Masonic Notes.

For the Boys School election on the 14 th instant there are 49 approved candidates , of whom 10 hail from London , and one has claims on London and two of the Provinces . The remaining 3 S are wholly provincial or from abroad . Four out of the 40 boys have

already stood at two elections , and eight others were candidates in October last , while the others are new cases . The number of vacancies to be competed for is 23 . Here there are six children whose names will be removed from the list if they fail in winning places at

this ballot , namely .- No . 5 ( Sussex ) , vvho starts with 270 votes to his credit ; No . 14 ( West Lancashire ); No . 16 ( Dorsetshire ) ; No . iS ( N . and E . Yorkshire ) >' No . 44 ( West Lancashire ) ; and No . 49 ( Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ) .

In accordance vvith the practice vve have adopted for some years past , vve make an earnest appeal to all governors and subscribers , who are not already committed to the support of any particular candidate or candidates , to give their votes and exercise their

influence in behalf of the four <> 'irls and six boys vvho are so situated , as vve have already pointed out , that if they fail to secure places at these elections they fail altogether . All the other candidates on both lists have at least one , and the majority of them more

than one opportunity of winning admission into these Institutions ; but for these unfortunate 10 it is a case of " now or never . " We invite them to remember that these children have had their claims to the benefits of

the Schools recognised , and for this reason , though vve know nothing whatever of the merits of the different cases , vve urge upon all vvho have votes to spare to place them at the disposal of these children .

Bro . Sir Augustus Harris , Grand Treasurer of Mark Master Masons for the year , gave a luncheon to a large number of distinguished members of Grand Mark Lodge , at Freemasons' Tavern , on Thursday . Among

those present were Comps . E . Letchworth , Col . A . B . Cook , Alfred Williams , C . Fitzgerald Matier , Gordon Miller , Charles Belton , George Cooper , Balfour Cockburn , R . Clowes , Clifford Probyn , Stewart , R . Berridge , Major Carrell , and others .

The annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota vvas held at the Masonic Hall , in the city of St . Paul , on the nth and 12 th January last , under the presidency of Bro . Alphonso Barts , M . W . G . M ., no less than 179 out of 190 lodges on the roll being

represented . I he Grand Master , in the course of his address , announced that dining the year charters had been granted to five new lodges , and dispensations issued for three others . The returns showed an aggregate membership of 13 , 444 , being a net gain of 544 on

those of the previous year . The Grand Treasurer ' s report showed a total of receipts , including balance brought forward , amounting to Si 1 , 204 , an ^ disbursements , 1 S 7141 ; while the statements in respect of the

Widows' and Orphans Fund gave a total of cash in hand and investments amounting to within a fraction of !* 12 , IO 2 . The new Grand Master is Bro . W . F . Dickinson , and Bro . Thomas Montgomery vvas reelected Grand Secretary .

Bro . William Salmon , J . P ., of Penllyne Court , Cowbridge , Glamorganshire , vvho is the oldest living Freemason and the oldest member on the roll of the College of Surgeons , has attained his 103 rd year . Wc trust our venerable brother may be spared to us some time yet to enjoy this unique privilege .

A particularly sensitive gentleman named kanertz , residing at Kaldenkirchen , has brought an action for slander against the Burgomaster of that town , Herr Bertges , for having called him a " Freemason . " The defendant admitted the truth of the allegation , but

maintained that to call a man a Freemason could not possibly be construed into slander . On the other side , it vvas contended that it could be , provided the person so designated were not a Freemason , as the allegation

mig ht be injurious to him in certain circumstances . The Court at Lobberich decided that it vvas slander , but on appeal to a higher tribunal at Cleves the judgment was reversed .

"The Lay of Earl Harold , ' since published with some alterations , under the title of " The Weird Lady , " was written by Charles Kingsley in 1 S 40 , while staying with the Hon . Dr . Wellesley , at Durham . It was illustrated by him at the same time , and given to Dr . Wtllesley ' s daughter , the Hon .

Mrs . Augustus Liddell , one of his dearest and most valued friends from his boyhood to the end of his life . The illustraare novv in the possession of Mrs . Charles Balfour , by whose wish and permission they are reproduced for the lirst time in the April number of the " linglish Illustrated Magazine . "

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Ivy Lodge ( No . 1441 ) . — The installation of Bro . Charles laylor Barlow took place on Tuesday , the 28 th ult ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall . The installation ceremony vvas performed by Bro . Burcham Cooper , P . M ., according to strict emulation working , and was witnessed by a large number of brethren , vvho highly appreciated Craft flDasonrp .

the masterly and impressive manner in vvhich that worthy brother conducted the same . After vvhich the W . M . appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . E . A . Clarke , LP . M . ( deferred through absence in consequence of illness ); T . W . Ingram , S . W . ; E . Sinclair , J . W . ; G . Mattock , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Skegg , P . M ., Sec " ; R . E . Lane , S . D . ; J . Hills , J . D .,

H . Sternberg , I . G . ; R . Foster , P . M ., L . Vnn Hill , and F . H . Scroggie , Stwds . ; Burcham Cooper , P . M ., D . C . ; W . P . West , A . D . C ; J . Rorke , Org . ; R . Carey , A . D . C . ; and VV . P . N . James , M . D . ; and J . Lee , Tyler . The ceremony of initiation then took place , and the VV . M .

certainly deserves great praise for the manner in vvhich he performed his duties . The lodge vvas closed , and the brethren partook of a recherche banquet , provided by Mrs . Venables , in her best manner . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been proposed and responded to , the brethren separated , after a most enjoyable evening .

Skelmersdale Lodge ( No . 1658 ) . —The installation meeting vvas held on Thursday , the 23 rd ult ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell . Bro . James Letchford occupied the chair . There vvas a e * ood muster of the members . Visitors : Bros . Doig , W . M . 1 y . g ; A . Doig , P . M . 1539 ; A . Lundie , W . M . 13 S 1 ; ] . Williams , D . C . 214 C ; J . Hudson , I . G . 075 ; G . Mote , P . M .

1732 ; A . Tocke Peyton , A . D . C . 101 ; J . ] . Warton , P . M . 65 ; J . Armour , VV . M . 172 ; F . VV . Upton , 619 ; and J . Uudd , W . M . 101 . The lodge was opened by Bro . A . B . Norman , W . M ., and the minutes of the last regular and emergency meetings vvere read and confirmed . The Auditors' report having been read and adopted , the ceremony of installation vvas then

performed , and the W . M . elect duly installed into the chair of K . S ., the I . P . M . being assisted by Bro . H . Cohen , P . M ., vvho presented the working tools , and gave the addresses in his well-known able manner . Mr . C . H . Paul vvas initiated . After " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet .

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . Bro . Hills , P . M ., Treasurer , proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " and highly complimented him upon the manner he had performed the ceremony of installation , and expressed the hope that he would long be spared to wear the jewel which had that night been presented to him ,

and he vvas sure the whole of the brethren wished him a long , prosperous , and happy life . The I . P . M . replied , and it vvas evident he was deeply touched by the kindly expressions used towards him . The toastof "The Visitors" was received in the most

hearty manner , the speeches , in reply , being very highclass . The evening was enlivened by many good songs , & c . The lodge is in a very satisfactory state , and promises for the future to go on prospering . The ievvel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

Royal Savoy Lodge ( No . 1744 ) . — The regular meeting of this well-known lodge was held on the 28 th ult ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly-circus , and vvas numerously attended by members and visitors . There vvere present Bros . Capt . C . J . Knightley , VV . M . j G . Mordey , S . W . ; E . Ruzicka , J . VV . ; VV . M . Stiles , P . M ., Treas . * , A . H . Cole , Sec . ; T . B . Jefferies , J . D . ;

J . Pratt , I . G . ; VV . A . Scurrah , P . M ., D . C ; Geo . Thompson , Steward ; R . Whiting , P . M ., Tyler ; R . Ross , I . P . M . ; Holland , P . M . ; J . IL Adcock , F . Mizon , G . Sillick , W . Jennings , VV . Baker , Fletcher , A . George , E . Waymouth , T . Morris , W . A . Wykes , C . P . Coles , A . Rumsden , A . Davis , K . Gentry , T . Nicholson , A . 13 . Fox , C . Wilsden , II . Ward , and R . T . VVest . The visitors were

Bros . A . Bentley , 1815 ; w . Parkinson , 463 ; I . B . Shakespeare , 1 790 ; K . A . Rice , 1320 ; Geo . II . Lewis , P . M . 2206 ; R . Douglas Smith , 27 ; T . Welham , 1897 ; F . Carr , 1 O 07 ; G . C . Paine , 1507 ; G . R . Bolton , W . M . 1732 ; F . Douglas Norman , 172 ; H . Lewis , 1472 ; R . A . Bend , 732 ; II . Monson , 2353 ; I- " . G . Stuart , 1602 ; T . Golds , 704 ; F . Tomlin , 1360 ; D . F . Driver , 1360 ; and

F . Bartlett , 1110 . The minutes of the last meeting having been read , Bro . Mizon vvas raised , and Messrs . T . Nicholson , Alfred Davis , and E . Gentry were initiated . In eloquent and pathetic terms , the W . M . referred to the death of Bro . IL Dickey , P . M ., the late Secretary of the lodge , which happened the

day previously . I pun the tnoti n of Bro . Ross , I . P . M ., seconded by Bro . VV . M . Stiles , it was unanimously resolved that a letter of condolence should bc sent to Mrs . Dickey , and a wreath purchased for the funeral . The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren partook of an excellent banquet . After thc loyal and Masonic toasts had been given by the

W . M ., The I . P . M ., Bro . Ross , in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " remarked that he vvas one of the most genial fellows the lodge had ever had as their W . M . The Worshipful Master , in responding , said that so long as he occupied the ehair he would do his very best , and

with the assistance of liis old friends , Bros . Stiles , ind Scurrah , he hoped that when his term of oilice expired thc brethren would be satisfied with the little he might havc done for the happiness and pins- erity of the lodge . In appropriate terms the Worshipful Master gave "The Past Masters , " stating that he was indebted to the Past Masters for the oilice he held , and that no other lodge could

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Have a better band of Past Masters . He coupled the name of Bro . W . M . Stiles , their very modest but well tried member , whom he asked to respond . Bro . Stiles , in reply , said that he was proud to be a Past Master of so flourishing and important a lodge , and it was comforting tn the Past Masters to have so genial a W . M . for their ruler .

Bro . Ross , I . P . M ., also responded , remarking that the brethren looked upon Bro . Stiles as their guiding star . The next toast vvas "The Initiates , " the Worshipful Master statins * that they had three that night and it made him proud . He strongly urged them to be upright in their cond . ict in every way and to help to maintain the eminent position the lodge novv held .

Bros . Nicholson , Davies , and gentry suitably replied , the first named observing that he would do his utmost to carry out the instructions he had received that evening . The Worshipful Master proposed "The Visitors , " to whom he gave a hearty welcome . They were well supported that night having 19 present , many [ of whom were well known and distinguished . Bros . Cole and Jefferies had

brought vvith them nine , for vvhich he thanked them . He was delighted to have visitors and hoped that they were satisfied and would come again . He coupled the names of Bros . R . Douglas Smith , Driver , Lewis , F . Tomlin , and Douglas Norman , whom he asked to respond . Bro . R . Douglas Smith , in reply , thanked the W . M . for his kind words in greeting the visitors . The lodge vvas well

known for its great hospitality , and when once a brother came there he was anxious and glad to come again and again . They appeared to be prosperous and having three initiates that night vvas , he thought , a good augury for the future . He felt bound to remark that Bro . Stiles appeared to be a very energetic and popular member of the lodge , and for the great things he had done for Masonry and the

Chanties he hoped to see him rewarded by being elected as Grand Treasurer for next year , for which high office he vvas well fitted . Bro . G . H . Lewis also replied , observing that the whole of South London vvas in favour of Bro . Stiles ' s candidature . Bros . Driver , Tomlin , Shakespeare , and Douglas-Norman also replied in suitable terms , the last-named stating that

many of his friends in the provinces were coming up specially to vote for Bro . Stiles . The Worshipful Master gave "The Treasurer and Secretary , " vvho both responded . Bro . Stiles , the Treasurer , on rising had a great reception . He stated that he appreciated the kind remarks of the W . M . and the visitors . He never knew that he had so

many friends working their hardest to place him in that high office it was his ambition to attain . He was being supported all round South London , and West London was going solid for him . He had been promised great support from the provinces . In conclusion , he said that he did not know how to thank his many friends , vvho numbered thousands .

Bro . Cole , Secretary , also replied . In giving "The Masonic Charities , " the W . M . stated that his list as Steward for the " Boys " novv amounted to £ 6 $ , but hc felt sure it would be largely augmented . The next toast vvas " The Officers , " to which Bros .

Mordey , Ruzicka , W . A . Scurrah , Jefferies , and G Thompson replied . The Tyler ' s toast brought the happy gathering to an end During the evening Bros . Paine , W . Baker , Cole , G Thompson , Monson , Bentley , and Bartlett , vocally enter tained the brethren .

The Abbey ( Westminster ) Lodge ( No . 2030 ) . —The election meeting of this successful lodge took place on Monday , the 13 th ult ., at the Town Hall , Westminster . Present : Bros . C . C . Piper , P . M ., as W . M . ; Bonwick , S . W . - ^ H . Hambling , J . W . ; J . Gibson , P . M ., Treasurer ; W . E . Poole , Assistant Secretary ; J . Hayler ,

S . D . ; J . E . Smith , J . D . j T . Bull , P . M ., D . C , as I . G . ; J . M . Barber , as Tyler ; T . Cocks and W . Balchim , Stwds . ; Kent , Berry , A . Piper , W . M . 177 ; Bradford , Hendrc , Danielli , Flury , T . W . Dauies , B . Pinto , and others . The lodge having been opened , Messrs . Higgs , Webling , and Hone were duly balloted for , and initiated . Bro . Squires vvas passed to the Second Degree , and Bros . A .

Fownes and Lough were raised to the Third Degree . Bro . Bonwick , S . W ., vvas elected W . M . for the ensuing year ; Bro . Gibson , P . M ., was re-elected Treasurer ; and Bro . JM . Barber , Tyler , vice Bro . Walkley , deceased . A Past Master ' s jewel and collar was voted to the outgoing W . M , for his past services and excellent working and adminstration of the lodge . The deaths of the members vvere announced , and the resignation of the late Secretary , Bro .

Shand , on account of enfeebled health . Letters of apology for absence from lodge were received from Bros . VV . Burdett-Coutts , P . M ., P . G . D . ; Sir F . Seager Hunt , P . M-i and Rev . R . J . Simpson , Chap ., P . G . C . Thrce Auditors were appointed , and the lodge was closed . Thc brethren afterwards dined at thc Hotel Windsor , under the genial gavel of the VV . M ., Bro . F . J . Smith . The usual toasts vvere given , interspersed vvith music and recitations .

St . Stephen ' s Lodge ( No . 2424 ) . —The installation meeting of this young lodge was held at the Green Man Assembly Rooms , Lewisham , on the 28 th ult . Bro . H . is . Joyce , W . M ., vvas supported by Bros . R . Turtle Pigott , D . C . L ., W . M . elect ; C . E . Keyser , J . G . D . ; C . !' Matier , P . G . S . B . ; Gordon Miller ; H . F . Bing , P . M ., Sec ; J . Harrison , S . D . ; Dr . W . Jordan , Org . ; J . Dunn ,

Sistern , Miles , F . Jordan , and G . Jordan . Visitors : Bros . Edwd . Terry , P . G . Treas . ; F . A . Philbrick , O . C , G . Reg . ) S . Elison , P . M . 507 ; Frank Miller , PM . lsgi ; F . vV . Hancock , P . M . 54 S ; W . C . Sayers , 1601 ; A . Lambert , P . P . G . D . Surrey ; G . B . Brighteson ; VV . Gumming , W . MI 593 J H . Nuding , P . M . 140 ; Mostyn Pigott , 257 ; E- \ . I'utten , W . M . 1601 ; A . V . Sellars ; C . II . Stone , W . M-

507 ; J . J . Caverley , J . D . 16 S 5 ; E . M . Roe , P . M . i 5 'Ji > E . VV . Armstrong , 1593 ; and W . VV . Lee , W . M . 23 S 1 Lodge vvas opened and the minutes confirmed , after which Bro . Dr . Turtle Pigott vvas duly presented as W . l » - elect by Bro . C . li . Keyser , Acting D . C , and vvas regularly installed into the chair bv Bro . lovce . The follow " ! ,

ollicers were appointed and invested : Bros . Dr- W . Jordan > S . W . ; Gordon Miller , I . W . ; Merryvveather , Treas- , H . F . Bing , P . M ., Sec ; J . Dunn , S . D . ; Sistern , . 1- }> ' Shepherd , D . C . ; Haycroft . I . G . ; Miles , Org . ; F . JordanandG . Jordan , Stewards ; and K . Ball , Tyler . Let'eis ** apology for non-attendance vvere received from the G . - "" ¦ ; and several other distinguished G , Ollicers . Lodge w