Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

of Chine Lodge , " which , he was sure from the way in which they had supported him , would be cordially received . Bro . F . Rayner , S . VV ., said : I am very sorry to hear the W . M . say he has missed such a golden opportunity of reducing the debt , but if I can venture to make an excuse it is this , that at the Lodge of Instruction our W . M . is thinkinsr of our wives . I mean he is anxious to let us go

home as early as we can to them , and it is generally near 10 o'clock , for our convenience he rises sharply , and does not make the enquiry after the first time . I trust Bro . McQueen will take that into consideration , and feel that to this habit must be attributed his omission this evening . Bro . McQueen , in responding , was assured at the excuse given by the Senior Warden , that the W . M . was

thinking of their wives , and so omitted a part of the ritual , however , he would make the offer he intended to in lodge , by taking over the mortgages at the lower rate of interest mentioned . The W . M . subsequently rose and thanked Bro . McQueen for his kindness . ¦ — YORK . —Agricola Lodge ( No . 1901 ) . —The

installation of Bro . J . Martin , M . D ., S . W ., as W . M . of this lodge for the ensuing year , took place in the Agricola Masonic Rooms , on Monday afternoon , the 25 th ult ., when there was a good attendance of brethren and several visitors . The ceremony was performed by Bro . B . Polkinghorne , P . M ., who officiated as Installing Officer . The following brethren were subsequently invested as officers :

Bros . B . Polkinghorne , P . M ., I . P . M . ; A . M . White , S . W . ; J . H . Taylor , J . W . ; F . Woolnough , Secretary ; W . P . Bellerby , Treasurer ; J . E . Wilkinson , S . D . ; VV H . Wigham , J . D . ; G . Manton , I . G . j T . Harding , J . Eccles , and ] . Sutcliffe , Stwds . ; Rev . W . C . Lukis , Chap . ; J . Thomson , D . C . ; and E . Osborne , Tyler . The ballot was then taken for Sergt .-Major J . Genese ( Medical Staff Corps ) , and proving unanimously in his favour , he

was initiated by the newly-installed W . M ., who afterwards passed Bro . Latham ( Commissiaviat and Transport Corps ) , to the Second Degree . On the lodge being closed , a long toast list was afterwards gone through , including the usual loyal and Masonic toasts and "The Health of the W . M . " Several of the brethren contiibuted songs and recitations .

WATFORD . —Earl of Clarendon Lodge ( No . 1984 ) . —The installation meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , on Thursday , the 28 th ult . There was a numerous attendance , including Bros . W . T . Graves , P . P . G . Stwd ., W . M . ; R . Townsend , S . W . ; T . C . Grant , Treas . ; S . Goodchild , Sec ; W . T . Boydley , S . D .,- W . Large , P . M ., D . C ; C . Sturman

I . G . ; H . J . Gillard , P . P . G . D . Herts ; A . G . Brett , P . M . ; Dawson , D . P . G . M . Herts ; and many others . Visitors Bros . F . Delavanti , P . M . 1319 ; J . H . Casson , P . M . 1635 , P . P . G . O . Derby ; E . St . Clair , 14 ; J . Brock , P . M . 299 ; S . Martin , I . P . M . 404 ; J . Whaley , VV . M . 172 ; H . Clarke , l . G . 1837 ; W . Green , 1604 ; H . J . Turner , P . M . 1608 ; E . Bacon , 1607 ; A . Boehr , P . M . 1515 ; D . O .

Brian , 8 S 9 ; H . Cattermole , S . W . 1 S 39 J C . P . Ayres , 404 ; J . H . Jones , Org . 1 C 95 ; W .-Wilson , 15 S 0 ; G . F . Marshall , P . M . 6 Q ; J . R . Mills , 2045 ; A . Stradling , J . D . 404 ; C E . Bulling , 1287 ; A . B . Archer , 116 3 ; J . L . Cooke , J . VV . 212 S ; R . Fendick , P . M . 142 C ; J . L . Jones , P . M . 1670 , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; W . W . Morgan , P . M . 211 j J . T . Crawford , 766 ; R . C . Wilson , 766 ; A . Hubbard , S 13 ; H . J . Dutton , 1706 ; W . H . Morris , J . W .

404 ; E . Bamford , P . M . 1549 ; H . Parkin , 1319 ; and W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . Lodge having been formally opened , the minutes of the preceding regular and emergency meetings were read and confirmed . Bro . B . O . Hewitt was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . in a very impressive manner by the W . M . Ballot was successfully taken in favour of Bro . G .

H . Thomas , 2045 , as a joining member , and Mr . George Watkins as a candidate for initiation . The installation ceremony was then proceeded with , and Bro . R . Townsend , S . W ., having been presented as W . M . elect , was duly installed into the chair according to ancient custom . The following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . W . T . Boydley , J . W . ; T . C . Grant , P . M ., Treas . ; S .

Goodchild , Sec . ; G . Sturman , S . D . ; H . Honeycombe , J . D . ; W . Large , P . M ., D . C ; F . Fisher , I . G . j W . T . Whittington , Steward ; and C . Thomas , Tyler . Bro . J . Rogers , being unavoidably absent , his investiture as S . W . was postponed . The usual addresses were then effectively rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . Graves , I . P . M ., who performed the ceremony throughout in a most

successful manner . The I . P . M . then asked the lodge to accept from him a handsome album , as a memento of his year in the chair . On the motion of Bro . Gillard , P . M ., a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the I . P . M . for his kind and generous gift , and the motion placed upon the minutes . The circular from the Pro G . M . was then considered , and , after a

slight discussion , the five tickets for the Albert Hall meeting were distributed amongst the W . M ., two Wardens , and two P . M . ' s respectively . Bro . Gillard , P . M ., proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Graves , I . P . M ., for the very able and efficient manner in which he had rendered the installation ceremony , and said the brethren would agree with him that it had been all that could be desired . The motion ,

having been seconded by the Secretary , was carried with acclamation . Bro . Graves , I . P . M ,, briefly returned thanks for this further mark of their favour . There being no further business for transaction , the lodge was closed in ancient form . The brethren then adjourned to the Corn Exchange , which had been hung with tapestry and curtains , and beautifully decorated , under the

direction of Bro . Whittington , who is to be congratulated on the result of his labours . A very pretty and pleasing effect was given by Clarke's fairy lights , which , to the number of 340 , were distributed over the room , and , true to their name , gave a fairy-like and charming finish to the effective decorations . Ample justice having been done to a substantial repast

the usual toasts were duly and heartily honoured . "TheOueen and the Craft , " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " "The Grand Officers , " and "The Prov . G . M . " having been given , The Worshipful Master proposed "The Health of the

D . P . G . M . and the rest of the Prov . G . Officers , " and said that no words of his were needed to commend the toast to their notice , for he knew that as soon as Bro . Dawson's name was mentioned , its success and hearty reception was ensured . Bro . Dawson , Dep . P . G . M . Herts , in reply , said it was

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

very gratifying to find , wherever they went , that the P . G . Officers were always warmly proposed from the chair , and most cordially received by the brethren . Those who had been fortunate enough to gain the purple had done good suit and service in the Craft , and in their official connection with the province faithfully and zealously carried out the duties entrusted to them . He thanked the brethren on

their behalf for the warm reception accorded the toast . He felt he must add another word , and thank them on his own behalf for the kind reception they had given him . If the Prov . Grand Master were present he would say that as there are a large number of lodges in the province , the difficulty in the selection of Prov . Grand Officers increases year by year . They did not admit the word jealousy in

Masonry , and the Prov . G . Master was always most anxious to act impartially in the distribution of honours . To those brethren who would like the purple , but who had not yet been selected , he would say , in the words of the Lord High Executioner of the " Mikado "— "We have got you on the list , and none shall be miss'd . " He had the privilege of assuming the gavel to prooose what he considered the

toast of the evening— " The Health of the W . M . " Their present occupant of the chair had to follow Bro . Graves , who had done an immense deal of good for that lodge . It was very well for a brother to accept the office of W . M ., and preside over the banquet in an agreeable manner , but it was another thing for a brother to do the work as thoroughly as their I . P . M . had done . In the

initiation ceremony it was necessary to have good working , for if the work was not well done , the candidate would have a hazy notion of Freemasonry , and not be impressed . But if the ritual is properly rendered he knows there is something more in Masonry than what iscalled the "fourth " Degree , and makes a study of it . The W . M . that evening was surrounded by those who appreciated and esteemed

him , and who were present to evince the regard they had for him . It augured well for his term of office when they saw brethren come forward to support him at the commencement of his year , and he was convinced that twelve months hence , when he hoped to be present , they would be able to congratulate him upon a very successful year in the chair .

Bro . R . Townsend , W . M ., after heartily thanking the brethren for their kind reception of the toast , said he fully appreciated the kind remarks made by the Dep . P . G . M . As they would admit he was but a juvenile in his present position , they would no doubt take the will for the deed , and excuse' him from making any lengthy speech . He assured them that he was fully aware of the difficulties in

following such an excellent brother as the I . P . M ., but he would do his best to successfully carry out the duties . "The I . P . M . " was then given by the W . M ., who said he regarded the duty of proposing the toast as a very pleasing one . He should try to emulate the excellent example set by Bro . Graves whilst in the chair , and if he failed it would not be for lack of energy or zeal . During

the fast year they had had a VV . M . of whom they always would be proud , for he had carried out the duties in a very creditable manner . His year had been characterised by painstaking work , and his anxiety and willingness to do anything for the welfare of the lodge . He ( the VV . M . ) would take that opportunity of presenting him with the jewel , which the lodge had unanimously voted as a very

small recognition of the admirable ; services he had rendered . He also had much pleasure in presenting him with a beautiful engraving representing the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as M . W . G . M ., in 1875 . He hoped Bro . Graves would live for many years to wear the Past Master ' s jewel , and he asked him to accept the engraving as a token of the esteem and affection with which he was regarded by

every member of the Earl of Clarendon Lodge . Bro . W . T . Graves , P . P . G . Stwd . Herts ., I . P . M ., in reply said he could not adequately express his thanks for these marks of their favour . He thanked the W . Master very sincerely for his kind remarks , and the brethren generally for the magnificent jewel , which he should look upon with pride . He hoped that his son would be spared long

enough to be initiated into Freemasonry , when he would be able to understand and appreciate the honour they had conferred upon him . He had no idea that a secret could be kept in so small a place as Watford , but he assured them that they had quite taken him by surprise in presenting him with the valuable picture . He thought that he had scarcely deserved that honour , for he had but done his duty

as every brother ought to do , and he was more than gratifind if the brethren were satisfied with his efforts . He was sure the work of . their present W . M . would far eclipse anything he had done , and he could only sincerely hope the G . A . O . T . U . would give him health and strength to carry out the duties of his high office with credit to himself , and satisfaction to the brethren .

Bio . J . H . Casson , P . P . G . O . Derby , in response for " The Visitors , " said he was not aware when he received an invitation from his esteemed friend Bro . Graves , I . P . M ., that he should receive a further honour by being called upon to respond . 'There were many visitors present of greater worth in the Craft than himself , but there were none present who more fully appreciated the delightful

afternoon they had spent in the lodge , and the profuse hospitality they had received at the banquet table . It had been a great treat to him to see the admirable working of the I . P . M . He had attended many lodges in England and other places , but he had never seen a lodge worked with greater unanimity and smoothness . The I . P . M . had been a great friend of his , and he esteemed him accordingly ,

and thanked him personally for the great pleasure he had given him in affording him the opportunity of spending such a pleasurable and profitable evening . Bro . Jones , P . M . 1 C 70 , P . P . G . D . Middx ., also replied . Bro . XV . XV . Morgan , P . M . 211 , replied for "The Charities , " which was given in appropriate terms by the W . M ., and on behalf of the three Institutions tendered

hearty thanks for the reception accorded it . They were all aware that Bro . Terry had had a most unprecedented success for the R . M . B . I ., and also that the Festival of the Girls' School would take place on the nth May . The work these Institutions are doing is well known , and it must be gratifying to all Masons who are desirous of the welfare of these Institutions , that the Girls' School had taken on

all the candidates at the last meeting of the Quarterly Court . On behalf of the Boys' School , he should iike to be able to announce to Bro . Binckes the name of a brother to serve as Steward at the next Festival of this deserving but needy Institution . By this means something might be done which would redound to the credit of their lodge , and the credit of the Jubilee year .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

" The Officers ' having been duly given and responded to by the brethren concerned , the Tyler's toast brought a successful and pleasant meeting to a close . An excellent programme of music , under the direction of Bro . W . T . Graves , I . P . M ., added considerably to the enjoyment of the brethren . Amongst those who assisted were the Misses Large and Graves , Bros . A . Hubbard , Henry Parkin , Hy . Haywood , H . Dutton , and G . Young .

CLEATOR MOOR . — Stirling Lodge ( No . 1989 ) . —The annual installation of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Wednesday , the 27 th ult . Bro . H . Ward , W . M ., opened the lodge , when the minutes were confirmed , and Bro . Chas . Gowan , P . M ., P . G . Swd . Br ., assumed the chair , and Bro . J . Bewley , VV . M . elect , was presented and installed in a most efficient manner , and

invested his officers as follows : Bros . H . Rothery , S . VV . ; R . Walker , J . W . ; Ed . Clarke , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., Treas . ; Chas . Gowan , P . M ., Sec . ; J . McHarry , S . D . ; J . Dickinson , J . D . ; Wm . Heathcotej D . C ; Ed . Irwin , l . G . ; J . Friars , J . Nixon , and R . Rothery , Stwds . ; and Geo . Watson , Tyler . The following brethren signed : Bros .

Thos . H . Nesbitt , P . M . 1004 and 2050 , and first Prov . Grand Sec ; Dr . Speirs , 1989 ; J . Johnston , A . W . Turner , R . Hindmarch , Alex . Hardie , A . R . Benson , J . D . Welsh , Geo . Dalrymple , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . ; VV . P . Moordaff , 371 ; J . Hutchinson , 371 ; Thos . Brakenridge , W . M . S 72 ; Thos . Atkinson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; VV . D . P .

Field , S . VV . ; J . S . Moffat , J . W . ; J . M . Clarke , S . D . ; J . Lewthwaite , W . M . 962 , P . G . Stwd .- ; R . Smith , 1267 ; Henry Hartley , John Nicholson , L . Ward , P . M . 1400 , P . A . G . Purst . ; G . H . S . Smith , l . G . 1400 ; J . Morten , S . D . ; B . Craig , I . P . M . 1660 ; J . Dickson , J . VV . ; and others .

With the usual good wishes from the visitors , the lodge was closed in form , and the newly-installed Master invited all to accompany him to the Queen's Hotel , were an excellent banquet was served . 1 he loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and an evening spent a credit to the infant lodge of the province .

CROYDON . —George Price Lodge ( No . 2096 ) . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel , on Wednesday , the 27 th ult ., when there were present Bros . H . M . Hobbs , P . S . G . D . Surrey , W . M . j F . T . Ridpath , S . W . ; E . Samuel , J . VV . ; J . S . Fraser , Sec ; M . L . Levey , S . D . ; W . G . Goode , J . D . ; F . Cambridge , P . P . G . Org . Surrey , I . G . j W . C Oates

, D . C ; W . Lane , Tyler ; G . Price , P . G . Treas . Surrey ; Rev . G . P . Merrick , P . P . G . Chap . Surrey ; D . Guedalla , E . C . Leaver , R . W . Wilson , J . C . Leaver , E . C . Holdsworth , L . Percival , C Holden , and H . H . Aston . Visitors : Bros . W . H . Ranson , W . M . 1790 ; J . Kilvington , S . D . 1790 j and W . Fox Hawes , S . D . 4 63 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last

regular meeting , and-of the emergency meetings were read and confirmed , with the exception of the resolution altering the day of meeting . The ballot was taken for Mr . Lionel Percival , and being unanimous in his favour he was duly initiated into Freemasonry . The Secretary having read the by-laws , Bro . F . T . Ridpath , S . W ., was unanimously elected Master for the ensuing year , Bro . J . C . Leaver , Treasurer , and Bro . W . Lane , Tyler . The

W . M . gave notice of motion as follows : "That the meetings of the lodge take place on the second Saturday instead of the fourth Wednesday of the month , and that the installation meeting be changed from May to June . " The Master elect having expressed his wish to be present at the meeting at the Albert Hall , in June , it was resolved " That the four remaining tickets should be balloted for . " An Audit Committee having been appointed , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

ZEiLAND LODGE ( No . Sir ) . —A meeting was hefd at the York and Albany , Regent's Park , on Monday , the and inst ,, when the following brethren were present . —Bros . H . Marsden , 73 , W . M . ; H . Halliday , 3160 , S . VV . ; W . F . Hall , 192 , J . W . j J . Passingham , 193 , S . D . ; J . B . Smith , 813 , J . D . ; F . M . Noakes , 2148 , 1 . ^ . ; E . C . Mulvey , 179 and 788 , Preceptor ; C . ShepparU , P . M . 1366 , Sec . ; C . A . itter , 18 97 and 2191 , Asst . Sec ; J . Kew , P . M . 179 ; E . R . Smith 1044 ; C . Smales 1604 ; A . Giddings 1104

, , , ; S . I . Halls , 1310 ; J . R . Gamble , 706 ; W . H . Lawrence . 1987 ; H . Bangs , 1693 ; and Dr . J . Powdreil , 1744 . The fodge was opened in regular form , and the minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed . Lodge opened in Second Degree . Bro . Hill , offering himself as a candidate for raising , answered the usual questions leading to that Degree , was duly entrusted and retired . Lodge opened in the Third Degree . The rehearsed the of

W . M . ceremonv raising . Lodge closed in the Thtrd Degree . Bro . Preceptor worked the First Section of the Lecture . Lodge closed in the Second Degree . On rising for the second time , Bro . Preceptor proposed , and Bro . J . W . seconded , that the S . W . be elected as W . M . lor ensuing week—carried unanimously . The officers were appointed in rotation . Nothing further oll ' ermg for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed and adjourned .

HIGHGATE LODGE ( No . 1366 ) .-A meeting was held at the Bull and Gate , Kentish Town , on Thursday , tlie 28 th ult ., wherr the following brethren were present : —Bros . Giddings , W . M . ; Qnartly , S . W . j Chaff , J . W . j Hill . d . D . j Garratt , ! . !) . ; Nash , l . G . ; Frost , P . M ., Preceptor ; and Scattergood , Sec . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and conrirmed . Bro . Scattergood , having offered himself as a candidate for passingwas duly entrusted .

, The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony ui passing was most ably rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed in a most etlective manner , Bro . Qnartly candidate . Bro . Nash , 1668 , was unanimously elected a joining member . Notice was given that the Fifteen Sections would be worked on the < thand 12 th inst ., when brethren are invited to attend . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1423 ) . —A meeting was held on Monday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Porchester Hotel , Leinster-pla « . Cleveland-square , Porchester-terrace , Paddington , W . Present : Bros . O . W . Battley , W . M . j C . S . Mote , S . W VV . J . Mason , J . VV . ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , P . P . S . G . D . Essex , Sec ; Jos . Bailey . S . D . j M . Rosenberg , J . D . ; Hardy , W . M . 201 , I . G . j JLaurence , Stwd . ; F . T . ( J . Kccble . P . M . 1 . 126 : Dr .

Ingleby-Mackenzre , P . M . 372 , 30 ° ( S . C ) , P . P . S . G . W . Devon ; Capt . 1 ) . Nicols , P . M . 1974 , P . D . G . S . of W . Punjab j F . Chandler , P . MIO SGJ W . Seaman , E . F . Ferris , J . Smith , and W . Harris . Visitors : Bros . VV . A . Huntley , 1425 , and E . A . Warlield , 704 . , , Ihe lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the la 6 ' meeting were read and conrirmed . Bro . Hardy rehearsed ilw ceremony of initiation , Bro . Seaman candidate . The eight women 3 proxies belonging to the lodge of instruction were given to Bro ,