Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Sec . j E . E . Harding , J . D . j E . Behnke , I . G . ; F . Jameson and E . Turner , Stwds . j Howard H . Room , Prov . G . Sec . Middx . j C . Moses , P . M . ; Hermann Klein , Wilhehn Ganz , P . G . Org . ; I . Zacharie , P . G . M . California ; Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap . ; W . Clifford , F . L . Firminger , G . Palliard , and A . Harvey . Visitors : Bros . Admiral Sir E . Inglefield , K . C . B ., W . M .

2127 ; E . Letchworth , P . G . D . ; VV . C . Jameson , 40 '; H . G . Collins , S . D . 1636 ; N . Hanhart , S . D . 222 ; T . Caseley , I . P . M . 16 93 ; R . Kershaw , 2256 j F . Woods , 9 69 ; Herbert Haynes , I . G . 162 j A . Saxon , Dr . J . J . Wedgwood , W . M . 1361 j A . ii B . Powell , P . M . 1494 ; J . A . Levy , 27 ; E . D . Lister , P . M . 9 G 9 ; C . Wilkinson , 1257 ; F . W . Campbell , A . Thwaites , 17 G 5 ; Col . R . W .

Kdis , G . S . of W . ; E . C . Mulvey j and W . VV . Lee , 1 S 97 . Lodge being opened , and the minutes confirmed , numerous letters vvere announced from Colonial lodges warmly reciprocating the fraternal feeling expressed in a recent circular letter issued by the Empire Lodge , and forwarding the names of distinguished brethren desirous of becoming Colonial members . A very satisfactory balance

sheet , showing a substantial balance of about _ C . 00 to the credit of the lodge , vvas received and adopted . The following brethren vvere unanimously elected joining members Bros . C . G . Wilson , W . M . 20 S 4 , Dundee , Natal ; J . W . Holding , I . P . M . 20 S 4 , Dundee , Natal ; F . H . Field , 2084 , Natal j J . Cole , Treas . 20 S 4 , Natal j A . B . Barker , 20 S 4 , Natalj H . E . Henderson Davis , 1771 , Jamaica ; H . J .

Moses and W . R . N . Virgoe , New Grand Lodge , Victoria ; Dr . ] . T . Brett , Combermere Lodge , Melbourne ; R . B . A . Virgoe , Combermere Lodge , Melbourne ; J . T . Leach , M . D ., D . D . G . M . Eastern Archipelago ; E . A . Thomson , I . P . M . 50 S , D . G . Sec . Eastern Archipelago , * H . D . Perkins and F . A . Gillam , Calcutta Lodge , 109 . Several gentlemen were successfully balloted for as

candidates for initiation , and Mr . Walter Clifford , being in attendance , vvas impressively initiated by Bro . Lennox Browne , P . M ., Treas . The chair vvas then assumed by Bro . Howard Room , Prov . Grand Secretary Middlesex , who installed Bro . Dr . Andrew Miller as W . M . for the ensuing year . The officers' collars vvere distributed as follows : Bros . G . C . Herbert , S . W . j E . Harding , l . W . ; Lennox

Browne , P . M ., Treas . ; E . E . Behnke , S . D . ; Jamieson , J . D . j Harrison , I . G j Moses , P . M ., D . C . j H . Klein , Org . ; E . Turner and F . L . M . P . Firminger , Stewards ; and Evenden , Tyler . The Installing Master , Bro . H . H . Room , concluded his duties by an excellent rendering of the usual addresses . The W . M . presented a Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . A . J . R . Trendell , I . P . M ., and remarked that

the I . P . M . ' s year of office had been marked by one act which would be always memorable , and of vvhich the brethren had heard that night , and his uniform amiability , kindliness , and geniality , and his exposition of every good quality vvhich a Master should possess , had endeared him to every brother in the lodge . Bro . A . J . R . Trendell , C . M . G ., I . P . M ., briefly expressed his great gratification at

the honour conferred upon him . lt had been a singular gratification to him to have presided over them during a year somewhat memorable in the history of the lodge , since it marked the accession of a number of distinguished Colonial brethren . He thanked them for the compliment paid him , and for the kindness and goodfellowship exhibited during his year in the chair . He

desired to present to the lodge the first copy of his "Colonial Year Book " in vvhich he had placed a short history of the lodge , including the excellent oration delivered at the consecration . Bro . Treval presented to the lodge a handsome banner , on which vvas inscribed the names of the Past Masters , and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks . Notices of motion vvere given by the Treasurer to place 25

guineas on the W . M . ' s list for the R . M . I , for Boys , and to constitute the lodge a Life Member of the South African Masonic Educational Fund by subscribing £ 10 from the fund . Several other notices of motion vvere given , and letters of regret for non-attendance were announced from Bros , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , F . Richardson , Col .

Shadwell H . Clerke , Major Cook , E . Monteuuis , Trueman Wood , Thos . Fenn , Edwd . Terry , and Richard Eve . Bro . Trendell , I . P . M ., proposed as a joining member Bro . Sir W . B . Griffith , K . C . M . G ., Governor of the Gold Coast . The lodge was then closed , and an excellent banquet followed , at the conclusion of vvhich the usual toasts vvere

given . Bro . Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap ., responding for " The Grand Officers , " said that as one of the few Grand Chaplains resident in London , it often fell to his lot to assist at the consecration of lodges when they ahvays gave the happiest forebodings for the future of the lodge . He was glad to say those forebodings were always more or

less answered . These were not days when lodges could afford to fail , but there were few lodges which succeeded , as the Empire Lodge had succeeded , and few lodges had made their mark , as this lodge had done , not upon England alone , but upon the universe . Bro . E . Letchworth , P . G . D ., also replied , and said the Grand Officers vvere deeply sensible of the responsibility

attached to the positions they filled , and were always ready to promote the interests of the Craft . He wished the W . M . and the lodge a pleasant and prosperous career , and congratulated the lodge on being presided over by so distinguished a Mason . Bro . A . J . R . Trendell , I . P . M ., said the gavel had been entrusted to him for a pleasing duty . The toast they would

drink with the greatest possible pleasure was "The W . Master for the year 1 S 90 . " He vvas quite certain from what they had seen of their excellent brother , thc W . M ., that his year of office would be distinguished both , so far as he vvas concerned , by excellent and accurate working and b y the general welfare of the lodge . The members viewed with great pleasure Bro . Miller ' s position in the chair , and

he _ ( the I . P . M . ) was expressing the feelings of their distinguished guests as well as their own , when he said he wished the W . M . most heartily all possible health , energy , and success in carrying out the work of sustaining the great traditions of the Empire Lodge , for they were great , although of modern date . They congratulated Bro . Miller upon the distinguished post hc had attained , and upon the excellent officers appointed , and wished all success in the

future to this young and most distinguished lodge . Bro . Andrew Miller , W . M ., said it was his exceedingly pleasant duty to return thanks for the way in which they had been kind enough to receive the toast of his health . He esteemed it a great honour , as well as a great privilege , to occupy the position hc did that night , and the duties incumbent upon him of discharging the functions belonging to it . He should do his utmost to discharge those functions , and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

fulfil the obligations attached to the office he occupied as worthily as possible , and hoped to make good the kind words vvhich had fallen from the I . P . M . He thanked the I . P . M . for the kind way in vvhich he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for their extremely kind reception of it . and trusted they would accept a very inadequate reply , for his tongue vvas never eloquent when deep thoughts were m

his heart . "The Initiate" having bcen cordially given , and responded to by Bro . VV . Clifford , the W . M . gave " The Visitors , " and expressed his regret that Bro . Edward Terry ancl the Grand Treasurer nominate vvere unable to be present . There vvere , however , several very distinguished Grand Officers and guests present whom they were glad to

see , for it vvas the very ratsou d etre of the lodge to receive visitors . He coupled with the toast the names of Bro . Admiral Sir E . Inglefield , from whom they might expect a very interesting and humorous speech , and Bro . J . J . Wedgwood , P . M ., of the United Service Lodge , in vvhich he ( the VV . M . ) vvas initiated . Bro . Admiral Sir E . Inglefield , W . M . 2127 , said he had

been called upon to return thanks for the visitors , and he felt much honoured in having been selected , for he saw around him brethren who would do much greater honour to the task . The VV . M . had done the best he could to prevent him making a speech by promising that vvhich vvas good . It occurred to him that if he told them something they least

expected to hear it might be interesting . He vvas going to say nothing about Masonry . Admiral Inglefield then related a stirring sea . story of 100 years ago , concerning his grandfather , who contrived to steer Soo miles without a compass , but vvith the aid of a watch , which Admiral Inglefield held in his hand on the present occasion , and vvhich still keeps good time .

Bro . Dr . J . J . Wedgwood , W . M . 1361 , also responded , and said that having seen the VV . M . initiated , he felt proud to see him installed into the chair of K . S . The lodge could not have a better Mason for the position , for he vvas one the brethren would all appreciate , and one vvhich would keep up the lodge as it had been kept up . The Empire Lodge held a very important position in that

country bringing together as it did the Colonial brethren from all parts ot the world , and had a grand future before it . Bro . A . J . R . Trendell , C . M . G ., I . P . M ., replying for " The Past Masters , " said their lodge had a distinctive function . Many lodges vvere started vvith excellent intentions , but faded away and disappeared altogether , the reason being that they did not rest on a substantial foundation .

The Empire Lodge numbered many distinguished brethren from the other end of the world , who vvere keeping unsullied and bright that great Anglo-Saxon name that hacl carried their fortunes throughout the world . Their lodge in its Masonic capacity would be only too glad to receive Colonial brethren residing in the mother country . 'They vvere glad to assist Grand Lodge in that way , as it vvas their

privilege to receive distinguished Colonial Masons and entertain them . He looked forward with the greatest confidence to the future of the lodge . He thought the difficulty would be not to extend their numbers , but to keep them within limit . There could be no question that distinguished Colonial brethren having made their fortunes in the Colonies were glad to find a Masonic home with them . The Past

Masters felt that they , vvith the VVorshipful Alaster , constituted a sort of committee of discretion and advice , which vvas of the highest importance , and in a year or two they might have to decide whether they should restrict their numbers . They had a high ambition there could be no doubt , and were acting in the purest ancl simplest feelings of Masonry in drawing together those brethren who , always

loving the old country , had gone abroad and added lustre to that country in the colonies . 'These brethren returned , and took up their Masonic residence in this lodge , and j therefore there vvas a great future before the lodge . So far as any power or little experience he might have , it would be thoroughly and entirely at the service of the lodge . | Although he had joined the distinguished , though limited ,

body of Past Masters , he looked for many years of useful- j ness in the lodge . He looked to see their numbers recruited from the ranks of Colonial brethren , and their lodge carry out in the best manner possible that great function it possessed to draw together in a feeling of brotherhood , and thus materially assist in uniting the mother country vvith her daughter lands .

Bro . Lennox Browne , P . M ., Prov . S . G . W . ] , Essex , also responded , and said that having had a very active share in the inception and consummation of the lodge , he felt proud of it . He would not go over the whole history , but he had experience , having been in the Colonies , of Colonial brethren , who , coming to this country and visiting English lodges , felt they vvere received heartily , but they also felt I

they ought not to come unless they had a right . These | brethren felt they ought to have a home lodge , as well as home clubs . In his letter the Earl of Carnarvon wrote that it was not his habit to accept honorary membership of lodges , but any lodge that drew closer together the Masonic ties was doinga great service . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , at the installation of H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught at

Brighton , did him ( Bro . Browne ) the honour to say , the day before their great meeting , when 39 Colonies were represented in the lodge— " You are doing a great service to the Craft and the Empire " —and he thought the lodge might be proud of those words . The Past Masters would always be ready to do their duty and help the W . M ., but he felt they vvere going to have a long period of rest , for , from the

evidence given by the VV . M . from the chair , the Past Masters were quite certain their office would be a sinecure . He could not say all he would in appreciation of the kindness he had always received , but he thanked them one and all . "The Health of the Installing Master" vvas next given in cordial terms by the VV . M ., and responded to by Bro .

Howard Room , Prov . G . Sec . Middx . Other toasts vvere given , the last being the Tyler's toast , which concluded a very pleasant evening . During the evening the following brethren rendered several musical items : Bros . VV . Ganz , P . G . Org . ; IT . Klein , Org . ; Saxon , ancl Wheatley , and Bro . Behnke gave a recitation .

Lodge La France ( No . 2060 ) . —if we take in consideration the epidemic vvhich is now afflicting London , this lodge showed a very good attendance at the last meeting on Monday , the 20 th ult . One of the Stewards and the I . G . vvere the only absentees among the officers , so that the new W . M ., Bro . L . Gere , vvas well supported , having besides the assistance of Bro . Fenn , P . B . G . P ., who is always ready at any time to take any part vvhich he may be called

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

upon to fulfil . The W . M ., as his first task , had to raise Bro . Lautere to the Sublime Degree of M . M . This ceremony he performed with that impressive manner which it commands . The W . M . then requested Bro . St . Clair to take the chair and pass Bro . Guillot to the Second Degree . This Bro . St . Clair , I . P . M ., did in his accustomed perfect manner , and called upon Bro . T . Fenn to given the

explanation of the tracing board . To Bro . Fenn it does not matter if he is doing the ritual in French or in English , he is equally at home in both languages . Bro . L . Clerc , W . M ., having resumed his seat , was elected Steward for the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and vve have no doubt he will be well supported by the brethren of the lodge , vvhich is already a Life Governor of all three Institutions , and makes it a rule

to be represented each year at one at least of the Festivals . Business over , the brethren adjourned to refreshment , of vvhich , for once in a way , Bro . E . Delacoste , the courteous manager of the Cafe Royal , vvas enabled to partake . No further comment is therefore necessary . The speeches being short and to the purpose , do not require reporting in detail . Suffice it to say that all the loyal

toasts vvere heartily proposed and received . Bro . E . Monteuuis , G . S . B ., in returning thanks for "The Grand Officers , " took the opportunity of mentioning that Bro . Fenn had been obliged through delicate health to leave early , but had left him as his deputy to invite all the members of the Lod ge La France to come to the festival of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , and to say that the more

accepted his invitation the happier he would be . These sentiments were confirmed by Bro . H . Bue , P . G . Std . Br ., and Bro . E . St . Clair , I . P . M ., under whose reigns Bro . T . Fenn had expressed the same cordial invitation . The toasts of "The VV . M ., " " The I . P . M ., " and "The Past Masters , " to vvhich Bro . E . H . Thiellay , the first Master of the lodge , vvas called upon to replywere as

, heartily received as the preceding . So vvas that of " The Visitors , " to vvhich Bro . A . L . Thierry , of 12 S 7 , responded in most feeling terms , stating that although of French extraction he regretted that his birth in England deprived him of the privilege of being eligible as a member of the lodge . I he lodge had all his sympathy , and he wished the W . M . and all the brethren every success .

We have no doubt that before long Bro . Thierry will be informed that there is a Chapter La France , were no such restrictions exist , and where he will meet the same brethren . Other visitors also responded . The VV . M ., having congratulated himself on being supported by such excellent officers , called for the 'T yler ' s toast , and the brethren separated after having spent a most pleasant evening .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BRADFORD . Acacia Lodge ( No . 2321 ) . —This new lodge met at the MasonicHall , on Thursday , the gth ult ., when there were present Bros . A . Stephenson , P . M ., p P . G D C , r _ 'Y , ' - 4 ' Ramsden R'Iey , P . M ., P . P . G . D C , actin ° ' I P M j S A Auty p M . S . W . j ' Joseph Wilson , P . Mf , J . VV . John Haigh P . M Chap , j E . P . Peterson , Treas . J . L . Last , Sec j Ihos . owett . S . D .: lohn M ., „ - „ i IA .

hos W Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G O . O . g . j John ThoK LG . j A . J . Boyle , O . G . j S . A . Bai ey , P . M ., D C C H tills , A Holmes , ancl G . Root / and the followin g visitors : Bros . J . VV . Balme , P . M Gi j A . T Akerovd P . M . . 432 , P . P . G . D . C Shropshire ; John Birkby ° \ L ft % _ mith ^ . ; r -75 o ; , ohn 0 ates - ^ -

The lod ge was opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting was read and confirmed . Bro . G . Root was then raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason by the PM Vr * I ? b J , Bros - R , le * I-f-M ., and Bailey , {• , '• • ' Bro ' ? aile J ? ferred t 0 the proposed scheme Binrl f ?_ H °° ° ' ° r u e for the retirement of Bro . Binckes , the Secretary of the Boys' School , when after discussion it vvas referred tn th . n „ vi 1 „ ,. _ ,. _ „ ' . _ . .

further consideration The Treasurer nUrocS 1 ^ financial statement , which vvas referred to the Lod-e Committee for consideration and report nf -, n d ° " Hl i bllsin i - f _ ' ° = e havin S been disposed of , and Hearty good wishes " tendered from the brethren and visitors , the lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment , and with toasts and songs a very pleasant evening was spent .

BRENTWOOD . . ° Pe and Unity Lodge ( No . 214 ) . —The installation meeting of this lod ge was held at the VVhite Hart , on liursday the 23 rd ult . In the unavoidable absence of the W . M . Bro . J . C . Goode , for whom much sympathy vvas expressed on account nf th * . M _„ fi , „ c „_ - ...

his children , the chair was taken b y Bro . H . G Hobson Ihe minutes ot last meeting having been confirmed , Bro ! G . C Morant , the VV . M elect , was most ably installed VV . M ., who appointed and invested the following brethren officers : Bros . 1-. Landon , S . VV . j VV . ( Juennell , J W . J C . Cooper , P . G . D ., Ireas . j VV . W . Brown , P . P GO Sec . j E . C . Wills , S . D .: I . B , _« . „ 1 n 7 . J . ,, ' '

Meggy , I . G In addition there were al 0 present Bros ' T . C . Uuennell , P . M . j P . B . Page , P . M . j A . W Wallis ana visitors : Bros . Schartau , ° G . D . Moralit , and A mstrong , but owing to the prevalence of influenza several memoers and visitors were prevented from attending Bro . P . VV . lmbeit-lerry vvas elected thi . ,,. nr . __ ° _ . < :. _ ...

lodge on the Provincial Charity Coming and he sum 0 £ 2 was granted to the " Bmckes " Annuity Fund . After a very hearty vote of thanks was given to the VV M for a very handsome kneeling stool , presented by him " to the ! __ - _ ' byMrs ! 'S ""' 1 10 a" eXCe"ent bantl"et * P-

Ihe musica arrangements , it is hardly necessary to say , being under the direction of Bros . Brown , J . C . Morant and achartau , were ot a most enjoyable character

CHESTER . Lodge of Independence ( No . 72 i ) .-The Festival ot St . John was celebrated by the members of the above odge on Monday , the 13 th ult . There wa . an unusually large attendance of members and vis ting brethren . Bro . VV . H . Finchett was installed bv the ~ S tiro

VV . M ., . J . Humphreys , into the position of W . M and i p M F ^^ rT % V fv ] i CerS : ? * J * Humphreys , S I ) l __„ R ' ; i ) , ' ' . - J ' - * *' ¦ Adams , \< n \ 'J f *^ nnett * - !• £ * T . Browne , I . G . j Alfred vVild Stwd . j C . btanyer , Org . j A . Stevenson , Trea T . Knowles , Sec . j W . M . Richmond , Almoner j W . Johnson ,