ancient Freemasonry . The whole of the working reflected the highest credit upon the W . M ., and was typical of the high standard of excellence aimed at by the members of the Lodge .

At the banquet , the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and ten guineas was subscribed for the Masonic Refugees ( South Africa ) Fund . Bro . Imre Kiralfy , reply ing for the Grand Officers , caused much laughter