Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

No . 775 ( S . C ) , Toowoomba , Queensland ; Phcenix Lodge , No . 904 , Rotherham ; Airedale Lodge , No . 3 S 7 , Shipley ; Bros . S . Lissack , 744 ( S . C ) , J . Rapaoort , 744 ( S . C ) , both of Johannesburg ; A . J . C Molyneux , 2315 , Klerksdorp , in the Transvaal ; D . L . Lensey , of Glen Falls , New York State ; T . W . Sparks , Philadelphia ; W . W . Barrow , Richmond , Virginia ; L . C . Haskall , Boston ,

Massachusetts , U . S . A . ; James Spiers , P . D . G . M . Queensland , of Toowoomba ; E . E . Van Toll , 303 , Lausanne , Switzerland ; VV . Bracewell , P . G . S . East Lancashire ; Rev . H . T . Mason , P . P . G . Chap . Dorset ; A . VV . Slack , P . M . iGSS ; VV . Wright , P . M . 311 ; J . S . Haddon , P . M . 1966 ; F . Mabin , 105 ; ] . Robertshaw , J . P ., P . M . 1239 ; H . Hughes , P . M . S 69 ; H . I . Hughes , 404 ; E . H .

Cartwright , 357 ; Rev . J . H . Scott , P . P . G . Chap . Dorset ; C . Fruen , W . M . 1632 j E . H . Ezard , 171 ; A . G . Browning , P . M . 32 j ] . Castello , P . M . 227 ; C . Fletcher , 10 j G . S . Criswick , ' F . R . A . S ., P . M . 1593 j G . R . Cobham , W . M . 20 ; and F . H . Fulford , 6 S , 610 . The report of the Audit Committee vvas adopted . In the absence in Syria of the author , Bro . the Rev . Haskett Smith

the Secretary read a paper , entitled "The Druses of Syria and their Relation to Freemasonry . " Herein our reverend brother sought to prove two propositions of great interest to the Craft , viz ., 1 , That the Druses are none other than the original subjects of King Hiram of Tyre , and that their ancestors were the builders of King Solomon's Temple , and ,

2 , That to this very day the Druses retain many evident tokens of their close and intimate connection vvith the ancient Craft of Freemasonry . The paper vvas a most interesting production , and vvas listened to vvith great attention , provoking a long and varied discussion , in vvhich Bros . Gould , Simpson , Rylands , Westcott , Williams , and Speth took part .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BEVERLEY . Constitutional Lodge ( No . 294 ) . —The annual installation of officers of this lodge took place in the Masonic Hall on Thursday , the ist inst . The ceremonial vvas performed by the Mayor , Bro . Tom Turner , P . M ., assisted by Bro . M . M . Westerly , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . After taking his seat the newly-elected VV . M . appointed the following his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Thomson

Foley , I . P . M . ; David Morley , S . VV . j Thomas Wood , J . W . ; VV . E . Bryan , P . M ., Treas . j M . M . Westerly , P . M ., Chap . ; Harry Adams , P . M ., Sec ; J . R Lane , S . D . j R . Pape , J . D . j J . P . Park , M . D ., P . M ., Orator j John Kemp , P . M ., Almoner j Charles Goulding , P . M ., Charity Representative j Joel Edgar , D . C . j Harry Wray , I . G . ; G . H . Knight , J . J . Ridley , A . T . Gates , J . J . Stephenson , Stewards ; and John Westoby , Tyler . The usual banquet followed .

BRADFORD . Acacia Lodge ( No . 2321 ) . —At a regular meeting held on Thursday , the nth December , at the Masonic Hall , Bro . S . A . Auty , P . M ., VV . M ., presided , and vvas supported by Bros . A . Stephenson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , I . P . M . j John Haigh , P . M ., Chap ., as S . W . j John Niven , J . W . j C . H . Ellis , Treas . j John Thornton , S . D . j Alfred

J . Boyle , J . D . j Arthur Holmes , I . G . ; John Hill , Tyler ; Joseph Wilson , P . M ., Prov . G . Stwd ., as Chap . ; S . A . Bailey , P . M ., D . Cj J . B . Fearnley , as Sec . j J . Morton , G . Root , and A . E . Harris . Visitors : Bros . W . G . Stansfield , J . W . 600 j E . Grosbaum , 1474 J Sydney Ward , 1034 J and Arthur Ingham , Org . 439 . The minutes of the last regular lodge vvere read and duly confirmed , after which Bro . Harris vvas passed to the Degree

of a F . C . by the W . M . The working tools of a F . C . vvere presented and explained by Bro . Niven , J . VV ., and the charge in the Second Degree delivered by Bro . Bailey , P . M . Two gentlemen vvere proposed for initiation , and apologies were tendered for the unavoidable absence of several of the officers and brethren through indisposition , and after "Hearty good wishes" from the brethren and visitors the lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment .

BRIDGWATER . Perpetual Friendship Lodge ( No . 135 ) . —At the annual gathering on Monday , the 5 th instant ., of the members of the above lodge , the installation of a VVorshipful Master 1 for the ensuing year took place , Bro . Wallace Buffett , S . W ., being installed as successor to Bro . J . M . Davis . The installation ceremony vvas performed by the D . P . G . M ., Bro . R . C . Else , P . G . D . of Eng ., and

the following officers vvere appointed and invested for the ensuing year : Bros . D . Burston , S . VV . ; VV . T . Baker , J . W . j Rev . C . G . Anderson , Chap . ; J . B . Soper , P . M ., Treas . ; T . L . Laxton , Sec ; A . Basil Cottam , S . D . ; A . Squibbs , J . D . ; G . B . Laffan , D . C . ; H . VV . Pollard , I . G . j and J . McGowan , Tyler . The lodges in the Province of Somerset are most fortunate in having such an expert as Bro . Else to conduct their installation ceremonies .

CAMBRIDGE . Three Grand Principles Lodge ( No . 441 ) . —The annual meeting for the installation of W . M . for the ensuing year took place at the Lion Hotel , on Monday , the 5 th inst . The lodge vvas opened by the VV . M , Bro . J . F . Symonds , P . P . G . D . C , vvho initiated Mr . F . VV . Miller . Bro . W . C . Dewberry , S . VV ., P . P . G . O ., vvas then installed

as W . M ., the ceremony being admirably performed by Bro . J . F . Symonds , whilst Bro . F . De-yberry , P . M ., P . G . D . C , officiated as D . C . to the satisfaction of a large muster of brethren . The following officers were then invested : Bros . J . Royston , P . A . G . D . C , S . VV . j H . E . Greef , J . VV . ; J . S . V ' oungman , P . M ., Chaplain ; J . Taylor , P . M ., Treas . ; F . G . G . Bather , P . M ., Sec ; P . H . Young , S . D . ; J .

Catling , J . D . ; F . Dewberry , P . M ., D . C ; W . R . Roper , l . G . j and J . Vail , P . M ., F . Cole , P . M ., and J . Fuller , P . M ., Stewards . Bro . Hurry , the Tyler , was prevented by illness from attending . There vvere a large number of visiting brethren . At the subsequent banquet the 'Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . A . H . Moye ' s , P . G . Std . Br .

England , congratulated the province on its continued prosperity , and said he was glad to see in all the lodges the outgoing VV . M . install hissuccessor , which was Masonically correct , instead of the work being done by a sort of permanent Installing Master for each lodge . The toasts of "The Worshipful Master" and "The Installing Master" vvere most cordially received , and suitably acknowledged .

Provincial Meetings.

Bro . E . H . Jennings , P . M ., proposed " The Visiting Brethren , " for whom Bros . VV . Purchas , W . M . SS ; W . H . Francis , VV . M . S 59 ; Rev . J . H . Gray , P . M . ; and R . VV . Baker , P . M . 1126 , responded . Bro . J . S . Youngman , P . M ., proposed " The Masonic

Charities , " and Bro . Oliver Papworth , P . M ., Hon . Sec . Cambridge Masonic Charities Accociation , responded . During the evening some glees and songs were admirably rendered by Bros . F . Coward , A . H . Cross , F . Dewberry , and R . VV . Baker . Altogether a most pleasant evening vvas spent .

CHICHESTER . Lodge Of Union ( No . 38 ) . —The usual monthly meeting' of this lodge vvas held on the ist inst ., when there vvere present Bros . G . C Inkpen , VV . M . ; W . Doman , S . VV . ; Oliver Lloyd , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., as J . W . ; Rev . H . M . Davey , P . M ., P . G . C , Chap . ; O . N . Wyatt , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., Treas . ; I . H . Havves , P . M ., Prov . G .

Std . Br ., Sec ; C . F . Charge , S . D . j J . Fielden , J . D . ; A . W . Lambert , P . M . 5 SS , P . P . G . O . Lincoln , Org . ; H . H . Moore , I . G . ( pro tem . ) j G . Fielder , Stwd . j Beatson , Tyler ; VV . H . Barrett , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C j F . VV Gruggen , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . j J . St . Clair , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . j A . Raven , E . J . Gadd , C . Brassfield , D . Waddington , A . Buquet , E . King , VV . N . Malby , R . E . Browne

Jas . Lillywhite , H . Heather , C . Howard , E . J . Caffyn , H . Waite , A . Mannings , 1639 j and H . T . Holmes , W . M . 5 6 . The minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , Messrs . E . W . Greenwood and H . VV . Kablich , having been unanimously accepted , vvere initiated . The lodge vvas then called from labour to refreshment , and a pleasant hour having been spent , with the officers of the lodge as

hosts , the W . M . expressed wishes for a "Happy New Year " to all , and the business vvas resumed . Bro . Waddington having been raised to the Third Degree , the annual report of the Audit Committee , vvith the Treasurer ' s statement of accounts , vvere presented , and , being satisfactory , vvere unanimously adopted . Following on a recommendation in the report , a Sub-Committee vvas appointed to take into

consideration the better preservation of the Masonic relics and curios belonging to the lodge . The election of W . M . followed , and proved unanimous in favour of Bro . William Doman , S . VV . Bro . Wyatt vvas re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Beatson , Tyler . A vote of thanks and the customary

jewel vvas , on the motion of Bro . Hawes , seconded by Bro . Lloyd , accorded to Bro . Inkpen for his services as VV . M . in the past year . A grant of 10 guineas vvas unanimously voted to the Boys' School , on the motion of the Treasurer , and , after the dispatch of other business , the lodge closed after a lengthy sitting .

EAST MOLESEY . Arnold Lodge ( No . 1981 ) . —The regular meeting was held on Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., at the Castle Hotel , when there were present Bros . H . J . Shelley , W . M . j M . Spiegel , P . M ., S . VV . ; Ball , J . W . j Youldon , P . M ., Treas . j J . W . Moorman , P . M ., Sec ; Wright , S . D . j Chapman , J . D . ; Ellis , l . G . j I . Neale , D . C ; Britton

and Holloday , Stwds . ; Moorman , I . P . M . j Catterson , P . M . j and a good muster of members of the lodge . The visitors included Bros . Humphrey , P . G . S . B . j Locket , P . M . 1638 ; and Purkis , 2222 . The lodge vvas opened , and the minutes of the previous regular and emergency meetings vvere read . Owing to a private calamity , the S . VV . and VV . M . elect was unable to

undertake theduties of VV . M . of the lodge , and the installation ceremony had to be postponed , and a new election for VV . M . will have to take place at the next meeting , of which notice has been given . Bros . Gosling and Purkis , 2222 ( by special desire ) , vvere passed to the Second Degree very ably by the VV . M . The report of the Audit Committee vvas brought before the lodge , which proved very

satisfactory , as the lodge has always had a small deficit , but in the present year there is a small balance in favour of the lodge . Bro . Moorman , I . P . M ., proposed a vote of thanks to the VV . M . for his kindness in presenting the lodge vvith all the officers' jewels , vvhich vvas seconded by the J . W ., and carried . The vote vvas ordered to be entered on the minutes . The W . M . suitably acknowledged the compliment .

The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where an excellent supper had been provided by Bro . Mayo . The usual loyal toasts and those of " The Visitors " and "The Officers" were given and responded to . In the intervals several of the brethren sung some excellent songs .

GRANTHAM . Doric Lodge ( No . 3 62 ) . —A meeting vvas held on the 1 st inst ., at Doric Chambers , when there vvere present Bros . G . W . G . Beaumont , W . M . j B . Beeson , P . G . S ., S . W . ; R . VV . Anderson , J . W . ; Rev . C . Eismere , P . M ., P . P . G . C , Chap . ; E . T . Wigelsworth , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Treas . ; A . G . Gamble , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., Sec . ; F . VV .

Robinson , J . D . j R . F . Lee , I . G . ; T . J ackson , Tyler ; Captain B . H . Russell , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . A . G . D . C ; J . Scarborough , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . j S . G . Gamble , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . j H . P . Dickenson , P . M ., P . P . G . O . j J . C . Barker , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . of C . j R . Collingwood , P . M ., P . J . G . W . ; and A . Childs . Visitors : Bros . T . Brander Jacobson , P . P . G . Std . Br ., VV . M . SSj H . C

Clarabut , P . P . G . Org . Norths and Hunts ; R . Payling , P . P . G . S . B . Norths and Hunts ; C . Smith , P . M ., P . P . A . G . S . ; VV . Knowles , 61 S ; E . R . Dibben , SS j H . VV . Hutchinson , J . W . 1661 j J . Constable , W . M . 1482 ; and C . E . Williams , 588 . Lodge having been opened , Bro . Trotter was raised , The installation of the VV . M . elect , Bro . Bennett Beeson ,

vvas performed by Bro . Captain B . H . Russell . There vvere 4 6 brethren at lodge banquet at the Angel Hotel , when the chair was taken by the I . P . M ., in absence , through family bereavement , of the VV . M . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , including " The Oueen and Craft , " "M . W . G . M ., " and "Grand Lodge ' Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . Lee proposed the "R . W . Prov . Grand Master and

Prov . Grand Lodge Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . R . Collingwood , P . J . G . W ., responded . Bro . J . Scarborough proposed " The VV . M ., " Bro . A . G . Gamble "The I . P . M ., " and Bro . F . C . Southwell "The Masonic Charities , " vvhich vvas responded to by Bro . Rev . C . Eismere in a splendid speech , after vvhich a collection vvas made on behalf of the Boys' School—result , £ 5 . Other toasts and songs followed . Bogen ' s band vvas in attendance during the evening .

Provincial Meetings.

GUERNSEY . Doyle ' s Lodge of Fellowship ( No . 84 ) . — The installation of VV . M . and the investiture of his officers for the ensuing year took place under unusually favourable auspices on December 27 th . There vvas an excellent attendance of old Past Masters , all the junior members of the lodge , and several visitors . In consequence of the severe

illness of his son , Bro . Laine , the VV . M ., was unable to attend , but Bro . Balfour Cockburn , I . P . M ., occupied the chair , and conducted the ceremony of installation , and placed Bro . T . P . Hamel in the chair of K . S . Bro . Hamel then appointed his officers as follows : Bros . Capt . Giles , S . VV . ; Pickering , J . W . j Longman , S . D . j Hay , J . D . j and Major Percy Groves , I . G . Bro . Colonel Haighton

Wilkins , an old P . M . and a strenuous supporter of the lodge , was good enough to accept the office of Secretary , and Bro . Gilbert retained the office of Treasurer—a post vvhich he has held for many years to the great advantage of the lodge . On the lodge being closed , the brethren repaired to the Royal Hotel , where Bro . James Gardner had prepared a banquet in his best style .

In addition to the brethren already named , the following sat down to the entertainment : Bros . Stickland , P . M . j Randall , P . M . j Royle , P . M . ; Ozanne , P . M . j Osmond Priaul , De Jersey , Major Quayle Jones , Dr . Ryan , W . J . Laine , and also the following visitors : Bros . Col . Bell , C . B ., Capt . Grceme , W . M . Aldershot Lodgej Rev . Pickering , and H . Rougier .

HALIFAX . Lodge Of St . James ( No . 448 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Freemasons' Hall , St . John ' s-place , on Tuesday , December 23 rd , for the purpose of installing the newly-elected W . M ., Bro . Walter Hanson , and the investment of his officers for the ensuing year . The lodge vvas opened by the VV . iM ., Bro . A .

Robertshaw , and there were present Bros . C . T . Rhodes , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Worsick , P . M . j J . Jessop , I . P . M . j J . Haigh , P . M . ; and J . Matthewman , P . M ., Prov . Asst . G . Sec . The representatives from other lodges present vvere Bro . VV . Wright , S . W . and W . M . elect of 61 j Bro . F . Buckley , J . VV . 61 j and a numerous attendance of representatives from lodges in the parish , and also from

Liverpool , Leeds , Kidderminster , Huddersfield , & c . The ceremony of installation was performed in a most impressive manner by Bro . A . Robertshaw , very ably assisted by Bro . C . T . Rhodes , P . M . The W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . A . Robertshaw , I . P . M . ; T . Woods , S . VV . j R . Hodgson , J . VV . j Rev . Hy . Williams , Chap . j R . Jessop , P . M ., Treas . j J . Jessop , P . M ., Sec . j J . W .

Normanton , Asst . Sec . j T . Robertshaw , S . D . j W . S . Milligan , J . D . j John H . Oates , D . Cj Allen Haigh , Org . ; T . H . Thompson , I . G . ; Hy . Wilson , Almoner j John Smith , J . VV . Sykes , J . S . Vest , A . S . Topham , W . J . Morris , and A . Spencer , Stwds . j and S . Greenwood , P . M ., Tyler . The ceremony over , the usual banquet took place , at

vvhich the newly-installed W . M ., Bro . W . Hanson , presided , being supported by a numerous gathering of the members of the lodge and visiting brethren . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts vvere given and duly honoured . "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., M . W . G . M . of England , and the Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and

Past , " vvas given by the VVorshipful Master . " Bro . T . VV . Tew , J . P ., P . G . D . of England , P . G . M . West Yorks ; Bro . Hy . Smith , P . G . D . of England , D . P . G . M . j and the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " was proposed by the Worshipful Master , and responded to by Bro . J . Mathewman , P . A . G . Sec .

" I he Worshipful Master of St . James ' s Lodge" vvas proposed by Bro . A . Robertshaw , I . P . M ., and responded to by the Worshipful Master . "The Installing Officers" vvas proposed by the VVorshipful Master , and acknowledged by Bros . A . Robertshaw , I . P . M ., and C . T . Rhodes , P . M . The rest of the toasts vvere "The I . P . M . and Past

Masters of the Lodge , " "Sister Lodges and Visiting Brethren , " "The Officers of St . James's Lodge , " Masonic Charities , " and " Poor and Distressed Masons . " The proceedings vvere enlivened by songs , glees , and recitations from several of the brethren . Bros . Ehud Hanson , Sykes Broadbent , and W . J . Morris very liberally assisted the Halifax Harmonic Vocal Quartette Party . Bro . VV . J . Webb , of the Old Cock Hotel , was the purveyor .

LEWES . Pelham Lodge ( No . 1303 ) . —At the ordinary meeting of this lodge , held at the Freemasons' Hall on the 26 th December last , Bro . G . Wilson , W . M ., occupied the chair . Considering the inclemency of the weather and being the day after Christmas Day , a large number of the members of the lodge presented themselves for a very

interesting occasion . After the usual preliminary business , the W . M . rose and said he had a very pleasing duty to perform , and . that vvas in the first place to congratulate Bro . White ( late Mayor of Lewes for two successive years ) , their respected Treasurer , on his having attained his silver wedding day . He might mention that Bro . VVhite had been a member of

their lodge for some considerable time , and acted as Secretary for 15 years , which office he filled with credit to himself and advantage to the lodge . He was a good officer and a good man , and he ( the VV . M . . vvas sure the brethren thoroughly valued his services , and thought that a fitting occasion to show him some slight token of their esteem and regard as Treasurer to the lodge , and vvas sure they

all trusted he might long be spared to fulfil the duties of that office . The lodge vvas now in a good financial position . lt vvas well known that in previous years the duties of Secretary of the Pelham Lodge had been a very arduous one , not so much on account of the large number of its members , but rather for lack of the same . It vvas a very pleasing fact that nearly all the members of the lodge had subscribed to the

presentation . In conclusion , he could only hope that Bro . VVhite might be spared to them for many years and to see his golden wedding day . Bro . Wright , I . P . M ., Prov . G . Stwd ., thoroughly endorsed the remarksjof the W . M ., and begged to assure Bro . White that the brethren very highly valued his sterling worth as Treasurer to the lod ge , and expressed a hope that he might long continue in that office . The VV . M . then presented Bro . J . R . White , P . M . 311 and 1303 , P . P . A . G . D . C , with a handsome silver salver