Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

the greatest pleasure in installing Bro . Jameson and so completing the Masonic edifice of svhich he had the honour of laying the foundation-stone . As the W . M . had been told , he had had that evening conferred on him the highest honour that it was in the power of the lodge to bestosv , and he ( Bro . Lennox Brosvne ) didnotknov that it wouldbepossbletofindamoresvorthyrecipient . This lodge had great advantages , as in military lodges members were

often called asvay either for personal reasons or reasons of State , but this lodge made it the rule that its members , as far as possible , took their rank for further promotion svhen they returned . Happily there had been nodifferences in this lodge . There svas considerable svork for any Master of this Iodge . svhich had nosv been going on for nearly eight years . Only tsvice in that period had there not been svork to do . The W . M . had also done his duty to the Charities ,

for svithin a fesv months of his initiation he matle himself vice-patron of one of the most deserving of the Masonic Chari' . ies . He had also svorked very hard in the performance of his duties as officer in each step to the chair . B : o . E . E . Harding , I . P . M ., said he had addressed the lodge in that room no less than Go times , and he thought

when he svent out of the chair— " Thank God he had gone on the shelf ! There is no peace for the wicked . " In the la-t year he had initiated no less than seven brethren , and he should look svith interest on the Masonic career of those brethren . He svas struck svith the initiate that night , and he could see that the initiate svas struck svith the svords

addressed to him . Bro . Trendell also replied , and said he was sure the lodge svas destined to go safely , straightly , and far . Bro . Oudin , in replying to the toast of "The Initiate , " said : I have taken to-night a step , perhaps falteringly , through innocence , inexperience , ignorance , the proper way to walk in this nesv life—a serious step , one that I have in a vague way contemplated taking for some years

pist . Hosvever , chance , good fortune , has delayed the hour of my happiness in that respect till this evening . There are moments svhen the most conventional svords , those that at other times are mere colloquial expressions , have an eloejuence more potent than that svhich is the result of the use of selected and exaggerated forms of speech . It is my privilege to-night , for the first time , to use a few of those u , ual commonplace svords svith all the fervour and

all the eloquence svhich my nature can impart . I do consider it a tremendous privilege to address you all as brothers . I had had for some time a very vague , uncertain , and yet exalted opinion and idea of the rites accompanying even the first and initiative steps in Masonry . VVe have all before being admitted , speculated more or less upon this , but 1 must say though I came here this evening svith a heart and mind prepared for svhatever should come

to me , I svas impressed by the dignity , the beauty , the exalted sentiments of the ceremony at svhich 1 assisted this evening in a measure , and to a point that it has never been my good fortune to experience before . I shall trust to this impression to guide me right—in the future steps I take I hope less falteringly than this evening . Referring to the commonplace svords , 1 svill say honestly 1 am deeply grateful from the bottom of an over / lowing heart to my brothers . I thank you , and I call upon you to give me a

helping hand to guide tn ; right , and if I miy only attain to the exalted rank to svhich I should aspire , at least a place in your hearts svhich I also desire . I am sorry to trespass upon you svith a speech , but if you please , I will rely upon an art to svhich 1 hive devoted my late years , and once more sing you a short ditty . Bros Dr . Pocock , Pritchard M irgan , M . P ., and Molessvorth S ( . Aub ^ n , W . M . 2363 , responded to the toast of " The Visitors " ; the Senior and Junior Warden , replied to the toast of "The Officers "; and the Tyler ' s toast brought the agreeable proceedings to a close .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BARNET . GladS . TlUir Lodge ( No . 13 S 5 ) — There wis a very full atten lance at the annuil meeting at th : Red L on Hotel on Friday , the 27 th ult ., svhen Bro . G . B . izird Abbott , S . W ., svas installed as VV . M . in succession to Bro . S . Tryon , Prov . G . S . of VV . The chair svas taken at the commencen : nt of the proceeding's by B .-o . Tryon , VV . M ., svho had been absent through serious illnesi from the

previous m ; etin , r in November last , and to svjom therefore a m ost kindly svelcom : sv is accorded on this occasion . Th ; re svere likewise present Bros . G . B . Abbott , S . W . ; J . Brittain , P . M ., P . P . G . W .. as J . W . ¦ Charles Gray , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Sic . ; R . Fishsr You-i ? , P . M , P . P . G . D ., D . C . ; | . P . Euerby , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; VV . Lewis , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D C . ; J . W . Baxter , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . F . Collingwood . S . D . ; R . VV . Oldlield , LD . ; VV . II . G .

Ba'l , P . M . 45 , I . G . ; VV . Anneveld and VV . H . Marshall , Stsvds . ; Goddard , Tyler ; Curnow , Tisbitts , F . Mason , Cranston , Ellis , G . Phillips , II . F . P . Inglis , VV . Baddeley , C . H . Grimsvade , VV . (" . imwade , Witthaus , Billson , F . Attree , Humby , and Spicer . Visitors : Bros . C . E . Keyser , J . G . D . ; lames Teiry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; H . B . Hodges , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; T . S . Carter , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . W .: Chas . Bullock , P . M . 504 , Prov . G . Sec ;

W . Lake , P . M . 131 , P . P . G . Reg . Ce rnvvall ; W . Lowndes , W . M . 504 , P . G . . Stsvd . ; Biownsword , W . M . 1 S 0 ; C . Hunt , P . M . 194 ; Andersn , P . M . 20 G ; Heibert , W . M . ' 745 i Witthaus , 1 S 5 ; J . Probert , 340 ; and Dr . Hawkins . The minutes of thslpreviods meeting having been read ani confirmed , the billot svis taken for Bro . VV . Baddeley as a j lining member , and proved unaiim JUS in his favour . The sum of £ 5 5 s . w ss voted as a elo-siUon lo the funds of

the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and Mr . Harry Dade , a candidate for initia'ion , svas balloted for and unanimously elected . The chair was then taken by Bro . Fisher Young , P . M ., and Bro . Abbott was presented and installed as VV . M . for the ensuing year . The following svere appointed and , in the majority of coses , invested as officers : Bros . F . Thompson ( invested by proxy ) , S . W . ; F . Collingwood , J . VV . ; W . K . Hopkin , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ( elected ) , Treasurer ; Charles Gray , P . M ., Secretary ; R . W .

Oldfield , S . D . j W . H . G . Ball , J . 13 . j VV . Anneveld , I . G . j R . F . Young , P . M ., D . C . j W . Marshall , A . D . C ; 13 . * . Haskins , Organist ; Curnosv and F . Mason , Stesvards ; and Goddard , Tyler . The VV . M . then presented h s predecessor , Bro . S . Tryon , I . P . M ., with the Past Master ' s jewel , which had been unanimously voted him at the previous lodge , and the latter having gracefully acknowledged the gift , Bro . Hopkin , P . M ., Treasurer , svas elected to represent the ledge on thc Provincial Audit Committee , and Bro . Gray ,

Provincial Meetings.

P . M ., Sec , on the Hertfordshire Charity Association . The trustees and ofiicers of the Gladsmuir Benevolent Fund svere re-elected , and letters of regret at their inability to attend from the Prov . Grand Master and others , having been read or announced , the other business was quickly disposed of , and the lodge was closed . The brethren aftersvards dined together under the presidency of the nesv W . M , svho svas supported right and left

by Bros . Keyser , Terry , Hodges , Carter , Bullock , Tryon , Gray , Young , and others , the customary speeches being interspersed svith songs by Bros . Probert , Brosvnssvord , Gray , Lesvis , Mason , Cranston , and Tibbatts . Reference svas made to the fact that Bro . Keyser had undertaken to preside at the approaching Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and earnest apoeals svere made by that brother in lodee , and also by Bro . Terry ,

in response to the toast of "The Masonic Chanties , to the brethren for support on that important occasion ; and before the proceedings came to an end , Bro . Baxter , P . M ., svho svill represent the lodge at the Festival , had the satisfaction of announcing that his list already amounted to not far short of 60 guineas . A svord of praise is due to the new landlord of the Red Lion Hotel—Mr . Bushell—for the very excellent menu he placed before the lodge and its guests and the attendance hc provided .

GATESHEAD . Industry Lodge ( No . 48 ) . —The regular meeting svas held on Monday , the 23 rd inst ., when there svas a full muster of members and visitors . The VV . M ., Bro . VI . R . Wright presided , and svas supported and assisted by the following brethren : Bros . W . Brown , P . M ., D . C . ; VV . Dalrymple , P . M . ; R . Whitfield , P . M . j M . Corbitt , P . M ., Treas . ; W . J . Jobson , S . W . ; T . R . Jobson ,

P . M ., as J . W . ; Wm . Stafford , Sec . j H . Jackson , as S . D . j T . W . Bagnall , J . D . j Wm . Douglass , as I . G . j R . Ferry , Org . j and Joshua Curry , Tyler . Amongst the members present svere Bros . J . Robinson , F . VV . Coverdale , R . Atkinson , J . Ncill , W . J . Campbell , T . Smith , J . T . Pragnell , J . Lightbosvn , J . Henderson , W . Holzapfel , C . Graham , R . Brason , R . J . Stevenson , and others . The list of visitors svas a very long one , svhich comprised

amongst others , the names of Bros . T . Dinning , P . M . 4 S 1 j 1 . M . Bruce , W . M . 4 S 1 ,- J . T . Pringle , W . M . 1009 j J . W . Henderson , W . M . 1970 j R . Farmer , J . W . 1970 : C . Tighe , Sec . 1970 j L . M . Snosvdon , S . D . 1970 j F . W . Sykes , W . M . 1342 ; VV . Cooper , P . M . 1342 j T . Wright , S . VV . 1342 j V . Raven , W . M . 1427 j Jas . Shasv , W . M . 424 ; R . Stesvart , J . W . 434 ; G . N . Patterson , P . M . 424 ; A . F . Ball , P . M . 22 G 0 j H . VV . Dixon , Sec . 22 G 0 J J . B . Lazenby , W . M . 2260 ; J . N . Guy , I . G . 22 G 0

H . Spittle , P . M . 1312 j T . O . Robson , S . VV . 22 G 0 j and others . The lodge was opened , and Bros . J . Robinson , F . VV . Coverdale , and R . Atkinson , having proved their efficiency , were duly passed as F . C . ' s by the VV . M ., and Bro . J . Neill svas afterwards raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . by Bro . VV . Brown , P . M . The lodge svas closed after an arduous night ' s work , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment .

HAZEL GROVE . Gl'OVe Lodge ( No . 1957 ) . — The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge svas held on Thursday , the 26 th ult ., at the Cock Inn . The lodge ss'as opened by Bro . J . Herbert Foster , W . M ., P . G . P . There svas a very large attendance , osving , no doubt , to the interesting fact that Bro . C . Higginbotham ' s ( S . VV ., W . M . elect ) father was the founder of the lodge , and he is the second son who

has occupied thc chair of the lodge , his brother being a P . M . since iSSG . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The Treasurer ' s account svere adopted and passed . Bro . Hy . Lomas , P . M ., then took the chair as Installing Master , and appointed as his officers Bros . Wm . Booth , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ., as S . W . j Andrew , [ . P . M ., as J . W . j and I . Slack , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., as I . G . Bro . Higginbotham ,

W . M . elect , was then duly installed into the chair of K . S . by Bro . Lomas , P . M ., svho performed the ceremony in his usual impressive and perfect style . Bro . James Cookson , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., presented the working tools . He also addressed the W . M . and brethren , Bro . J . Herbert Foster , I . P . M ., addressing the Wardens . The office ™ were invested by the Worshipful Master in the following order : Bros . J . H . Foster , I . P . M . j A . F . Grundy ,

S . W . ; A . Lomas , J . W . ; J . D . Penny , Treasurer ; J . VV . Higginbotham , P . M ., Sec ; H . P . Jones , S . D . ; C . Bickerton , J . D . ; J . P . Bardsley , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., D . of C . ; F . Slater , I . G . ; J . Jackson and E . M . Tymm , Stsvds .-, and John Clark , Tyler . Bro . J . H . Foster , P . M ., P . A . G . P ., svas elected Charity Representative ., and they svere addressed by Bro . Bardsley , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . At the close of the business , Bro . Foster was

presented with a beautiful Past Master's jewel , svhich had been specially designed for the occasion . Bro . J . Herbert Foster , P . M ., suitably responded . After other business and "Hearty good svishes" had been expressed by the numerous brethren present , the lodge was closed . 'The usual loyal and Masonic toasts svere given , and responded to most heartily .

Ihe speeches were all short , but to thc point , and the harmony of the evening was greatly enhanced by songs and glees rendered by Bros . Mark Stafford , P . M ., P . G . S . ; W . Prestwich , and VVm . Booth , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Bro . G . S . Smith , P . M ., acted as accompanist . We are very pleased to think that , though the lodge has had several years of adversity , they are nosv in a very prosperous position , and , after handing over a considerable

amount to the Charities , they have still a balance of some £ 28 , and we wish them every success in the future . The following svere a fesv of the brethren present : Bros . J . II . Foster , P . A . G . P ., VV . M . ; Henry Loin a-, I . P . M . j Charles Higginbotham , S . W . ; A . F . Grundy , J . W . ; Albert Lomas , S . D . ; H . Posvell Jones , J . D . j John Clark , Tyler ; J . Higginbotham , P . M . ; j . Bardsley , P . P . G . S . B . ; James Cookson , P . M ., P . P . G . T . ; Wm .

Etchells , Montague Tymme , J . Jackson , F . Salter , Chas . Bickerton , and W . 11 . Jenkinson . Visitors : Bros . J . Armitage , W . M . ; J . Slack , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; W . Booth , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; C . H . Andresv , P . M . j Mark Stafford , P . M ., P . P . G . S . j J . B . Gemmel , Fred . Rudyard , Win . Fielding , J . W . j C . W . Bickerton , P . M . j H . Newton , S . W . ; VV . N . Siebelj Geo . S . Scuttle , P . M . ; and J . A . Cookson , I . G . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

Provincial Meetings.

KINGSTON-ON-THAMES . Dobie Lodge ( No . 889 ) . —Wednesday , the 18 th instant , was the date of the installation meeting of this lodge , but the ceremony had to be postponed until March , in consequence of the illness of Bro . Jas . Edgell , theW . M . elect . The trying effects of the weather kept others away also j but in spite of all that Bro . A . M . Levy , the W . M ., opened the lodge with all his working officers save two , and

was assisted by a larger number of brethren than had been looked for under the circumstances . The chair of S . W . svas occupied by Bro . Montgomery , W . M . 2444 ; and the duties of J . G . svere admirably carried out by Bro . Watkin , who was only initiated a year ago . A hearty greeting svas given to Bro . Tom Wilkinson , S . D ., svho again attended lodge in health and strength after much suffering . On the reading of the letter from the W . M . elect , it was resolved

that the sympathy of the Iodge be tendered to him , svith an expression of the hope that he might soon be restored to health . Bro . Arthur E . Page was raised to the Degree of M . M . with marked impressiveness . A grant of 10 guineas was made from the lodge funds to Bro . Chapman's list , as he svill represent it at the Festival of the R . M . B . I . next month . Bro . Montgomery thanked the lodge for the

interest displayed by its members on the occasion of the consecration of the Noel Lodge ( svhich meets close by ) , and gave a cordial invitation to No . 8 S 9 to visit No . 2444 . All business ended , the lodge was closed , and the brethren spent a couple of hours most pleasantly over refreshment . In addition to Bro . Montgomery , the visitors were Bros . Shelley , P . M . Arnold Lodge ; Hodgkin , W . M . St . Margaret ' s Lodge ; Pennington , and G . H . Drewett .

Noel Lodge ( No . 2444 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at St . James's Hall , on the 23 rd ult . Present : Bros . J . Montgomery , W . M ., P . D . D . G . M . Malta j E . Lesvis , S . W . j F . H . Reynolds , J . W . j G . H . Lister , S . D . j J . Hall , J . D . j G . H . Manton , Sec ; T . Chapman , as I . G . ; A . Levy , as I . P . M . ; J . H . Russell , J . Old , G . H . Brooker , F . W . Hullett , M . Cockle , F . G . Smith , and W . R . Cable . Visitors : Bros . Handley ,

P . M . 1 S 43 ; Ellison , P . M . 507 j Butterworth , P . M . 1604 j Lane , 163 SJ Willis , 163 S ; Capt . C . W . King , 322 j McFarlane , 2386 ,- Watkins , 510 , S 89 ; Harding , 1 . 604 ; Remington , 30 ; Deacon , 1931 ; and Mostyn , 153 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last regular meeting read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Bro . A . Watkins , SS 9 , as a joining member , which

proved unanimous . Bro . Cable was then raised , svhich ceremony svas performed in a most impressive and efficient manner by the W . M . All Masonic business being done , the brethren adjourned for refreshment , svhen the usual loyal and Masonic toasts svere given , the brethren spending a very pleasant evening .

LEEDS . Excelsior Lodge ( No . 1042 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Great George-street , on Thursday , the 19 th instant . The brethren present were Bros . J . VV . Blackburn , W . M . j T . Thorp , I . P . M .,- J . B . Mays , S . W . j H . Banks , J . W . j R . J . Smith , Sec . j R . Waide , S . D . ; A . H . Dougill , J . D . j E . Crosby , P . M ., Org . ; J . E . Davenport , I . G . ; G . Tooley and H . Whitfield , Stwds . ; J . H . Newton , Tyler j

K . lhompson , I'M ., l ' . t . U . Std . Br . ; W . Bingham , P . M . ; H . Cowbrough , sen ., P . M . ; W . Grisdale , I . J . W . Saville , E . R . C Marshall , T . Hutchinson , J . Wallace , E . R . Morley , and J . H . Gash . Visitors : Bros . H . Morton , P . M . 1522 , P . P . G . Purst . ; H . Archer , P . M . 1502 ; R . Abbott , VV . M . 20 G 9 ; Dilly , Green and Beanland , 1522 ; and D . Wedderspoon , I . P . M . 30 G . The minutes of the last regular lodge having been read

and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . J . W . Dobson and J . A . Milne , who were both unanimously approved . Mr . Dobson was then admitted to the lodge and regularly initiated , the ceremony , up to the investiture , being taken by the W . M ., and completed by Bro . Bingham , P . M . The initiation of Mr . Milne was then proceeded with , Bro . Thorp taking the earlier , and the W . M . the latter portion of the ceremony . The working tools were

explained by Bro . Banks , J . VV ., and the ancient charge was delivered to the ncsvly initiated brethren by Bro . Smith , Sec . It svas resolved that a letter of sympathy should be sent to Bro . R . V . Allison , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., who was absent through illness . Bro . Cowbrough , P . M ., gave notice of his intention at the next regular lodge to propose a vote of

20 guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . Propositions svere made on behalf of a candidate for initiation and a joining brother . "Hearty good wishes" having been tendered by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet hall , svhere the evening was concluded in the usual social and harmonious manner .

MANCHESTER Strangeways Lodge ( No . 1219 ) . —The installation meeting svas held on Wednesday , the 25 th ult ., at the Old Boar ' s Head . There svas a very large gathering of influential brethren present , including many provincial ofiicers . Bro . J . L . Savage , VV . M ., presided , and opened the lodge , and the minutes of the previous meeting svere read and confirmed , after which the ballot was taken tor a

candidate for initiation , which svas favourable . The balancesheet was adopted and passed , and it proved to be very satisfactory indeed , having a large balance in the bank , and contributed to the different Charities over £ 175 during the last year . Bro . W . T . Schofield then took the chair , and the W . M . elect was presented to him b y Bro . Savage . A Board of Installed Masters was duly constituted , and Bro . James Robinson svas installed into the chair in a most

impressive manner . The Installing Master presented the svorking tools , and Bro . Hughes , P . M ., addressed the W . M . ; Bro . VV . B . Russell , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C , the Wardens ; and Bro . Schofield the brethren . The officers svere invested as follows : Bros . J . L . Savage , I . P . M . ; W . O . O . Wilkinson , S . W . ; W . Baron , J . W . ; W . T . Schofield , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., Treas . ; W . B . Russell , P . M ., P . A . G . D . of C , Sec ; J . W . Schofield , S . D . j B ,

Whitwam , J . D . j W . H . Carrington , I . G . ; R . Hughes , P . M ., D . of C . ; L . II . Keay , Org . ; J . Rowbottom , G . Belshaw , P . Whyman , J . Lowery , T . Maybury , and E . L . Lord , Stwds . j and James Hyde , Tyler . Bro . J . Andrew , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., was appointed Charity Representative . The officers were addressed by Bros . VV . B . Russell and Schofield . The svhole of the ceremony was fully musical , and had a charming effect , Bro . L . H . Heay being the Organist .