Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

the Prince of Wales ' s "first born , " as on the occasion of the Grand Master ' s installation in 1 S 75 , while he , Bro . Stone , was Lord Mayor of London , His Royal Highness appointed him Junior Grand Warden . A similar honour had been conferred on Ihjlate Lord Mayor , Bro . Sir Francis Truscott . at the Grand Festival in April last . The I . P . M ., Bro . J . C . Sanderson , then proposed "The Health of the W . M " . " observing that the good qualities that Bro .

, Stohwasser had exhibited and the able manner 111 which he had filled his duties as S . W ., augured well for his year of office . The VV . M . having acknowledged the toast , proposed " The Visitors , " remarking that among them were many of distinguished position . lle " \ vouldask Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., and Col . Shadwell II . Gierke , to respond . Sir Francis Burdett , in reply , expressed the very great pleasure he had in being present , feeling sure that all the visitors would

agree with him that they could no ' , have spent a mere p feasant evening . Col . Clerke , in the course of his reply , assured the Worshipful Master that he had been charmed with the excellent manner in which the installation ceremony had been performed by Eglese , and hoped that the ac <( Uaintances that he had made in the lodge that evening would last many years . The VV . M . next proposed "The Past Masters , " coupled with the name of Bro . Sanderson ,

I . P . M ., who in reply , thanked the Past Masters for their supuort during his year of office , which had been to him an extremely happy one . The VV . M . had kindly permitted him to propose the next toast , " Prosperity to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " at the festival of which he was going up as Steward , and hoped his list would be well supportctTby the brethren . Bio . Terry in the course of an eloquent reply , stated that there were already ninety-nine

candidates for the twenty vacancies , and appealed to the brethren to support Bro . Sanderson's list generously , remarking that if each member of the lodge contributed one guinea , it would enable the Committee to admit five or six extra candidates at the next election in May . For the twenty guineas voted to his Institution in the lodge that evening he returned his sincere thanks . Bro . Walford having ' replied to the toast of" The Initiate , " " The Health

of the Treasurer and Secretary " was given in hearty terms by the VV . M . Bro . Capt . Helsham , JP . M . and Treas ., rep lied in facetious terms , concluding by paying some highly complimentary remarks to the father of the lodge , who had held the office of Sec . for upwards of twenty years , much to the advantage of the lodge . Bro . Eglese , P . M ., alsoreplied . " The Officers of the Lodge " having been acknowledged by Bro . Brighten , the Tyler's toast brought a most

enjoyable evening to a close . During the evening an excellent selection of vocal music was given , under the direction of Bro . VVilhelm Ganz , Past Grand Organist , by Miss Bertha Moore , R . A . M . ; Miss Belval , Bros . Faulkner Leigh and Frederic Penna—several songs being heartily encored . Bro . Ganz presided at the solo pianoforte . The following completes the list of visitors present : Bros . R . P . Spiccr , P . G . S ., P . M . 21 ; VVilhelm Ganz ,

P . G . O ., P . M . 435 ; E . B . Bright , G . J . W . Middlesex ; Dr . Barrington , Past G . W . Herts , P . M . 194 ; James Terry , Past G . W . Herts , P . M . 22 S ; George Motion , Past G . D . Essex , P . M . 453 ; Christopher Rook , Past G . S . B . Herts , P . M . S 69 ; F . Leigh , Past G . O . Herts ; S . J . Coles , Past G . P . Herts , I . P . M . 1327 ; R . Jeffs , VV . M . 43 s ; E . H . Williams , VV . M . 105 G ; A . Wright , VV . M . 170 S ; VV . E . Williams , P . M . 162 ; VV . J .

Ferguson , P . M . 177 ; J . E . Watford , P . M . 177 , 14 S 9 ; R . N . Field , P . M . 902 ; G . II . Wrigglesworth , P . M . 97 s ; VV . Penn , P . M . IOJG ; C . Hammerton , P . M . 1339 ; Win . P . Brown , S . W . 90 ; James A . Reed , S . D . 122 S ; John F . Latham , S . D . 1714 ; E . P . Lewis , J . D . 754 ; Charles Kempton , J . I ) . 12 S 7 ; Dr . II . Helsham , 19 ; Alfred

Norris , 21 ; J . C . Bird , 91 ; John H . Blcn , 95 ; E . Lardner . 101 ; Herbert Santer , 1 G 7 ; E . Maas , 17-, ; R . Lindsey , 179 ; F . Penna , 211 ; II . VV . Ridley , 29 S ( I . C . ); Wm , Nicholas , S 90 ; L . Parnwell , 1293 ; H . K . Bridgcn , 1327 ; Percy Crampton , 1572 ; VV . A . Burn , 1670 ; John P . Hamilton , 1700 ; and F * . A . Kelly , 1524 ; ( Freemason ) .

BURDETT LODGE ( No . 1293 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 22 nd ult ., at the Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court . Present : Bros . Gordon , S . W . ; Boncey , P . M ., as J . W . j Buss , Treas . ; Pearse , See ; Maple , as S . D . ; Maybury , I . G . ; Roberts , Stwd . ; Gilbert , Tyler ; Sadler , Tarr , Spratling , Wilson , Ward , Parnwell , and Griffiths . Visitors : Bros . Hopwood , P . M ., & c . ; Brown , S . W . 140 ; Blake , 507 ; Paterson , 1507 ;

Spencer , 1597 ; and Joyce , 1 G 01 . In the unavoidable absence of the VV . M ., the chair was taken by Bro . Pearse , P . M . and Secretary . Letters of apology for absence were read from Bros . Kentish , J . W . ; Shaboe , Chap . ; and Phythian , P . M . Bro . Wilson was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . This being the installation meeting Bro . Gordon , S . W ., was with all due formalities installed in the chair of K . S . according to

ancient custom , and appointed Bros . Kentish , S . W . ; Sanders , J . W . ; Shaboe , Chap . ; Buss , Treas . ; Pearse , Sec ; Maybury , S . D . ; Maple , J . D . ; Roberts , I . G . ; Spratling , Sl . C . ; Tarr , W . S . ; and Gilbert , Tyler . The lodge was then closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the usual pleasant banquet provided by Bro . Sadler .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . —A most successful meeting of this flourishing lodge was held on the 27 th ult ., at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , the principal attraction of the evening being the installation of Bro . Frederick Brasted by the father of the lodge , Bro . VV . II . Lee , Sec , P . M . 975 . The lodge was opened punctually at four o ' clock by the VV . M ., ' Bro . VV . Henry Brand , assisted by Bros . Henry G . Buss , Assist . Grand Sec , P . M . ( hon . mem . ); F . Brasted , S . W ., VV . M . elect ;

K . Dignam , J . W . ; C . W . Smyth , Treas . ; VV . II . Lee , P . M ., Sec ; Neville Green , P . M . ; C . Lorkin , S . D . ; J . L . Payne , J . D . ; A . Ferrar , I . G . ; R . Polak , D . C ; R . George , Steward ; J . J . Marsh , Tyler ; D . Munro , J . T . Larter , VV . Simpson , A . Leolller , VV . Wright , John Brewer , Edwin Woodman , VV . J . VVatkins , R . Dallas , J . H . Rich

Beasley , Harding , A . R . Ollcy , F . A . Kelly , and others . The visitors included Bros . C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; John . Mason , P . G . D . Middx ., Collector Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; John Noble , VV . M . 975 ; N . Finch , W . M . J 3 G 5 ; G . VV . Gilliam , VV . M . 1 G 32 ; James Garnar , P . M . 975 ; VV . Fieldwick , P . M . 13 G 4 ; E . I Somers , P . M . 1 G 02 ; J . Glass , S . D . 453 ; Thomas Clark , J . D . 117 S ;

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

II G . Banks , 179 ; W . Williams , 902 ; William Silver , rosG ; C . Gieseka , 1227 ; T . G . Harris , 127 S ; J . F . Rothschild , 12 SS ; F . Dickinson , 129 S ; C . Beckett , 1319 ; E . J . F . Bell , 1310 ; II . VV . Schartan , 1549 ; A - Eldridsje , 15 S 5 ; and G . VV . Larter , ifio 2 . The minutes of the November meeting having been read and confirmed , the report of the Audit Committee , which was most satisfactory to the brethren , was read and adopted .

Ballot being taken for the initiate , Mr . John Walker Champneys was declared in his favour . The VV . M ., Bro . the Degree of M . M . Bro . Lee having assumed the chair , proceeded with the installation ceremony . Bto . F . Brasted was then presented to thelnstalling Master , and having been Brand , then in a masterly manner raised Bro . Simpson to duly obligated , the brethren below the chair retired , and during their absence , Bro . Brasted was installed VV . M . of

the Duke of Connauglit Lodge , No . 1524 , for the current year . On the return of the brethren , the newly-installed Master was formally proclaimed and saluted in the Three Degrees , after which he appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . E . Dignam , S . W . ; C . Lorkin , J . W . ; VV . H . Brand , I . P . M ., Treas . ; VV . H . Lee , P . M ., Sec . ; C . VV . Smyth , S . D . ; J . L . Payne , J . D . ; A . Ferrer , I . G . ; R . Polak , D . C . ; R . George , S . ; and J . J . Marsh , Tyler .

Bro . Lee concluded the ceremony which he had so admirably performed by impressively delivering the customary addresses to the Master , officers , and lay brethren . Bro . F . Brasted gave early proof of his efficiency for the office he had been unanimously elected to , by the very able manner in which he initiated Mr . John VV . Champneys into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . ) After a few matters of minor importance had been

brought before the lodge by the Secretary , Bro . Lee , the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned to the Pillar room , where an excellent banquet was provided and well served under the superintendence of Bro . CIcmow . At the conclusion of dinner grace was sung , and on the removal of the cloth , the VV . M . proposed in loyal terms the first toast , that of " The Queen and the Craft . " This having been received in ~ the customary hearty manner

the toast that followed was that of "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . M . W . G . M ., " in introducing which the VV . M . said that the Craft had every reason to feel proud of having such an illustrious Prince to rule over them . Taking into consideration the vast number of duties H . R . H . performed , it was extremely gratifying to observe the great attention he paid to the Order and the pleasure he always exhibited at being present among

them . In proposing the next toast , that of "'the Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro . G . M ., the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Deputy G . M ,, and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " the W . M . said , that in these distinguished noblemen they bad two thorough working- Masons , who , assisted as the } - were by the present efficient Grand Officers , carried out their important duties to the admiration and satisfaction of them all . He much regretted that Bro . Buss was not

present to respond to this toast . Bro . Buss had been present in the lodge , but was obliged to leave after the installation , having to attend a chapter meeting in another part of the building . Bro . Brand then proposed the health of " The Worshipful Master , " and in doing-so said , that it was in his opinion the toast of the evening . He had had the pleasure of knowing Bro . Brasted for many years , and it was with much gratification , and he was sure

the same feeling was shared in by the whole of the members , that he saw him elevated to the chair . He , from personal experience , knew that their VV . M . had worked hard in the lodge , had never flinched from any of his duties , or had been absent from a single meeting . The VV . M ., in returning thanks , said that after waiting some years , it was very gratifying to at last reach the distinguished position of VV . M . He would try

his utmost to carry out his duties faithfully , and with that good fellowship which was so essential to the good working of a lodge . Before resuming his seat Bro . Brasted proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " whom he congratulated upon having so successful a year of office , accompanied though it was with rather heavy working . He ( Bro . Brasted ) had the privilege and pleasure of presenting Bro . Brand with a very handsome jewel , unanimously voted him

by the lodge . The W . M . then , with a few complimentary expressions , placed the jewel upon the breast of Bro . Brand , the act being heartily cheered by the members . In reply , the I . P . M . said , it was a source of the greatest pleasure to him to know that his services had been so satisfactory to the lodge as to be presented with so valuable a jewel . He felt great pride in being the I . P . M . of the lodge of which he was the first initiate , and in whicji he had served nearly

every office . During his reign as VV . M . he had been greatly assisted by his officers , to whom he acknowledged his indebtedness . The year 1 SS 0 would be in recollection to him a particular happy one , and it was his sincere wish to be spared to see all his junior officers pass the chair . The toast of "The Initiate" followed , Bro . Champneys suitably replying . The next toast was that of " The Visitois , " coupled with the names of Bros . Noble , W . M . of the Rose

of Denmark Lodge , No . 975 , and Gilliam , VV . M . of the Stuart Lodge , No . 1 G 32 . ¦ Bro . Noble , in the course of his reply , complimented the lodge , which he said was an off shoot of the "Rose of Denmark , " upon the ability of its officers , and congratulated Bro . Lee on the very able and excellent manner in which he had installed the VV . M . To Bro . Lee , the lodge of which he , Bro . Noble , was Master , the " Rose of Denmark , " was greatly indebted for his

Masonic knowledge and instruction . Bro . Gilliam , in reply , said he had never spent a happier evening . He had very great pleasure in visiting this lodge , as so many of his friends were included in those present . He knew the VV . M . had been working hard for the chair , and congratulated him upon reaching it , and hoped he would have a proud and happy year of office . Bro . Brasted in proposing "The Masonic Charities , " observed that they

had every reason to be proud of those noble Institutions , and the way they were conducted and supported . He took this opportunity of announcing his intention of representing the lodge as Steward at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , which takes place on the 23 rd inst . Bro . Neville Green P . M ., acted as Steward for the Royal

Masonic Girls' School , in April last , which resulted in a total of ^ . 7 . 5 19 s . 5 while the joint Stewardships of Bro . Brand , VV ' . M ., and Bro . Smyth , Treasurer , on behalf of the Royal Masonic Boys' School , benefited that Institution by the sum of £ 58 is . He hoped to receive the same support for the old people . The merits of the Institution would , he felt sure , be fully ex-

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

plained by Bro . Mason , whom he would call upon to respond . Bro . Mason , in reply , said , while thanking the brethren for the noble way they had supported the Charities in the past , forcibly impressed upon them the urgent necessities of the Institution which he represented , pointing out the desirability of constantly giving what they could afford to the particular Charity most in need at the time . If ever there was a jieriod when the Royal Masonic

Benevolent Institution needed it most he ventured to think it was the present . There were ninety-nine deserving cases seeking admission at the next election in May , and only twenty vacancies . He was proud to learn that the lodge had sent up £ 140 last year to the Boys' and Girls' Schools , and they were to be congratulated on the fact that the money was from the lodge and members , and not from outside sources . He trusted the VV . M . would be supported liberally

by the brethren in his laudable undertaking . Bro . John Mason ' s earnest appeal realised the handsome sum of twenty-live guineas , and the promise of Bro . Garnar , P . M . 975 , to act as a Steward . " The Past Masters " was then proposed in complimentary terms by the VV . M ., and Bro . N . Green , P . M ., made a suitable reply . In proposing the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " the VV . M . alluded in flattering terms to the services of these brethren , more especially Bro . Lee , P . M . and Secretary , who , having

been the first W . M . of the lodge , had been unceasing in his efforts to promote its welfare . Bro . W . H . Lee , P . M . and Secretary , responded , and congratulated the W . M . upon his accession to the chair under such favourable auspices , and expressed his great gratification at-the position the lodge had attained . Bro . Dignam , S . W ., and Bro . Lorkin , J . VV ., responded for "The Officers , " after which the Tyler's toast was given , and the brethren separated after spending a most enjoyable evening , tvhich was enhanced by the musical abilities of Bro . E . j . F . Bell .

WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — The members of the above lodge held their regular meeting at their new quarters , the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Thursday , the 20 th ult . The W . M ., Bro Pennefather , assisted by Bro . T . Butt , VV . M . 907 , acting S . W ., and Bro . MacButt , J . W ., opened the lodge , and the minutes of previous regular , and emergency , meetings were read and confirmed , and the ballot was then taken for

the following gentlemen , viz ., Messrs . Cooper , Ihornton , Brasher , and Harman , which proved unanimous , and the first named three gentlemen being present were regularly admitted into the ancient Order , the ceremony being ably rendered by the VV . M . Bro . Brickdale was also passed nearer to the next , the VV . M . recalled the newly made members , and a discussion ensued on a subject the brethren had been previously apprised of by summons , and on

division was lost . The VV . M . then rose and explained the cause of the present meeting at the " Hall , " which was owing to their having to beat a hasty retreat from there old meeting house , and concluded his address by proposing that the West Smithfield Lodge for the future do hold its meetings at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C . Bro . T . Butt , acting S . W ., rose to second the proposition , and expressed the pleasure he felt in doing so ; he could speak

from practical knowledge of the comfortable arrangements made for them at the "Hall ; " for many years he had attended the meetings of his mother lodge , which was still held there—in fact he was initiated there , and he certainly regarded the West Smithfield Lodge with every affection . It first saw existence at his own house , where it certainly proved successful , and he had done his best to make it so , and hoped while he lived to remain a member of the lodge .

He trusted the younger members would work together , and get the lodge to contribute yearly to all the Charities , for in them lay all real Freemasonry . He had himself elected to stand Steward for the Aged Freemasons at the coming festival , and if members could make it convenient to subscribe to his list he would feel very gratified . They could give what they liked , it would be thankfully received ; and he now begged

to second the proposition of the VV . M . The same was ably supported by Bros . Lardner , King , Greenwood , and others ; and having been put to the consideration of the lodge , was unanimously carried . The VV . Master rose and observed that a very pleasing duty , long deferred , had now involved upon him , which was to place on the breast of his predecessor the well-earned jewel of the lodge . Bro . Howes was so well known and beloved by them

all that the lodge did not require him to tell them , so he would , therefore , pin the lodge ' s presentation upon his breast , and trusted he would long be spared to wear it . The I . P . M ., in returning thanks , observed that he was already a P . M . of two other lodges , and never intended to have passed the chair again , desiring to prepare others for that honour , but ill-health and loss of memory had caused him to neglect his lodge , and allowed him to run out of

hunts , which cost him his position in the Craft , and gav e him serious regret , and determined him to qualify himself again as soon as possible ; and he thanked the lodge for having conferred that honour upon him . Their grant to him was very handsome , and to maKeVit more so , he hail added half as much again , so that it should stand out as the badge of the prodigal ' s return . He could assure them he had the lodge at heart , and would do all in his power

for them . The lodge was then closed and the brethren accompanied the W . M . to refreshment , at which the usual Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to . The W . M . proposed "The Initiates , " and , in doing so , felt he would not be out of order in stating that they had admitted three gentlemen that evening who would prove to be excellent brothers , having- already shown themselves such by

subscribing to Bro . Butt ' s list . He was not one who thought it prudent to ask initiates to subscribe on their introduction , but on the mention of Bro . Butt ' s Stewardship by Bro . Lardner they at once evinced a desire to support him . For himself he must submit that his opinion of them had not been over estimated ; he , therefore , called upon the brethren to join him in the toast . Bros . Cooper , Brasher , and Thornton responded in suitable terms , pleading

inability to express what they felt , but hoped to be able to do so upon some future occasion . The VV . M ., in reply to the toast proposed on his behalf , thanked them very much for the cordiality shown to him . He knew that he had their entire confidence , and with such support he intended not only to get the lodge out of debt , but to see it in a good financial condition before he retired from the chair as VV . M . He might say , with their assistance , he had already performed one part of the promise , and hoped that that