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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
¦ j- vV . Kingston and T . Thompson , as candidates for initial- on , and both being in attendance , were impressively niti ' ated into Freemasonry , Bro . G . J . Bailey was passed ! the Second Degree , and Bro . Philip Bick raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason . Bro . Edwin Arthur Smith was then presented as W . M . elect , and regularly installed into the chair by the retiring Master , Bro . Jas . in
Laurence . The brethren having saluted the newly--stalled W . M ., under the efficient guidance of Bro . J . J . Marsh , P . M ., acting D . C , the following officers were apiointed and invested : Bros . C . W . Baker , S . VV . ; J . A . Wilson , J . VV . ; Saml . Page , Treas . ; jas . W . Baldwin , P P . G . D ., Sec ; J . CGoslin , S . D . ; Saml . Wheeler , ID . ; F- Dunstan , I . G . ; A . Lawton , D . C ; J . R . Cox , Org . ; *[ , ' Whelan , A . Robertson , and W . H . Davey , Stwds . ;
g , arid John Gilbert , Prov . G . Tyler , Tyler . The customary addresses having been carefully and effectively rendered hythe Installing Master , Bro . Jas . Laurence , I . P . M ., he was presented with a handsome P . M . ' s jewel , in recognition of the efficient and valuable services rendered during his year of office . The members also evinced their esteem and regard for Bro . Laurence by presenting him with a Past
Master ' s collar and pendant . Those gifts were briefly and suitably acknowledged by the recipient . Notice of motion was given by Bro . F . Wallers , P . M ., to vote io guineas to the R . M . Benevolent Institution . The lodge , as usual , intends sending representatives to the three Masonic
Institutions in the forthcoming year , Bro . Wm . Kite having consented to serve as Steward for the R . M . Benevolent Institution , Bro , E . A . Smith , W . M ., for the R . M . I , for Boys , and it was understood that another member would serve on behalf of the R . M . I , for Girls . Other routine business having been transacted , the lodge was closed .
The brethren subsequently partook of an excellent banquet , at the conclusion of which the usual toasts were cordially given and received . Bro . W . H . Lee , P . P . G . D ., in response to the toast of "The Prov . G . Master and Prov . G . Officers , " said he esteemed it an honour and privilege to be present to reply to the toast so kindly proposed and so cordially received .
It had been his privilege to be present at the installation meetings of that Iodge on many occasions , but the present occasion afforded him extreme gratification , as he had heard theceremony of installation performed by their I . P . M . in a manner appreciated by all the brethren . He had heard the ceremony rendered in that lodge in an admirable manner on previous occasions , but that evening it had
been performed in a manner that could not be excelled . That was a sentiment which would be echoed by all present who had had experience in Craft lodges , and he could not be contradicted in the opinion he expressed . It was with pride and pleasure that he stood before them as an officer of the Prov . Grand Lodge of a province which had made rapid strides during
the past io or 15 years , starting from 4 or 5 lodges and now numbering 39 . The Province of Middlesex increased not only in the number of lodges and members , but also in the actual working of Masonry , in brotherly love and goodfellowship which had cemented them together , and in the support of the Masonic Charities . If they looked at the result of the recent Centenary of the Girls' School they
would find a total of over £ 1000 provided b y the province . As Prov . G . Officers they were proud of their position , for it was the ambition of every Mason belonging to the province to qualify himself for office in Prov . G . Lodge . He thanked the brethren for the cordial reception he invariably received , and hoped it would be his pleasure and privilege to mingle with them at their meetings on many future
occasions . "The Health of the VV . M . " was next given by Bro . Laurence , I . P . M ., who said the brethren would join him in wishing Bro . Smith , W . M ., a successful year of office . They were convinced that their VV . M . would conduct the labours in the efficient manner which had characterised his efforts in the minor offices . It was a pleasure to him to
instal their present W . M ., as he had the p leature of introducing him into Freemasonry some years ago . It was a peculiar circumstance , and no doubt the fortunes of war , that their W . M ., although much younger in Masonry , should follow him into the chair . He was satisfied that when Bro . Smith left the chair the members would be satisfied with the selection they had made . They all wished
their W . M . good luck , good health , and plenty of work . Bro . E . A . Smith , W . M ., in reply , after thanking the brethren , said it vvas about eight years ago since he was initiated in their lodge . He thought at that time he should like to occupy the chair , and his wish had been gratified that evening , which was one of the best moments of his life . He was sure that the officers he had appointed would
assist and support him in the work . He trusted they would have a good year , and conclude with as good a balance as the I . P . M . had done . He looked upon their I . P . M . as his father in Masonry , and was convinced that the same support would be extended to him as that brother had received . The Worshipful Master tben gave "The LP . M ., " and
expressed the pleasure it had afforded him to present Bro . Laurence with the P . M . ' s collar and jewel , which evinced the good feelings the members felt towards him . Bro . J . Laurence , I . P . M ., said that in rising to respond c { . ** : " . * S reat amount of diffidence , principally on account j "*! his inability to express in proper terms his thanks for their good wishes . The verv handsome testimonial the
brethren had presented to him—first , the P . M . ' s jewel from the lodge , and , secondly , the P . M . 's collar Irom the brethren—had overwhelmed him , and his only wish was that . m'ght be spared many years to wear them in their roidst . At the commencement of his year as W . M . he had „ \ ° them that his greatest desire was to hear them say . Well done" at the conclusion of his term of officeand .
, rorn their kind words and hearty reception that evening , 116 felt he had not been disappointed . Should the W . M . require any assistance , he should be willing and happy to render it , and should never be absent from the lodge if he could possibly avoid it . . The Initiates " was then given , after which "The Visirs was given in felicitous terms , and responded to by
cne visiting- brethren . - „ ° ° s- J . J . Marsh , P . M . ; F . Walters ; Page , Treas . ; «™ Baldwin , P . M ., Sec , replied for " The P . M . ' s , Trearer , and Secretary , " congratulating the '* lod ge on its 1 osperous condition , and assuring the W . M . of their ^ edsupport . ev . ltle Officers" and Tyler ' s toast closed a pleasant
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
PORTSMOUTH . —United Service Lodge ( No . 1428 ) . —The brethren of this Iodge assembled at the Masonic Club on Friday evening , the 13 th ult ., for the purpose of installing Bro . James Ruddy as W . M . in succession to Bro . Joseph Mitchell . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the usual routine business having been concluded , Bro . Ruddy was presented to the W . M . to
receive at his hands the benefit of installation . The beautiful ceremony was admirably conducted by Bro . Mitchf * - " . before the following Board of Installed Masters : Bros . Major Campbell , W . M . 257 ; Downing , P . A . G . D . of C . ; Hewett , W . M . 342 ; Dupree , P . G . Stwd . ; Borrow , VV . M . 1958 ; Birch , W . M . 2074 ; German , W . M . 1069 ; Webb , W . M . 1705 ; Mitchell , P . M . 20 ; Strick ,
P . M . ; Mason , P . M . ; Pratt , P . M . j Laverty , P . M . ; Dart , P . M . 2074 ; Sergeant-Major Jackson , P . M . ; and Sergeant-Major Phillips , P . M . 153 . At the conclusion of the ceremony the newly-installed Master appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . Mitchell , I . P . M . j H . Allison , S . W . ; G . Young , J . W . ; G . F . Williams , Treas . ; E . Milton , Sec . ; W . Miller , D . C . ; G . Sylvester ,
Org . ; H . Stockall , S . D . ; C . Legry , J . D . ; J . Miles , I . G . ; VV . Stewart and J . Duckworth , Stwds . ; J . Exell and G . Carter , Tylers . ™ The charges were then impressively recited by Bro . Mitchell , who , at the conclusion , received a vote of thanks , to be entered on the minutes of the Iodge . Bro . Ruddy said he had then a very pleasing duty to perform , and in
well chosen words presented Bros . Mitchell and Mason each with a valuable P . M . 's jewel , subscribed for by the members of the lodge , in recognition of the services they had rendered during their respective years of office . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to
the banqutting-hall , where the excellent catering of Bro . W . Maybour , of Portsea , was highly appreciated . After the usual Masonic toasts had been duly honoured , several songs were given in good style by Bros . Sylvester , South , Mitchell , Banning , Myers , and Ruddy , and an enjoyable evening was spent .
PLUMSTEAD—United Military Lodge ( No . 153 6 ) . — " There was a sound of revelry by night , and bright the light shone on ( well , not fair women , but ) brave men , " attired in their brilliant uniforms of military blue , or scarlet , braided with gold , on the 13 th ult . The Horse , the Foot , the Transport Corps were all represented , and the " coup de ceil" presented , when the brethren of the
above lodge sat down to do honour to the superb catering of Bro . H . Vallum , of the Lord Raglan Hotel , Burrageroad , Plumstead , was one long to be remembered with pleasure . The wherefore ? It was the installation banquet of the above powerful lodge , for on that day Bro . Lieut . T . Cooper , S . W ., W . M . elect , had been placed in the chair of K . S . as Master for the ensuing 12 months , or
until a successor shall be duly elected and installed in his stead . Lodge was opened ( by dispensation ) at the mess room of the 3 rd Kent Artillery Volunteers , Crescent-road , and after the minutes of the previous lodge had been confirmed and a candidate initiated , the VV . M ., Bro . R . Gooding , proceeded to install his successor , the esteemed brother
above mentioned , and dutifully carried out the ceremony to the satisfaction of all present . Bro . Cooper invested his officers as follows : Bros . Gooding , I . P . M . ; A . Murdock , S . VV ., * W . Seager , J . W . j James Gee , Treas . ; A . Ware , Sec ; T . J . Cowper , S . D . ; VV . Musquin , J . D . ; W . J . Wheeler , I . G . ; W . Sayle-Edwards , D . C . ; Col . C . E . Vansittart , Asst . D . C ; J . Whiteheart
Qr .-Mstr . R . | F . Rankirt , and J . E . Lee , Stwds . Bro . Gooding was then presented with a handsome P . M . 's jewel ( manufactured by BJO . George Kenning ) , and a vote of thanks was tendered him for his admirable working of the ceremony of installation . Bro . Capt . N . Weston , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., was appointed representative of the lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee , and
then the lodge was closed . The banquet was , as above shown , partaken of at the Raglan , and the cloth being cleared the usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts were honoured . The LP . M . then rose and said that he would now claim their attention to that which certainly was the toast of the evening , that of "Their esteemed VV . M ., " who , he was
sorry to say , was compelled to leave them on two issues . The first was that he had that day come up from and had to return to Preston , a far call ; and in the next he had just sustained a severe domestic affliction in the untimely death of an only and beloved infant daughter . No words of his could either alleviate that loss , or express the esteem in which their excellent VV . M . was held by the brethren of
the lodge , and , indeed , by all who knew him among the brethren of the district . He would therefore simply ask them to drink his health , and wish him a safe and speedy deliverance from his heavy affliction . Bro . Cooper , in response , said he was sorry to have been away from them , but it was necessary that he should at once return to Preston . He was sorry to mar the pleasures
of the evening , but would ever remember their sympathy and kindness . He , however , felt his regret mitigated , because he knew that in the hands of Bros . Gooding and Maule the affairs of the lodge would be safely carried on . If he said no more they must excuse him . He then retired amid every demonstration of regret , and indeed affection . Bro . Gooding having assumed the chair , gave the toast
of " Earl Amherst , P . G . M . of the Province of Kent , " whom they all honoured , and whose health , he felt sure , they would drink with all the enthusiasm in the world . The n-ixt toast was that of "Bro . Eastes , D . P . G . M ., and the rest of the P . G . Officers , Present and Past , " and , in putting it , the I . P . M . said Kent was one of the fortmost . ( A voice : "The foremost" . ) One of the brethren
said the foremost ; well , he might have waited till he told them what , in his opinion , it was foremost in ; he was going to say in the cause of Charity . They had a galaxy of P . G . Officers present—there was Bro . Haynes , P . M . 913 , a present S . G . D . j Bro . Coupland , P . M . 913 , a P . J . G . W . j Bro . Weston , of their own lodge , a P . P . S . G . D . , * Bro . Capt . G . Spinks , also of their own lodge , P . P . G . Std . Br . j Bro . Dr . Moore-Keys , a P . P . G . Officer
of Gibraltar . There was also Bro . Kenneday , of the Iodge , a present P . G . S . B ., but he was conspicuou s by his absence . He asked the brethren to drink the health of those dislinguished brethren in bumpers . Bro . Hayes , in response , thanked them , and said he felt it a great honour to serve under two such excellent Masons as Earl Amherst and Bro . Eastes . They all knew how hard the P . G . M . and D . P . G . M . worked for Masonry in the pro-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
vince . He never was more surprised in his life than when he received a comr-iunication from their P . G . M . offering him a collar j he thought he had been forgotten , and the inference he drew from it was , that no good Mason , or one who tried to be , need ever think he was forgotten j for the time would come , surely come , when his services would be recognised by their P . G . M . and his esteemed Deputy , Bro .
Eastes . Those who got office bore . t with Christian fortitude , and he trusted those who followed would bear it in like manner , and that , when they obtained Grand Lodge honours they would come back and tell the brethren of their lodges all the hardships they had endured in taking it . He trusted all thpse who worked hard in Masonry would obtain a reward for their labour in due time . After
speaking highly of the vvork done in the lodge that day by the LP . M ., he gave way to Bro . Moore-Keys , who said he felt ashamed , as one of the oldest members of the lodge , at not attending it oftener , but he would promise to be a little more regular in his attendance in the future . Bro . Weston proposed the toast of "The Installing
Officer , " and in so doing , referred with deep feeling to the loss sustained by their W . M ., who , he could safely say was beloved by every brother of the lodge , and he trusted that the Secretary would , in the name of the lodge , send him a letter of condolence , sympathising with him in his great bereavement . There were many of the brethren present who did not know the sad circumstances . Three days before
the nurse attending Bro . Cooper ' s child , an infant six months old , left it in its bath for a short time , for some purpose or other , and on her return , found it dead , drowned in its bath . It was their esteemed brother's only daughter , and he was sure that not a brother in the room , or a friend , or comrade in the garrison but felt for him , and mourned with him in his affliction . Now , with respect to their
Installing Officer , Bro . Gooding , he also was a sufferer through an accident in his family , for on the previous Sunday evening a son of his , who was in the choir of St . George's Church , in attempting to clamber over some railings attached to the church , toppled over , smashing his ancle and fracturing his leg , and was now lying a patient in the Herbert Hospital j to him their sympathy went forth ,
and yet , amid all this trouble and affliction , that worthy brother had attended to his duties and installed his successor in the admirable manner they had witnessed that day . He asked them to drink his health , and wish his son , as they did from their hearts , a speedy relief from his sufferings , and a safe return to his father's home . Bro . Gooding , in response , said that when he took up
the duties of Master of the lodge he felt that it was a part of those duties to install his successor . He had been told that itfrequired practice to do it perfectly , and he found it to be so j however , he trusted they would overlook any lapses ^ that might have occurred on his part in carrying out the ceremony . He then referred in the most affecting terms to the sad bereavement of Bro . Cooper , and hoped
his own son would come out of his accident all right and sound again . He thanked them fcr the toast , and the kind sympathy tendered to him by every brother present . The other toasts were "The Past Masters , " "Initiate , " " Visitors , " and " Officers , " and then the proceedings , which were of the most happy and harmonious nature , concluded .
Among the others present were Bros . Capt . G . Spinks , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; Capt . D . Deeves , P . M ., P . D . G . R . Natal j T . Ovenden , P . M . ; W . Moulds , P . M . j VV . Maule , P . M . j C . Coupland , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . J . G . W . ; A . Penfold , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . S . G . D . ; T . D . Hayes , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . S . G . D . ; C Jolly , P . M . ( Hon . ); E . Palmer , P . M . 913 ; VV . D . Keeble , W . M . cm ; W . B . Lloyd ,
P . M . 913 ; W . G . Lloyd , J . W . 913 ; J . Savage , W . M . 1472 j C . VVood , J . W . 1472 j J . Baldie , 1472 j H . George , 1472 j R . J . Naylor , W . M . 700 j W . Webber , J . W . 700 j J . H . Roberts , P . M . 700 j Lieut . Tailby , W . M . 13 , * H . Grice , S . W . 13 , * Jos . Bell , J . W . 13 j F . Nichols , P . M . . 706 ; H . Lawson , S . D . 1789 ; and others . Some excellent singing and reciting enlivened the proceedings , which were both protracted and lengthy .
HARROW . —Henry Levander Lodge ( No . 2048 ) . —There was a good attendance of members and visitors at the installation meeting of this lodge , held at the Railway Hotel , Harrow Station , on Saturday , the 29 th ult . The members included Bros . C . P . McKay , P . M . 720 , W . M . j C . J . Axford , P . P . D . G . D . C , I . P . M . ; Phillip Cheek , S . W . ; R . Surridge , J . W . ; H . Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of
W ., Treas . ; VV . A . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of W ., Sec ; H . Webb , J . D . ; Frank Joseph and A . W . Wace , Stwds . ; G . Jenkins , Org . ; W . M . Stiles , P . M . ; G . Lein , A . H . Scurrah , A . D . C . ; F . H . Denman , J . Stubbings , F . W . Levander , P . P . G . D . ; H . W . Parker , W . R . Nelson , j . W . Ryder , W . D . Dickinson , and H . Woodrow . Visitors : Bros . Thomas Poore , P . M . 720 ; H . Dickey , LP . M . 1 744 ;
A . Prince , S . D . 901 ; F . W . Hearn , 2206 ; E . W . Wheeler , Org . 2206 , * J . Hudson , 2206 j J . H . Dobbs , 2206 j J . R . Banfield Rashleigh , P . P . G . S . j W . Woodward , P . M . 1920 ; W . S . Witheiington , J . Thom , J . H . Haworth , 1201 ; R . Ross , S . D . 1744 ; H . H . Limard , De Grey and Ripon j J . B . Rees , Earl of Zetland , R . H . Kirkcaldy , P . M . 1821 j W . Medwin , P . M . 1613 J B . J .
W . Lowe , 1645 j and W . VV . Lee , 18 97 . Lodge having been opened , the minutes were read and confirmed , and the Auditor ' s report received and adopted . Bro . F , H . Denman was then raised to the Sublime Degree ofj , a Master Mason . The installation ceremony was next proceeded witb , and Bro . Phillip Cheek , S . W ., having been presented as W . M . elect , and a Board of Masters
formed , he was duly installed into the chair as W . M . for the ensuing year by Bro . McKay , I . P . M . The officers were appointed and invested as follows : Bros . R . M . Surridge , S . W . j Harry Webb , J . W . j VV . A . Scurrah , P . M ., Treas . ; C . P . McKay , LP . M ., Sec ; Arthur H . Scurrah , S . D . ; VV . Wace , J . D . ; F . C Joseph , I . G . ; S . Reece , D . C ; A . W . Gerrard , A . D . C ; G . Jenkins ,
Org . ; Parker and W . D . Dickinson , Stwds . ; and Very , Tyler . The customary addresses were delivered by Bro . W . A . Scurrah , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Works . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was then presented to Bro . McKay , I . P . M ., by the Worshipful Master , in recognition of his services ,
and as a mark of esteem . The Worshipful Master , iii making the presentation , remarked that the jewel had been well earned by the I . P . M ., and trusted he vvould be spared many years to wear it . Bro . C P . McKay , I . P . M ., briefly returned thanks for the gift . Routine business having been transacted , the lodge was closed .
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
¦ j- vV . Kingston and T . Thompson , as candidates for initial- on , and both being in attendance , were impressively niti ' ated into Freemasonry , Bro . G . J . Bailey was passed ! the Second Degree , and Bro . Philip Bick raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason . Bro . Edwin Arthur Smith was then presented as W . M . elect , and regularly installed into the chair by the retiring Master , Bro . Jas . in
Laurence . The brethren having saluted the newly--stalled W . M ., under the efficient guidance of Bro . J . J . Marsh , P . M ., acting D . C , the following officers were apiointed and invested : Bros . C . W . Baker , S . VV . ; J . A . Wilson , J . VV . ; Saml . Page , Treas . ; jas . W . Baldwin , P P . G . D ., Sec ; J . CGoslin , S . D . ; Saml . Wheeler , ID . ; F- Dunstan , I . G . ; A . Lawton , D . C ; J . R . Cox , Org . ; *[ , ' Whelan , A . Robertson , and W . H . Davey , Stwds . ;
g , arid John Gilbert , Prov . G . Tyler , Tyler . The customary addresses having been carefully and effectively rendered hythe Installing Master , Bro . Jas . Laurence , I . P . M ., he was presented with a handsome P . M . ' s jewel , in recognition of the efficient and valuable services rendered during his year of office . The members also evinced their esteem and regard for Bro . Laurence by presenting him with a Past
Master ' s collar and pendant . Those gifts were briefly and suitably acknowledged by the recipient . Notice of motion was given by Bro . F . Wallers , P . M ., to vote io guineas to the R . M . Benevolent Institution . The lodge , as usual , intends sending representatives to the three Masonic
Institutions in the forthcoming year , Bro . Wm . Kite having consented to serve as Steward for the R . M . Benevolent Institution , Bro , E . A . Smith , W . M ., for the R . M . I , for Boys , and it was understood that another member would serve on behalf of the R . M . I , for Girls . Other routine business having been transacted , the lodge was closed .
The brethren subsequently partook of an excellent banquet , at the conclusion of which the usual toasts were cordially given and received . Bro . W . H . Lee , P . P . G . D ., in response to the toast of "The Prov . G . Master and Prov . G . Officers , " said he esteemed it an honour and privilege to be present to reply to the toast so kindly proposed and so cordially received .
It had been his privilege to be present at the installation meetings of that Iodge on many occasions , but the present occasion afforded him extreme gratification , as he had heard theceremony of installation performed by their I . P . M . in a manner appreciated by all the brethren . He had heard the ceremony rendered in that lodge in an admirable manner on previous occasions , but that evening it had
been performed in a manner that could not be excelled . That was a sentiment which would be echoed by all present who had had experience in Craft lodges , and he could not be contradicted in the opinion he expressed . It was with pride and pleasure that he stood before them as an officer of the Prov . Grand Lodge of a province which had made rapid strides during
the past io or 15 years , starting from 4 or 5 lodges and now numbering 39 . The Province of Middlesex increased not only in the number of lodges and members , but also in the actual working of Masonry , in brotherly love and goodfellowship which had cemented them together , and in the support of the Masonic Charities . If they looked at the result of the recent Centenary of the Girls' School they
would find a total of over £ 1000 provided b y the province . As Prov . G . Officers they were proud of their position , for it was the ambition of every Mason belonging to the province to qualify himself for office in Prov . G . Lodge . He thanked the brethren for the cordial reception he invariably received , and hoped it would be his pleasure and privilege to mingle with them at their meetings on many future
occasions . "The Health of the VV . M . " was next given by Bro . Laurence , I . P . M ., who said the brethren would join him in wishing Bro . Smith , W . M ., a successful year of office . They were convinced that their VV . M . would conduct the labours in the efficient manner which had characterised his efforts in the minor offices . It was a pleasure to him to
instal their present W . M ., as he had the p leature of introducing him into Freemasonry some years ago . It was a peculiar circumstance , and no doubt the fortunes of war , that their W . M ., although much younger in Masonry , should follow him into the chair . He was satisfied that when Bro . Smith left the chair the members would be satisfied with the selection they had made . They all wished
their W . M . good luck , good health , and plenty of work . Bro . E . A . Smith , W . M ., in reply , after thanking the brethren , said it vvas about eight years ago since he was initiated in their lodge . He thought at that time he should like to occupy the chair , and his wish had been gratified that evening , which was one of the best moments of his life . He was sure that the officers he had appointed would
assist and support him in the work . He trusted they would have a good year , and conclude with as good a balance as the I . P . M . had done . He looked upon their I . P . M . as his father in Masonry , and was convinced that the same support would be extended to him as that brother had received . The Worshipful Master tben gave "The LP . M ., " and
expressed the pleasure it had afforded him to present Bro . Laurence with the P . M . ' s collar and jewel , which evinced the good feelings the members felt towards him . Bro . J . Laurence , I . P . M ., said that in rising to respond c { . ** : " . * S reat amount of diffidence , principally on account j "*! his inability to express in proper terms his thanks for their good wishes . The verv handsome testimonial the
brethren had presented to him—first , the P . M . ' s jewel from the lodge , and , secondly , the P . M . 's collar Irom the brethren—had overwhelmed him , and his only wish was that . m'ght be spared many years to wear them in their roidst . At the commencement of his year as W . M . he had „ \ ° them that his greatest desire was to hear them say . Well done" at the conclusion of his term of officeand .
, rorn their kind words and hearty reception that evening , 116 felt he had not been disappointed . Should the W . M . require any assistance , he should be willing and happy to render it , and should never be absent from the lodge if he could possibly avoid it . . The Initiates " was then given , after which "The Visirs was given in felicitous terms , and responded to by
cne visiting- brethren . - „ ° ° s- J . J . Marsh , P . M . ; F . Walters ; Page , Treas . ; «™ Baldwin , P . M ., Sec , replied for " The P . M . ' s , Trearer , and Secretary , " congratulating the '* lod ge on its 1 osperous condition , and assuring the W . M . of their ^ edsupport . ev . ltle Officers" and Tyler ' s toast closed a pleasant
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
PORTSMOUTH . —United Service Lodge ( No . 1428 ) . —The brethren of this Iodge assembled at the Masonic Club on Friday evening , the 13 th ult ., for the purpose of installing Bro . James Ruddy as W . M . in succession to Bro . Joseph Mitchell . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the usual routine business having been concluded , Bro . Ruddy was presented to the W . M . to
receive at his hands the benefit of installation . The beautiful ceremony was admirably conducted by Bro . Mitchf * - " . before the following Board of Installed Masters : Bros . Major Campbell , W . M . 257 ; Downing , P . A . G . D . of C . ; Hewett , W . M . 342 ; Dupree , P . G . Stwd . ; Borrow , VV . M . 1958 ; Birch , W . M . 2074 ; German , W . M . 1069 ; Webb , W . M . 1705 ; Mitchell , P . M . 20 ; Strick ,
P . M . ; Mason , P . M . ; Pratt , P . M . j Laverty , P . M . ; Dart , P . M . 2074 ; Sergeant-Major Jackson , P . M . ; and Sergeant-Major Phillips , P . M . 153 . At the conclusion of the ceremony the newly-installed Master appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . Mitchell , I . P . M . j H . Allison , S . W . ; G . Young , J . W . ; G . F . Williams , Treas . ; E . Milton , Sec . ; W . Miller , D . C . ; G . Sylvester ,
Org . ; H . Stockall , S . D . ; C . Legry , J . D . ; J . Miles , I . G . ; VV . Stewart and J . Duckworth , Stwds . ; J . Exell and G . Carter , Tylers . ™ The charges were then impressively recited by Bro . Mitchell , who , at the conclusion , received a vote of thanks , to be entered on the minutes of the Iodge . Bro . Ruddy said he had then a very pleasing duty to perform , and in
well chosen words presented Bros . Mitchell and Mason each with a valuable P . M . 's jewel , subscribed for by the members of the lodge , in recognition of the services they had rendered during their respective years of office . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to
the banqutting-hall , where the excellent catering of Bro . W . Maybour , of Portsea , was highly appreciated . After the usual Masonic toasts had been duly honoured , several songs were given in good style by Bros . Sylvester , South , Mitchell , Banning , Myers , and Ruddy , and an enjoyable evening was spent .
PLUMSTEAD—United Military Lodge ( No . 153 6 ) . — " There was a sound of revelry by night , and bright the light shone on ( well , not fair women , but ) brave men , " attired in their brilliant uniforms of military blue , or scarlet , braided with gold , on the 13 th ult . The Horse , the Foot , the Transport Corps were all represented , and the " coup de ceil" presented , when the brethren of the
above lodge sat down to do honour to the superb catering of Bro . H . Vallum , of the Lord Raglan Hotel , Burrageroad , Plumstead , was one long to be remembered with pleasure . The wherefore ? It was the installation banquet of the above powerful lodge , for on that day Bro . Lieut . T . Cooper , S . W ., W . M . elect , had been placed in the chair of K . S . as Master for the ensuing 12 months , or
until a successor shall be duly elected and installed in his stead . Lodge was opened ( by dispensation ) at the mess room of the 3 rd Kent Artillery Volunteers , Crescent-road , and after the minutes of the previous lodge had been confirmed and a candidate initiated , the VV . M ., Bro . R . Gooding , proceeded to install his successor , the esteemed brother
above mentioned , and dutifully carried out the ceremony to the satisfaction of all present . Bro . Cooper invested his officers as follows : Bros . Gooding , I . P . M . ; A . Murdock , S . VV ., * W . Seager , J . W . j James Gee , Treas . ; A . Ware , Sec ; T . J . Cowper , S . D . ; VV . Musquin , J . D . ; W . J . Wheeler , I . G . ; W . Sayle-Edwards , D . C . ; Col . C . E . Vansittart , Asst . D . C ; J . Whiteheart
Qr .-Mstr . R . | F . Rankirt , and J . E . Lee , Stwds . Bro . Gooding was then presented with a handsome P . M . 's jewel ( manufactured by BJO . George Kenning ) , and a vote of thanks was tendered him for his admirable working of the ceremony of installation . Bro . Capt . N . Weston , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., was appointed representative of the lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee , and
then the lodge was closed . The banquet was , as above shown , partaken of at the Raglan , and the cloth being cleared the usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts were honoured . The LP . M . then rose and said that he would now claim their attention to that which certainly was the toast of the evening , that of "Their esteemed VV . M ., " who , he was
sorry to say , was compelled to leave them on two issues . The first was that he had that day come up from and had to return to Preston , a far call ; and in the next he had just sustained a severe domestic affliction in the untimely death of an only and beloved infant daughter . No words of his could either alleviate that loss , or express the esteem in which their excellent VV . M . was held by the brethren of
the lodge , and , indeed , by all who knew him among the brethren of the district . He would therefore simply ask them to drink his health , and wish him a safe and speedy deliverance from his heavy affliction . Bro . Cooper , in response , said he was sorry to have been away from them , but it was necessary that he should at once return to Preston . He was sorry to mar the pleasures
of the evening , but would ever remember their sympathy and kindness . He , however , felt his regret mitigated , because he knew that in the hands of Bros . Gooding and Maule the affairs of the lodge would be safely carried on . If he said no more they must excuse him . He then retired amid every demonstration of regret , and indeed affection . Bro . Gooding having assumed the chair , gave the toast
of " Earl Amherst , P . G . M . of the Province of Kent , " whom they all honoured , and whose health , he felt sure , they would drink with all the enthusiasm in the world . The n-ixt toast was that of "Bro . Eastes , D . P . G . M ., and the rest of the P . G . Officers , Present and Past , " and , in putting it , the I . P . M . said Kent was one of the fortmost . ( A voice : "The foremost" . ) One of the brethren
said the foremost ; well , he might have waited till he told them what , in his opinion , it was foremost in ; he was going to say in the cause of Charity . They had a galaxy of P . G . Officers present—there was Bro . Haynes , P . M . 913 , a present S . G . D . j Bro . Coupland , P . M . 913 , a P . J . G . W . j Bro . Weston , of their own lodge , a P . P . S . G . D . , * Bro . Capt . G . Spinks , also of their own lodge , P . P . G . Std . Br . j Bro . Dr . Moore-Keys , a P . P . G . Officer
of Gibraltar . There was also Bro . Kenneday , of the Iodge , a present P . G . S . B ., but he was conspicuou s by his absence . He asked the brethren to drink the health of those dislinguished brethren in bumpers . Bro . Hayes , in response , thanked them , and said he felt it a great honour to serve under two such excellent Masons as Earl Amherst and Bro . Eastes . They all knew how hard the P . G . M . and D . P . G . M . worked for Masonry in the pro-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
vince . He never was more surprised in his life than when he received a comr-iunication from their P . G . M . offering him a collar j he thought he had been forgotten , and the inference he drew from it was , that no good Mason , or one who tried to be , need ever think he was forgotten j for the time would come , surely come , when his services would be recognised by their P . G . M . and his esteemed Deputy , Bro .
Eastes . Those who got office bore . t with Christian fortitude , and he trusted those who followed would bear it in like manner , and that , when they obtained Grand Lodge honours they would come back and tell the brethren of their lodges all the hardships they had endured in taking it . He trusted all thpse who worked hard in Masonry would obtain a reward for their labour in due time . After
speaking highly of the vvork done in the lodge that day by the LP . M ., he gave way to Bro . Moore-Keys , who said he felt ashamed , as one of the oldest members of the lodge , at not attending it oftener , but he would promise to be a little more regular in his attendance in the future . Bro . Weston proposed the toast of "The Installing
Officer , " and in so doing , referred with deep feeling to the loss sustained by their W . M ., who , he could safely say was beloved by every brother of the lodge , and he trusted that the Secretary would , in the name of the lodge , send him a letter of condolence , sympathising with him in his great bereavement . There were many of the brethren present who did not know the sad circumstances . Three days before
the nurse attending Bro . Cooper ' s child , an infant six months old , left it in its bath for a short time , for some purpose or other , and on her return , found it dead , drowned in its bath . It was their esteemed brother's only daughter , and he was sure that not a brother in the room , or a friend , or comrade in the garrison but felt for him , and mourned with him in his affliction . Now , with respect to their
Installing Officer , Bro . Gooding , he also was a sufferer through an accident in his family , for on the previous Sunday evening a son of his , who was in the choir of St . George's Church , in attempting to clamber over some railings attached to the church , toppled over , smashing his ancle and fracturing his leg , and was now lying a patient in the Herbert Hospital j to him their sympathy went forth ,
and yet , amid all this trouble and affliction , that worthy brother had attended to his duties and installed his successor in the admirable manner they had witnessed that day . He asked them to drink his health , and wish his son , as they did from their hearts , a speedy relief from his sufferings , and a safe return to his father's home . Bro . Gooding , in response , said that when he took up
the duties of Master of the lodge he felt that it was a part of those duties to install his successor . He had been told that itfrequired practice to do it perfectly , and he found it to be so j however , he trusted they would overlook any lapses ^ that might have occurred on his part in carrying out the ceremony . He then referred in the most affecting terms to the sad bereavement of Bro . Cooper , and hoped
his own son would come out of his accident all right and sound again . He thanked them fcr the toast , and the kind sympathy tendered to him by every brother present . The other toasts were "The Past Masters , " "Initiate , " " Visitors , " and " Officers , " and then the proceedings , which were of the most happy and harmonious nature , concluded .
Among the others present were Bros . Capt . G . Spinks , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; Capt . D . Deeves , P . M ., P . D . G . R . Natal j T . Ovenden , P . M . ; W . Moulds , P . M . j VV . Maule , P . M . j C . Coupland , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . J . G . W . ; A . Penfold , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . S . G . D . ; T . D . Hayes , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . S . G . D . ; C Jolly , P . M . ( Hon . ); E . Palmer , P . M . 913 ; VV . D . Keeble , W . M . cm ; W . B . Lloyd ,
P . M . 913 ; W . G . Lloyd , J . W . 913 ; J . Savage , W . M . 1472 j C . VVood , J . W . 1472 j J . Baldie , 1472 j H . George , 1472 j R . J . Naylor , W . M . 700 j W . Webber , J . W . 700 j J . H . Roberts , P . M . 700 j Lieut . Tailby , W . M . 13 , * H . Grice , S . W . 13 , * Jos . Bell , J . W . 13 j F . Nichols , P . M . . 706 ; H . Lawson , S . D . 1789 ; and others . Some excellent singing and reciting enlivened the proceedings , which were both protracted and lengthy .
HARROW . —Henry Levander Lodge ( No . 2048 ) . —There was a good attendance of members and visitors at the installation meeting of this lodge , held at the Railway Hotel , Harrow Station , on Saturday , the 29 th ult . The members included Bros . C . P . McKay , P . M . 720 , W . M . j C . J . Axford , P . P . D . G . D . C , I . P . M . ; Phillip Cheek , S . W . ; R . Surridge , J . W . ; H . Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of
W ., Treas . ; VV . A . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of W ., Sec ; H . Webb , J . D . ; Frank Joseph and A . W . Wace , Stwds . ; G . Jenkins , Org . ; W . M . Stiles , P . M . ; G . Lein , A . H . Scurrah , A . D . C . ; F . H . Denman , J . Stubbings , F . W . Levander , P . P . G . D . ; H . W . Parker , W . R . Nelson , j . W . Ryder , W . D . Dickinson , and H . Woodrow . Visitors : Bros . Thomas Poore , P . M . 720 ; H . Dickey , LP . M . 1 744 ;
A . Prince , S . D . 901 ; F . W . Hearn , 2206 ; E . W . Wheeler , Org . 2206 , * J . Hudson , 2206 j J . H . Dobbs , 2206 j J . R . Banfield Rashleigh , P . P . G . S . j W . Woodward , P . M . 1920 ; W . S . Witheiington , J . Thom , J . H . Haworth , 1201 ; R . Ross , S . D . 1744 ; H . H . Limard , De Grey and Ripon j J . B . Rees , Earl of Zetland , R . H . Kirkcaldy , P . M . 1821 j W . Medwin , P . M . 1613 J B . J .
W . Lowe , 1645 j and W . VV . Lee , 18 97 . Lodge having been opened , the minutes were read and confirmed , and the Auditor ' s report received and adopted . Bro . F , H . Denman was then raised to the Sublime Degree ofj , a Master Mason . The installation ceremony was next proceeded witb , and Bro . Phillip Cheek , S . W ., having been presented as W . M . elect , and a Board of Masters
formed , he was duly installed into the chair as W . M . for the ensuing year by Bro . McKay , I . P . M . The officers were appointed and invested as follows : Bros . R . M . Surridge , S . W . j Harry Webb , J . W . j VV . A . Scurrah , P . M ., Treas . ; C . P . McKay , LP . M ., Sec ; Arthur H . Scurrah , S . D . ; VV . Wace , J . D . ; F . C Joseph , I . G . ; S . Reece , D . C ; A . W . Gerrard , A . D . C ; G . Jenkins ,
Org . ; Parker and W . D . Dickinson , Stwds . ; and Very , Tyler . The customary addresses were delivered by Bro . W . A . Scurrah , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Works . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was then presented to Bro . McKay , I . P . M ., by the Worshipful Master , in recognition of his services ,
and as a mark of esteem . The Worshipful Master , iii making the presentation , remarked that the jewel had been well earned by the I . P . M ., and trusted he vvould be spared many years to wear it . Bro . C P . McKay , I . P . M ., briefly returned thanks for the gift . Routine business having been transacted , the lodge was closed .