Provincial Meetings.

HAMPTON COURT . gUl'dett Lodge ( No 1293 ) . —This lodge met fir the despatch of business at the Mitre Hotel , on flic 26 th 11 Among those in attendance were Bros . 11 . Wilson , vv ' M I Tattersall , S . VV . ; Swain , | . W . ; Col . Gordon , , \ JVf P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; Pearse , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., Sec . ; 0 -cliard , P . M ., acting S . D . ; Roberts , P . M ., P . P . G . W .,

, , rHn g | . D . J Linley , I . G . ; Spratling , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., Org . ; Maple , P . M ., P P . G . D ., Stwd . ; Tarr , p ( vl . ; and others . Among the visitors were Bros . Capt . T . fc . Walls , 60 , P . P . G . W . ; Norris , P . M . 21 ; Stephens , „ i ( ii- ; and others . " Thi ; niinutes of the previous meeting having been read nnd conlirmed , Bro . Orr was passed to the Second Degree .

|( y the request of thc D . D . G . M . of West Australia , Bro . Step hens , of No . 21 C 5 , vvas raised lo the Third Degree . The ceremony vvas carried out by Bro . Spratling , P . M ., in a manner that left but little to be desired . 'The ballot having" been taken for Mr . li . A . 'Thorne , he was impress i vely initiated into Craft mysteries b y the VV . M . Bro . 'Tattersall was then unanimously electee ! W . M ., Bro . Col .

Gordon re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Gilbert re-elected Tyler for the year ensuing . The Audit Committee having been elected , and arrangements made to hold an emergency meeting - in December , to raise Bro . Orr and pass Bro . Thorne , Bro . Pearse moved that the thanks of the lodge be presented to thc W . M . for his kind and able services during the past year , and that the usual Past Master ' s jewel should

he presented to him in recognition thereof . 1 Ins proposition was seconded and carried by acclamation . 'The VV . M . having acknowledged this special mark of esteem , the Secretary read numerous letters of apology from absent members , notably one from Bro . R . II . Thrupp , D . P . G . M ., P . A . G . D . C , & c

The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , served in the manner vvhich has rendered thc Mitre Hotel and its venerable and genial host , Uro . Sadler , famous for miles around . The W . M . presided , as usual , most ably and pleasantly , ancl a most agreeable evening was brought to a somewhat early close by the stern exigences of thc train service .

LIVERPOOL . Emulation Lodge ( No . 1505 ) . —At a meeting of this lodge held on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., at the Masonic 'Temple , Hope-street , Bro . John G . . Hallwood vvas duly installed as W . M . for the ensuing year . The officers of the lodge present were Bros . VV . B . Svveetman , W . M . ; Albert H . Hallwood , P . M . ; Walter Burnett , P . M . ; IT . H . Smith , P . M . ; Peter

Thomas , P . M . ; J . G . Hallwood , S . VV . ; J . Worthy , J . W . j Robert Foote , P . P . G . T ., Treas . ; James Grecnlees , Sec ' . ; Eli Brooks , S . D . ; F . Simpson , j . D . ; R . S . II . Walls , I . G . j W . M . Birkhead , Stwd . ; Rev . H . G . Vernon , M . A ., P . P . G . C , Chap . ; J . T . Callow , P . M ., P . P . G . T , D . C ; J . Crossley Pratt , Org . ; and VV . H . Ball , Tyler . Among the visitors vvere Bros . Edward

Pierpoint , P . P . G . W . ; John C . Robinson , Prov . A . G . D . C ; D . Jackson , P . P . G . S . B . ; F . J . Bailey , P . P . J . G . D . ; P . R . Barron , W . M . 1570 ; J . O . Mallabar , W . M . 241 ; F . H . Annett , W . M . 75 S ; W . M'Lachlan , W . M . 241 ; Henry Round , I . P . M . 1609 ; J . Henderson , P . M . 1 O 20 ; Joseph Sharpies , P . M . 724 ; W . Lewis , S . VV . 2042 ; H . ' B . Houghton , S . VV . 314 ; J . M . Hogarth , J . VV . 1473 ;

and R . H . Leake , Sec . 1547 . The presenting officers werc Bros . H . IT . Smith , P . M ., and Albert H . Hallwood , P . M ., the W . M . being installed by Bro . VV . B . Sweetman , the retiring W . M . After . his installation , Bro . John G . Hallwood proceeded to invest his -Officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . W . B .

Sweetman , I . P . M . ; John Worthy , S . W . ; James Greenlees , J . VV . ; Rev . IT . G . Vernon , M . A ., P . P . G . C , Chap . ; Robert Foote , P . P . G . T ., Treas . ; Eli Brooks , Sec ; Francis Simpson , S . D . ; Robert H . Wells , J . D . ; James T . Callow , P . P . G . T ., D . C . j John C . Pratt , Org . ; and William Metcalf , Edwin Eastwood , and John E . Williams , Stewards .

During the - evening the I . P . M . was presented vvith an / Scarat gold jewel , mounted vvith a diamond , and enamelled m colours , designed and manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ( Liverpool and London ) , which vvas very much admired .

SEACOMBE . Warren Lodge ( No . 1276 ) . —The annual installation meeting of the members of the above lodge took place on Tuesday , the 15 th ult ., at the lodge room , Seacome Hotel , vvhen there vvas a numerous attendance . The chair at the opening of the proceedings vvas occupied by pro . A . Fay , W . M ., and he vvas supported by the

following officers : Bros . H . Mathews , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; G . blister , P . M . j E . G . Mason , P . M ., P . D . G . D . of C . j R . Parry , S . W . j W . Cloves , Sec . ; W . Ellison , S . D . j W . Davidson , J . D . ; S . Jones , I . G . j J . G . Parker , P . M ., ' ¦ P . J . G . D . j and other brethren . The visitors included » r ° s . A . G . Akinson , W . M . nSg ; P . Duff , W . M . 605 ; f ;* , Shields , P . M . 1557 ; J . Clarke , W . M . 1576 ; E .

Roberts , Sec . 2132 ; T . Pierrepoint , P . M . 1393 ; J . T . « e , P . M . 605 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; Eaton Batty , I . G . 1909 ; - *• K . Stevenson , P . M . 537 , P . P . S . G . D . j J . Morris , P . M . ! j ? 7 »; J . Evans , S . D . 1576 j J . Gerrish , Stwd . 157 6 ; and " ¦• IL Ironside , Sec . 1264 . Letters of apology were read from Bros . Lord Egerton of 'alton , P . G . M . ; ' " Thomas Marwood , P . P . S . G . W . ; John '

bewail , P . P . S . G . W . VV . Lane ; Alfred Cross , P . P . S . G . D . v - Lane . ; and many others . Thc accounts of the lodge ° r the year showed the finances were in a very satisfactory condition . Subsequently Bro . R . Parry , W . M . elect , vvas Presented b y Bros . T . B . Hughes , P . M ., and A . Fay , VV . M ., ° > installation , the ceremony being efficiently performed by " ¦ " o - H . Matthews , P . M ., P . P . G . S . Afterwards the newly , ected VV . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . A . Fav .

' e- ' -M . j VV . Cloves , S . W . ; VV . Ellison , J . VV . ; E . G . "lason , P . M ., P . D . G . D . C , 'Treas . ; R . Luke , P . M ., c , - 5 W . Davidson , Sec ; S . Jones , S . D . ; F . Ii . A . !' . l , e 'J-D- ; IT . W . Barlow , I . G . ; J . A . Mulholland , r \ 'ay'or , ancl G . VV . Makin , Stwds . j S . A . Seaton , u 'lj ' - ; and F . W . Holtaway , Tyler . j | . "j conclusion of the business , the brethren dined in VV Yr " room ' * " chairmanship of Bro . R . Parry ,

s W [ n S the evening a handsome P . M . ' s jewel vvas pre' niccl to Bro . A . Fay , I . P . M ., for his services to the lodge , be usual loyal and Masonic toasts vvere proposed ancl ¦ " ¦ ¦¦ ponded to .

Provincial Meetings.

An excellent musical programme was rendered by Bros George Barton , Eaton Hatty , li . Edwards , N . Bert , J . B Ironside , and others . Bro . A . J . Phipps , Mus . Bac ., pre sided at the organ with his usual ability .

WOLVERHAMPTON . Tudor Lodge of Rifle Volunteers ( No . 183 S ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge vvas held on Friday , the 4 th ult ., and was made memorable from the fact of the lodge having moved to nevv premises , the Drill Hall , Stafford-street , the Head-quarters of the 3 rd Volunteer Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment . It was also the

hrst occasion on which the lodge had used its own furniture , having for the previous ten years rented furniture from the other two lodges in the town . The furniture , supplied by Bro . George Kenning , is made of dark oak , and reflects thc greatest credit on that well-known firm . It was keenly criticised by thc members ancl visitors present , and on all sides vvere heard expressions of approval .

The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Quartermaster Longden , P . G . Stwd ., assisted by his officers , Bros . Capt . A . McBean , S . VV ., W . M . elect ; Capt . J . F . Chapman , J . W . j Sergt .-Major Woods , I . P . M . ; F . Wokcs , Sec ; ' II . P . Smith , J . D . ; Major F . Walton , P . J . G . D ., D . C ; Sergt .-Instructor Grimes , I . G . ; Major ) . B . Morgan , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . ; Major Ii . IT . Thorne , P . M ., P . G . Sec . ;

Major Ii . Pritchard , P . M . ; Major G . VV . Walker , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; S . J . Walker , P . P . S . G . W . ; C . Edwardes , J . Clapham , Quartcrmaster-Sergt . R . Ault , R . E . C . Plumptoe , li Hickman , [ . Annan , Capt . Stracey , Deputy Chief Constable ; ancl . Sergt .-lnstructor J . Ellis . Visitors : Bros . C . A . Newnham , P . M . 526 , P . P . G . W " . ; G . H . Stanger , P . M . 419 , P . G . D . C . ; S . W . Page , W . M . 526 I

VV . Bywater , I . P . M . 419 ; G . Vaughan , W . M . 419 ; H . Windle , VV . M . 418 ; Major T . C . Bird , I . P . M . 1896 ; Capt . IT . Bird , 1 S 96 ; Capt . W . Burrough , W . M . 1792 ; Capt . T . J . Graham , I . G . 74 ; Lieut . J . Ryder , 1792 , P . P . S . G . D ., all belonging to the ist Royal Warwickshire Volunteer Battalion ; ( apt . J . H . Smith , W . M . 347 ; A . W . Sims , I . G . 526 ; T . J . ' Barnett , 526 , P . P . J . G . W . ;

J . D . Stern , S . D . 52 G ; J . Rooper , Mus . Bac , Org . 526 ; Sergt . J . 13 . Waite , 419 ; S . IT . Morris , 473 ; and H . Denton , 279 . After the adoption of the accounts for the past year , vvhich showed a balance of £ 180 to the good , the installation of the VV . M . elect vvas proceeded vvith , and Bro . Capt . McBean vvas placed in the chair . The installation ceremony was performed by the retiring W . M ., vvho , by

the manner in vvhich he performed the ceremony on that occasion , has placed on record a valuable list of services rendered to the lodge during his year . The new VV . M . invested his officers for the ensuing . year . After the close of the lodge , the brethren to the number of 40 adjourned to the adjoining Mess room , where a

banquet vvas served by the Mess caterer of the local battalion . The whole of the arrangements vvere looked after by the W . M ., and Bros . Quartermaster Longden and Major Morgan , P . P . J . G . D ., and needless to say in such hands they vvere faultless .

YORK . Agricola Lodge ( No . 1991 ) . —The usual meeting of this lodge took place on Monday , the 28 th ult ., at the Masonic Rooms , Castlegate , the VV . M ., Bro . John H . Taylor , presided , and was supported by Bros . A . M . VVhite , P . P . G . P ., I . P . M . j Lieut .-Col . A . H . H . McGachen , P . P . G . P . ; George Balmford , P . P . G . O . ; Arthur Sample ,

P . P . G . O . ; and W . S . Child , P . P . G . O . ; with a full attendance of ofiicers and members , and several visitors . While the brethren vvere assembling , a grand Masonic march was played on the organ by Bro . A . Sample , and the Masonic anthem , " Behold how good and joyful , " by Atkinson , vvas sung , the solos being effectively rendered by Bros . Sample and Wilkinson . The minutes were read and

confirmed , and the W . M . was elected Charity Representative , on the proposition of Bro . McGachen , P . M ., seconded by the I . P . M . The brethren then received and saluted the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . M . C . Peck , P . G . Std . Br . England , vvho delivered a lecture on Freemasonry in ancient and modern times , interspersed vvith anecdotes and

illustrations . The lecture vvas received with marked interest and attention , and at its conclusion a cordial vote of thanks vvas proposed by the VV . M ., seconded by the I . P . M ., and carried by acclamation . The singing of the anthem , " Hail Masonry , " closed a very interesting and instructive evening .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

HITCHIN . Cecil Chapter ( No . 449 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., at the Sun Hotel , when there vvere present Comps . John Read , M . E . Z . ; C . B . Cooper , H . ; H . H . Shirley , J . ; James Shilcock , P . Z . 403 , Treas . ; R . Shillitoe , S . E . j S . P . Nash , S . N . ; VV . Weiss , P . S . ; J . H . Weiss , ist A . S . ; R . Bannister , 2 nd A . S . ; G . F . provincial / Ifteettngs .

Fuller , D . C . j J . H . Gilbertson , Steward ; Geo . Austin , Janitor ; T . S . Carter , P . Z . 403 , P . P . G . H . ( Hon . Mem . ); and visitors : Comps . J . B . Cumming , H . S 90 , and G . S . Ward , P . S . 403 . The chapter was opened by the Principals , and the minutes of the previous meeting vvere read and confirmed . Bro . W . Woodford , 913 , being in attendance , was regularly

exalted in the R . A . Degree . A Committee vvas appointed to consider the by-laws . The name of a brother previously proposed for exaltation , vvas withdrawn by consent of the chapter . A design for a founder ' s jewel for the chapter was submitted ancl approved . The usual routine business having

been transacted , and , nothing further offering-, the chapter was closed . A supper , at vvhich the M . E . Z . presided , supported by all the officers of the chapter , was subsequently served . The customary toasts were proposed by the M . E . Z . in an efficient manner .

lhe toast of "The Prov . Grand Officers" vvas ably responded to by Comp . E . C . Carter , P . P . G . H . Comps . Cummings , H . 890 , and S . Ward , P . S . 403 , replied for "The Visitors . " As the majority of the brethren had to leave by train , the speeches and responses vvere brief , and the meeting broke up after a very enjoyable ancl successful evening .

Royal Arch.

PLUMSTEAD . Pattison Chapter ( No . 913 ) . —The first sitting of Comp . J . H . Roberts as M . li . Z . of the above chapter vvas a most successful one , he opening the campaign with two good and true exaltees in the persons of Bros . II . King , P . M . ancl Sec . oTj , and G . Laurance , 913 , nor was the above fact the only or most interesting part of the proceedings . It

will be remembered that some nine months ago Comp . H . J . ISutter , P . Z . and S . li . of the chapter , and " P . P . G . P . S ., who at that time held , and still holds , the important position of manager of the Carriage Department , Royal Arsenal , Woolwich , was run over and sadly mutilated hy one of the locomotive engines that travel over and to all parts of the Arsenal , losing thereby a portion of his left arm , and

receiving serious wounds about his head and body generally . For many months his life was despaired of , and his sufferings and chances of recovery vvere constant themes of interest ancl sympathy in every lodge ancl chapter meeting in the locality , and at vvhich meetings it was the usual practice for some brother or companion to give an account of the progress the universally beloved and afflicted sufferer vvas making

towards recovery or otherwise . Nor were such enquiries confined alone to the district , for Comp . Butter had a large travelled ancl travelling acquaintance , both amongst the brotherhood and manufacturing ancl scientific circles of the kingdom , to whom he had endeared himself b y his polished courtesy of manner , as well as his profound knowledge of matters technical and erudite , so that it will be at once seen his recovery from the very brink of the grave , as it were ,

was watched with unceasing anxiety and solicitude . Well , then , when on Thursday , the 17 th ult ., the companions of the Pattison Chapter met at their home , the Masonic Hall , Mount Pleasant , ancl it vvas told them that Comp . Butter intended to be present , the good news spread so , that on his arrival , accompanied by his esteemed flclus Achates , Comp . C . Lawson , S . N . of the chapter , he was met vvith a perfect torrent of welcomes , his hand being grasped and shaken by all present in a most hearty and enthusiastic

manner . VVhen the exaltation of the candidates was concluded , and we will now say that it was well done for a first attempt , the M . E . Z . proposed '' that the congratulations of the companions on having their esteemed Comp . Butter again with them be inscribed on the minutes of the chapter , " and in so doing hoped T . G . A . O . T . U . vvould grant him many years of

health and strength to be vvith them , and that in the future , as in the past , he might be enabled to assist them in maintaining the high prestige and prosperity of the Pattison Chapter . Comp . E . Palmer , H ., eloquently seconded , and Comp . Lawson—vvho filled the chair of J ., in the unavoidable absence of Comp . Clarke , and filled it well , giving the historical lecture faultlessly—supported the resolution , which

vvas carried by acclamation . Comp . Butter briefly responded in that instance , but in responding to an enthusiastic reception of his name , coupled vvith the toast of "Comp . Eastes , P . G . H ., and the . rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " he said the toast vvhich had been placed in his hands vvas a very important one , and one he sincerely wished

had been placed in the hands ot one of the older ofiicers of the province , especially as he vvas at the present time , comparatively speaking , only a child , and therefore totally unable as such to do honour to it . Figuratively , and as far as the chapter was concerned , he had been born again , and therefore vvas not so cheerful that night as at all times . He vvas grave vvith sorrow , for he felt

like one vvho had risen from the dead to a new life . He vvould tell them that at more than one period of his illness he was given up by the doctors and told he must die , and as there vvere some eight of them altogether who severally and conjointly said S . J , he supposed he ought to have died , but he and they attributed his recovery from that death which seemed inevitable to the manner in vvhich he

had lived during the past 50 years of his existence , and he trusted that his example and the results of it would be benificial to those vvho , young now , might , in advanced age , follow- him in cases of severe accidents . They must permit him to thank every companion of that chapter most sincerely for their constant and unceasing sympathy . Very few of them had been for five or six months on a bed

suffering the most intense agony , but if any of them had , they would feel and understand the great pleasure and solace it afforded him to receive such continued support and sympathy , and the delight it gave him to receive condolence , not only from that chapter , but from the lodges and private friends from far and near , for which he must say he could never sufficiently thank them . At one time , vvhen on the point of death , he received a telegram from two of the

companions , vvhich , he believed , saved him , for he felt life was worth living after reading that telegram . It was simply impossible for him to enumerate all his friends , but he must especially thank Comps . Lawson , Hayes , Penfold , and Cook for their unceasing devotion and sympathy , and his gratitude to them would only cease with his life . He would now take the opportunit y of telling them that he owed his presence there and his very existence to the untiring devotion of his beloved wife .

But here our esteemed companion broke down ; he could say no more , and shortly afterwards retired , accompanied by several of the companions , among the ringing cheers of everyone present , and many a prayer for his complete recovery and future happiness . "The M . E . Z . ' s Health" vvas drunk heartily , and he responded briefly .

The other toasts vvere " The Second and Third Principals , " responded to by Comps . Palmer and Lawson ; "The Past Principals , " "The Visitors , " " The Officers , " and the Janitor ' s toast . Among the other companions present were Comps . C . Coupland , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . ; E . Denton , P . Z ., P . P . G . P . S . ; A . Penfold , P . Z ., P . P . ist A . G . Soj ., Treas . ; T . D . Hayes

, P . Z ., P . P . 2 nd A . G . Soj . ; Capt . Eugene Sweny , P . Z ., P . P . G . R . ; H . Mason , P . Z ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; R . J . Cook , I . P . Z . ; Dr . H . Bernays , M . K . Z . 1073 ; C Jolly ( Hon . ) , M . E . Z . 1472 ; E . Morris , P . S . ; C . Clapham , ist Asst . Soj . ; VV . C . Taylor , 2 nd Asst . Soj . ; G . H . Nichols , Steward ; F . Tyler , Org . ; J . Lardner , Janitor ; D . Campbell , D . C Capon , G . H . Porter , J . Topp , S . Horton ,

H . Ough , G . VV . Mitchell , and J . Hooton , all of the chapter ; A . VV . Woodley , J ., H . De Gray , VV . R . Arnold , and J . Sanderson , of 13 ; and N . Batchelor , 140 . Some splendid singing by Comps . Batchelor , Sanderson , and Mr . Mason , son of Comp . Mason , vvas enjoyed during the evening , Comp . Tyler accompanying on the piano . Comp . Horton played a sonata on the violin grandly , " and all went merry as a marriage bell . "