Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BLACKPOOL . Clifton Lodge ( No . 703 ) . —The regular meeting was held on the 7 th inst . at the Clifton Arms Hotel . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . W . Clayton , VV . M . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and important business transacted , not the least being in

the shape of the presentation to the lodge of a banner , the want of which has been felt for a considerable time . The magnificent emblem is a fine masterpiece of workmanship , and bears the name of the Clifton Lodge , No . 703 , together with the Blackpool coat-of-arms and motto emblazoned upon it in richly coloured silks . There is also an inscription embroidered upon the scroll : " This banner was subscribed by a few brethren . April , 1 S 94 , W . Bro . 1 . W . Clavton ,

W . M . " Great interest was manifested in the event , a large number of brethren being present . The presentation was made in the name of the brethren by Bro . the Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , and was gracefully acknowledged . There were present Bros . J . W . Clayton , VV . M . ; E . Wolstenholme , S . W . ; T . Loftus , W . M . 1476 ; J . Collinge , W . M . 1256 ; Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , P . P . G . C . ; Thos . Forrester , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; S . Hill , P . M . ; I .

Walsh , P . M . ; J . Horsfall , P . M . ; J . Heyes , P . M . ; S Fisher , W . M . ; E . Taylor , J . Ellis , T . Whiteside , C E Hindle , J . Wright , E . Thompson , W . Holland , R . Har wood , A . C Bond , D . Fish , L . Walsh , C Noden , E Proctor , F . Bradshaw , W . Nuttall , T . Hopkinson , J Turner , J . Cotterall , H . Harrison , and J . Lancaster . The banner was designed and manufactured by Bro George Kenning .

BROXBOURNE . KingSWOOd Lodge ( No . 2278 ) . —The instalation meeting of this prosperous young lodge was held on Saturday , the gth inst ., Bro . H . T . Nell , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., W . M ., presiding . There were present , Bros . j . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C ; J . Petch , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . j J . G . Cobb , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., W . M . 45 ; C . M . Coxon , P . M .,

P . G . D . ; I . F . Bell , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ; T . Wye , C C . Renaud , H . R . Bower , E . N . Beningfield , R . von der Sahl , A . J . Robinson , and other members . The visitors were Bros . W . R . Shutt , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Middx . ; S . Scott-Young , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . E . Lanes . ; T . Simpson , 1604 ; E . Loxley , 2241 ; T . Jackson , S . D . 22 G 5 ; and C . Stuart Walker , 134 S .

After the confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting the Treasurer's account for the past year was read ; it proved to be a highly satisfactory one , the financial year being entered upon with a considerable balance and no liabilities whatever . It was unanimously passed and ordered to be entered on the minutes . The VV . M . having

vacated the chair in favour of Bro . C M . Coxon , P . M ., Bro . E . H . Moore J . W ., was presented as W . M . elect , and duly installed as sixth W . M . of the lodge in the presence of a Board of 11 Installed Masters . . The officers appointed and invested were : Bros . H . T . Nell , I . P . M . ; R . W . Nicole , S . W . ; G . T . Chretien . P . M .,

J . W . ; J . Petch , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Treas . ( fourth year ); 1 . F . Bell , P . M ., Sec . ; A . C . Halestrap , P . M ., S . D . ; E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., J . D . ; J . W . Rattenbury , I . G . ; N . Pearce , DC ; VV . Ii- Goodwins , Org . ; J . Gravatt , Stwd . ; and T . Williams , Tyler . Bro . Cobb then gave the addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren . The handsome Past Master ' s jewel of the lodge was then

presented to Bro . H . T . Nell , I . P . M ., and suitably acknowledged . A candidate for initiation was proposed , also a brother as a joining member . The " Hearty good wishes " of the visitors having been tendered to the W . M ., the lodge was closed . After partaking of an excellent banquet , the VV . M . proposed the customary toasts , Bro . J . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C ,

replying to that of ' I he Grand Ollieers . " Bro . Petch , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the R . W . the P . ov . Grand Master , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P . " The cordiality with which it was received gave proof of the high esteem in which the Prov . G . M . is held by the brethren . Bro . E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the Prov . Grand Officers , " to which toast Bro . C . M . Coxon .

Prov . G . D ., replied . Bro . H . T . Nell , I . P . M ., then gave "The Health of the W . M ., " and said that Bro . Moore was the first initiate of the lodge who had reached that position . He had discharged the duties of the various offi : es he had filled with much credit , and there were no doubts in their minds as to the ability with which he would do the work of the lodge .

lhe brethren united cordially in wishing for him a happy and successful term of office . The Worshipful Master , in reply , said that he felt grateful for the m inner in which the toast had been received . He assured them that during his occupancy the speeches from the chair would be short . He had had good fortune beyond the experience of most brethren in reaching his

present p > sition 11 less than five years from his initiation . He had done his best to qualify himself for the important duties he had undertaken , but hii task was a difficult one in succeeding such experienced Pas : Mas er-i . He should , however , do hi ( utmist to maintain the lodge at the high portion to which it had been raised . In proposing "Ths Health of the I . P . M , " the W . M .

con-fra ' ulated him-elf on having the support of one of the best of Masons , and best of friends . Bro . H . T . Nell , I . P . M ., thanked thebrethren for the kindness they had shown him during the past year , and for their indulgence on the occasions when he was ur . forlumtely compelled to be absent . He expressed his pleasure in being the recipient nf a Past Mister ' s jewel , an J assurt-d them that his interest in thc welfare of the lodge would remain unabated .

Bro . J . G . Cobb , P . M ., replied to the toast of "The Installing Masters , " and said it hid been a great pleasure to Bro . Coxon and himself to take part in the ceremony that day . In reply to the toast of " The Visitors , " proposed by the W . M ., Bros . S . Scott-Young , P . M . ; Shutt , P . M . ; Loxley and

Walker , eulogied the working they had witnessed in the lodge , and the hospitality they had met with . Most of the visitors had been present on previous occasions , and as one brother humi rously put it "they still would come . " Bro . Petch , P . M ., Treas ., acknowledging the toast of his health , gave a lucid statement of ih : w . jrk done by the J ^ dge , with especial reference to the contributions to the Charities . Bro . Bell , P . M ., Sec , also replied .

Provincial Meetings.

Bro . Nicole , S . W ., responded for " The Officers , " and the proceedings terminated . The musical programme comprised songs by Bros . C Stuart Walker , H . R . Bower , E . N . Beningfield , H . T . Nell , and VV . E . Goodwins , who accompanied with his usual ability . The c ( forts of the brethren gave a great deal of interest to the after-dinner proceedings .

CROWLE . Isle of Axholme Lodge ( No . 1482 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , when there vvere present Bros . C Fox , W . M . ; R . N . Brunyee , I . P . M . ; J . Faulkner , S . W . ; ] . Constable , Chap . ; J . F . Watson , Treas . ; R . Wood , Sec . ; W . Pickering , S . D . ; S . H . C . Ashh ' n , J . P . ; W .

A . Wressell , I . G . ; VV . Chamberlain , D . C ; A . S . O . Birch , Stwd . ; T . Staniforth , P . M . ; W . Burtonshaw , P . M . ; G . Naylor , Tyler ; G . S . Tyack , H . Hoe , ] . Batty , R . Meadley , A . W . Cundall , C . Fox , 2 ; and \ V . S . Scholey , Visitors : Bro ? . F . C . Lucop . 57 ; and H . Hirst , 1605 . Bro . Tyack was duly passed to the Degree of F . C , and Mr . H . T . Lane was initiated , theW . M . bting assisted

in the working by Bros . Staniforth , Ashlin , FaulUner , and Constable . Bro . J . Faulkner was unanimously elected as the W . M . of the lodge , and Bros . J . F . Watson and G . Naylor were unanimously re-elected Treasurer and Tyler respectively . Bros . W . Burtonshaw and Cundafl were appointed Auditors of the accounts . The annual installation banquet is to take place on July 17 th . DIDSBURY . Doric Lodge ( No . 2359 ) . —The fifth installation meeting was held on Saturday , the gth inst ., at the New Constitutional Club , Elm Grove , for which purpose a special dispensation had been granted . There was a capital attendance of members and visitors . The Iodge was opened by Bro . G . A . Myers , P . M ., P . G . D . C , VV . M ., supported by all his officers . The minutes of the previous meeting

were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for two gentlemen , both being favourable , and they will be initiated at the next regular meeting after the vacation , as well as the other work due on the summons . Bro . C E . Towell , P . M ., was again elected Charity Representative . The Auditors' report was adopted , and the balance-she ^ t passed . It is very satisfactory to know , and we think it

worth recording , that the balance in the Treasurer s hands is £ 70 , whereas , in addition to this during the four years the lodge has been in existence , no less a sum than , £ 200 exactly has been contributed to various Charities . Bro . G . S . Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., was requested by the W . M . to take the chair for the purpose of installing the VV . M . elect , who appointed as his Installing Officers Bros . I . I .

Lambert , P . P . G . R ., as S . W . ; R . G . Bradley , P . D . G . D . C , as J . W . ; and F . Stretch , P . M ., as I . G . Bro . A . K . Boothroyd , S . VV ., W . M . elect , was presented to the Installing Master by Bro . G . A . Myers , I . P . M . and the ceremony was successfully carried out . There were 18 Past Masters present atthe Board of Installed Masters . Upon the brethren being admitted they were

under the direction of Bro . Myers , who proclaimed the W . M ., & c . The working tools were presented in each Degree by Bro . C . E . Towell , P . M . The newly-installed VV . M . invested and addressed his officers in a most admirable manner . Bro . Fred . Stretch , P . M ., delivered the addresses to the VV . M ., Wardens , and brethren with

great ability and effectiveness . All business being completed , the lodge was closed , and subsequently a banquet was held at the Didsbury Ilotel , where everything hal been provided and arranged by Mrs . F . Stretch , the worthy hostesr , in a most piincely fashion , and would have done credit fo the best caterer in the

country . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . The p leasure of the evening was greatly enhanced by two recitations from Bro . Morgan , I . G ., and songs and glees from Bros . Mark Stafford , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; VVm . Dumville , P . M . ; G . S . Smith , P . P . G . Org . ; and Alfred Lewtas , P . M . Bro . Smith acted as accompanist . The following breihren were invested as oflicers for the

ensuing year : Bros . Arthur K . Boothroyd , W . M . ; G . A . Myers , Prov . G . D . C , LP . M . ; James Minshill Veal , S . W . ; John Walker , J . W . ; Chas . Edgar Towell , P . M ., Chap . ; A . II . Jefferis , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Treas . ; Fred . Thomas , Sec ; | oseph Waid , S . D . ; James Sharpies , J . D . ; " G . S . Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . O . East Lanes ., D . C ; Young , Org . ; Fred . Morgan , I . G . j and I . Laurisch , W . W .

Wilkinson , J . Lawrenson , and R . J . H . Sayers , Stwds , The following brethren were present : Bros . G . A . Myers , VV . M ., P . G . D . of C ; F . Stretch , I . P . M . j C E . Towell , P . M . ; A . K . Boothroyd , S . W . ; | . M . Veal , J . W . ; J . Walker , Sec . ; Fred . Thomas , S . D . ; Jos . Ward , J . D . ; G . S . Smith , P . P . G . Org ., D . of C . ; James Sharpies , I . G . j

F . Morgan , Stwd . ; G . Metcalfe , Baldwin , W . Barker , Boddy , J . J . Booth , A . L . Boothroyd , Brundrett , Dearnaley , J . A . Kay , Paine , Parr , Rowsell , Sayers , H . Shuter , and Young . Visitors : Bros . F . Forrester , P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; J . J . Lambert , P . P . G . Reg . West Lanes . ; R . G . Bradley , P . G . D . of C ; C L . Littler , P . P . G . P . ; and others .

DONCASTER . St . George ' s Lodge ( No . 242 ) . —The first meeting of this lodge under the newly-installed W . M . took place in the Masonic Rooms on Friday , the ist inst . There was a good attendance , including Bros . C . H . Woodhouse , W . M . ; E . Newsum , I . P . M . ; J . H . Pawson . S . W . ; R . Bridge , J . W . ; F . Rand , P . P . G . D .

Treas . ; H . C . White , Sec ; F . H . Buckland , S . D . ; G . Smith , J . D . ; J . F . Hanson , I . G . ; I . Ilenison , Stwd . ; F . Fitzgerald , P . M . ; F . J . Forth , P . M . ; C . Goldthorpe , P . G . StwJ . ; F . Webb , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Goodair , S . H . Castle , H . Gunby , H . W . Burnett , II .

Foster , 1 . Anelay , and others . Visitors : Bros . J . Constable , I . P . M ., ani T . Barber , S . D . 2259 . 'The lodge was opened in the Three Degrees , and , as there was no work , the brethren adj mrned to the anteroom , and partook of light supper , where a very pleasant hour was spent in toast and song .

DOVER . Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 199 ) . — The / Hsculapians , of the / Esculapius Lodge , " the medical lodge " of London—visited Djver on the 4 th inst ., to do honour to Bro . Dr . VV . T . Duncan Best o 1 his installation of VV . M . of the Peace and Harmony Lodge , held at

Provincial Meetings.

the Grand Hotel , in that town . The London and town medicals were invited to a luncheon—a banquet really in itself—and presided over by the charming young wife of the host , at his house , at one o'clock . The visitors present from the / Esculapius Lodge , London , were : Bros . Dr . J . Pickett , W . M . 76 G , W . M . elect ; Dr . J . Brindley James , P . M . ( the first W . M . ); Dr . J . Thompson , J . VV . ; Dr . Anthony

Nutt , S . D . ; Or . Montague Cheale , Dr . James Startin , and Capt . C . Wallis King . The following were also present : Bros . Ernest Fielding , VV . M . ; VV . J . Best , S . W . ; H . H . Goodwin , J . W . ; D . H . Dolman , Chap . j Edward Lukey , Treas . J James D . Terson , P . M ., Sec . ; Charles M . Overton , S . D . ; E . M . Stevens , l . D . ; T . W . Bussey , D . C . ; F . A . Clarke ,

Org . ; A . Boyle , I . G . j W . H . East , and A . Harby , Stwds . ; L . Marsh , Tyler ; Henry S . Boyton P . M . ; W . Cessford , P . M . ; Thomas Hearn , P . M . ; John Falconer , P . M . ; G . J . Bussey , P . M . ; J . Powell , P . M . G 39 ; ] . J . Wright , P . M . 120 S ; C . H . Cromwell Marsh , A . E . Pritchard , J . VV . Hird , J . Oxenham , VV . Wynne , J . G . Hayward . William Berry , T . V . Simmons , John Parsons , John

Beach , Edwin Farley , Alec . G . Vaughan-Lee , A . Montague Bradley , J . Watts , G . F . Harris , John Ormsby , Edwin Dawes , W . G . Davy , VV . C Bowles , J . E . Whorwell , G . L . Crofts , John Chittenden , John Smith , J . Bourdeaux , and JosephCresswell . Visitors : Bros . I . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec .

R . M . 3 . I . ; G . Nugent Thorp , VV . M ., Richard W . Philpott , P . M ., P . A . G . P ., David H . Wilson , J . W ., A . Knight , W . B . Baker , P . M ., E . Fenn , P . M ., P . J . G . D ., Clement Walter , P . M ., and J . S . Pain , all of 120 S ; Thomas Bent , P . M . 704 , P . P . G . D . D . C ; H . Aylwin , P . M . 613 ; C J . Elliott , VV . M . 420 ; George Chapman , W . M . 1200 ; T .

H . Goddard , W . M ., O . H . Smith , P . M ., D . C , A . H Couchman , and Henry E . Stelgoe , of 1436 ; Henry E . S Drew , P . M ., and W . T . Peddington of 109 G ; G . C Campin , W . M . 10 S 9 ; Gumming , P . M . 6 S 3 , P . P . G . S . B . W . B . Joyce , W . M . 1206 ; and William H . Gate , P . M

1579-Bro . Dr . VV . T . Duncan Best was duly instilled , and the lodge , which is the largest in Kent , was crowded by members and visitors . The investiture of officers was performed in a most effective , impressive , and masterly manner by the VV . M ., who had a worthy aid in the I . P . M ., Bro . Ernest Fielding .

The lodge was closed in due form , and the banquet , under the management of the manager of the Grand Hotel , left nothing to be desired . The menu was in perfect taste , the tables adorned with the choicest flowers , and the wine most excellent . The VV . M ., in giving the toast of " The Queen , " remarked that she had been a good wife and mother , and

under her rule England had prospered , and he hoped she would live for many years to witness still greater prosperity . He also spoke of the connection of the Prince of Wales with the Alpha Lodge , No . 16 , and of his interest in that lodge . The third toast was given and coupled with the name of that veteran in Masonry , Bro . James Terry ,

P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . His was the speech of the evening . He spoke of his connection with the W . M . since his childhood , of his father and connections , and said that it was a pleasant and proud moment to see the son of his old friend fill such a honourable ' position as that of the W . M . of the Peace and Harmony Lod ^ e of Dover . The Worshipful Master , in reply , said that , even from his earliest youth , he had always felt a wish to become a

Mason . The I . P . M . referred to the qualifications of the W . M . ; that he was initiated only six years ago , and was now W . M . of his lodge j that he belonged to the Royal Arch , Mark , and Rose Croix Degrees , and had recently taken the 30 . The evening was spent most pleasantly , and Bro . Best spoke most feelingly of his appreciation of the attendance of the / Esculapians , in whose lodge he had been proposed as a joining member .

MANCHESTER . Duchess of York Lodge ( No . 2482 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge was held at the Victoria Ilotel , on Saturday , the 9 th inst . The lodge was opened by Bro . Archer Lowe , VV . M ., P . P . G . S . B . There were 18 brethren present . The two ceremonies were performed by the W . M ., and the working tools were presented by Bro . Peter Bratt , J . W .

STOCKPORT . Unanimity Lodge ( No . 287 ) . — -The regular meeting was held on Wednesday , the Gth instant , at the VVhite Lion Hotel , when we had very great pleasure in visiting this ancient lodge . There was a very good muster of brethren . In the absence of Bro . the Rev . Arthur Symonds , P . P . G . C , VV . M ., the lodge was opened bg Bro .

G . Roberts , P . P . G . Stwd ., LP . M . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , when Bro . James Cookson , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., resumed the chair , and performed the ceremony of the Second Degree in his usual elcquent manner . Bro . W . Fielding , I . P . M . 336 , presented the working tools . Bro . Roberts again resumed the chair , and conducted the business to the close , lt was

announced by Bro . James Cookson , P . P . G . T ., Secretary to the lodge , that 10 brethren had given in their names to act as Stewards at the Cheshire Masonic Benevolent Institution Festival , held at Southport on Wednesday , the 13 th inst . The following brethren were present : Bros . Geo . Robeits , P . G . S ., I . P . M . ; James T . Hudson , P . M . ; James Cookson , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., Sec ; I . A .

Cookson , S . D . j A . J . Kellitt , J . D . ; Leonard Jaggar , I . G . ; Richard Thomas , G . A . Eyre , Thos . T . Lee , Joseph Lee , John Hunt , C . Campron , and Thos . Thormley , P . M . Visitors : Bros . \ V . Fielding , I . P . M . ; Thos . Haslam , W . M . ; Thos . VV . Weathered ; J . H . Evans , P . P . G . S . B . ; W . Skelling ; J . S . Derbyshire ; G . S . Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . ; and Enoch Etches .

THORNE . St . Nicholas Lodge ( No . 2259 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 30 th ult . Present : Bros . A . L . Peace , W . M . ; G . Kenyon , acting S . W . ; | . H . Pawson , J . W . ; B . Maskill , Treas . ; W . P . Robotham , Sec ; T . Barber , S . D . ; G . Eland , I . G . ; VV . T . Chambers and E . Hirst , Stewards ; J . Constable , I . P . M . ; J . H . Bletcher , P . M . ; F . Webb , P . M . ; T . J . Smith , T . Livingstone , E . Shillilo , and F . Pine , Tyler . Visitors ; Bros , C . H , Woodhouse