Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bros . Dodd , Sec , and Pendlebury , Treas ., briefly returned thanks for "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and "The Officers" having been duly honoured , the Tyler ' s toast closed an enjoyable evening . Bro . Strong kindly contributed to the enjoyment of the brethren by several excellent musical selections .

Rothesay Lodge ( No . 1687 ) . —An emergency meeting of this successful lodge vvas held at the St . James ' s Hall , Regent-street , on Friday , the 14 th ult . The members present vvere Bros . Walter Adams , W . M . ; Henri Gros , S . W . ; Green , P . M ., acting J . W . ; Butlin , Treas . ; E . L . P . Valeriani , P . M ., Sec ; Conning , S . D . ; R . Shaw , I . P . M ., acting J . D . , * Mnith , I . G . ; Green , jun ., P . M . ;

Abdy , Martinne , Lafontaine , Norton , lhier , Incell , Riley , Tito Mattel , and others . Visitors : Bros . G . Smith , 05 ; G . A . Payne , P . M . 933 ; M . F . Tuck , 901 ; J . W . Walls , 63 ; and W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . Lodge vvas opened , after which Bros . J . F . Alsepti and J . Feloj vvere ably passed to the Second Degree by the W . M . The former of these candidates , although unfortunately

blind , evinced great interest in the ceremony , and the lodge has the somewhat unique privilege of including in its ranks a brother thus afflicted . The lodge was then closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Hotel Mathis , Arundell-street , where a recherche repast was well served under the personal superintendence of the Bros . Mentasti , who have been for some time respected members of this lodge .

This night being the first anniversarj * of the opening of the hotel by the Bros . Mentasti , the members paid them a graceful compliment by leaving their usual quarters and partaking of the banquet at the hostelry above named . The customary toasts were subsequently given . Bro . Shaw , I . P . M ., in giving " The Health of the W . Master , " said that since their VV . M . had occupied the chair

he had carried out his duties most efficiently , and had proved himself to be the right man in the right place . He hoped and trusted that the officers coming on would follow Bro . Adams' good example . Bro . Walter Adams , W . M ., having thanked the I . P . M . and brethren , said that if he had given them satisfaction , it afforded him great gratification . He had tried to please

them , and should be sorry to fail . He had done the best he could , and trusted to be associated with the lodge for many years to come . Bro . G . A . Payne , P . M . 933 , in replying for "The Visitors , " said that was his first visit , for , although he had had many invitations , he had not been able to attend before . He considered the work vvas very creditably done by the W . M . and the rest of the officers .

Bro . E . Valeriani , P . M ., Sec , said the VV . M . had kindly honoured him by allowing him to propose the next toast —• vvhich would explain to them the reason why they had deserted their comfortable old quarters to dine there . On the 14 th February last year—the night of the third Rothesay ball—the Bros . Mentasti took possession of that hotel , and also found time to support that ball . The VV . Master had

thought proper that the members should return the compliment on the present occasion . They had , therefore , come to wish the Bros . Mentasti "many happy returns " of the first birthday of this undertaking . He had known them personally for many years , and knew how to appreciate them , and the members had also known them a few years , and respected and esteemed them . He would ,

therefore , ask the brethren to drink " Ihe Healths of the Bros . Mentasti , " coupling with it prosperity and success to the roof they were under . Bro . Henri Gros , S . W ., said the Secretary had spoken of Hie Bros . Mentasti , and it was his esteemed privilege to propose "The Health of the Sisters Mentasti . " Having alluded to his personal acquaintance with the family , he called upon the brethren to heartily drink the toast .

Mrs . G . Mentasti and Mrs . J . Mentasti were then presented with handsome bouquets by Bro . Valeriani . Bro . G . Mentasti returned thanks in appropriate terms , and the brethren subsequently separated , after a very pleasant evening . The enjoyment of the brethren was considerably enhanced by musical selections by Bro . Tito Mattel on the pianoforte , and by Bro . Alsepti on the concertina . Signorina Decarini contributed several songs .

Ubique Lodge ( No . 1789 ) . —The above excellent lodge held its election meeting on the ioth ult ., at the Cafe Royal , Air-street , Piccadilly , at which there vvas a large and influential attendance of the brethren of the grand old regiment that has " Ubique " for its motto . The W . M ., Bro . VV . R . Arnold , presided , and was ass sted by the following officers , members , and visitors : Bros . Major

James Richie ( R . A . ) , P . M . ; Capt . White ( R . A . ) , I . P . M . ; Capt . W . Weston ( late R . A . ) , P . M . and P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; J . Sculley ( R . H . A . ) , P . M . and ( Treas . ; G . Mason , P . M . and Sec ; Lieut . T . Cooper ( R . A . ) , P . M . ; E . Morris , S . W . ; Jas . Lawson , S . D . ; VV . Seager , W . M . 153 C , J . D . ; Capt . | A . C . Hansard ( R . A . ) , I . G . ; VV . Blades , acting J . VV . ; Lieut . Chamberlain ( R . A . ) , Lieut . Aldridge ( R . A . ) ,

Lieut . McClennan ( R . A . ) , Capt . Vine ( R . A ' . ) , Lieut . Fairey ( R . A . ) , Capt . W . Barrell ( A . S . C ) , G . W . Grey , A . Betenson , VV . Robson , W . Arnold , C Hammerton , Hon . P . M ., P . G . S . B . Eng . ; Col . C . Sprague , P . M . 161 ; Capt . W . Ward , 700 ; Col . Vansittart , 1 K 36 ; A . Dunne , I . G . 342 ; J . H . [ Burton ; A . W . Murray , P . M . ; VV . E . Taylor , I . G . 913 ; C . H . Hosgood , 13 ; C . Jolly , P . M .

1472 ; and others . _ The lodge'having been opened , and the minutes confirmed , Lieut . H . Coningham ( R . A . ) , Surgt .-Major J . Carnaghan ( R . E ., R . H . A . ) , and Ouartermaster-Sergt . G . W . Cooper ( R . A . ) , were , after having been previously and successfully balloted for , initiated ' into Masonry . Bros . Major R . H . Murdock ( R . A . ) , ancl Lieut . I . B . Askwith

( R . A . ) were then passed , and Bros . Lieut . M . ] . Long ( R . A . ) , Lieut . Wark ( R . A . ) , and Sergt .-Major " G . Allen ( R . A . ) , vvere raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason . The election of W . M . for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , ancl Bro . Major-Gen . A . H . VV . Williams , Commandant Woolwich Garrison , who had filled the office of Warden in another lodire , was unanimously

elected W . M . Bro . Sculley was re-elected Treasurer , ancl the old Tyler was re-elected . Bro . Arnold vvas voted a Past Master ' s jewel of the usual value as a mark of thc esteem of the brethren and for valuable services rendered the lodge during his year of office , for vvhich he duly returned thanks . The Audit Committee having been appointed , it vvas further decided to apply for a Ro 3 * al Arch chapter to be attached to the lodge , and lodge closed .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

The banquet having been discussed , the VV . M . gave the usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts , which , vve need hardly say , were most loyally responded to . Bro . Hammerton , in responding for " Thc Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said he vvas very pleased to be present and see thc evident prosperity of the Ubique Lodge . Everv Mason knew that the Grand Officers , especially their

Pro Grand and Deputy Grand Masters , had very important ancl , indeed , onerous duties to perform ; more particularly in finding brethren worthy of the distinguished position that a Grand Officership conferred upon them . In speaking thus , he was not speaking * of himself as being one of the worthy ones , yet he might honestly say that he ] had for many years clone his best for the true interests of

Freemasonry , and felt pleased and gratified when he was asked to accept office under their esteemed Grand Master . Now with regard to the remarks made by the W . M . as to his Stewardships for the three Masonic Institutions , he said at once that he took a great interest in the Girls' School , and should be very pleased if some brother of that lodge would stand Steward at the next festival of that Institution . He

should have been very pleased to have stood Steward for the lodge himself , but had given his word to stand for his own mother lodge . He vvas pleased to tell them that Bro . Major Richie had informed him of his intention to stand Steward for the lodge , for vvhich he thanked him , and trusted he would have the hearty support of the lodge and its members .

Bro . Major Richie then proposed the toast of " The VV . Master . " He said that was the last time he should have the honour , in that lodge at least , of proposing it . As a Mason Bro . Arnold was a good one , and as one of his ( Bro . Major Richie ' s ) numerous progeny , that was to say , of those who had followed him in the chair of that lodge , lie vvas proud of Bro . Arnold . Looking down at the list of

initiates , he felt they must also be proud , not only at the excellent brethren who had joined their ranks , but also of the admirable manner in vvhich their W . M . had carried out the ritual and also the general working of the lodge . Every portion of the work had been carried out with that due gravity and unction that was essentially necessary , and those who had attended the meetimrs during the past year would

agree with him when he said the honour and prestige of the lodge had been carefully and conscientiously maintained by their VV . M . To be a good Mason was to be one amongst the foremost men in the world , and they had an example in their W . M . of noting a good man and a good Mason ; and one of whom they had reason to be proud . He asked them to drink the toast as it deserved .

Bro . Arnold , in response , said he did not think he vvas worthy of the eulogiums passed upon him by Bro . Major Richie . He thanked them , however , for their kind reception of the toast . He took that opportunity to thank the officers , especially Bro . Morris , for their great support to him during his year of office . He would not further anticipate the toast of the officers , but would simply thank them

for their kind reception of the toast . Bro . Major Richie , in responding for the toast of " The Past Masters , " said it vvas a matter of pride with them to be Past Masters of that lodge par excellence , although there vvas something melancholy in the fact that they vvere somewhat like monarchs retired from business . Yet it was some consolation to know oneself to be a Past Master of

an Order whose history was older than the pyramids of Egypt , and further , to know that for every stone in those pyramids there were Past Masters of the great pyramids of Charity in their Order , who fed and clothed the children and the old of its ranks unable to clothe and feed themselves ; an Order which made bad men good men , and good men better . For himself he thanked them .

Bro . White advocated the concentration of the interests of the lodge , so far as its charities vvere concerned , in the regiment , so that in case any claim came before them they would be better able to look after such a claim by concentrating than by divided action . Bro . Weston thanked Bro . Richie , in the name of the Past Masters , for his kindness in standing as Steward i ' or the

Girls- He had himself stood Steward for that Charity , and was able to tell them that at the present time there were three girls in the School whose fathers had been members of the United Military Lodge at Plumstead , principally through the interest taken in the military lodges by their esteemed Bro . Hammerton , who had generously placed his 500 votes at their service . He quite thought that the Ubique Lodge should command a good number of votes ,

and hoped in time to see it , so far as the Charities were concerned , in a position worthy of its rank amongst the lodges of the Metropolis . Bro . Lieut . Cooper also briefly responded , and , after Bros Robinson and Fairy had responded for "The Joining Members , " and Bros . Burton and Vansittart for "The Visitors , " "The Iniliates , " "Officers , " and Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings , which were enlivened by songs and recitations .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BATTLE . Abbey Lodge ( No . 1184 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 20 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall . Present : Bros . R . T . Davison , M . D ., W . M . ; the Very Rev . E . R . Currie , D . D ., P . M ., P . G . C , Chap ., as S . W . ; ) . B . Foster , J . VV . ; J . Fielding - , Org . ; R . Hughes , ' P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., Sec . ; I . W . Pepper , S . D . ;

D . White , J . D . j B . Thorpe , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., D . C ; T . W . Avis , I . G . j C . Leary , as Tyler j W . Lamborne , P . M ., P . P . G . P . 1 W . T . Jordan , I . P . M . ; W . C . Till , F . W . Hotham , F . G . Ticehurst , J . Chance , C . J . Homsett , Geo . Smith , Jas . Hodson , Belchamber , St . John , Newman , and others . The principal business was the raising of Bro . Newman

to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., which vvas most success- ] fully and impressively performed by the I . P . M ., Bro . Jordan , who also gave the traditional history and the ex- ! planation of the tracing" board . A motion by Bro . Jordan I to give two guineas to Bro . Pearce ' s list , as Steward of the I R . M . B . I . was carried . Bro . Hughes then , at some length , i explained the scheme for raising the annuity to Bro . j

Binckes , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys , and moved that the lodge 1 contribute its quota of £ 2 ios . Tlie proposition met with strenuous opposition , and , after an animated discussion , was defeated by a majority of one . A vote of condolence with the worthy Treasurer , Bro . Wells , on the loss of his mother , aged cj 6 , concluded the business , and the lodge was then closed .

Provincial Meetings.

BLACKBURN . Lodge of Perseverance ( No . 345 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Old Bull Hotel , on Thursday , the 20 th ult . There vvas an exceptionally good attendance of both members and visitors , the visitors' list comprising * one representative or more from Lodges 269 , 135 , 253 , 2324 , 1134 , and 126 .

The ceremonial work of the evening comprised a passing , performed by Bro . S . Haworth , P . M ., Treas ., P . P . G . D . C . East Lancashire , and two initiations performed by Bro . S . Goldstone , P . M ., who also delivered the charge in the First Degree . / The ordinary routine business of the lodge vvas then disposed of , after vvhich the W . M . proceeded to discharge the

special function , to witness vvhich the brethren had assembled in such large numbers , namely , to present the I . P . M ., Bro . F . W . Gregson , with a Past Master's jewel . The inscription on the obverse of the jewel—of which the following is a copy—sufficiently explains the reason of its presentation : " Presented to Bro . K . W . Gregson , I . P . M ., by thc members of the Lodge of Perseverance , No . 345 , on the

completion of his Mastership , as a token of esteem and respect , and in recognition of his eminent and valued services to the lodge . " In presenting the jewel , the W . M . observed that the duty he had to perform vvas a pleasing one to himself , and he hoped the occasion would afford equal pleasure to the recipient . The members of the lodge had adopted that means

of giving expression to their appreciation of his efforts in the interests of the lodge , and they all thought him highly deserving of it . He hoped that Bro . Gregson might live many years to wear that jewel , with honour to the lodge and with pleasure to himself . Bro . Gregson , in replying , thanked the Worshipful Master for the kind remarks lie had made in presenting

the jewel , and expressed his surprise that the lodge should estimate his services so highly as to think him worthy to become the recipient of so magnificent ajewel as the one he had just received . He thought the kindly feelings of the brethren more than his own deservings would account for the valuable mark of esteem conferred upon him , but he would assure the brethren that he should value the jewel ,

not so much for its intrinsic worth as for the sentiments of which it vvas the expression , and the sight of it would stimulate him to increased exertions on behalf of his mother lodge . The jewel vvas manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , and is an exquisite specimen of artistic skill . After this pleasing episode vvas concluded , the lodge vvas

closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . A most agreeable evening vvas spent , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts being duly honoured , the visitors especially expressing their great gratification with the evening ' s proceedings , and with the true Masonic hospitality extended to them by the W . M . and brethren of the lodsre .

HAMPTON COURT . Hemming Lodge ( No . 1512 ) . — This lodge met at the Greyhound Hotel , on the 20 th ult . Among those present were Bros . C Clark , W . M . j A . F . SchoTding , S . W . ; W . Fisher , P . M . S 34 , J . VV . ; J . C . Jessett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Sec ; J . Smith , J . D . ; J . W . Clarke , I . G . ; R . Kent , Org . ; VV . Spearing , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; Harry

Wheatley , P . M ., H . Robinson , and W . Hopkins , Stwds . ; E . H . Trotter , A . D . C ; George Ransford , I . P . M . ¦ T . W . Ockenden , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Eales , P . M . ; W . S . Plimsaul , P . M . 1194 ; W . D . Davies , C . Wheatley , T . D . Meacock , H . Conway , C . F . Davies , C . J . Sanders , F . A . Foes , R . Carter , J . B . Mella , C . H . H . Boyce , A . Macchi , and others . Among the visitors vvere Bros . H .

Room , P . M ., P . G . Sec ; Tucker , P . G . D . C . ; Marvin , P . M . j Progress , and Allen , 1 733 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Anthony Macchi was passed to the Second Degree . The ballot having been taken for Bro . Humphrey Bright , he was duly initiated by the W . M . in a very creditable manner . Bros . Room , P . G . Sec , and

lucker , P . G . D . C , were duly saluted as Prov . G . Officers . The Secretary , previous to the lodge being closed , gave a notice of motion- " That the sum of £ 2 ios . be voted to the ' Pension Idemnity Fund , ' Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . " He also called attention to the fact that Bro . A . F . Scholding , S . W ., would represent the lodge at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , under the

presidency of Bro . Col . Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., Prov . Grand Master . The brethren then adjourned to the banquet which vvas capitally served by Bro . Mella . The usual routine of toasts received full justice . Bio . H . Room , P . G . Sec , in responding to the toast of " The Provincial Grand Officers , " gave some interesting details in connection with the past , present , and future of

the important Province of Middlesex . Bros . Tucker , Marvin , and Allen replied to the toast of "The Visitors . " Bros . T . W . Ockenden and G . Ransford acknowledged "The Health of the Past Masters . " The former was the first initiate of the lodge , and his remarks vvere listened to

with more than usual interest on this occasion , as he spoke of members long since departed who vvere in the vigour of health when he first saw Masonic light . Bros . Jessett and Capt . Walls responded on behalf of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and Bros . Scholding and J . Smith for "The Officers . " The proceedings , vvhich were very enjoyable , then terminated .

KEYNSHAM . St . Keyna Lodge ( No . 1833)—The annual installation meeting in connection with this lodge vvas held in the Public Hall , vvhich vvas nicely decorated by Bro . H . J . Cox , on Tuesday , the iSth ult ., the installation being " that of Bro . James S . Naish as W . M . There vvas a distinguished attendance of the brethren of the Provinces

of the Somersetshire and Bristol lodges . The ceremony was performed by the Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . R . C . Else , after which the Worshipful Master duly appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . W . D . Hobkirk , I . P . M . ; C . Pfeiffer , S . VV . ; C . Nevvall , I . W . ; A . J . Gay , P . M .. Treas . ;

B . Read , Sec ; R . H . Shrapnell , S . D . ; D . Stalworthy , J . D . ; E . J . Grubb , P . M . 68 , D . C . ; J . Byerley , I . G . ; and others . The brethren subsequently adjourned to the Lamb and Lark Hotel , where the usual banquet was held , under the presidency of the newly-appointed Master , Bro . J . S . Naish .