Cassell's National Library. Messrs. Cassell And Co. (Limited).

be answerable for the selections made , and will write a short introduction to each . The volumes already announced include works by Lords Byron , Macaulay , and Bacon , and Hallam , I-aac Walton , R . B . Sheredan , Burke , & c , & c , the first of the series , which appeared on the 21 st ult ., being Lord Macaulay's " Warren Hastings . " Each

volume will be distinct in itself , and a piece of good literature ; it will be printed in small , but readable type , and will contain about ICJ 2 pages . It is unnecessary we should say that we wish all possible success to so worthy an enterprise .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft ilasonrg .

WHITTINGTON LODGE ( No . 862 ) . —A meeting of this lodge took place on Monday , the 21 st ult ., at Freemasons' Hall . The W . M ., Bro . John Collinson , presided , Bro . Packer , P . M ., acting pro tem . as Secretary , in the absence of Bro . James Weaver , P . M ., who could not attend . Bro . Pauncefort presided at the organ . After the confirmation of the minutes of the previous

meeting , Mr . J . J . Nannetti , having been balloted tornem . con ., was initiated by the W . M ., who then proceeded to pass Bro . Sharp to the Second Degree . Bro . Anderson , who had been initiated at thc November meeting , was also to have been passed to the Second Degree , but business arrangements prevented his attendance . Afterwards , when the ordinary business of tlie lodge had been disposed of ,

Bro . Brown , P . M ., gave notice that at thc next meeting he would invite the members to consider Bye-law No . 11 of the lodge , with a view to its amendment . > After the lodge had been closed , the brethren and visitors retired to the Holborn Restaurant , where an excellent dinner awaited them . The evening was spent in the usual Masonic lashion , the brethren and visitors being particularly pleased with the proceedings , each doing his best to

foster good fellowship and kindly Feeling . The brethren present were Bros . J . Collinson , W . M . ; O . J . Ross , S . W . ; W . Hill , J . W . ; T . Kingston , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Irvine , S . D . ; J . Brocklehurst , J . D . ; A . V . H . Pauncefort , I . G . ; V . Day , W . S . ; Brown , P . M . ; Packer , P . M . ; Bolton , P . M . ; Richardson , I . P . M . 5 Sharp , Bentley , Ouanqerolli , and Thrower . The visitors were Bros . Co' . esTHiggins , P . M ., and Bailden .

THE QUEEN'S ( WESTMINSTER ; LODGE ( No . 2021 ) . —This lodge held its installation meeting on Tuesday , the 15 th ult ., at S . \ , Red Lion-square , Holborn , W . C , there being present Bros . C . Probyn , W . M . ; R . Payne , S . W . ; H . C . Lambert , J . W . ; C . B . Bellerby , Treas . ; G . Coop , Sec . ; A . W . Jones , S . D . ; A . Jones , J . D . ; W . Brown , D . C ; P . J . Canning and W . R . Hunt ,

Stwds . ; F . Delevanti , Org . ; T . Bradley , Tyler ; Godfrey , Kempton , Russell , Merrywcather , ford , Shipway , Girdlestone , Harnell , jun ., Fowler , Hodges , Currie , Beard , Dray , A . | . Brown , Mundell , Rose , Jordan , Rowe , A . J . Payne , F . lvingdon , Daniel ] , Goldney , Walters , Giingel , Kosenbcrger , Willis , Bradshaw , Brockman , and Howard Vincent . The visitors were Bros . W . J . M 3 son , 132 S : W .

Keatir , 1604 ; G . Flint , 55 S ; J . Blundell , 742 ; j . L . Corun , SGo ; C . Wilkes , S 5 S ; W . Smith , 902 ; A . J . Hewitt , 132 S ; H . T . Reed , 12 S 7 ; W . B . Heath , 19 S j A . P . Lcite , 795 and 1 S 0 ; J . Pullman , 1305 ; H . Ashwell , ' 3 ° 5 J C . Lambert , 19 S ; W . Barnard , 749 ; A . Rideal , Soo ; A . Solbe , 17 S 9 ; R . V . Seton ; J . R . Harnell , 511 ; F . Herold , 105 G ; H . Von Joel , 957 ; G . F .

Edwards , 7 G 6 " ; W . D . Townsend , 3 ; P .. J . Ack worth , 1612 ; N . Keed , 1572 and 1601 ; E . M . Daniell , 16 941 A . C . Stephens , 1425 ; E . Moore , 1671 ; W . C . Smith , 15 G 3 ; W . Woodruff , 957 ; T . B . Dodson , SGa ; and R B . Hunter , 129 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and con firmed , and a ballot was then 'taken for Messrs . Rosen .

berger , Gunzell , Willis , Bradshaw , and Brockman , and proving unanimous in their favour , those gentlemen were initiated into thc Order . The report of the Auditors having been adopted , and ordered to be inserted in the minutes , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and Bro . R . Payne , S . W ., P . M . 132 S , was installed W . M . by Bro . C . Kempton , 2021 , P . M . 12 S 7 , in faultless style . On the

return of the brethren below the chair , the following officers were appointed : Bros . H . C . Lambert , S . W . ; C . P . Bellerby , J . W . ; G . Lambert , P . G . S . B ., P . M ., Treas . ; G . Coop , Sec ; A . W . Jones , S . D . ; A . Jones , J . D . —the last two brethren keeping the same positions they held in the past year in favour of Bio . Bellerby—W . Brown , I . G . ; P . G . Canning , D . C . ; W . R . Hunt , Asst .

D . C . ; F . Kingdon and A . J . Payne , Stwds . ; F . Delevanti , Org . ; and T . Bradley , Tyler . In investing Bro . A . J . Payne , the W . M . stated it was not often that a father had an opportunity of placing his son on the first rung of the ladder leading to thc chair ; but he felt sure that he would endeavour to emulate thc best in the Craft ; and the W . M ., in investing the different officers ,

congratulated them fur the excellent working during the past , and felt sure that his successor would be able to speak in the same way of each and all of them in the future . Thc addresses were given in a most impressive manner . The W . M . proposed , and the S . W . seconded , that Bro . Colonel Howard Vincent , M . P ., should be elected an honorary member of the lodgc , which , on being put , was

unanimously carried . A Past Master ' s jewel was then presented to Bro . C . Probyn for his services to the lodgc . The brethren then adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , and Bro . Hamp superintended a most enjoyable repast . After the toasts of "The Queen and the Craft , " & c , had been given , The Immediate Past Master rose and proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Master" in a very felicitous

manner . The Worshipful Master thanked the brethren and Bro . Probyn for the honour they had done him in placing him in the chair , and assured them It would be his best endeavour to still further enhance the welfare and prestige of the lodge . " The Visitors" were proposed , coupled with the name of Bro . Howard Vincent , who , in responding , thanked the

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

W . M . and brethren for the hearty feeling shown towards him , and thanked them most sincerely for electing him an honorary member , and it would be ever remembered by him , and while he continued to be the colonel of The ( Westminster ) corps , a suitable room at head-quarters and every facility should be given to the lodge , and also a lodge of instruction , which he understood was about to be formed .

Previous to the Tyler s toast , Bro . Howard Vincent , in very flattering terms , proposed " The Health of Bro . Bradley , Tyler of the lodge , and formerly Drill Instructor and Sergeant-Major of the Second Battalion , " and wished him long life and prosperity . Under the superintendence of Bro . Delevanti , an excellent list of songs and recitations were given by Bros . Prenton , Parkin , Dutton , and Pritchard .

HALIFAX . —Probity Lodge ( No . 61 ) . —The centenary festival of this lodge was held at the Freemasons ' Hall on Monday , the 21 st ult . The chair was occupied by the W . M ., Bro . J . W . Davis , and there was a large muster of brethren . The Lodge of Probity holds the distinguished position of a consecutive record of its transactions and workings ever since the date of its warrant in August ,

173 S , and according to the minutes the centenary was celebrated in iS 3 S , the members marching in procession to the Parish Church , where a special service was held . It was , however , considered by the present members of the lodge desirable to have the event more distinctly marked , and accordingly application was made to the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , for the centenary

warrant , and his authority for the brethren to wear the jewel . This request was gracefully acceded to , and at this meeting the Provincial Grand Master for West Yorkshire , Bro . T . W . Tew , attended and delivered to the lodge the warrant bearing the signature of His Royal Highness , and also presented jewels to several members of the lodge .

The business of the lodge having been completed , the brethren retired to the banqueting room , where an excellent repast was served , toasts suited to the occasion being afterwards proposed and responded to . The gathering was altogether of an enjoyable character . To Bro . Herbert Crossley , the Secretary , the lodge is indebted for specially valuable services . He has collated a large mass

of interesting information respecting the lodge , which , it is understood , will shortly be published . The lodges represented on the occasion , besides the sister lodges of the town , were the following -. Prudence and Defence , Leeds ; Sykes , Ripon ; Prince George , Eastwood ; Prince Frederick , Hebden Bridge ; Airedale ,

Shipley ; St . Andrew ' s , Farnham , Surrey ; Three Grand Principles , Dewsbury ( this lodge being represented by Bro . T . B . Fox , the Mayor of Dewsbury ); Sincerity , Wakefield ; Rybume , Sowerby Bridge ; Three Graces , Haworth ; Savile , Elland ; Temperance , Birmingham ; and Brighouse .

SUNDERLAND . —Palatine Lodge ( No . 97 ) . — The annual meeting of this lodge took place on Thursday , the iSth ult ., and was of a very unusual character , by reason of the lamented death of Bro . W . B . Ferguson , the W . M . elect , in the interval between the previous meeting for the election and the present meeting . Bro . J . R . Pattison , the W . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros .

John C . Moor , P . P . G . D ., I . P . M . ; Robert Singleton , S . W . ; C . M . Wake , acting J . W . ; Thos . Millican Watson , P . M ., Treas . ; G . C . Watson , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., Sec ; John G . Nasbet , S . D . ; W . Birch , acting J . D . ; Wm . A . O . Sutcliffe , I . G . ; John J . day , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., P . G . Deputy D . of C , D . of C . ; E . G . Watson , Org . ; James R . Nicholson and Thomas Campbell , Stwds . ; J . Storey ,

Auditor ; and J . Brown , Tyler . There were also present Bros . W . Beattie , P . M . ; G . Low , P . M . ; J . Dobson , I . P . M . ; J . J . Wilson , W . M . So ; J . Hcwson , W . M . 949 ; J . G . Kirtley , I . P . M . 949 , P . G . J . D . ; T . G . Garrick , W . M . 94 ; and others . Ihe lodge was draped in mourning , in allusion to the lamented death of Bro . Ferguson , I . W .

The Worshipful Master , Bro . J . R . Pattison , on the reading of the minutes said : Brethren , it is my painful duty to announce that we cannot confirm thc minutes of our last general lodge , as far as the election of W . M . is concerned , owing to the most unexpected and lamented death of the W . M . elect , Bro . Wm . Bramwell Ferguson ,

J . W . An event of this kind has in all probability never previously occurred in the history of the Palatine Lodge . At a later period of the evening I shall have occasion to return to the subject , as it is my intention to propose that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow and family of our late brother .

Ihe Worshipful Master , in afterwards moving a letter of condolence , said : Brethren , as I have already announced , since last meeting the lodge has suffered a severe loss by the death of Bro . Ferguson , J . W ., who on that occasion was elected W . M . for the ensuing year . I might remind you , brethren , that our late brother was initiated into Masonryjn the Palatine Lodge on April 28 th , 1859 and has

, remained a subscribing member to the lodge the greater part of the time up to the present year . He was also a member of the Lambton Lodge , 375 , occupying the position of J . D . It was but natural that his preference and interest in his mother lodge should be paramount , and this we all knew was the case . Had he been spared to occupy the Master's chair during the year we have now

entered upon , there is not the slightest doubt that his services would have been of great advantage to the lodge , and his Mastership a most popular one with the brethren , not only of our own lodge , but ¦ also with the visiting brethren from the town and district . We much regret his sudden decease , and I am sure you will join with me in the following letter of condolence , which I purpose addressing to his widow and family .

"Sunderland , Dec . 10 th , 1 SS 5 . "Madam , —The W . M ., officers , and brethren of the Palatine Lodge respectfully tender you our deepest sympathy in your affliction at the death of your dear husband , and our highly esteemed brother . During his long

connection with the lodge , extending over a period of 26 years , he greatly endeared himself to the members by his courteous bearing and kindly disposition . As a mark of their appreciation and esteem the brethren elected him to the position of Worshipful Master of the lodge at their last meeting . We pray that the Almighty may support you

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and your estimable family in this great affliction . —I remain , madam , yours most respectfully , "J OSEPH ROISSON PATTISON , " W . M . Palatine Lodge , No . 97 . " ** ' Mrs . W . B . Ferguson , South Cliff , Roker . " The motion was supported by Bro . R . Singleton , S . W ., and carried unanimously .

Allusion was , next made to the death of Bro . Clifford , of Darlington , and on the motion of Bro . J . C . Moor , I . P . M ., seconded by Bro . G . C . Watson , P . M . and Secretary of the lodgc , it was agreed to address a letter of condolence to the bereaved widow and family of the deceased . Bro . T . McLaren and Bro . Hartley Campbell were elected

Auditors for the ensuing year , and the W . M . announced that the lodge would proceed at their next meeting to elect a W . M . The lodge was then closed . The annual festival was not held . The brethren adjourned for refreshment to the banqueting hall , where the memory of the deceased brethren was honoured in a silent toast .

DEVONPORT . —Fidelity Lodge ( No . 230 ) . — The members of the above lodge held their annual meeting on the 17 th ult ., at the Ebrington Masonic Hall . The W . M . elect , Bro . Edwd . Hatherton Littleton , was installed hy Bro . James Border , P . M . 230 , assisted by Bro . R . Pike , P . M . 230 , and supported by a very large Board of Installed Masters . At the close of the installation the W . M .

invested the following brethren as his officers : Bros . VV . S . Rattenbury , S . W . ; J . J . Meadley , J . W . ; Jas . Border , Chap . ; John Lynn , P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; R . Cawsey , P . P . G . S . D ., Sec ; F . Orchard , S . D . ; A . Maddock , J . D . ; R . E . J . Lamb , D . C . ; J . Harrison , A . D . C . ; R . Pike , Org . ; W . H . Burt , I . G . ; W . V . Harris , R . H . Penberthy , and A . Farr , Stwds . ; and Harvey , Tyler . Bro .

R . Cawsey was re-elected the representative of the lodge on the Committee of Petitions , and Bro . J . Lynn the Charity Steward . In the evening the members of the lodge and a large number of visitors was present at the installation banquet in the lodge-room . Bro . E . H . Littleton presided , supported by his officers , and among the brethren present

during the day were the following officers : Bros . J . Whitford , J . R . H . Harris , A . Rowe , R . W . Pitcher , P . M . 230 ; the Rev . T . W . Lemon , M . A ., 1 S 9 , P . P . G . Chap . ; T . Heath , 1136 , P . P . G . R . ; E . Poor , 113 G , P . G . S . D . ; F . Hooper , 1212 , P . P . G . D . C ; H . Miller , 223 , P . P . G . D . C . ; R . Pengellev , 70 , P . P . G . D . C . ; J . R . Lord , 1247 , P . P . G .

S . B . ; E . j . Knight , 202 , P . P . G . S . B . ; C . Haggarty , A . W . White , P . M . 113 G ; J . Jolliffe , W . M . 954 ; L Gould , W . j . Stanbury , P . M . 1099 ; A . E . Lean . P . M . 70 ; W . Allsford , R . Jackson , P . M . ; J . Price , W . M . 202 ; D . Cross , P . M . 1205 ; E . Pillar , W . M . ; J . Giffacd , P . M . 105 ; J . Y . Avery , P . M . 156 ; E . Prout , W . M . 1 S 9 ; Byron Elliott , P . M . 1247 ; and J . Gidley , P . M . 2025 .

YORK . —York Lodge ( No . 236 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Duncombe-place , on Monday , the 21 st ult . Present : Bros . Dr . Draper W . M . ; Dr . Henry Foster , S . W . ; T . G . Hodgson ' , J . W . ; the Very Rev . A . P . Purey-Cust , Dean of York P . G . Chap ., Chap . ; J . Todd , P . P . G . T ., Treas . ; Wm . Smith , Sec . ; P . Border , S . D . ; C . Anderson , D . C . : C .

Forbes , I . G . ; b . Crummack , Stwd . ; W . G . Calvert Tyler ; P . M . 's G . Garbutt , A . H . M . Gachen , J . Sykes Rymer , Mark Rooke , A . Buckle , G . W . C . Lee , R . W . Hollon , G . Kirby , and J . E . Macnay ; Dr . f . Ramsay , Tom Archey , J . Toes , E . Houlden , Lambert Hick , the Rev . C , Linley , J . Biscombe , E . Carter . Dr . Mungo Bryson , W . G , Thomas , and E , W . Purnell . Visitors : Bros . I . M .

Blenkm , P . M . 1611 ; F . Smith , P . M . S 37 ; W . B . Smith , S 37 ; G . W . Hudson , 566 ; R . Hodgson , 566 ; W . H . Beverley , 200 ; W . M . Cowper , 1 S 4 S ; W . G . Watson , 602 ; K . C . Faulkner , 1555 ; J . W . Wcodall , G . T ., 200 J . Brookes Parkin , S 37 ; L . A . W . R . Barnes , 113 ; H . Allison , 1001 ; F . Bateman , S 37 ; and others . The lodge was opened by Bro . W . Draper , W . M ., and after the reading of the minutes , Bro . J . ToddP . M .. P P

, G . T ., took the chair , and proceeded to install Bro . Foster , the W . M . elect , the Wardens' chairs being occupied by Bros . A . Buckle , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and J . Sykes Rymer P . M ., P . G . Reg . The W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . W . Draper , I . P . M . ; T G Hodgson , S . W . ; W . Smith , J . W . ; the Dean of York ' P . G . C ., Chap . ; J . Todd , P . M ., Treas . ; E . W . PurneH

bee ; b . Border , S . D . ; C . M . Forbes , J . D .: H S Hopton , D . C . ; A . Sample , Org . ; J . B . SampsrTh , I . G . ; ' S . G . Crummack and T . Watkinson , Stwds . ; and VV . G . Calvert , Tyler . The Secretary read letters of apolotrv and regret from Bros . Dr . Bell , D . P . G . M . ; Peck , P . GT - Tew , P . G . M . West Yorks ; Hon . W . T . Orde-PowletY P . P . G . S . W . ; Sir F . Milner , P . G . S . W . ; T . B . Whvtehead . P . P . G . VV .: and several others . y

The lodge being closed in peace and harmony , subsequently a banquet , to celebrate the Festival of St . John the Evangelist , was held in the lodge room , and presided over by the W . M ., supported by a great number of brethrenthe room being quite full . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the rest of the evening spent in characteristic harmony and brotherly love .

SOUTH SHIELDS . —St . Hilda ' s Lodge ( No . 240 ) . —On Monday , the 14 th ult ., the annual meetingof the brethren of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall Ingham-street , when Bro . A . E . Cowling , S . W ., and W . M . elect , was installed into the chaic of K . S . There was a large attendance of brethren of the lodge , and also of the Hadrian and other lodges , amongst whom were Bros T . Coulson , P . P . G . D . ; J , C . Moor , P . P . G . D J A Witter , P . P . G . P . ; G . Turnbull . P . G . O . Nnrtrn , mWi „\ ,, t ' .

T . G . Mabane , P . P . G . S . D . j J , J . Athcy , P . P . G ADCJ . S . Wilson , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . T . Wilson , P . P G . P . 7 J . Sedcole , I . P . M . 1119 ; J . Armstrong , 1110 : W Ross I . P . M . 1970 ; and M . J . Wheatley , W . M . 1970 . The lodge having been opened in due form , Bro . Cowling was presented by Bro . T . Coulson , P . M ., and in an impressive manner was installed as W . M . bv Bro . Geo

Kobson , the retiring W . M . The W . M . then appointed and installed his officers for the ensuing year as follows Bros . Geo . Robson , I . P . M , ; J . A . Hal ) , S . W . ; L ' Inkster , J . W . ; J . Hinde , Treasurer ; G . W . Mitchell ! Secretary ; R . Purvis , jun ., S . D . ; C . F . Sutcliffe , J . D . ; VV . E . Moffett , I . G . ; Rev . W . C . Harris , Chap . ; G . Wilson , Organist ; T . M . Young , S . S . ; R . Purvis , sen ., J . S . ; T . G . Mabane , P . M ., D . of C ; and T . Potter ,