Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

West Lancashire as one of the chief Masonic events of the year , took place on Monday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Lathom Hall , Seaforth , the headquarters of the lodge . The interest attaching to the meeting was much intensified by the fact that the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , the Provincial Grand Master , and the first Worshipful Master of the Skelmersdale Lodge , was present and took a prominent part in the proceedings of the afternoon . The

attendance of members was numerous , among those present being Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Deputy Grand Master of England , and Prov . Grand Master of West Lancashire , P . M . ; Bros . R . A . Davies , W . M . ; Fred Smitton , I . P . M . ; Robert H . Exton , P . M . ; Rev . T . W . Richardson , P . P . G . C , P . M . ; Dr . W . S . Limrick , S . W . ; T . A . Ryder , P . M . 1357 , J . W . ; E . Ford , P . M ., Treas . ; G . R . Ratcliffe , Sec ; G . H . Taylor , S . D . ;

H . M . Quick , J . D . ; George Broadbndge , P . P . G . D . C , P . M ., DX " . ; P . Blackburn , B . G . ; J . Almond , Org . ; R . Brown , P . P . G . Treas ., P . M . ; John Duncan , jun ., P . P . G . D . C ; William II . Ball , Tyler ; J . J . Newman , T . R . Parker , J . C . Langley , Joseph Gregson , J . Fairhurst , P . Sword , S . S . Higginscn , J . Christie , I . R . Atkinson , A . W . Harris , D . H . Edwardcs , W . J . Woosey , T . Ellison , S . Smith , R . B . Preston , Dr . Bernard , Farmer , and others .

• As is usual at the installation meeting of the Skelmersdale Lodge , there was a large and influential assemblage of visitors , including many Provincial Grand Officers and quite a host of W . M . ' s and P . M . ' s , the following visitors being amongst the number : Bros . J . Bell , P . P . G . J . D ., P . M . 1 G 09 ; * T . Salter , P . P . G . J . D . ; Jno . Ashley , W . M . 135 G ; S . E . Ibbs , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; W . A . Smythe , P . M . 98 ; W . S . Davies , P . M . 216 ; T . Mawdesley , 21 G ;

R . Capper , 271 ; Jos . B . Sparks , P . M . 21 G ; W . Mellor , P . M . 75 S ; J . P . Bryan , P . G . O . ; J . O . Marples , S . D . 1609 ; D . Gumming , 1 G 09 ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . 1609 ; W . Constable , P . M . 292 ; Jas . White , P . M . 3345 J . G . Christian , 113 ; Dr . G . H . Evans , Prov . G . S . W . ; J . Poole , P . P . G . S . W . ; R . Wilson , P . P . G . S . D . ; T . H . Sheen , P . M . 241 ; H . J . Nicholls , J . D . 2042 ; H . Ashley , W . M . 1356 ; G . Hulse , 241 ; and others .

After the lodge had been opened , the W . M . elect , Bro , Dr . Limrick , was presented for installation by Bros . R . A . Davies , W . M ., and G . Broadbridge . The function of Installing Master was most effectively fulfilled by Bro . F . Smitton . The newly-installed Master subsequently invested his officers as follows : Bros . R . A . Davies , I . P . M . ; G . Ratcliffe , S . W . ; G . H . Taylor , J . W . ; G . Broadbridge , D . C . ; E . Ford , Treas . ; P . Blackburn , Sec . ; H . M .

Quick , S . D . ; J . Gregson , J . D . ; W . H . Edwards , I . G . ; J . Almond , Org . ; and Bro . W . H . Ball was unanimously re-elected Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremony , and before the lodge was closed , the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . the Earl of Lathom , said he felt it an honour to present and invest Bro . R . A . Davies , the I . P . M ., with a P . M . 's jewel , as a token of the esteem in which he was held by the brethren , as well as

some recognition of the very admirable way in which he fulfilled the duties of the chairman during the past year . Evidence of this had been shown that day in connection with the working of the lodge , and , as he understood the jewel had not been provided from the funds of the lodge , but by subscriptions from the members , its value was very greatly enhanced . His lordship congratulated Bro . Davies upon the kindly spirit which was cherished towards him by

the members of the Skelmersdale Lodge . Bro . Davies , in acknowledging the gift of the jewel , which was of a very elegant design and richly enamelled , bearing the Lathom arms , said the lustre of the jewel had been very considerably increased by the spontaneity of the gift , and b y the fact that it had been handed to him and placed on his breast by their illustrious and most popular Provincial Grand Master . He took it as an evidence of

the goodwill of the brethren , and he would always look upon it with the greatest pride . Subsequently the brethren present at ithe installation and a number who had been unable to get to Seaforth banqueted at the Bear ' s Paw , Lord-street , Liverpool , under the presidency of Bro . Dr . Limrick , the newly-installed Worshipful Master , who was supported right and left by Bros , the Earl of Lathom ; R . A . Davies , I . P . M . ; J .

Poole , R . Wilson , T . H . Sheen , and others . Altogether about 90 brethren were present , who thoroughly enjoyed the very recherche" banquet provided by Bro . J . Cobham , whose deep interest in the Masonic brotherhood has been evidenced on many occasions by very substantial donations to the Masonic Charities connected with the province . After the banquet the W . M . gave the toasts of " The Queen ; " "The M . W . Grand Master of England , the

Prince of Wales , " and " The Pro Grand Master , Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon , " which were drunk with great cordiality . Bro . R . A . Davies next proposed * " The Health of the R . W . the Deputy Grand Master and Prov . G . M . of West . Lancashire , the Earl of Lathom , and the Grand Officers Past and Present , " Bro . Davies complimenting the brethren of the Skelmersdale Lodge on having among its list

of members such a distinguished Mason as his lordship . Bro . the Earl of Lathom , in acknowledging the toast , which was drunk with great enthusiasm , expressed the pleasure he felt at being once more among the brethren of 13 S 0 , and hoped he would long continue to enjoy their confidence and favour . He looked upon the Skelmersdale as a pattern lodge , especially in regard to its subscriptions to the Charities , and he trusted that it would go on setting

a good example in this respect . In conclusion , his lordship said he had always endeavoured to do his duty as Deputy Grand Master of England , a high office to which it had pleased his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to appoint him , and he would always endeavour to discharge that duty to the best of his ability . Other Masonic toasts followed , including that of Bro .

Smitton , proposed by the Earl of Lathom , who paid Bro , Smitton a high compliment for the efficient manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony . The proceedings of the evening were agreeably enlivened by musical items by the brethren of the Apollo Lodge , including Bros . Major Nicholls , Lewis , Muir , Fargher , and Dr . Macpherson , assisted by Bros . J . P . Bryan , Prov . G . O ., and J . Almond , the Organist of the lodge .

WIDNES . —Equity Lodge ( No . 13 S 4 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Alforde Chambers , on Thursday , the 5 th inst . The function of Installing Master was most effectively fulfilled by Bro . Jonas Foster , P . M ., and Bro . J . White invested and addressed the various officers . The W . M ., Bro . W . W .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Copeland , appointed the following as his officers for the year : Bros . J . W . M'Tear , I . P . M . ; T . Matthews , S . W . ; Robinson , J . W . ; J . Foster , P . M ., Treas . ; J . White , P . M ., D . C ; J . Patten , " Sec . ; J . Hough , S . D . ; T . Williams , J . D . ; G . Clare , I . G . ; F . Wilkinson and J . Goff , Stwds . At the termination of the business of the lodge , a banquet

was held at the house of Bro . Parkes , the Central Hotel . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly acknowledged . Bro . J . W . M'Tear , the retiring W . M ., was presented with an 18-carat gold P . M . ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , 2 , Monument-place , Liverpool ) , as a token of the esteem in which he is held by the brethren .

WOOLSTON . —Clausentum Lodge ( No . 1461 ) . —A meeting was held on Wednesday , the 4 th inst . Present : Bros . A . J . Brown , W . M . ; R . Bell , S . W . ; M . F . Curtis , J . W . ; Geo . J . Tilling , P . M ., Treas . ; Walter Bowyer , P . M ., Sec . ; J . W . Danells , S . D . ; E . T . Wise , J . D . ; W . J . Miller , I . G . ; W . H . Smith , Stwd . ; C Henley , Tyler ; R . R . L . Rosoman , P . M . ; D . O . Hobbs ,

P . M . ; Jas . Methven , P . M . ; Capt . R . W . Evans , P . M . ; W . H . Chapman , P . M . ; T . O . Spencer , Jas . Martin , Chas . T . Merck , E . A . Edwards , J . Smith , Dr . C . J . Symonds , Jas . Bowyer , G . A . Derrick , and J . T . Morten . Visitors : Bros . Rev . J . Reeve , Chap . 1030 ; and Chas . Semple , 262 .

Bros . Bowyer and Derrick were passed to the Fellow Craft Degree . The Treasurer ' s balance-sheet for 1 SS 4 was presented'and passed , the same being of a most satisfactory character , and showing that the lodge had expended in erecting and furnishing their new Masonic Hall the sum of ¦ £ 2075 '" gs . 7 d .

NORTH WOOLWICH . —Henley Lodge ( No . 1472 ) . —The election meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at Bro . West's , the Three Crowns Hotel , when a heavy night ' s work was Fgot through in good style . Bro . Charles T . Lewis , W . M ., presided , supported by the following officers and others , viz . : Bros . E . West , P . M . and P . P . G . J . D . Herts ; Dr . W . Vance ,

P . M ., Treas . ; B . Brayshaw , P . M . ; J . Elder , P . M . ; A . T . Ives , S . W . ; C . Jolly , J . W . ( Freemason ); J . Paul , S . D . ; J . Savage , J . D . ; C . Canning , I . G . ; C . Jones and C Hefford , W . Stwds . ; and W . Page , P . M ., Tyler . The lodge being opened , the ballot was taken for Mr . W . Turvey , and proving unanimous he was initiated in due form . Bros . Buck and Child were then raised , both ceremonies being carefully performed by the W . M . Bro . Ives ,

S . W ., was next unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing 12 months , and returned thanks . Bro . Vance , P . M ., was re-elected Treas ., and Bro . Page , P . M ., was re-elected Tyler . The lodge was then closed and the brethren partook of supper , after which the rest of the evening was devoted to harmony , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts being cordially responded to . Among the visitors were Bros . W . Sanderson , P . M . ifig ; W . Bidgood , Org . 700 and 13 ; H . Tufnell , 700 ; and H . Hancock , 171 G .

YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Monday evening , the oth inst . There were present Bros . Sir F . G . Milner , Bart ., M . P ., W . M . ; T . B . Whytehead , P . M . ; G . Balmford , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Simpson , P . M . ; C G . Padel , P . M . ; Major A . H . H . McGachen , P . M . 1991 ; Rev . Richard Blakenry , Chap . ; A . T . B . Turner , S . W . ;

W . Brown , J . W . ; Jas . Kay , Sec ; G . Chapman , S . D . ; S . J . Dalton , J . D . ; W . Lackenby , I . G . ; E . Thackray , G . Irving , W . Wrigglesworth , Nance , Pearson , Wilkinson , G . Milner , C . L . Foster , Dodgson , Harding 1991 ; White , 1991 ; and Hall , Tyler . The business consisted in the passing ot Bro . Dodgson to the Second Degree . A candidate was proposed for

initiation . Letters of apology were read from Bros . J . S . Cumberland , P . M . ; M . Millington , P . M . ; J . T . Seller , P . M . ; and J . Blenkin , P . M ., all of whom were unavoidably absent . At the subsequent meeting for refreshment the W . M . gave the usual loyal toasts , after which , in responding to his own health , proposed by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , he said that the year was likely to be a very eventful one with

the lodge in consequence of its taking possession of its own hall , and as far as he was concerned he should spare no pains to make the ceremonies on the occasion successful , and assured the members that he should at all times do all in his power to promote the welfare of the lodge . Songs were given during the evening by Bros . McGachen , Turner , Thackray , and Whytehead , and a most pleasant meeting ended at eleven o ' clock .

MANCHESTER . —Avon Lodge ( No . 1633 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 28 th ult ., at the Denmark Hotel , Chorlton-on-Medlock , when there was a large gathering of brethren anxious to rally round the W . M . elect , Bro . A . T . Forrest , S . W ., and to testify by their presence on the occasion their appreciation of his many sterling qualities . The lodge was

opened in due form by the W . M . at 3 . 45 p . m ., the following brethren being present : Bros . Byway , W . M . ; Forrest , S . W . ; Craven , J . W . ; Whittaker , P . M ., Treas . ; Swinn , Sec . ; Lyon , S . D . ; Allitt , J . D . ; Boylan , I . G . ; Simpson and Farrington , Stwds . ; Brown , I . P . M . ; Bostock , P . M . ; Leigh , P . M . ; Macfarlane , P . M . ; Cavanah , P . M . ; Driver , Curtis , Squirrell , Green , Simpson , Farrington , and Burrows , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . J . H .

Sillitoe , P . G . J . W . ; Thos . Moore , P . M . 72 G , 295 , P . P . G . S . D . Staffordshire ; T . Schofield , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . West Lanes . ; T . D . Hooper , P . M . 1009 , P . P . G . Treas . ; P . Wadsworth , P . G . T . Cheshire , P . M . 295 ; W . Jaffrey , P . M . 152 , P . P . G . J . D . ; A . Painter , P . M . 1 G 33 ; Is . Williams , P . M . 325 ; Jas . Needham , P . M . 295 ; Hy . Paulden , W . M . 204 ; G . T . Mullock , P . M ., Sec . 204 ; J . R . Lever , P . M . 317 , 204 ; Frank A . Huet , P . M . 1009 , GgG ; G . V . Blaikie , P . M . 152 ; W . Nicholl , P . M . 317

, 22 ( S . C . ); | W . Corbett , P . M . 249 ; Thomas C Butterworth , P . M . 152 ; Jos . Dickson , P . M . ion ; W . Rumsey , J . W . 1357 ; Thomas Uttley , S . D . 307 ; S . E . Jupp , J . D . 1140 ; W . A . Brabner , 1993 ; R . Bradshaw , 317 ; J . Willcox , 1140 ; Hugh Roberts , 1213 ; R . Livsey , 1730 ; A . Mark , 2102 , 179 S ; W . Colbert , 2 G 9 . Mr . Emil Jaeggi was balloted for and duly initiated into the mysteries of the Order by Bro . Brown , I . P . M . Bro .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bostock , P . M ., afterwards occupied the chair and proceeded with the ceremony of installation , the W . M . elect being presented by the W . M ., Bro . Byway . This was the ninth anniversary of the consecration of the Avon Lodge , and we believe Bro . Bostock has on every occasion been the Installing Master , and has each succeeding year eclipsed his efforts of the previous one . In this

instance the ceremony was rendered in a most impressive manner , and proved beyond question that Bro . Bostock is a perfect exponent of this portion of Masonic ritual . After the brethren had saluted the newly-installed W . M . in the usual manner , Bro . Whittaker , P . M , Treas ., acted as Investing Officer , and gave a few kindly words of advice and encouragement to each brother ashe " collared "

him . The following are the officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Craven , S . W . ; Lyon , J . W . ; Whittaker , P . M ., Treas . ; Simpson , Sec ; Allitt , S . D . ; Boylan , J . D . ; Swinn , I . G . ; Bostock , P . M ., D . C ; Farrington , Squirrell , and Driver , Stwds . The addresses were forcibly delivered ; that to the W . M . by Bro . Cavanah , P . M . ; that to the Wardens by Bro . Macfarlane , P . M . ; and that to the brethren by the Installing Master . After " hearty good wishes " from the numerous visitors

the lodge was closed . The brethren then adjourned to partake of what was , ostensibly a tea , but in reality a public dinner . It was served in most admirable fashion , and augurs well for the success of the new caterer for this lodge , Host Fulton . After dinner , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given and duly honoured ,

Bro . George Macfarlane rose to propose what is usually considered the toast of the evening— " The Health of the W . M . " He complimented Bro . Forrest on the admirable manner in which heihad passed through the trying ordeal of installation , and said that although he ( the W . M . ) was a young man he was an old Mason , and had he been ambitious might have been the Master of a lodge years ago . Bro . Macfarlane remarked upon the fact that neither he

( although three years since he occupied the position now filled by Bro . Forrest ) nor the W . M ., who had that day been placed in the chair of K . S ., was a child of the " Avon , " but that both had first seen Masonic light in that good lodge , the mother of many good Masons , the Bridge , water , 1213 , at Eccles . He had watched the W . M . ' s career from his Masonic infancy , and he was quite certain

that the brethren of the Avon would never have cause to regret having entrusted the reins of government into Bro , Forrest ' s hands . The toast was drank with acclamation , and the Worship , ful Master in briefly responding thanked the brethren for the honour done , not only in unanimously electing him to fill that chair , but also for the enthusiastic manner in which they had received the toast of his health . He

alluded feelingly to the remarks of the proposer of the toast , and sincerely thanked Bro . Macfarlane for the kind words spoken about himself , and assured the members of the lodge that he would spare no effort to prove to them his genuine appreciation of their confidence in him . At the same time it would , he said , be premature and unbecoming in him to say much about the future ; he would simply , in

conclusion , ask them to wait till the completion of his year of office and as they prove him to praise him . "The Healths | of the Initiate , " "The Visitors , " and other toasts were proposed and responded to , in most cases briefly , on account of the time , one of the most pleasing incidents of the evening being the proposal by Bro . Cavanah , P . M ., of "The Health of the I . P . M ., "

which he did in a few well-chosen words , and at the same time pinned a P . M . ' s jewel upon Bro . Byway ' s breast , the cost of which had been , by a vote of the members , defrayed out of the lodge funds . Bro . Byway thanked the brethren for this mark of their esteem , and said his services would in the future , as in the past , be at the disposal of the lodge .

Altogether a very harmonious evening was spent , the proceedings being enlivened throughout by humorous songs and recitations , the visitors contributing largely to this portion of the entertainment , prominent amongst them being Bros . Jupp and Willcox . Bros . Dickson , P . M ., and Lever , P . M ., rendered very efficient and highly appreciated services at the pianoforte .

HENLEY-ON-THAMES . — Thames Lodge ( No . 1 S 95 ) . —A meeting was held on Monday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , when there were present Bros . B . Hunn , P . P . G . D ., W . M . ; A . Brakspear , I . P . M ; F . March , P . G . Stwd ., S . W . ; Rev . A . R . Pritchard , P . O . Chap ., 'J . W . ; G . E . Brakspear , P . G . Swd . B ., Treas . ; W . A . Simmons , Sec . ; C A . Robinson , S . D . ; C . Bye ,

J . D . ; E . Carlisle , M . A ., I . G . ; R . Rogers , Tyler ; | . McBean , T . Sheward , J . Whitehead , W . H . Harrison , F . Headington , E . Tatham , and H . C . Buckeley . The minutes of the last lodge were read and confirmed , and a successful ballot was taken for a candidate for initiation . The W . M . then impressively raised Bros . Whitehead , Headington , and Sheward to the Sublime Degree of a

M . M ., and Bros . Tatham and Buckeley were duly passed to the degree of a F . C . A vote was granted from the Benevolent Fund to the W . M ., to be placed on his list as Steward for the Benevolent Institution . A candidate was firoposed for initiation , and , nothing further offering , the odge was closed according to ancient custom , and the brethren left in peace and harmony , this lodge having supper only on the night of an initiation .

LIVERPOOL . —Apollo Lodge ( No . 2042 . ) - The installation meeting of the above lodge of Freemasons —the newest lodge in the province of West Lancashirewas held on Wednesday , the 4 th inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Bro . H . H . Smith , acting W . M ., " the chair ( in the absence of the late Bro . T . Skeaf , the

first W . M . of the lodge ) . The other members of the lodge present were : Bros . R . Foote , I . P . M . ; Rev . H . G . Vernon , P . P . G . C , P . M . j Thos . W . Sergeant , S . W . i Thos . Hatton , J . W . ; Joseph Queen , Sec ; James AMuir , S . D . ; Major J . Nicholls , J . D . ; D . Keith , I . G . ; «• Brogden , J . S . ; J . M . Smythe , P . M . 9 8 ; R . Hawlcy , W . M . 1473 5 E . Graham , 1 . 1 . Metcalfe , Thos . Lowtom

A . H . Shaw , J . Busfield , R . Martin , Prov . G . Treas . ; vv . H . Quayle , and others . The visitors , who were numerous , included Bros . Dr . G . H . Evans , P . M . 1354 , P . G . S . W . i R . Johnson , W . M . 1013 ; H . Denyer , S 23 ; Thos . Crotne )' : S 23 ; Turnbull , S 23 ; T . Salter , P . P . G . J . D ., P . M . 24 '' A . J . Bolton , 594 ; J . T . Callow , P . P . G . Treas . ; h ° ' McKenzie , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . and Treas . 1609 5 D . Cum-