Consecration Of The "Rock Lodge," No. 1289.

CONSECRATION OF THE "ROCK LODGE , " No . 1289 .

On Friday , the 3 rd December , the above lodge was consecrated at Rock Ferry , Cheshire , by Bro . Capt . Cope , P . G . S . B . of England , and S . G . W . for Cheshire , who , in the absence of Lord de Tabley , R . W . P . G . M ., performed the ceremony as acting Prov . G . M ., in his usual highly efficient and

impressive manner . The proceedings commenced at 3 p . m . in the Albert-rooms , the Craft Lodge being opened by Bro . R . Gracie . W . M ., 477 , assisted by Bro . A . B . Golborue , W . M ., 537 , and Bro . J . M . Paster , P . M ., 203 , as Wardens ; after which the following

Provincial officers entered : Bros . Capt . Cope , acting R . W . P . G . iVI . ; Rev . Tauner , P . P . G . O , Cheshire ; II . Bulley P . J . G . W . ; E . PL Griffiths , P . G . Sec . ; W . Bullev , P . P . J . G . D . ; Thos . Piatt , P . P . J . G . D . ; J . Harold , P . G . P . ; J . Hampson , P . J . G . D . ; aud F . K . Stevensou , P . M ., IL J . Jones , H . M . Bai-clay , Thos .

Leighton , Prov . G . Stewards . Amongst other distinguished brethren the following were present as visitors : Bro . C . J . Banister , P . G . S . B . of England ; J . G . Shanks , Capt . R . M ., II . M . S . Resistance , P . P . G . S . B . of Devon ; John Bowes , P . P . G . D . C , W . Lan ., and P . P . G . R . Cumberland and Westmorland ;

R . Wilson , P . M ., 241 ; J . W . Baker , P . M ., 220 ; J . Dodd . P . M ., 600 and 1018 ; Tysitio Johnson , P . M ., 1013 ; R . Gracie , W . M ., 477 ' ; II . Davis , W . M ., 605 ; A . B . Golborne , W . JSI ., 537 ; C H . Hill , W . M ., 1276 ; & c , & c . The actincr R . W . P . G . M . havinar concluded the

consecration , Bro . Edward Friend , P . M ., 1013 , was presented for installation , the ceremony being beautifully performed by Bro . II . Bulley , P . J . G . W . of Cheshire . Bro . Friend then appointed and invested his officers as follows : —Bro . F . K . Stevenson , P . M .,

537 , P . G . Steward , S . W . ; Bro . R . II . Moore , J . W . ; ( Treasurershi p vacant till next meeting ); Bro . F . L . Bolton , Sec . ; Bro . Simon Lewis , S . D . ; Bro . Drwick Cooke , J . D . ; Bro . P . W . Oakshott ( by proxy ) , I . G . ; W . Robinson , Tyler ; after which the lodge was closed iu due form .

The brethren afterwards sat down to an excellent banquet at the Woodside Hotel , Birkenhead , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been drank , Bro . Cope , acting P . G . M ., proposed the health of the W . M . in very flattering terms . Bro . Friend briefly responded , and other toasts followed ,

amongst which that of the musical brethren who had so kindly and ably rendered their services at tho lodge ceremonies was especially honoured . Bro . Welch , who presided as Organist , was most happy in his selection of lodge music , the composer

of which , Bro . J . C . Baker , with Bros . Wilson , P . M ., J . W . Baker , P . M ., Haswell , and Thomason , gave it in fine style ; and during dinner , glees , & c , added greatly to the pleasure of all present .

Bro. Henry Parker's Concert.

BRO . HENRY PARKER'S CONCERT .

With such a well-selected programme as Bro . Henry Parker had issued , added to his renown as a most brilliant executant , a large and approving audience was but a necessary consequence . His execution of Chopin ' s fantasia in C sharp minor , with a transcription " Lucia , " by Liszt , was very fine , and the performance of a transcription " Ring

on , sweet Angelas , " and a fantasia " Bonnie Scotland , " both composed by himself , to which he added a marvellously played " Sweet Home , " with variations , were well deserving of the appreciation they created , and of the position Bro . Henry Parker holds as one of the finest executants of the present time . Nothing could be more animated than the

performance of Mendelssohn ' s splendid trio in C minor . Miss Susanna Cole , sang in her usual charmingly finished manner—and as a renowned " Lucy Ashton" can sing . An effective rendering of Donizetti's " In questo semplice , " was given by Miss Lucy Franklein , and was clamorously encored . Mdlles . Clara and Rosanuuula Doria ,

both sang well , and rendered in a pretty manner Mendelssohn ' s beautiful duet " Why listen to the Carols , " Mdlle . Clara Doria , gave with much expression " I Vespri Sicilian ! , " by Verdi . Mr . George Perren suffered the usual penalties of an encore for singing " When first the Bells , " and expiated himself by giving in a most

charming manner ' Come into the garden , Maude ;" nor will soon be forgotten his sweet rendering of Shield ' s sweet song "The Thorn , " for which he declined an encore . An exquisite solo on the violoncello was performed by M . Paque , who was enthusiastically recalled . M . Pollitzer gavo a very spirited execution of his fantasia for the violin , " La

Faronta , " but we have heard him play much better . Mozart ' s aria , "Non piu andiia , " was well sung by Mr . Wnl I worth . The pretty trio , " I ' m not the Queen , " from Balfe ' s , Rose of Castile , was charmingly rendered by Miss Susanna Cole , Miss Lucy Franklein , and Air . George Perren . Many of the fongs were accompanied , and the concert most ably conducted by Bro . Wilhelm Ganz .

Itinerent Masonic Beggars.

ITINERENT MASONIC BEGGARS .

( To the Editor of The Freanasan . ) DEAR Sin AND BROTHER , —Like Bro . P . M ., 57 , Hull , I think it is time something should be done to stop the imposition practised by a lot of fellows going about the country seeking relief as Poor and Distressed Masons . Enclosed I hand you copy of a letter written a month ago , with the pith of Bro . Wright ' s reply . I have not asked Bro . Wrig ht ' s permission , or would have been glad to give it entire : —

To the ir . il / ., Trafalgar Lodge , No 971 , Batley , Yorkshire . November 4 th , 1869 . Dear Sir aud Brother , —At the regular meeting of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 298 , held last evening , the Almoner for the district , Bro . Wm . Davies , P . M ., reported that one Francis Joseph Herman , had called upon him

asking for relief , representing himself as a member of the Trafalgar Lodge , 971 , Batley , over which you have the honour to preside . He also stated that he had relieved him , but had learnt since doing so that the same person had deceived Bro . Hime , of Manchester , from whom he had received funds to take him direct to Glasgow , to which place he said he

was going ; instead of which he evidently came to Kochdale on the same or next day . Bro . Davies also reported that he had written to you to know if the representations made by K J . II ., " that be is a member of your lodge , & c ., '" were correct , but that he

had not yet received a reply . Would you kindly say , per return , if you have any such name upon your bonks , or ever had , aud , if so , whether you know or have reason to think , 2 m is the person referred to , ov if some one has been making an improper use of his name . With kind and fraternal regard ,

I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully , W . ASUWORTII , P . M ., Hon . Sec , 291 . In reply to the above letter , Bro . Wright , W . M ., of the Trafalgar Lodge , No . 971 , writes : — " We have not , and never have had , any member of that name ;" that ho has bad frequent applications for relief from parties he has good reason to believe are nothing but

impostors . Now , Sir . I should like to make a suggestion or two that I think would put an end to this sort of thing . Let the brethren , one and all , refuse to relieve any one , but instead , if he should think him a proper object , refer applicants to the officer appointed for

that purpose . Let the brethren in each town appoint an expert brother , well skilled in Masonry ( if a R . A . and K . T ., all the better ) , as Almoner , who shall be responsible for the proper discharge of the duties appertaining to that office ; a receipt in Christian and surname to be taken for each amount paid , no matier how small .

Let mm report daily , or weekly , with a copy of signature and other particulars as near as he can , to a head or central office , or place where the information will be registered by a paid officer , who will be in attendance and answer inquiries by letter , telegraph , or verbally , as may be required . I would have a report sent weekly from the central office to each Almoner , containing a list and

discnption of tho applicant , with any other information that might bo considered necessary by a committee to be formed for the purpose of carrying out the object set forth . Get this system fairly at work , nnd wc should have fewer impostors prowling about the country under the garb of Freemasonry . I am , dear Sir and Brother , Yours faithfully and fraternally , W . ASilWOUTH , P . M ., 298 .

A Query.

A QUERY .

( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) SIR , —Would you or some of your numerous readers kindly inform me if the formal intimation on tho summons of the amouut due by a member is a request within the meaning of tbe following byelaw : —

" Any member allowing his lodge dues to be twelvemonths in arrears , and neglecting to pay them to the Stewards or Treasurers , when requested , shall be adjudged to have withdrawn from the lodge , and shall not be deemed a member . " Yours fraternally , E . A .

EASTERN STAR LODUE OF INSTRUCTION , NO . 95 , Royal Hotel , Mile End-road . —The ceremony of installation will be worked at the above Lodge of Instruction , by Bro . Bowran , W . M ., of the Doric Lodge , No . 933 , on Monday evening next , the loth instant .

SCOTLAND . —CAMrnm . 'rowx ST . JOHNS , 111 At the annual election of office-bearers for the year ending . 'JOlh November , the . following brethren were elected to office : —Peter M'Neill , IS . W . M . ; Win . Harvey , P . M .: David MdCacliraii , D . P . M . ; Robert

Alexander , S . W . ; Gavin Thomson , J . W . ; Thomas Cochrane , Treasurer ; Robert Jainieson , Secretary ; Thomas Caldwell , S . D . ; John Wardrop , J . D . ; Thomas Harvey , T . S . ; Archd . Blair , J . S . ; William Galbraith , I . G . ; John Ralston , Tyler .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

V TEE CRAFT . METROPOLITAN .

Egyptian Lodge , No . 27 . — On Thursday , the 2 nd inst ., the customary meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel . Bro . W . H . Libbis , W . M ., took the chair , and performed all the duties pertaining to his high office during the evening in an exemplary manner . Three candidates for the possession of Masonic secrets went

through the formula which commits the earlier mysteries of tlie Order to their keeping . This beiug the night for election of Master for the coming year , the brethren proceeded to perform their duties in this respect , and unanimously elected Bro . J . B . Poole , the S . W ., to that high aud distinguished post . They then chose a Treasurer , and conferred honour ou themselves and obtained

confidence in their lodge by re-electing the worthy Brother , Benjamin Payne Todd , P . M ., to guard their funds . Bro . Riley was re-elected Tyler . Three Guineas were voted from the Benevolent Fund to the widow of Bro . Kice , who was a well-known waiter at Freemasons' Tavern ; and Bro . D . Jacobs , P . M ., moved that a Five Guinea P . M . Jewel , be presented to Bro . Libbis on his year of

office expiring . The motion was earned unanimously and a capital bauquet , superintended by Bro . G . Smith , succeeded the labours of the eveniug . There was a food attendance of brethren , comprising many P . M . ' s , among whom were Bros . Todd , Buss , Payne , Jacobs , Coutts , and Berri ; and in the list of visitors were Bros . H . M . Levy

( 188 ) , J . Greenland , A . Stacy , Marshall , Massey , aud Keddeil ( I 5 S . I , P . P . S . G . W . for Kent ; the last of whom being iu London on business which was not concluded that day , sought , he said , aa hotel to sleep at where a lodge was held , as he knew he could spend an evening pleasantly among his brethren , although they and he were strangers to each other .

Temple Lodge , No . 101 . —The members of this numerous and influential lodge held their last meeting of the year at their lodge-room , Ship aud Turtle , Leadenhallstreet , when the W . M ., Bro . Tanner , in his usual good style initiated Messrs . Beck and Pettifer into our mysteries , and admitted Bro . Thomas to the 2 nd Degree . Bro . Fredk . J . Cox , S . W ., was unanimously elected

Master ; Bro . Bond , P . M ., Treasurer ; and Bro . Vesper , P . M ., 95 , ISO , 181 , 538 , 554 , Tyler . A P . M . Jewel was proposed , iu his usual happy manner , by the W . Bro . S . May , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Alfred Day , P . M ., and by acclamation voted for presentation to the W . M . at the next meeting ( first Tuesday in February ) , as a testimonial of the high esteem iu which the brethren hold the

energy , ability , and gentlemanly efficiency displayed by him during his Mastership . ' 1 he W . M . was most ably supported by his officers and the following P . M . ' s , viz . : Henry , May , Hastelow , Farthing , Beard , W . W . Wynne , Dai ' , aud Clark . The visitors were the W . Bros . Juo . Mills , P M 49 ; Beaumont , of Lodge Kilwinning in

the East ; Joyce ( 1108 ) , and Wm . Jones ( 1183 ) . Alter business the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , in which Bro . Geo . Painter aud his sou served oue of their recherche dinners , at the same time personally superintending the attendance on the comfuit of tha brethren , and after a most cordial aud happy eveniug the brethren separated at 10 o ' clock .

Lodge of Faith , No . Ul . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday the 29 th Nov ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , Bro . James Hill in the chair , assisted by the regular officers . Thero wero present Bros . Hyde , I . P . M ., Cottheil , P . M ., Carter P . M ., Stewart , P . M ., Pope , P M , Glucksteiu , P . M ., and a number of brethren making a full lodge . The visitors were Bros . Terry ,

P . M . 228 , W . M ., 1278 , and P . G . J . G . for Herts , Thomas White , W . M .-elect 22 , Pounce , Handy , and Draper , all of 72 , aud several others . After the usual preliminaries Bros . Dairy , Painter , and Mallett were passed to the second degree . Tho following gentlemen were theu initiated in the ancient mybteiies of our order : W . Scales , C . Amos , H . lies , J . Maleuiorand T . Dampsy . Between

40 and 50 brethren theu adjourned to partake of an excellent banquet . The proceedings of the evening wero enlivened by music and song , and the brethren separated at au early hour , seemingly on the best of terms with themselves , each other , and the world at large . Lodge of Prudent Brcdircn . No . 145 .--The above lodge held its usual meeting at the Freemasons' Hall , Great

Queen st > -eet , on Tuesday the 23 rd . ult . Tlie \ V . Bro . U V . Allender in the chair . T . Moore , S . W . ; T . Walters , J . W . ; J . Boyd , P . M . and Treasurer , G . S . States , P . M . and Secretary , and P . M . 's Carter , Wnteon , Brown , G . J . Shaipe , & c . The lodge was opened aud the minutes confirmed . Mr . J . Moult was initiated into the order . Bio . Hickman nnd Sawyer were passed to the second degree ,

aud ISro . Bceley was raised to the Rublime degree of a M M ., tbe various ceremonies being excellently worked by theW . M . This being the night lor election of W M . tortbe en-ming year . I ' ro . ' 1 ' . Moure , . S . W , win uiimiimmisly eho .-en . Bro . J . Boy ' . Tiensurer , and Hoaro , Tyler . It was proposed , seconded , and carried unanimously thiit a Past . Master ' s Jewel idiuuldbe presented to

HIM . Allender , the W . M , on hisretirem nt h'om . lince . fur Ins admirable working and tiio-xielleiit manner be had presided over the brethren the past year . ' 1 he lodgo was theu elused mid tho Invthren sat down to a very sumptuous banquet , provided in Bro . ( . loudens best style . Grace was theu beautifully sung by Bros . J . Coward ,

( Grand Organist ) , Theodore Distill , Carter , Lawler , Kc . The usual lnyal and masonic toasls wero given , iucluding H It . II . the Prince of Wales . Bro . G . Sharpe , I . PM . in a very eulogistic manner proposed the health of the W . M ., who ho stated had performed those duties to the entire gatisfactiou of every brother iu the lodge . The W . M .