Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

of so old and royally founded a lodge , one honoured throughout the province as that over which he had the honour to preside , would be found at the close of his year of office in the same puce and unsullied state as the night he found it placed in his hands . Some of the most cheering thoughts that crowded upon him was , that at his side would always be found the I . P . M ., one who had

brought the lodge through such a successful year , and also that the advice and extended experience of the _ Past Masters of the lodge would always be at his service if needed , and after heartily thanking the brethren for the honour they had done him in electing him at so early a period in his life to the Master ' s chair , concluded by saying he hoped the G . A . O . T . U . would give him the

health , zeal , and fervency for the noble work , that none of the prestige would depart from the lodge during the coming year , and that the brethren would have no cause for condemnation at its close , but rather that their verdict should be , " Well done , good and faithful servant . "J The VV . Master then gave "The Health of the Installing and I . P . Master , Bro . VV . Gunnell , " which was cordially received .

Bro . Gunnell , in a neat and humorous speech , assured the brethren of his continued attachment to the lodge and desire for its welfare , as well as the pleasure he felt at his name being so warmly received by those who had worked under him , assuring them that while he had health and strength his energies should be devoted to the welfare of 342 , and hoped the lodge would have not only as successful a year as the past had been , but even a more prosperous

one . " The Past Masters of the Royal Sussex " was the next toast , which was responded to by Bro . J . Friedeberg , P . M ., who , after congratulating the lodge on the accession to the chair of one whom they had seen ascend step by ¦ step to that position , assured the VV . M . that the advice and co-operation of the P . M . ' s was at his service . Opining that there was no probability of anything of

troublous importance likely to arise in the conduct of the lodge during the coming year , and that he ( the VV . M . ) could depend upon the Past Masters to assist him in every possible manner , and on their behalf presented him with their hearty congratulations . Bro . J . Brickwood , P . M ., was then placed in possession of the gavel , and gave the brethren " The Masonic

Charities , " remarking that the Royal Sussex had always occupied a foremost place in the province in the sacred cause of charity , and hoped it would be a long time ere such a noble trait would depart from it , or their high position with regard to the central charities one whit the less assured , adverting to the balance sheet then in the hands of the members of the sterling work they had

done during the past year . Bro . J . W . Willmott , P . M ., P . P . G . Swd . Br ., responded to the toast . As the lodge ' s representative he should endeavour to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor in the Divine cause of Charity , and in the high position in which the lodge had placed him , in entrusting him with the care of watching their interests on the

Charities Committee , cordially re-echoed the sentiment that had fallen from the proposer of this toast , hoping that while we were a lodge , and members of our noble Order , the desire to afford succour and assistance to those who needed it , would ever be present in our midst . "The Representatives of Neighbouring Lodges " was next proposed , and Bros . Horace E . Loader , VV . M , 4 S 7 ,

and Captain VV . H . C . St . Clair , VV . M . 2074 , replied , with fraternal greetings , and earnest of a cordial reception of the Royal Sussex at the hands of the neighbouring lodges . The VVorshipful Master next gave " The Visitors , " and Bro . William Miles , I . P . M . 1776 , in reply , saidon their behalf , and his own , he thanked the brethren for the generous and brotherly approval they had given this toast .

He believed No . 342 prided themselves on their hospitality and fraternal companionship accorded those who visited them . Individually he did not forget that the VV . M ., whose year had begun so auspiciously , was affiliated to the lodge he had the honour to represent , and was sure he was only putting into words the expression of every visitor present , that Bro . Sanders would be blessed with a prosperous and useful year of office .

" The Officers of the Lodge " was replied to by Bro . VV . Beautell , S . VV ., who accompanined his response to the toast with an assurance that the officers the VV . M . had been pleased to appoint would do their utmost to support him in the chair in carrying out his duty . During the evening several brethren varied the proceedings with harmony : Bros . Lancaster , Buck , Miles , Proctor , Leader , and Willmott assisting . Bros . Heys and Miles

accompanying . There were present Bros . E . Goble , P . M . 309 , P . G . Sec ; R . J . Rastrick , P . C Treas . j G . F . Lancaster , P . M . 903 , P . P . G . J . D .: J . Wallingford , P . P . G . J . W . j E . S . Main , P . M . 177 G , P . P . G . D . C ; G . Bond , P . M . 4 S 7 , P . P . G . Sd . Br . j D . G . Gilmour , W . M . 309 j H . E . Loader , W . M . 4 S 7 ; H . VV . Smith-Parsons , VV . M . 804 j J . Dempsey , W . M . 903 j E . Nayler , VV . M . 92 S j J . Jackson , W . M . 142 S ; J . M . Foster , VV . M . 177 G ; G . T . Cunningham ,

W . M . 1 R 34 ; II . Long , W . M . 1903 J Capt . W . H . C . St . Clair , W . M . 2074 i t- 'riedeberg , J . VV . Willmott , S . R . Ellis , H . J . Guy , R , J . Turney , H . Barnes , Dr . C Knott , J . Brickwood , II . Croucher , and J . E . Buck . Past Masters of 342 , Bros . VV . Miles , I . P . M . 1776 ; and A . H . Hancox , G . Barnden , and Leader , 177 * 5 ; McKnight , Morgan , and

Reading , 407 ; VV . S . Lapthorne , ujsS ; F . J . Proctor , J . Bussey , J . Townsend , Bolitho , Payne , A . T . Stone , j . Madge , Shaft , A . Caton , Atrill , Armstrong , Bracey , W . Oldfield , VV . Butler , Robinson , and Andrews , members of the lodge . The Tyler's toast brought a most enjoyable evening to a close .

BIDEFORD . —Benevolence Lodge ( No . 489 ) . —The annual festival of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 21 st ult ., in the lodge room at the Music Hall . The followingofiicers were duly installed to act for the forthcoming year : Bros . R . Dymond , VV . M . ; H . P . Tardreiv , S . W . ' ; C . Smale , J . W . j R . Riddle , S . D . j A , G . Duncan , J . D . ;

H . M . Burrow . P . M ., P . G . S ., Treas . ; Rev . T . Russell , P . M ., P . G . J . W ., Sec . j Rev . E . W . Doyle , Chap . ; VV C . Coles , I . G . ; J . Brook , Org . ; Westacott and VVilson , Stwds . ; and R . Grant , Tyler . The annual banquet was held at the New Inn Hotel , when a large number of visiting brethren were present . Everything passed off in a highly satisfactory manner .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

AXMINSTER—Lodge of Virtue and Honour ( No . 494 ) . —The annual meeting of this Iodge was held on Tuesday , 2 Gth ult ., when the VV . M . elect , Bro . VV . Forward , was installed VV . M . for the ensuing year by Bro . A . P . Reece . There were present Bros . A . P . Reece , W . M . j Win . Forward , S . W . j J . R . Reynolds , J . W . ; ) . GPinnev , P . M ., Treas . ; S . G . Loveless , P . P . G . J . D ., Sec ;

VV . Bl Parsons , J . D . j VV . J . Jefferd , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., D . C ; VV . A . L . Paull , I . G . j T . N . Webber , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Org . j T . Pickering , P . M ., D . C . j J . Harris , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . Somerset ; H . Brice , John Parsons , G . N . Heal , W . H . Pinney , VV . H . B . Catford , J . Wakley , Tyler j J . Guy , L . A . Pinney , and A . Bidwell . Amongst the visiting brethren were Bros . J . S . Swann , P . M . S 47 , P . P . G . S . B . ; VV . Ward , P . M . S 47 , P . G . Stwd . ; M . C .

Preston , J . VV . 66 i ; James Martin , 665 ; W . H . Kirbey , W . M . G 65 ; VV . Prosser , I . P . M . 665 , P . P . G . D . Dorset ; VV . Damerel , 12 S 4 ; John D . Barker , P . M . 70 , P . P . G . O . j G . Evans , P . M . 11 S 1 , P . P . G . S . D .,- VV . T . Berry , I . G . S 47 . The VV . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows —Bros . A . P . Reece , I . P . M . j J . R . Reynolds , S . W . j T . Pickering , P . M ., J . VV . j S . G . Loveless , P . M ., P . P . G .

J . D ., Sec . j J . G , Pinney , P . M ., Treas . j W . J . Jefferd , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., D . C . j T . N . Webber , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Org . j VV . A . L . Paull , S . D . ; W . H . B . Catford , J . D . j G . W . Heal , I . G . j John Parsons , Stwd . ; and J . Wakley , Tvler .

The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to the George Hotel , where an excellent banquet was admirably served by Bro . Price . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured , interspersed with several capital songs , and a very pleasant evening was spent .

STOWMARKET . —Phcenix Lodge ( No . 516 ) . — The annual festival of St . John the Evangelist was celebrated on Friday evening , the 15 th ult ., at the lodge room , Fox Hotel . After lodge a splendid banquet was served in admirable style by Bro . Edward Bridges . The Worshipful Master , Bro . Christopher G . Hayward , occupied the chair , and amongst those present were the following : Bros . N . M .

Simmons , I . P . M . ; VV . P . T . Phillips , P . M . St , P . P . G . S . W . j S . R . Anness , P . M . 37 6 , P . P . G . J . D . j J . K . Sidgwick , P . M ., P . P . G . R . j J . M . Franks , W . M . 376 ; S . Gooding , 376 j F . C . Atkinson , 376 j Waller j S . H . VVright , P . M . and Sec , P . P . G . J . W . ; C . H . Woods , P . M . ; C H . Pedder , P . M ., Prov . G . Org . ; Holt , S 27 ; E . Bridges ; Thurlow , S . W . j A . J . Walker . D . C . j F . Groom , I . G .

H . Gooding ; and J . H . Stebbing . After the removal of the cloth , the VVorshipful Master gave the first toast— "The Queen and the Craft , " observing that her Majesty was not only the daughter of a Mason , but also the mother . of the present Grand Master of England . 'The next toast proposed by the VVorshipful Master was

" The Most VVorshipful the Grand Master of England , the Prince of Wales , " and the VVorshipful Master expressed the hope that H . R . H . might long be spared to be the ruler of the Craft . The VVorshipful Master next gave "The R . VV . the Prov . G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , the R . W . Dep . G . M ., the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers ,

Present and Past , " and afterwards "The Health of the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Lord Waveney . " The next toast on the list was " The V . W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master , the Rev . C J . Martyn , P . G . C , and the Officers , Present and Past , of the Prov . G . L . of Sussex . " The VV orshipful Master , in giving this toast , expressed his regret that Bro . Martyn , who was a

member of their lodge , was unable to be present that evening , but the Dep . Prov . G . M . celebrated on Thursday his 50 th birthday , and he was sure they would all join with him in wishing Bro . Martyn many happy returns of the day . Having alluded to the success which had attended the scheme for the insurance of the life of Bro . Martyn , the object of which was to secure to the province in perpetuity

the votes the Dep . Prov . G . M . at present possessed , the W . M . coupled the names ' of Bros . Sidgwick and S . R . Anness with the toast . Bro . Sidgwick responded for the Past , and Bro . Anness for the Present Prov . G . Officers . Bro . Simmons proposed " The Health of the W . M . of the Phoenix Lodge , " and trusted that under his

Mastership the lodge would continue to prosper . The VVorshipful Master responded in an able speech , and , after complimenting the I . P . M . on the management of the affairs of the lodge , said it would be his constant endeavour to discharge the duties of his office in a manner which would give satisfaction to the brethren and prosperity to the lodge . Bro . S . R . Anness proposed "The Masonic Charities , "

than which , he said , he knew no more important toast . These Charities were the pride and the boast of all Masons . Bvo . Phillips was this ^ ear going up as a Stew ard to the Girls' Institution . . ; At this School the girls not only received a sound education , but were most thoroughly fitted for the stern realities of , Iife . He proposed Success to the Masonic Charities , more especially the Girls' Institution

with which he coupled the name of Bro . VV . P . T . Phillips . In response , Bro . Phillips spoke at some length on the subject of the Charities , remarking that the sum of £ 42 , 000 had to be raised every year in order to carry on these excellent Institutions . In times like the present , when difficulties met them in every direction , it was not an easy matter to keep up that large stream of benevolence j but he was

happy to say that the contributions during the past year had been larger than they had ever been since thc three Institutions had been established . The VVorshipful Master , in complimentary language , proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " to which Bro . Simmons reponded . Bro . S . H . Wright then gave "The Health of the

Installing \ laster , Bro . S . R . Anness , " and spoke of the intimate relations which had always existed between Perfect Friendship and Phitnix Lodges . Bro . Anness briefly responded . 'The Worshipful Master proposed "The Health of the

Visitors , " coupled with the names of Bros . S . Gooding , J . M . Franks , F . Waller , and F . C . Atkinson , who severally responded . Bro . VV . P . T . Phillips gave " The Past Masters of thc Lodge , " to which Bros . Simmons , S . H . Wright , and J . K . Sidgwick responded . Bro . Sidgwick proposed "The Officers of the Lodge , " who briefly acknowledged thc compliments .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

The Worshipful Master proposed "The Secretary , " and made a happy allusion to the lengthened period during which Bro . Wright had occupied that position . Bro . S . H . Wright thanked the W . M . for his genial and kind remarks , and the brethren for the warm response tlray gave to the toast . It had been his pleasure for many years to receive that kindness at their hands . He'desired

especially to repeat his warmest thanks , and also for the marks of continued confidence and forbearance he received at all times . He should feel pride and pleasure in doing his best for the lodge in the future , as he had in the past , lt was a " labour of love " with him , and to see the Phoenix Lodge

prosperous was the wish nearest to his heart . He was glad to say they were at the present time numerically and financially prosperous . A very pleasant evening was brought to a close with the Tyler ' s toast . About 25 brethren sat down to the dinner , several being kept away by illness or urgent business .

DEVIZES . —Wiltshire Lodge of Fidelity ( No . 663 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place at the Masonic Hall on Friday , the 15 th ult ., when there was a large gathering of members and visitors . The W . M . elect , Bro . F . S . Hancock , S . VV ., was duly installed , the ceremony , at the request of the W . M ., Bro . VV . H . Bush , being performed by W . Bro . William Nott , P . M . of

the lodge , and P . P . G . J . W . Wilts . The newly-installed Master afterwards invested the officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . T . C . Hopkins , S . W . j VV . L . Tucker , J . W . j W . Nott , P . M ., Treas . j H . I . Ward , P . M ., Sec . j H . J . Johnson , S . D . j N . I . Beale , P . M . 936 , J . D . j VV . H . Burt , P . M ., D . C . J F . Sloper , I . G . j H . Howse , P . M ., VV . Cooper , and B . W . Crees , Stewards ;

and C R . Barnes , Tyler . The officers on investment were severally addressed on the duties of their office by the VV . M ., who to the Treasurer expressed his regret that he , Bro . Nott , had been compelled to resign the more active duties of the office of Secretary , which he had filled for the past 16 years , though the lodge would still have the benefit of his assistance to the new Secretary , Bro . Ward .

The usual addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren were delivered by the Installing Master . In addition to those members already mentioned there were present Bros . T . H . Chandler , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . Wilts , and J . A . Randell , P . M . j whilst amongst the visitors were Bros . A . J . Beaven , P . M . 1271 , P . P . G . P .

Wiltsj Jas . Leaker , P . M . 135 j VV . Williamson , VV . M . elect 906 , P . P . G . D . C . Somersetj T . S . Hill , P . M . G 32 ; J . H . Foley , VV . M . elect , 632 ; Jas . Pocock , 632 ; G . L . Palmer , Sec . 632 ; J . G . Wilton , I . G . 41 ; and others . After the lodge was closed the brethren adjourned to the customary annual banquet , provided in excellent style by Bro . Beale , at the Bear Hotel .

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD . —Prince of Wales Lodge ( No . 951 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , 15 th ult . Present : Bros . W . Austin , W . M . j P . D . Hopgood , S . W . j E . Dening , J . W . ; J . Nichols , Treas . j F . Dowman , S . D . J A . C Dixey , J . D . ; A . F . Turner , I . G . j J . Keen , Tyler j P . M . ' s Bros . R . Blizard , P . P . G . S . B . ; and John F . Nichols . Visitors :

Bros . VV . Felton , P . P . G . S . of Wks ., P . M . 246 j G . Norman , P . P . G . Reg ., P . M . 346 J E . Lawrence , P . P . G . J . D ., P . M . 24 GJ andj . Thorn , S . W ., VV . M . elect 246 . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of last meeting confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . George Thomas Lee , and proving unanimous , that gentleman was initiated , the ceremony being performed by the W . M . in

his usual able and impressive manner . Bro . W . Felton then took the chair , and Bro . P . D . Hopgood , S . VV ., having been presented * , to him , he was installed in the chair of K . S . with the usual formalities , the Installing Master ' s work meeting with great approval from the brethren . _ The Wardens chairs were filled by Bros . Norman and Blizard , Bro . Lawrence officiating as D . C The W . M . proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows :

Bros . VV . Austin , I . P . M . j E . Dening , S . W . j J . F . Nichols , P . M ., J . VV ., Treas . j Rev . A . Williams , P . M . ( in absence ) Chap . ; R . Blizard , P . M ., Sec . ; F . Dowman , S . D . j F . Pegler , J . D . j Fitzroy Jones , I . G . j John Keen , 'Tyler . _ " Hearty good wishes " having been expressed by the visitors , lodge was closed in due form . The brethren then adjourned to the banquet , _ where , under the presidency of the VV . M ., a p leasant evening was spent , the usual foyal and Masonic toasts being duly honoured .

ST . DAY .- Tregullow Lodge ( No . 1006 ) . —This lodge held its annual meeting on Tuesday , the 19 th ult ., when the VV . M . elect , Bro . W . J . Collins , was installed as the W . M . for the ensuing year by Bro . John Jose , P . M ., and a large Board of Installed Masters . After the ceremony , the W . M . appointed the following as his officers : Bros . C . Barnett , I . P . M . ; Thomas Turner , S . W . j S .

Whitford , J . W . j J . Jose , P . M ., Treasurer j Theophilus Michell , P . M ., Secretary j F . Bartle , P . M ., Chaplain j Martin Kitts , S . D . ; S . Kinsman , jun ., J . D . ; Joseph Tregea , D . C . ; W . Woodcock , I . G . ; R . Carkeek and R . Woolcock , Stewards . After the lodge was closed the brethren adjourned to partake of the annual banquet , and a very pleasant evening was spent . ,. _ , „__ , „ . ;

NEWNHAM-ON-SEVERN . —Royal Forest of Dean Lodge ( No . 1067 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the 19 th ult ., at the Town Hall , when there were present Bros . J . Shaw Carleton , W . M . j J . S . Bradstock , S . W . j W . Lynes , P . M ., J . W . j M . F . Carter , P . M ., Sec . j W . G . Roberts , S . D . j John Shiles , acting I . G . j Job Webb , Tylerj A . Parker , I . P . M . j Russell

Jas . Kerr , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . j W . C . Heane , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; F . G . Washbourn , S . W . Hadingham , and G . H . R . Holden . The lodge having been opened , the ceremony of passing Bro . G . H . R . Holden was performed by the VV . M ., who also gave thc explanation of the secon tracing board . The brethren afterwards adjourned to the banqueting room and spent the evening in harmony and brotherly love .

MANCHESTER . —Strangeways Lodge ( No . 1219 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 27 th ult ., at the Masonic Rooms , 74 a , King-street . Present : Bros . Wm . Appleby , W . M . j Wm . Willis , S . W . j Henry R , Slatter , J . W . j VVm . T . Schofield , P . M ., Treas . j Wm . W . Dawson , P . M ., P . G . A . D . C , Sec . ; Wm . B . Russell ,