Provincial Meetings.

LEICESTER . Commercial Lodge ( No . 1391 ) . —A regular meeting of this flourishing lodge was held on Saturday , December 26 th , at Freemasons' Hall . The VV . AI ., Bro . T . S H . Ashwell , occupied the chair , and was supported by fli ' p following officers : Bros . H . Howe , S . W . ; A . Fermfssonl . W . ; R- «•Starkey , P . M ., Treas . ; } . W .

, KM 7 elev . Sec . ; A . Chambers , S . D . ; G . J . 13 . Woolley , I . D . ; F . VV . Billson , as l . G . ; S . Knight , P . AL , D . C . ; F . Lambert and J . Hawkes , Stewards ; and J . Tanser and T ° Dunn , Tylers . There were also present Bros . C J . Wilkinson , P . M ., P . G . D . C . ; T . Wright ( Alayor of Leicester ) . P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; W . W . Vincent , P . AL , P . P . S . G . D . ; I id Bower , P . M , P . S . G . D . ; and a Urge number of the

members of the lodge . Among the visitors ( of whom there was a large number ) were Bros . W . H . Barrow , Mus . Doc , I . P . M . 523 ; J . B . Waring , P . M . 523 ; and T . Coltman , P . M . 12 G 5 . . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , a ballot was taken for Mr . David Garrett as a candidate for initiation , and , on its proving

successful , he and Mr . D . M . Nesbit , already elected , were duly admitted into Freemasonry by the W . M . in an admirable manner . The ancient charge was ably delivered to the initiates by Bro . H . Howe , S . W . A ballot was also taken for a joining member , and proved successful . The VV . M ., in the absence of the Chaplain , then moved "That 15 guineas be voted to the list of the Provincial Charity Steward , Bro . W . W . Vincent , P . M ., in aid of the Royal

Alisonic Benevolent Institution , which was seconded and carried unanimously . Bro . W . W . Vincent briefly , but heartily , thanked the brethren . Bro . C . ] . Wilkinson , P . M ., P . G . D . C , resigned his appointment as Preceptor from the lod < = re to the Union Lodge of Instruction . After regret had been expressed by several of the brethren , particularl y the W . M . and I . P . M ., Bro . C . J . Wilkinson , withdrew his resignation , and consented to act as Preceptor until the end of the session .

"Hearty good wishes" were tendered from the visitors , and the lodge was closed .

WEYMOUTH . All Souls Lodge ( No . 170 ) . —The annual festival of the above lodge was held at the Alasonic Hall , on the 29 th December , when there were present Bros . H . J . Jesty , W . AL ; H . J . Groves , S . W . j Alfred Rayner , | . W . ; G . J . Davis , P . G . Org ., Chap . ; J . A . Sherren , P . S . G . D ., Treas . ; Sidney S . Milledge , acting Sec . ;

Frederick Hetley , S . D . ; B . Browning , acting J . D . ; VV . B . Morgan , P . G . Supt . of Wks ., D . C ; H . Hurdle , acting Org . ; J . T . Whettam , I . G . ; E . T . Targett , P . P . LCD ., and F . D . Pritchard , Stwds . ; R . Simmonds , Tyler ; J . VV . Clare , Asst . Tyler ; W . Smith , I . P . M . ; Zillwood Milledge , P . M ., P . J . G . W . ; Pelly Hooper , P . AL , P . P . S . G . W . ; A . Graham , P . AL , P . P . J . G . W . ; Richard Cox , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C ; J . Sedgwick , B . Morris , D . H . Williams , H . A . Huxtable , and F . VV . Padgett . Visitors : Bros . W . E . Brymer , ALP ., D . P . G . M . ; L . H .

Ruegg , 116 S , P . P . G . W . ; J . S . Stroud , 417 , P . P . G . S . of W . j R . D . Thornton , 417 , P . G . Treas . ; Ii . Tinsley , 3 SC , P . P . G . S . B . ; H . Cooke , VV . AI . 1037 ; C J . Freeman , 1037 , P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; E . Mills , 1037 , P . P . G . S . B . ; S . R . Baskett , 1617 , P . P . G . Reg . ; G . F . Parson ,, VV . M . 1146 ; and Curtis Hills , 65 . The minutes of last meeting were read and conlirmed .

The following sent apologies for absence : Bros . J . H . Bowen , Sec . ( through illness ); J . E . Crickmay , J . D . ; R . Gibbs , Org . ; VV . Watts , P . AI . 12 GC ; ) . VV . Luff , P . AI . 126 O J VV . H . Kirby , P . AL O 65 j J . So ' ppett , P . AI . 472 ; VV . Campbell , P . AL 257 j J . Staines Webb . P . AL 1367 ; T . Giles , P . AL 707 ; R . Case , P . AI . 417 ; P . G . Sec , W . M . Heath , P . M . 622 ; W . D . Dugdale , P . M . 137 J E .

VV . Young , W . M . elect 417 ; J . B . Best , P . AL 3 S 6 ; and Dr . Wilton . The report of the Audit Committee was presented , signed by Bros . H . J . Jesty , G . J . Davis , / . illwood Milledge , W . B . Morgan , C . G . Targett , and E . T . Targett , showing a balance in hand of £ So os . ? d . The accounts were read over by the Treasurer , and on the proposition of Bro . H . J . Groves , S . VV ., seconded by Bro .

K . Cox , P . M ., the report was received and adopted . Ihe Installing Master , Bro . Zillwood Milledge , P . J . G . W ., then took the chair , and Bro . VV . B . Alorgan , D . C presented Bro . G . J . Davis , P . AL , the W . AL elect , for installation . A Board of Installed Alasters was formed , consisting of Bros . W . E . Brymer , M . P ., D . P . G . AL ; Zillwood Milledge , H . J . Jesty , Pelly Hooper , li . T , Targett , VV .

Smith , J . A . Sherren , R . Cox , B . Browning , L . H . Ruegg , J . S . Stroud , R . D . Thornton , Ii . Tinsley , H . Cooke , C . J . Freeman , E . Mills , S . R . Baskett , G . F . Parsons , and VV . B . Alorgan , D . C , and Bro . G . J . Davis was regularly installed into the chair of K . S . The W . AL then invested his officers as follows : Bros . II . J . Groves , S . VV . ; A . Rayner , J . VV . ; Zillwood Milledge , I \ AI ., P . J . G . W .,

Chap . ; J . A . Sherren , P . AL , P . P . S . G . D ., Treas . ; Sidney S . Milledge , Sec . ; F . VV . Hetley , S . D . ; J . E . Crickmay , J . D . j J . T . Whettam , jun ., I . G j VV . B . Alorgan , P . AL , P . P . G . S . of VV ., D . C . j H . A . Hurdle , F . C . O ., Org . j E . T . Targett , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., and F . D . Pritchard , Stwds . ; R . Simmonds , Tyler ; and J . VV . Clare , Asst . Tyler . The W . AI . then addressed the officers and brethren , and the Installing Alaster addressed the W . M . The D . P . G . AL ,

Bro . W . E . Brymer , M . P ., then feelingly alluded to the great loss Alasonry had sustained by the death of Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , the notice of which appeared in the morning paper , and , on the proposition of Bro . Pelly Hooper , P . P . S . G . W ., seconded by Bro . J . A . Sherren , P . P . S . G . D ., it was resolved that a letter of condolence be sent to the family of this distinguished brother ,

the vote being carried in solemn silence , lt was proposed by Bro . G . J . Davis , W . AI , seconded by Bro . H . J . Jesty , P . M ., and carried by acclamation , that a cordial vote of thanks be given to Bro . Zillwood Milledge , P . J . G . W ., lor the manner in which he had discharged the duties of Installing Alaster . Bro . Milledge suitably replied . It was p .-oposed by Bro . W . B . Alorgan , P . P . G . S . of W ., seconded by Bro . J . A . Sherren , P . P . S . G . D .,

and carried by acclamation , that a cordial vote of thanks bi given to Bro . II . J . Jesty for the manner in vvhich hc had carried out the duties of W . AL during ihe past year . Bro . J esty suitably replied . lt was proposed by Bro . G . J . Davis , P . G . Org ., W . AL , seconded by Bro . Zillwood Milledge , P . J . G . W ., and carried by acclamation , that a cordial vote of thanks be g iven to Bro . J . A . Sherren , P . P . S . G . D ., for the very efficient manner in which he had discharged ( for the 13 th year ) the duties of Treasurer . Bro .

Provincial Meetings.

Sherren suitably replied . It was proposed by Bro . Pelly Hooper , P . P . S . G . W ., seconded by Bro . R . Cox , P . P . A . G . D . C , and carried by acclamation , that a cordial vote of thanks be given tothe D . P . G . AL , Bro . VV . E . Brymer , AI . P ., for his attendance . Bro . Brymer suitably replied . "Hearty good wishes" having been giv'n from Lodges 65 , 3 SG , 417 , 10 3 7 , 114 G , and 11 ( 53 , and notice of motion by Bro . 1 . A .

Slierren—that a sum not less than , £ . 10 105 . nor exceeding £ 21 be voted from the funds of the lodge , to be placed on the list of Bro . Zillwood Milledge , P . J . G . W ., who goes up as Steward for the R . M . B . I . —having been given , the lodge was closed . It is a curious coincidence that GG years ago Bro . las .

Aluledge was made Secretary , having - served no other office but I . G . ; 10 years ago Bro . Zillwood Milledge was made Secretary , having served no other office but I . G . ; and now Sidney S . Milledge , son of the former and brother of the latter , is made Secretary , having served no other office but I . G ., and all in All Souls Lodge .

YORK . York Lodge ( No . 236 ) . —The installation meeting and banejuet in connection with the above lodge was held on Monday , December 21 st , at the Masonic Hall , Duncombeplace , when there was a very large attendance . Bro . Thos . S . Brogden , VV . AI ., presided at the regular lodge , and was supported by his officers . There were also present Past

Masters : Bros . Rev . W . Valentine , P . P . G . Chap . ; George Balmford , P . P . G . O . ; A . Buckle , P . P . G . D . ; VV . Draper , P . P . G . D . ; and C . AL Forbes . Amongst the members present were Bros . Thomas Smith , A . VV . Turner , A . F . King , P . S . W . ; C . Ii . Wright , P . P . G . Stwd . ; D . Lockwood , visitors included Bros . Herbert Woodhouse ; C . Rushworth , C . Anderson , Arthur Jones , and VV . N . Stimpson . The

1309 , P . P . G . R . ; J . Blenkin , 1 G 11 , P . J . G . D . ; Thomas H . Lindberg , 232 S ; E . W . AIcNay , 1 st Royals , 101 ; VV . Finn , 215 ; A . Valentine , R . N . C , 1593 ; Paul Pearson , 1611 ; John H . Shonksmith , 1 C 11 ; and Ben . Kilvington , 1991 . Subsequently there were present Bros , the Dean of York ( the Rev . A . P . Purey-Cust , D . D . ) , P . G . Chap . ling . ; T . B . Wytehead , P . G . S . B . Eng . ; J . Sykes Rymer , P . P . G .

Reg . ; Storey , VV . M . iGti ; lames kay , Sec . 1 G 11 ; J . Horner , 1611 ; H . L . Swift , VV . AI . 232 S ; D . Scoby , 23 G ; J . B . AI . Smith , 236 ; Alfred Procter , 236 ; Capt . F . Hewson , P . M ., P . Z ., P . D . S . G . D . Alalta ; J . E . Wilkinson , I . P . AI . 1991 ; and George Manton , S . VV . 1991 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last regular lodge were read and confirmed . The installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . E . W . Purnell , S . VV ., then took

place , the Installing Master being Bro . J . Todd , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., Treas ., the ceremony being performed in a very able manner . The Worshipful Master appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . T . S . Brogden , I . P . AI . ; J . B . Sampson , S . VV . ; A . Jones , J . W . ; the Rev . C . Linley , Chap . ; J . Todd , P . P . S . G . W ., Treas . ; C Anderson , Sec ; E . Carter , S . D . ; M . Bryson , J . D . ; F . S . Grainshaw , I . G . ; A . Sample , P . P . G . Org ., Org . ;

A . Procter , D . of C . ; J . A . Askew and VV . N . Stimpson , Stwds . •, and John Hall , Tyler . In the evening the banquet was held in the Alasonic Hall , and was well served by Bro . Toes , a very large company bring present , including most of the brethren above-named . The VV . AI ., Bro . Purnell , presided , and proposed "The Queen and the Craft , " remarking that during her . Majesty ' s reign there had been an increased allegiance to

Freemasonry . The VV . AI . also proposed ' •H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , AI . W . G . AI . of England , and the rest of the Grand Ofiicers , Present and Past , " and said that it was pleasureablc to Freemasons to know that Prince Albert Victor was about to be united to an English Princess . Alasons in York , perhaps , felt extra interest in Prince Albert Victor , because they had

had him walking about in their streets and making himself agreeable with everyone with whom he had come in contact . They must congratulate the AI . W . G . AI . on such a very happy event as would take place . The Dean of York , who was called upon to reply as a Past Officer of Grand Lodge , said that as they were of one mind upon this toast there was little new to say . However ,

he would refer to one matter . lhey felt that the Prince who was about to be married was not only a good Alason but also they knew him asa recent resident of S ' ork ; hence they felt a personal interest in him , as one who had shown gentleness , quietness , cordiality , arid a readiness to take part in anything that would promote the welfare of those around him . This was a bright augury of the future .

After some remarks bearing upon the reign of George III ., the popularity of hcr Alajesty and the Princess of Wales , the very reverend brother concluded by expressing the pleasure hc had in being present at the banquet of so ancient and important a lodge . The Worshipful Alaster then proposed "The R . VV . the Earl of Zetland , P . G . AI . of the North and East Ridings ;

the R . W . the Hon . VV . T . Orde- _ owlett , P . G . W . England , D . P . G . AL ; and the Present and Past Provincial Grand Oilicers , " and in doing so remarked that he had noticed in that day's paper an announcement that Prince Albert Victor was to fill thc place of Lord Zetland as Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland , therefore York would still be in touch with him . Bro . S . Border , P . AL , in responding to the toast , said

that Lord Zetland had done much for Alasonry , and they had reason to be proud that they had such a President of the North and East Ridings , and they could only be more than satisfied with their able Deputy Provincial Grand Alaster , Bro . Orde-Powlett . Bro . J . Sykes Rymer , P . AL , proposed "The VV . AI . of the York Lodge , " and said that since it had been his

privilege years ago to initiate the present W . M ., hc had seen that brother steadily advancing to the high position he now occupied , and although he had not the gift of prophecy , he felt that as they now saw him a City Councillor , they would probably sec him an Alderman and Lord Alayor . Their W . AI . 's object was to promote the greatest good to Alasonry , and he as . ed the brethren to support him in his effort to

make the coming year the most successful in the history of the lodge . As Bio . Purnell had been Secretary , J . W ., and S . W ., lie was well fitted to make his position a thorough success , but he must have the support ot his officers . After a few further remarks upon the advance of Masonry in

York , the speaker submitted the toast , which was received with cheers . The W . M . was received with much cordiality , and thanked thebrethren from the bottom of his heart for the enthusiastic manner in which they had welcomed him . He had felt nervous about undertaking thc position , but now hc felt

Provincial Meetings.

proud of the confidence of his brethren in placing him in the chair of that grand old lodge . He felt extremely the responsibilities attaching to his office , but from the kindly promises of his officers , he felt sure that with their help he would be able to promote the prosperity of the lodge during his 3 'ear of office . He would endctvour to govern it

according to its ancient privilege , and act with st-ictest impartiality , and \ v irk as far as he could for the benefit of the brethren of that lod _ re and Alasonry generally . He asked for the forbearance of his brethren , and abova all , and before all , for their help in working for the glory and honour of the Great Architect of tlie Universe .

Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., proposed "The Alasonic Charities , " and remarked that nothing was dearer to Freemasonry than Charity . He spoke of the three great Charities , and urged the necessity of also keeping in mind Charity in its wider sense and in all its bearings as shown in the Volume of the Sacred Law . Having observed that great care should be taken as to who should be admitted to Freemasonry , especially with regard to their social and

pecuniary position , he argu _ d that Alasons were not a body established for the only purpose of relieving people in distressed circumstances , although they delighted to keep those whom it was known had been reduced to poverty . He asked them to support the VV . AI . during his year of office . Bro . Swift proposed "The Installing Alister , Bro . J , Todd , P . AL , P . P . S . G . W . ; the I . P . AI ., Bro . T . S . Brogden ; and the Past Alasters of the York Lodge , " and remirkeil

that Bro . I odd was ever ready to render assistance in any lodge . Bro . Todd , in responding , said he found himself the oldest member present , and he had a long and pleasant experience of the work of the province . He hid had the privilege of installing 14 Masters of that lodge , lt was exactly 21 years since he was himself installed by the late Bro . Cowley . He congratulated Bro . Purnell on his

appointment , and anticipated a prosperous year for the lodge . Bro . A . Buckle , P . AL , proposed " The Sister Lodges of the Province , " and Bros . Woodhouse , Storey , and Alanton responded . Bro . Rev . C . Linley proposed "The Visitors , " and Bros . Lindberg and VV . Finn replied . " The Officers of theLodge" was proposed by Bro . M .

Rooke , P . AL , and responded to by Bro . Sampson and the J . VV . 1 he Tyler ' s toast concluded the fist . During the evening some excellent vocal and instrumental music was given , and at midnight , shortly before the close ofthe meeting , the " City Waits , " in quaint costume , entered the banqueting hall , and played several ancient ditties on their violins . A very pleasant evening was spent .

Mask Masonry.

Mask Masonry .

BRADFORD . The Old York Lodge ( T . l . ) . —A regular meeting oi this lodge was held at the Frccm lsons' Hall , Salem-street , recently , when the following brethren were present : Bros . Tnos . Norfolk , VV . M . ; T . 11 . Pattinsin , S . VV . ; T . E . Greenough , J . W . ; F . D . Harrison , ALO . ; M . Hayes , S . O . ; Jas . Pratt , as J . O . ; Gso . Althorp ,

P . P . G . W ., Treas . ; John T . Last , Sec ; VV . Liycock , S . D . ; Geo . Martin , J . D . ; Bonsor , as l . G . ; | ohn Niven , asR . AL ; C J . Schott , P . P . J . G . O ., as I . P . AI . ; Simeon Wniteley , P . P . G . D ., Org . ; and Jas . D . nvhirst , P . M . The minutes of the previous meeting hiving been read and confirmed , Bro . the Rev . Thos . J . AIcNulty , Prov . G . Chap ., was elected a joining number . The ballot was also

taken for Bro . G . C . Gamble , Goo , wliich proved in his favour , and he being in attendance , was advanced to the Degree of a M . M . by B . o . Norfolk , W . M . The Treasurer ' s balance-sheet for the past yeir , which hid stool over from the last meeting , was received and adopted . Three propositions of candidates foe advance ™ , . tit were received , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

NEPTUNE LODGE ( No . 22 ) . — A meeting was held on Alonday , the 21 st December , at the Gauden Hotel , Clapham , when there were present Bros . Poole , W . AL ; Sandberg , S . W . ; Nettleship , J . VV . ; Westley , Preceptor and Treas . j King , S . D . j Rashleigh , J . D . ; Barclay Perkins , I . G . j Weeks , Tyler j T . Templeman , Balcombe , Russell , Cochrane , and Ellson .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees . The 1 st Section of the Lecture was worked by Bro . Westley . The lodge was resumed to the Second Degree , and the ceremony of raising being announced , and Bro . Templeman having offered himself as a candidate , and having answered the usual

questions , was entrusted . The lodge was resumed to thc I bird Degree , and Bro . Templeman was duly raised to thc Degree ol M . M . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . The W . AI . rose for the first time , and dues were collected . The VV . AI . rose for thc second time , and Bro . Sandberg was elected W . AL for the next meeting . The VV . AI . rose for the third time , and the lodge was closed .

BLACKHEATH LODGE ( No . 1320 ) . —The usual weekly meeting was helel at the Alilkwood Tavern , Aliikwood-road , Loughborough Junction , on Alonday , the 2 S 1 I 1 December , when there were present Bros . Ucorgc Pike , W . AL j W . Dawson , S . VV . ; Turner , J . W . ; F . Hilton , P . AI ., Preceptor ; C 11 . Stone , Sec ; Stone , S . D . j Rice , J . D . j 1 ' . II . Salmon , l . G . ; Win . lickersall , Thos . Grummant , Hooper , li . T . Clarke , Reichenheim ,

Lord , Stock , Hill , II . G . Alartin , Hobley , Pullen , and li . 11 . Smith . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Lord being the candidate . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Hooper offered himself as a candidate , answered the usual questions , and was entrusted . Bro . Pike vacated the chair in favour of llro . Pullen , who rehearsed thc ceremony of raising . The VV . AI . rose for the