Provincial Meetings.

W . M ., C H . Woodhouse , S . D ., and P . Jenner , all of 242 . Bro . T . J . Smith was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., the work being performed by the W . M ., assisted by Bro . Constable . The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Club Room to partake of a light repast .

TORQUAY . St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 32 S ) . —The regular meeting of this Iodge was held on Monday , the 4 th instant , when a goodly number of brethren assembled for the purpose of hearing a lecture from Bro . F . J . W . Crowe , P . P . G . O ., on " Masonic Clothing , " with illustrations from his

unique collection . Amongst the brethren present were Bros . T . A . Blackler , VV . M . ; Jno . Chapman , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . ; W . Taylor , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Sec . ; W . Wakeman , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; H . R . Beer , I . P . M . ; R . Renwick , P . M . ; J . Grant , P . M ., Prov . G . Stwd . ; T . Becket , P . M . ; T . H . Wills , P . M . 1402 ; S . WillsP . M . and Chap . 1402 ; 1 ; Taylor , P . M . and Sec .

, 1402 ; G . Halls , J . VV . ; and J . G . Turle . After opening the lodge , the W . M . briefly introduced the lecturer of the evening as an enthusiastic collector of Masonic clothing and certificates , and who possessed one of the largest , if not the largest , and most unique collection in the world . Bro . Crowe , in commencing his lecture , expressed the

hope that the subject would be ot interest alike to the student as well as to those who made no study of Masonry beyond the ledge routine . The work of recording and collecting had been to him ( the lecturer ) a labour of love . The apron in its present form was taken from the long apron of the Operative Mason , yet as an ornament it is of the highest antiquity . Oliver , in the ioth lecture of his

" Signs and Symbols , " speaks of it as an " emblem of truth and passive duty , and refers to Elijah and St . John the Baptist as being girded with an apron of leather . " In some Japanese initiations the initiate was invested with an apron , and ancient statutes of gods are decorated with them , and has always been considered an honourable decoration . The first known description of the Freemason ' s

apron is in the engraved portrait of Anthony Sayer , Grand Master in 1717 , and the next in Anderson ' s Constitutions of 1723 . In Hogarth ' s picture of "Night , " and Picart ' s Ceremonies of 173 6 is of a long and flowing form . The lecturer then referred to the early mention of aprons in the records of Grand Lodge , where the clothing appeared of the plainest kind . The oldest

known minutes in any lodge connected with the apron is one in the Lodge of Aberdeen , dated December 27 th , 1670 , and says : " One linen apron , " and having collected much information on the subject , the lecturer is of opinion that linen was used almost as frequently as leather . The emblems upon the aprons and other clothing were then referred to in an interesting manner , and the tassels , although

frequently stated to be made to represent two pillars , are simply the decorated ends of the ribbons , which were fastened round the waist and tied underthe flip , and the clothing now . worn was adopted at the Union of 1817 , when gauntltts were first sanctioned . When visiting the Eaton Lodge , No . 533 , Dr . Sheldon , P . P . G . W ., showed him ( thc lecturer ) an old Tyler's coat cf peculiar and curious form ,

the white linen buttons on it being three-quarters of an inch in diameter . The constitution of Grand Orients were then passed in review , and a mistaken view of these bodies explained away , and the various Grand Lodges throughout the world , the lecturer being of opinion that he possesses the only complete set of Grand Lodge clothing of the Grand Lodge of Denmark outside that country .

During the space ot one hour the lecturer was listened to with great interest and attention , many of the specimens shown being curious and very valuable . A unanimous vote of thanks being given to Bro . Crowe , on the proposition of the W . M ., seconded b y Bro . Chapman , and supported by Bro . VV . Taylor , with a request for another such lecture at an early date .

URMSTON . Urmston Lodge ( No . 1730 ) . —The regular meeting was held on Monday , the nth inst , at the Victoria Hotel . There was a very good assembly of brethren . The lodge was opened by Bro . VV . H . Jolliffe , W . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The principal event of the evening was the delivery of the

Traditional History , which was delivered by the Worshipful Master in a most clever manner , with great expression of feeling . After all business had been completed the lodge was closed . The following brethren were present : Bros . W . H . Jolliffe , VV . M . ; John Walton , jun ., J . VV . ; Ed . L . Littler , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Geo . R . Lloyd , Prov . G . Treas .,

Sec . ; Walter Bowers , S . D . ; J . Bowers , P . M ., Org . ; J . Ormrod , I . G . ; E . Roberts , P . M . ; J . M . Marsh , I . P . M . ; G . A . Myers , P . M ., P . G . D . C . ; John Slyman , P . P . G . D . ; Thos . W . Bone , P . M . ; Peter Heaton , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; ] . Walton , P . M . ; Thos . French , VV . Kirk , J . Mallard , E . W . Barratt , Adam Stolt , and Arthur Hawkins . Visitors Bro . Geo . Sam Smith , P . M . 2359 , P . P . G . Org . ; F . Ridsdale Bowley , I . P . M . 2216 ; and Dr . U . L . Desai , 145 .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Rose Chapter ( No . 1622 ) . —The regular meeting of this flourishing and popular South-London chapter was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on Saturday , the 2 ( ith ult .. when there were present Comps . F . W . Williams . M . E . Z . ; J . H . Pullen , H . ; John Loader , J . ; J . Hcoper , Treas . ; Wm . Dawson , S . E . j Isaac Dunn , S N . ; S . J . Derham , P . S . ; T . R . Cass , ist A . S . ; G . Lewis , 2 nd A . S . ; F . K . Choveaux , Org . ; G .

Thompson , Stwd . ; Fred . Hilton , P . / ., A . G . D . C . ; H . G . Martin , P . Z . ; E . A . Rice , J . Parr , T . H . Salmon , VV . E . leffery , E . Salter , and J . Bladon . The visitors weie Comps . W . M . Silks , P . Z . 19 , G . Tress . ; C . H . Stone , H . elect 1901 ; Walter George , P . Z . 101 ; R . J . Voisey , P . Z ar . d S . E . 1329 ; and F . Stephens , 101 . The minutes

of the previous convecation were read and confirmed . I he candidate for exaltation was unable to be present . A most pleasing presentation , in some well-chosen remarks , was next made by the M . E . Z ., in the name of the companions of Rose Chapter , to Comp . F . Hilton , A . G . D . C , of the collar and gold jewel of his office . Comp . Hilton most suitably replied , and very graciously accepted the same .

Royal Arch.

The business of the consecration ended , the companions adjourned to a capital repast supplied by Mrs . Venables , the proprietress . 'The cloth removed , the M . E . Z . gave the loyal and Royal Arch toasts m excellent style , which were duly responded to . That of " The Pro G . Z ., G . H ., G . J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " was given in app-opriate terms , the M . E . Z . remarking that the chapter was

honoured in having two Grand officers present that evening . Of their Comp . Stiles , the companions were delighted that he had been elected Grand Treasurer , and he was worthy of their confidence ; but of their Comp . F . Hilton , on whom the G . Z ., his Royal Highness , had conferred a Grand collar , they were never more delighted , as he was the first M . E . Z . of Rose Chapter , and by his splendid performances in Royal Arch Masonry , had well-earned his laurels . He

would ask ( which was quite unnecessary , he was sure ) that the toast be drunk enthusiastically . In reply , Comp . Stiles , G . Treas ., thanked the companions for such a reception , and thought he must have been selected to respond , being so modest . However , he was proud of being the mouthpiece ot the Grand Officers , although such a young one himself . He was delighted to be present at the Rose Chapter and to witness the

presentation made to Comp . Hilton , - one who so richly merited the reward , for his many years splendid service in Masonry , and he was proud to think the M . W . G . M . had rewarded him with a Grand collar in the Craft and Arch Masonry . For himself he was proud to be elected as Grand Treasurer , and he felt that the many companions from South London who attended the Grand Chapter to do honour to their esteemed Comp . Hilton so very kindly voted in his favour ,

for which he was deeply grateful . It always gave him great pleasure to attend Rose Chapter and to witness such good fraternal friendship which existed through the whole of its members . He thanked all exceedingly for their very great kindness to him . Comp . F . Hilton , A . G . D . C , returned his very hearty thanks for such kindly expressions towards him , and the many congratulations of Comp . Stiles , G . Treas . lt was always a pleasure to work in any duty which

devolved upon the Grand Officers , and I 15 mus ' : certainly say , although so lately appointed , the first long sitting of over five hours on the Board of Benevolence in that capacity was , he thought , a rather arduous one . However , it would always be his endeavour to perform the duties to the very utmost . It must be a very difficult task for the M . W . G . M . to select brethren for the various collars in Grand Lodge , as there

were so many worthy and distinguished brethren so well qualified , but he felt , indeed , a very great honour to find that , among the selection of Grand Officers this year he was the youngest brother but one appointed , as many of the brethren had been twice the times in Freemasonry . He had the gratification to feel , from the very many hearty congratulations he had received , that there was no brother who envied his preferment , but were all pleased and proud

to have him among them . He most heartily thanked the Grand Treasurer for his very kind expressions towards him , and promised on all future occasions that assistance he had rendered in the past would be most willingly bestowed in the future . Comp . H . G . Martin , I . P . Z ., next presented the toast of "The M . E . Z ., " remarking that he was a most exemplary Freemason , well known in that and the other side of the water . Whatever he undertook ( and that not a little ) he

always carried out to the very best of his abihiy , and he was confident that so long as the M . E . Z . held that distinguished position , the prestige of the Rose Chapter would be most fully maintained . Comp . F . W . Williams , M . E . Z ., in reply , said his best thanks were due for such kindly expression , and he would guarantee that the work should be conducted in the very best style . Although he had just received a splendid testimony of Past Principal ' s jewel from the companions of Temple Chapter , No . 101 , yet his happiest moments were spent in the Rose Chapter . He most heartily thanked the

companions . The M . E . Z . next gave the toast of "The Visitors , " in very appreciative terms , which was ably responded to by Comps . George and C H . Stone . That of " The H . and J . " was presented by the M . E . Z . in eulogistic term 5 , stating that they had both so ably and worthily filled the chair of the Rose Lodge , and were performing their respective duties quite as ably in the chapter .

Comps . Pullen , H ., and J . Loader , J ., very suitably responded . In proposing the toasts of "The Past Principal- ! , " the M . E . Z . dilated on their excellent work , and specially that of Comp . F . Hilton , the worthy and distinguished Preceptor of the Star Chapter of Instruction , one of the best in London , and under whose able guidance one and all had learned their respective duties .

'The toast was drunk most cordially . Comp . H . G . Martin replied in a very effective speech . The M . E . Z . next gave the toast of "The Officers" in terms of excellent recommendation , the very best that any chapter could possess , as all were far in advance of their respective office . He most heartily thanked them for their very able support .

Comps . Horper , Treas . ; Dunn , S . N . ; and Derham ably replied . The Janitor's toast closed a most eventful meeting . The evening was enlivened by some capital harmony from Comps . Derham ( flautist ) , Fred . Stephens , G . Thompson , C . ll . Stone , VV . Mason Stiles , G . Treas ., F . Choveaux , and Bro . George . Comp . F . Choveaux ably presided at the piano .

HAYLE . Hayle Chapter ( No . 450 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held at the Freemasons' Hal ) , on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., when Comps . W . Wagner was installed M . E . Z . ; R . II . Read , 11 . ; and F . VV . Thn-nas , J ., theceremony being ably performed by Comps . li . Rowe and W . K . Baker . The officers appointed were Comps . W , Vial , S . E . ; VV . N . Trounson , S . N . ; B . Peai c » , P Z ., Treas . ; T . A . Taylor , P . S . ; A . Dunkin , ist A . S . ; J . Richards , 2 nd A . S . ;

R . S . Behenna , S . B . ; ) . M . Nicholls , Std . Br . ; W . L . Chegwidden , D . C ; W . Black , A . W . Wales , and R . Carbis , Stwds . ; and J . V . Bray , Janitor . The returns showed the chapter to be the strongest in the province , and thc Treasurer reported a balance in hand . The visitors were ' omps . A . T . Grant , P . Z . 100 G ; G . Mockridge , M . E . Z . ; and B . Shakeiley , 121 . The banquet was provided by Bro . II . Champion , in the dining hall , and a very pleasant evening was spent .

Royal Arch.

PLYMOUTH . Dundas Chapter ( No . 1255 ) . —The annual convocation of the above was held on the Sth inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , when the Three Principals were installed as follows : Comps . S . j . Daniel , M . E . / .. ; VV . H . Botterel , H . ; and S . W . VVarren , J . The Installing Officers were Coups . J . R . Lord , P . P . G . T . ; VV . Allsford , P P . G . P . S . j

assisted by Comps . J . Hammond , VV . L . Lavers ; H Aitken-Davies , P . P . G . Reg . ; C A . Nicholson , 159 ; A . T . Blarney , P . P . G . P . S . ; George Dunstervil . ' e , 1 S 9 ; and W . H . Mayne , J . 1247 . The officers invested vere : Comps . J . Wallis , I . P . Z . ; J . Hammond , S . E . ; Dr . E . G . Dutton , S . N . ; J . Wallis , Treas . ; A . J . Bracken , P . S . ; G Hooper , ist A . S . ; VV . L . Lavers , 2 rd A . 5 . ; and VV . H . Phillips , Janitor .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Earl of Carnarvon Lodge ( No . 210 . —A meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleetstreet , on the 31 st ult ., when there were present among others Bros . Hliish , LP . M ., in thechair ; Wadham , S . W . S . H . Parkhouse , P . M ., as J . W . ; Larter , M . O . ; Beard ' S . O . ; J . W . Frye , P . M ., Treas . ; Capt . Walls , P . M ' P . G . S . B ., Sec ; F . C . Frye , M . P ., P . M . ; Skinner P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; and Ellis , Tyler . Bro . N . Prower

M . A ., P . M . 23 S 1 , P . P . S . G . O ., was a visitor . Theminutes of the previous meeting having , been read and confirmed , Bro . T . Richards was advanced as a M . M . by the Secretary . The lodge passed a vote of regret that Bro . P . Monson , VV . M , was prevented attending the lodge on account of indisposition , and Bro . Parkhouse , P . M ., was deputed to personally convey same to Bro Monson . Bros . Dr . Kiallmark , J . W . ; Dr . Pocock , P . M . j

D . P . Cama , P . M . ; and others sent apologies for nonattendance . Bro . T . Richards was appointed and invested with the collar of S . D . The lodge was then closed and adjourned . A dinner followed . The I . P . M . presided , and submitted the usual toasts with brevity and gocd taste . The proceedings terminated at an early hour .

BIRMINGHAM . Charity Lodge ( No . 430 ) . —The installation meeting of this newly-created and flourishing lodge took place on VVednesday , the Gth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , New-street , when the VV . M ., Bro . Councillor Walter Waters , P . P . G . R . of M ., installed as his successor and the fourth Master of the lodge , Bro . Sir James Sawyer , M . D ., P . I . G . D ., VV . M . elect . There was a numerous and

influential body of Past Masters of the Provinces of Warwickshire and Staffordshire present , inculuding Bros . William Hillman , P . M . 115 , P . P . S . G . W . ; A . Horrocks , P . M . 115 , P . P . G . M . O . ; Joseph Candelent , P . M . 31 S , P . P . J . G . O . Staffs . ; Samuel Jenkins , P . M . 31 S , P . P . S . G . D . Staffs . ; and George Hardy , P . M . 174 , P . P . G . D . of C . The Deputy Prov . G . M . of the province , Bro . the Rev . Trevor Parkins , M . A ., was also present with distinguished

representatives of the other Mark lodges of the province . 'The installation ceremony was most ably and impressively performed by the Worshipful Master , Bro . Walter Waters , to whom afterwards the newly-installed Master , in the name of the brethren of the lodge , presented a very beautiful , valuable , and artistic Past Master ' s jewel . The design , which is uniform with those presented to the two previous Past Masters , Bros . Edward Mallard and Thomas

Rowbotham , embodies ( by special permission ) the shield or coat-of-arms of the most noble Bro . the Marquess of Hertford , Past G . M . of Eng ., and Prov . G . M . of Warwickshire ( who is an honorary member of this lodge ) , and is most beautifully enamelled and artistically finished in gold and proper heraldic colours . The Worshipful Master , in presenting the jewel , expatiated upon the valuable services and assistance which had been rendered by the retiring

W . M ., and the love and esteem in which he was held by every brother of the lodge , and referred to the fact that although he was only the third Master the lodge had attained under his guidance and that of his predecessors the foremost position in the Mark Degree in the province . He also expressed the hope on his own behalf that he should be able to hand on the warrant to his successor as pure and unsullied as he received it at his

predecessor s hands , and that the lodge would continue to flourish under his own guidance and government . The retiring W . M . expressed in very feeling terms his thanks and gratitude for the honour conferred upon him , and he assured his brethren that it was his desire and hope that he might continue a member of the lodge until time to him should be no more . He also assured the brethren that he should wear their beautiful and valuable gilt with the

greatest pride and pleasure on every available occasion and whenever he had an opportunity so to do , and that he would evince his gratitude so long as he was able by assisting and promoting the general prosperity and progress of the lodge and the happiness of the brethren . At the banquet which followed the ceremony , and which was presided over by the newly-installed W . M ,, Bro . Sir [ ames Sawyer , supported by the Deputy Prov . Grand

Master and other distinguished visitors , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and received with the utmost Masonic cordiality . The Deputy Prov . Grand Master , in responding to the toast of " The Grand Mark Lodge o £ England , & c , " as a Past Grand Chaplain expressed his thanks to the Past Masters and brethren who formed a deputation with him to the Grand Lodge at the Mark Masons' Hall , London ,

the previous evening on the presentation by the province to the Grand Mark Lodge , and which was presided over by Bro . the Earl of Euston , Pro G . M ., supported by his Deputy , Bro . the Earl of Dungarvan as Past Pro Grand Master , and the Past Pro Grand Master and Prov . Grand Master of Warwickshire , Bro . the Marquess ot Hertford , and . 1 full gathering of Grand 0 dicers and brethren , of the portrait of their esteemed and beloved Prov . Grand Master ,

Bro . the Marquess of Hertford , and whicli was accepted by the Grand Lodge with acclamation , on the proposition ot Bro . the Earl of Euston , and seconded by Bro . Earl of Dungarvan , and at which the noble Marquess , in graceful and eloquent terms , expressed his gratitude to the Grand Lodge for accepting his portrait and allowing it to be p laced in the Mark Masons' Hall , and to the brethren of hj * province for their kind recognition and appreciation of his services . 'The Deputy Grand Master , also in reply , reiterated