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Provincial Meetings.
he was very proud , and he was proud to know that the other brethren were anxious for an opportunity to get on , and they all knew that there was no chance for them unless they showed some Masonic zeal . Bro . Holmes , the S . W ., would make as good a W . M . as the lodge ever had ; Bro . Bennion , the J . W ., had justly earned his position . The W . M . said he ought not to pass that toast without mentioning Bro .
Williams , ' who had been obliged to leave . At a very short notice that worthy brother took the greater part of the installation ceremony . He should couple with that toast the name of Bro . Gurdon to respond for the Past Masters , and their Junior Warden would respond for the officers . Bros . Gurdon , P . M . j Holmes , S . W . j and Bennion , J . W ., having replied ,
Bro . Gurdon , P . M ., proposed "The Health of Mrs . Marshall , " on whose behalf the W . M . returned thanks for the kind way in which the toast had been proposed . Mrs . Marshall , he said , was , if possible , a better Mason than himself , and the fact of his having to go away to attend
and visit lodges entailed a good deal of work upon Mrs . Marshall , and he could never have achieved the success which had attended his efforts if Mrs . Marshall had not helped him . The Tyler was then summoned , and his toast closed the proceedings ..
LONGTON . Etruscan Lodge ( No . 546 ) . —At the meeting of the above lodge held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday , the Sth inst ., Bro . John Ward was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year in the presence of upwards of 30 brethren . The ceremony was efficiently performed by Bro . Alfred Mear , the retiring W . M ., assisted by Bros . W . R . Blair
P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Webberley , P . P . G . R . ; T . H . Griffiths , P . M . ; A . S . Walters , P . M . j . and D . Chapman , P . M . The following officers for the ensuing year were appointed Bros . Joseph Wood , S . W . ; James T . Mear , J . W . ; Rev . G . F . Tamplin , Chaplain ; W . R . Blair , Treas . ; J . Webberley , Sec . ; George Radford , S . D . ; G . E . Walters , J . D . ; G . C . Kent , P . P . A . G . Sec , D . C ; W . T . Bonner ,
Org . ; James E . Hodson , I . G . ; H . R . Stone and J . W . Bromley , Stwds . ; and T . Warren , Tyler . In addition to those whose names are given above , there were present at the lodge or the dinner which followed the transaction of the business the following brethren : Bros . T . Taylor , 2149 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . B . Ashwell , 637 , P . S . G . D . ; A . G . Prince , 546 , P . P . J . G . D . ; J . Ingamells , 4 60 , P . P . J . G . D . j
W .. Tunnicliff , 41 S , P . G . S . of W . j E . V . Greatbach , 41 S , P . P . G . S . of W . j B . H . Brough , 41 S , P . P . G . S . of W . j E . Hallam , W . M . 1 942 j W . H . How * son , W . M . 2064 ; A . Cotton , P . M . 1474 ; W . Brickel , P . M . 1765 ; W . Hampton , W . M . 41 S ; G . Bennion , P . M . 54 6 ; P . H . Bennion , P . M . 54 6 ; and others . The banquet was provided by Bro . G . Bennion , at the
Crown and Anchor Hotel , and was of the best description . The Worshipful Master proposed the loyal toasts , and those which are usually given in recognition of the rulers of the Grand Lodge of England , and " The Prov . Grand Lodge" was proposed by Bros . Webberley , G . Bennion , and T . H . Griffiths , Bro . Ashwell and others responding for "The Provincial Grand Officers . "
" The Health of the W . M . and the I . P . M . " having been drunk with great cordiality , Bro . G . C . Kent submitted the toast of "The Visiting Brethren , " for whom Bros . Howson , Cotton , Ingamells , and Taylor responded . Bro . Prince proposed the toast of " The "Masonic Charities , " observing that Charity was one of the fundamental principles of the Masonic Order , and Masons
recognised their responsibilities in supporting the Charitable Institutions . He alluded to the improved position of the Boys' School , which he said was attributable in a great measure to the efforts of Bros . Greatbach and Tunnicliff , both of whom were present that evening , and he hoped their valuable services would be more fully recognised than they had yet been . The subscriptions last year to the
three principal Masonic Charities amounted to £ 5 6 , 000 . Much valuable work was being done in the way of educating boys and girls and supporting aged persons , and Masonry was getting a stronger hold upon the people of the country year by year .
The toast was heartily drunk-, and Bros . Greatbach and Tunnicliff responded , and commended _ the Charities to the support of the brethren . Other complimentary toasts followed , and the evening was spent convivially and pleasantly , several of the brethren supplying music and recitations .
MACCLESFIELD . Combermere Lodge of Union ( No . 295 ) . —On Thursday , the ist instant , this lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John Ihe Evangelistat its lodge room , in the Macclesfield Arms Hotel , and installed the W . M . for the ensuing year . Just as Bro . J . Fred May , the respected Clerk to the Borough Magistrates , the Board of Guardians ,
and the Prestbury Division Highway Board , is universally regarded as one of the most able and honourable public men , so he is esteemed in the Craft as one of its most efficient and deservedly popular members ; it is not , therefore , to be wondered that the gathering was the largest for many years , and in every way a most pleasant and successful reunion . The fact that the festival fell to be held on New
Year ' s Day prevented many brethren from attending who would otherwise have been present to do honour to so worthy a Mason ; the letters of apology received by the W . M . elect proved this beyond a doubt ; nevertheless the meeting was a large and thoroughly representative one , and will long remain fresh in the annals of local Masonry . Much to the regret of all present , the venerable Town Clerk
of Congleton ( Bro . Dr . Wilson ) , owing to illness , had to be included among the absentees , as also was Bro . Edward Eaton , J . P ., who was J . W . of the lodge 45 years ago , when Bro . May ' s late respected grandfather was initiated . Both brethren sent kindly and characteristic letters , as did many others whose absence was regretted in proportionate degree . There were a large number of members and visitors present at the lodge and at the banquet subsequently held .
Ihe retiring W . M ., Bro . Thos . Wadsworth , was principal Installing Master , performing the onerous duty in a manner which earned for him the unstinted encomiums of the large assembly . He was ably assisted by Bros . Thos . Lockitt , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., and J . H . Brooks , P . M ., P . P . G . S . The installation ceremony over , the W . M . acknowledged the hearty congratulations of the brethren , and invested his officers as follows : Bros . Thos . Wadsworth , I . P . M . ; G . Ibeson , S . W . ; Joseph Isaac Brunt , J . W . j T . Lockitt , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Treas . j Peter ' Wadsworth , P . M .,
Provincial Meetings.
P . P . A . G . D . C , P . P . G . Treas ., Sec . ; Cornelius Hawkins , S . D . ; John W . Jackson , J . D . ; John H . Brooks , P . M ., P . P . G . S ., D . C ; E . Moreton , Org . ; Walter Brown , I . G . j Peter Davenport and Thos . W . Sheldon , Stwds . ; Daniel Mason , Tyler ; and Frank Hulme , Asst . Tyler . In the evening the usual banquet took place , when the newly-elected VV . M . presided , the S . W-, Bro . Ibeson , and
the J . W ., Bro . Brunt , occupying the vice-chairs . The usual Masonic toasts were given , interspersed by an excellent musical programme , in which Bros . J . W . Jackson ( pianist ) , Sheriff ( violin ) , Gocuwin , Hawkins , Harrison . Mornton , Blarkshaw , Williams , Wadsworth , Bickerton , and Ibeson took part . "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by the Mayor
in a neat and highly appropriate speech , his worship ' s genuine and well-tempered eulogy of Bro . May , not only as a prominent figure in the public life of the borough , but as an earnest Freemason , finding an echo in the breast of everyone present . Bro . May ' s reply was characterised by equally good taste . The interesting and enjoyable proceedings terminated at midnight .
NEWBURY . Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope ( No . 574 ) . — -The great assemblage of Freemasons recently held at Reading has been followed by a numerous but less pretentious gathering at Newbury of considerable local interest , the occasion being the installation , on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., of the W . M . of the above lodge for the ensuingyear
and the presentation to Bro . Stephen Knight , P . M ., Prov . S . G . D ., . and Mayor of Newbury , of a very handsome and valuable testimonial , subscribed for by the members of the lodge , and also the brethren of the Porchester Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 27 . The brethren met in their lodge room at the Temperance Hall , under the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . Joseph Newbery , and the
ceremonies which took place included the raising of Bro . G . R . Hungey , and the passing of Bros . R . Beynon and VV . Jenner Clarke , after which the W . M . installed as his successor Bro . Dr . Reginald Maples , who appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . F . J . HarrolH , S . VV . ; Hill , J . W . j Rev . J . Atkins , Chap . ; VV . H . Belsher , Treas ; Siephen Knight , Sec ; J . H . Wilson ,
S . D . ; ^ H . Kidd , J . D . ; W . Knight , D . of C . j Herbert G . Knight , Organist ; J . S . Liddle , Inner Guard ; J . B . Ingram and H . D . O'Astley , Stewards ; and Legg , Tyler . This portion of the business having concluded , the newly-installed W . M ., on behalf of the brethren of the lodge , presented a handsome Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . Newbery , who , speaking under much emotion , briefly
returned thanks . The attendance included , in addition to the brethren already mentioned , Bros . ] . T . Morland , D . P . G . M . ; J . T . Dodd , P . J . G . W . ; J . W . Martin , P . G . Sec ; J . C . B . Tirbutt , P . P . G . Org . ; Greenaway ( W . M . of the Greyfriars Lodge ) , Dr . j . H . Walters , Cecil Maples , G . Boyer , John Bance , VV . T . Toms , H . S . Hanington , G . J . Cosburn , A . W . Neate , A . Stradling ,
Walter T . Graham , S . Knight , jun ., J . Rolfe , J . N . Day , E . A . Stickland , and others . The brethren afterwards sat down to a sumptuous banquet , provided in the Council Chamber in a most satisfactory manner by Bro . John Hamlen , of the Queen ' s Hotel , Market-place . Bro . Stephen Knight , jun ., had decorated the Council
Chamber in a most appropriate and effective style , and the handsome appearance which the room presented evoked the admiration of all present , especially the visitors . The newly-installed VV . M ., Bro . Dr . Maples , presided , supported by the D . P . G . M . and the rest of the Provincial Grand Oflicers , Present and Past , and among the visitors who joined the brethren at the festive board were Bros .
Major G . C . Ricardo , C . S . Slocock , and Councillor J . B . Stone . The vice-chairs were occupied by the Senior and Junior Wardens Bros . Harrold and Hill . The tables were adorned with beautiful flowers brought rrom Kingsclere by the W . M . On the introduction of dessert , the W . M . suitably
proposed the toast of " Ihe Queen and the Craft , " which met a loyal reception , as did also the succeeding toast—that of "H . K . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . ; the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of England , Present and Past . "
Bro . William Knight then proposed "The Health of H . R . H . the Dukeof Clarence and Avondale , Prov . G . M . ; Bro . J . T . Morland , D . P . G . M . ; and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . Knight remarked that , as Masons , they must all have felt great pride in witnessing the magnificent gathering which was held in the Town Hall at Reading on the 15 th of last
month , when they were honoured with the presence of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master and the Duke of Connaught , on the occasion of tbe installation of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale as Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire , the Heir Presumptive to the throne , although they must all hope that it would be many years hence before his Royal Highness would be called upon to
occupy the position of King . They all felt that a very great honour had been conferred upon that province by the appointment of the Duke to preside over it . They were also very pleased when they heard that Bro . Morland had been selected to fill the important position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master . They were also fortunate in having such an able and courteous Provincial Grand Secretary as
Bro . Martin , who well merited the high eulogium which had been passed upon him for his valuable services in connection with the installation of ihe Dukeof Clarence . With such men at the helm , the Province of Berkshire could not fail to become one of the most prosperous and important Masonic provinces in the kingdom .. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , who was greeted with
much applause , then returned thanks , and in the course of his speech observed that the Duke of Clarence could not fail to have appreciated very highly the hearty reception given him by the great body of Masons at Reading , and there was no doubt he would have ample cause to feel gratified with the way in which he would be received whenever he presided over the Provincial Grand Lodge in that
county . He could only say for himself that during the short time he had the honour of holding- office as Deputy Provincial Grand Master he had received nothing but kindness . Never in his wildest dreams had he thought of having such an honour conferred upon him . He had been an active Mason for some 25 years , but he never had any idea of being elevated to such a distinguished position as that of
Provincial Meetings.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Judging from the e . \ perience he had already had , and the kind reception that had been given him , he thought he should be . able to com . bine business with pleasure in a very satisfactory manner It gave him much pleasure to visit the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope , as it was one of the oldest lodges in the province , and doing good Masonic work . In making
himself acquainted with the history of the province , he had recently been tabulating the number of Stewards sent up to the Masonic Charitable Festivals by each lodge in the province , and he honestly confessed that when he commenced the task he thought the Abbey Lodge at Abingdon would come out first , and he was rather surprised to find that since 1 S 64 the Newbury lodge had sent up a
considerably larger number of brethren as Charity Stewards than any other lodge in the province . He hoped that the good example which the Newbury lodge had set in that respect would be continued . He felt every confidence that those brethren who had received purple collars not only appreciated the honour which had thus-been conferred upon them , but that they would endeavour to promote as
far as possible the prosperity of Masonry in that county , as their predecessors had done in past years in the united province of Berks and Bucks . The Prov . Grand Secretary , who was very cordially received , also responded . He said he was sure that all of them were very proud indeed to have at their head such a distinguished Provincial Grand Master as the Duke of
Clarence and Avondale . He felt glad to hear the Deputy Provincial Grand Master alluded to in such kindly terms , and he could assure them that the knowledge he had of him justified him in saying that Bro . Morland was quite up to his work , and he felt they would have cause to be pleased with his appointment . Bro . Morland belonged to an old Berkshire family , and as they had heard from his own lips
he had been an active Mason for the last 25 years . Alluding to the splendid Masonic gathering at Reading , Bro . Martin remarked that it was a day they would never forget , and they must all have felt gratified to see the admirable manner in which his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales performed his work as Grand Master . He had reason to know that his Royal Highness was much pleased with the
warm reception given him by so large a body of distinguished Masons , not only on his own account , but also on account of his son , and that he felt very proud to install his eldest son , supported as he was by his Royal brother , the Duke of Connaught , who appeared for the first time on that * occasion in the capacity of Past Grand Master , having been invested by the Prince of Wales in the reception room
before he came into the lodge . It was a unique event in the history of Freemasonry that the Heir Apparent should install his eldest son , the Heir Presumptive . He had received letters from experienced Masons in all parts of the country expressing the great pleasure they had derived from their visit to Reading , and their satisfaction at the way in which all the arrangements were
carried out , but he did not desire to claim credit for himself , as the success was largely attributable to the efforts of the numerous Stewards by whom he was so ably assisted . Having alluded to a former visit which he paid to this lodge , on the occasion of the installation of his friend , Bro . Belcher , he referred to the heavy agenda which had been gone through that day , and congratulated Bro . Newbery upon the way in
which he and his officers had carried out the different ceremonies . He hoped to be spared to visit the Newbury lodge for many years to come , and assured the brethren that a hearty welcome would be given to them whenever they visited either of the Reading lodges . The Deputy Prov . G . Master said he had been asked to be the mouthpiece of the officers and brethren of the Loyal
Berkshire Lodge of Hope and the Porchester Lodge of Mark Masons , and also to perform a very pleasing duty , but he was placed in the very difficult position in having to speak on their behalf with very imperfect instructions . He had been asked in his official capacity to present to Past Master Stephen Knight the beautiful clock and ornaments which stood on the table before him . Bro . Knight
was not only a Past Master of both the Newbury lodges , but for many years he had also acted as Installing Master , and he had not only attained a distinguished position in Masonry , but had also been elected by his fellow townsmen to the highest office they could bestow upon him . It was a pleasing circumstance that the Mayor of Newbury should also be a well-known and
distinguished Freemason , and it was a somewhat curious coincidence that the same should be the case with regard to the Mayor of Abingdon , Bro . Tomkins , and the ex-Mayor of Reading , Bro . Dodd . The D . P . G . M . then asked Bro . Past Master Knight ' s acceptance of the articles mentioned , and resumed his seat amidst loud cheers . The testimonial consisted of a very handsome
drawingroom clock , with s de vases to match in gilt bronze , chiming hours and half-hours on cathedral-toned gong . The dial and sides are hand painted with exquisite taste on Dresden china , and a silver plate on the clock bears the following inscription : " Presented to Worshipful Brother Stephen Knight , Past Master , Provincial Grand Senior Deacon , by the brethren of the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope ,
Newbury , No . 574 , and the Porchester Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 27 , in appreciation of his many valuable services to Masonry , and to commemorate his Mayoralty of the Borough of Newbury . January 2 nd , 1 S 91 . " Bro . Stephen Knight , P . M ., on rising to acknowledge the presentation , was greeted with prolonged cheering . He said it was quite impossible for him to find words that would
adequately express his gratitude for the very great . kindness of the brethren of the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope and the Porchester Lodge of Mark Masons , in presenting him with that very handsome and valuable testimonial . It was very difficult to stand up and speak about one ' s self , but still it was somewhat necessary he should do so for a few moments on that occasion . He assured them
that he had spent the very happiest hours of his life in connection with Masonry . It was 17 years ago that he had the pleasure of being initiated as a member of the Newbury lodge , and every time he had heard the beautiful ceremonies gone through he had been more and more impressed with the solemn lessons they were intended to teach . Having passed through the various offices in the lodge , it
was their pleasure to elect him in 1 SS 0 as VV . M ., and at the close of his term of office they kindly presented him with a Past Master ' s jewel . The climax of the Masonic honours conferred upon him had now been reached by the presentation of that very handsome testimonial , which he should highly value to the last day of his existence . He hoped that those who followed him would value it as much as he
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Provincial Meetings.
he was very proud , and he was proud to know that the other brethren were anxious for an opportunity to get on , and they all knew that there was no chance for them unless they showed some Masonic zeal . Bro . Holmes , the S . W ., would make as good a W . M . as the lodge ever had ; Bro . Bennion , the J . W ., had justly earned his position . The W . M . said he ought not to pass that toast without mentioning Bro .
Williams , ' who had been obliged to leave . At a very short notice that worthy brother took the greater part of the installation ceremony . He should couple with that toast the name of Bro . Gurdon to respond for the Past Masters , and their Junior Warden would respond for the officers . Bros . Gurdon , P . M . j Holmes , S . W . j and Bennion , J . W ., having replied ,
Bro . Gurdon , P . M ., proposed "The Health of Mrs . Marshall , " on whose behalf the W . M . returned thanks for the kind way in which the toast had been proposed . Mrs . Marshall , he said , was , if possible , a better Mason than himself , and the fact of his having to go away to attend
and visit lodges entailed a good deal of work upon Mrs . Marshall , and he could never have achieved the success which had attended his efforts if Mrs . Marshall had not helped him . The Tyler was then summoned , and his toast closed the proceedings ..
LONGTON . Etruscan Lodge ( No . 546 ) . —At the meeting of the above lodge held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday , the Sth inst ., Bro . John Ward was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year in the presence of upwards of 30 brethren . The ceremony was efficiently performed by Bro . Alfred Mear , the retiring W . M ., assisted by Bros . W . R . Blair
P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Webberley , P . P . G . R . ; T . H . Griffiths , P . M . ; A . S . Walters , P . M . j . and D . Chapman , P . M . The following officers for the ensuing year were appointed Bros . Joseph Wood , S . W . ; James T . Mear , J . W . ; Rev . G . F . Tamplin , Chaplain ; W . R . Blair , Treas . ; J . Webberley , Sec . ; George Radford , S . D . ; G . E . Walters , J . D . ; G . C . Kent , P . P . A . G . Sec , D . C ; W . T . Bonner ,
Org . ; James E . Hodson , I . G . ; H . R . Stone and J . W . Bromley , Stwds . ; and T . Warren , Tyler . In addition to those whose names are given above , there were present at the lodge or the dinner which followed the transaction of the business the following brethren : Bros . T . Taylor , 2149 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . B . Ashwell , 637 , P . S . G . D . ; A . G . Prince , 546 , P . P . J . G . D . ; J . Ingamells , 4 60 , P . P . J . G . D . j
W .. Tunnicliff , 41 S , P . G . S . of W . j E . V . Greatbach , 41 S , P . P . G . S . of W . j B . H . Brough , 41 S , P . P . G . S . of W . j E . Hallam , W . M . 1 942 j W . H . How * son , W . M . 2064 ; A . Cotton , P . M . 1474 ; W . Brickel , P . M . 1765 ; W . Hampton , W . M . 41 S ; G . Bennion , P . M . 54 6 ; P . H . Bennion , P . M . 54 6 ; and others . The banquet was provided by Bro . G . Bennion , at the
Crown and Anchor Hotel , and was of the best description . The Worshipful Master proposed the loyal toasts , and those which are usually given in recognition of the rulers of the Grand Lodge of England , and " The Prov . Grand Lodge" was proposed by Bros . Webberley , G . Bennion , and T . H . Griffiths , Bro . Ashwell and others responding for "The Provincial Grand Officers . "
" The Health of the W . M . and the I . P . M . " having been drunk with great cordiality , Bro . G . C . Kent submitted the toast of "The Visiting Brethren , " for whom Bros . Howson , Cotton , Ingamells , and Taylor responded . Bro . Prince proposed the toast of " The "Masonic Charities , " observing that Charity was one of the fundamental principles of the Masonic Order , and Masons
recognised their responsibilities in supporting the Charitable Institutions . He alluded to the improved position of the Boys' School , which he said was attributable in a great measure to the efforts of Bros . Greatbach and Tunnicliff , both of whom were present that evening , and he hoped their valuable services would be more fully recognised than they had yet been . The subscriptions last year to the
three principal Masonic Charities amounted to £ 5 6 , 000 . Much valuable work was being done in the way of educating boys and girls and supporting aged persons , and Masonry was getting a stronger hold upon the people of the country year by year .
The toast was heartily drunk-, and Bros . Greatbach and Tunnicliff responded , and commended _ the Charities to the support of the brethren . Other complimentary toasts followed , and the evening was spent convivially and pleasantly , several of the brethren supplying music and recitations .
MACCLESFIELD . Combermere Lodge of Union ( No . 295 ) . —On Thursday , the ist instant , this lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John Ihe Evangelistat its lodge room , in the Macclesfield Arms Hotel , and installed the W . M . for the ensuing year . Just as Bro . J . Fred May , the respected Clerk to the Borough Magistrates , the Board of Guardians ,
and the Prestbury Division Highway Board , is universally regarded as one of the most able and honourable public men , so he is esteemed in the Craft as one of its most efficient and deservedly popular members ; it is not , therefore , to be wondered that the gathering was the largest for many years , and in every way a most pleasant and successful reunion . The fact that the festival fell to be held on New
Year ' s Day prevented many brethren from attending who would otherwise have been present to do honour to so worthy a Mason ; the letters of apology received by the W . M . elect proved this beyond a doubt ; nevertheless the meeting was a large and thoroughly representative one , and will long remain fresh in the annals of local Masonry . Much to the regret of all present , the venerable Town Clerk
of Congleton ( Bro . Dr . Wilson ) , owing to illness , had to be included among the absentees , as also was Bro . Edward Eaton , J . P ., who was J . W . of the lodge 45 years ago , when Bro . May ' s late respected grandfather was initiated . Both brethren sent kindly and characteristic letters , as did many others whose absence was regretted in proportionate degree . There were a large number of members and visitors present at the lodge and at the banquet subsequently held .
Ihe retiring W . M ., Bro . Thos . Wadsworth , was principal Installing Master , performing the onerous duty in a manner which earned for him the unstinted encomiums of the large assembly . He was ably assisted by Bros . Thos . Lockitt , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., and J . H . Brooks , P . M ., P . P . G . S . The installation ceremony over , the W . M . acknowledged the hearty congratulations of the brethren , and invested his officers as follows : Bros . Thos . Wadsworth , I . P . M . ; G . Ibeson , S . W . ; Joseph Isaac Brunt , J . W . j T . Lockitt , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Treas . j Peter ' Wadsworth , P . M .,
Provincial Meetings.
P . P . A . G . D . C , P . P . G . Treas ., Sec . ; Cornelius Hawkins , S . D . ; John W . Jackson , J . D . ; John H . Brooks , P . M ., P . P . G . S ., D . C ; E . Moreton , Org . ; Walter Brown , I . G . j Peter Davenport and Thos . W . Sheldon , Stwds . ; Daniel Mason , Tyler ; and Frank Hulme , Asst . Tyler . In the evening the usual banquet took place , when the newly-elected VV . M . presided , the S . W-, Bro . Ibeson , and
the J . W ., Bro . Brunt , occupying the vice-chairs . The usual Masonic toasts were given , interspersed by an excellent musical programme , in which Bros . J . W . Jackson ( pianist ) , Sheriff ( violin ) , Gocuwin , Hawkins , Harrison . Mornton , Blarkshaw , Williams , Wadsworth , Bickerton , and Ibeson took part . "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by the Mayor
in a neat and highly appropriate speech , his worship ' s genuine and well-tempered eulogy of Bro . May , not only as a prominent figure in the public life of the borough , but as an earnest Freemason , finding an echo in the breast of everyone present . Bro . May ' s reply was characterised by equally good taste . The interesting and enjoyable proceedings terminated at midnight .
NEWBURY . Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope ( No . 574 ) . — -The great assemblage of Freemasons recently held at Reading has been followed by a numerous but less pretentious gathering at Newbury of considerable local interest , the occasion being the installation , on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., of the W . M . of the above lodge for the ensuingyear
and the presentation to Bro . Stephen Knight , P . M ., Prov . S . G . D ., . and Mayor of Newbury , of a very handsome and valuable testimonial , subscribed for by the members of the lodge , and also the brethren of the Porchester Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 27 . The brethren met in their lodge room at the Temperance Hall , under the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . Joseph Newbery , and the
ceremonies which took place included the raising of Bro . G . R . Hungey , and the passing of Bros . R . Beynon and VV . Jenner Clarke , after which the W . M . installed as his successor Bro . Dr . Reginald Maples , who appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . F . J . HarrolH , S . VV . ; Hill , J . W . j Rev . J . Atkins , Chap . ; VV . H . Belsher , Treas ; Siephen Knight , Sec ; J . H . Wilson ,
S . D . ; ^ H . Kidd , J . D . ; W . Knight , D . of C . j Herbert G . Knight , Organist ; J . S . Liddle , Inner Guard ; J . B . Ingram and H . D . O'Astley , Stewards ; and Legg , Tyler . This portion of the business having concluded , the newly-installed W . M ., on behalf of the brethren of the lodge , presented a handsome Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . Newbery , who , speaking under much emotion , briefly
returned thanks . The attendance included , in addition to the brethren already mentioned , Bros . ] . T . Morland , D . P . G . M . ; J . T . Dodd , P . J . G . W . ; J . W . Martin , P . G . Sec ; J . C . B . Tirbutt , P . P . G . Org . ; Greenaway ( W . M . of the Greyfriars Lodge ) , Dr . j . H . Walters , Cecil Maples , G . Boyer , John Bance , VV . T . Toms , H . S . Hanington , G . J . Cosburn , A . W . Neate , A . Stradling ,
Walter T . Graham , S . Knight , jun ., J . Rolfe , J . N . Day , E . A . Stickland , and others . The brethren afterwards sat down to a sumptuous banquet , provided in the Council Chamber in a most satisfactory manner by Bro . John Hamlen , of the Queen ' s Hotel , Market-place . Bro . Stephen Knight , jun ., had decorated the Council
Chamber in a most appropriate and effective style , and the handsome appearance which the room presented evoked the admiration of all present , especially the visitors . The newly-installed VV . M ., Bro . Dr . Maples , presided , supported by the D . P . G . M . and the rest of the Provincial Grand Oflicers , Present and Past , and among the visitors who joined the brethren at the festive board were Bros .
Major G . C . Ricardo , C . S . Slocock , and Councillor J . B . Stone . The vice-chairs were occupied by the Senior and Junior Wardens Bros . Harrold and Hill . The tables were adorned with beautiful flowers brought rrom Kingsclere by the W . M . On the introduction of dessert , the W . M . suitably
proposed the toast of " Ihe Queen and the Craft , " which met a loyal reception , as did also the succeeding toast—that of "H . K . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . ; the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of England , Present and Past . "
Bro . William Knight then proposed "The Health of H . R . H . the Dukeof Clarence and Avondale , Prov . G . M . ; Bro . J . T . Morland , D . P . G . M . ; and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . Knight remarked that , as Masons , they must all have felt great pride in witnessing the magnificent gathering which was held in the Town Hall at Reading on the 15 th of last
month , when they were honoured with the presence of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master and the Duke of Connaught , on the occasion of tbe installation of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale as Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire , the Heir Presumptive to the throne , although they must all hope that it would be many years hence before his Royal Highness would be called upon to
occupy the position of King . They all felt that a very great honour had been conferred upon that province by the appointment of the Duke to preside over it . They were also very pleased when they heard that Bro . Morland had been selected to fill the important position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master . They were also fortunate in having such an able and courteous Provincial Grand Secretary as
Bro . Martin , who well merited the high eulogium which had been passed upon him for his valuable services in connection with the installation of ihe Dukeof Clarence . With such men at the helm , the Province of Berkshire could not fail to become one of the most prosperous and important Masonic provinces in the kingdom .. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , who was greeted with
much applause , then returned thanks , and in the course of his speech observed that the Duke of Clarence could not fail to have appreciated very highly the hearty reception given him by the great body of Masons at Reading , and there was no doubt he would have ample cause to feel gratified with the way in which he would be received whenever he presided over the Provincial Grand Lodge in that
county . He could only say for himself that during the short time he had the honour of holding- office as Deputy Provincial Grand Master he had received nothing but kindness . Never in his wildest dreams had he thought of having such an honour conferred upon him . He had been an active Mason for some 25 years , but he never had any idea of being elevated to such a distinguished position as that of
Provincial Meetings.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Judging from the e . \ perience he had already had , and the kind reception that had been given him , he thought he should be . able to com . bine business with pleasure in a very satisfactory manner It gave him much pleasure to visit the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope , as it was one of the oldest lodges in the province , and doing good Masonic work . In making
himself acquainted with the history of the province , he had recently been tabulating the number of Stewards sent up to the Masonic Charitable Festivals by each lodge in the province , and he honestly confessed that when he commenced the task he thought the Abbey Lodge at Abingdon would come out first , and he was rather surprised to find that since 1 S 64 the Newbury lodge had sent up a
considerably larger number of brethren as Charity Stewards than any other lodge in the province . He hoped that the good example which the Newbury lodge had set in that respect would be continued . He felt every confidence that those brethren who had received purple collars not only appreciated the honour which had thus-been conferred upon them , but that they would endeavour to promote as
far as possible the prosperity of Masonry in that county , as their predecessors had done in past years in the united province of Berks and Bucks . The Prov . Grand Secretary , who was very cordially received , also responded . He said he was sure that all of them were very proud indeed to have at their head such a distinguished Provincial Grand Master as the Duke of
Clarence and Avondale . He felt glad to hear the Deputy Provincial Grand Master alluded to in such kindly terms , and he could assure them that the knowledge he had of him justified him in saying that Bro . Morland was quite up to his work , and he felt they would have cause to be pleased with his appointment . Bro . Morland belonged to an old Berkshire family , and as they had heard from his own lips
he had been an active Mason for the last 25 years . Alluding to the splendid Masonic gathering at Reading , Bro . Martin remarked that it was a day they would never forget , and they must all have felt gratified to see the admirable manner in which his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales performed his work as Grand Master . He had reason to know that his Royal Highness was much pleased with the
warm reception given him by so large a body of distinguished Masons , not only on his own account , but also on account of his son , and that he felt very proud to install his eldest son , supported as he was by his Royal brother , the Duke of Connaught , who appeared for the first time on that * occasion in the capacity of Past Grand Master , having been invested by the Prince of Wales in the reception room
before he came into the lodge . It was a unique event in the history of Freemasonry that the Heir Apparent should install his eldest son , the Heir Presumptive . He had received letters from experienced Masons in all parts of the country expressing the great pleasure they had derived from their visit to Reading , and their satisfaction at the way in which all the arrangements were
carried out , but he did not desire to claim credit for himself , as the success was largely attributable to the efforts of the numerous Stewards by whom he was so ably assisted . Having alluded to a former visit which he paid to this lodge , on the occasion of the installation of his friend , Bro . Belcher , he referred to the heavy agenda which had been gone through that day , and congratulated Bro . Newbery upon the way in
which he and his officers had carried out the different ceremonies . He hoped to be spared to visit the Newbury lodge for many years to come , and assured the brethren that a hearty welcome would be given to them whenever they visited either of the Reading lodges . The Deputy Prov . G . Master said he had been asked to be the mouthpiece of the officers and brethren of the Loyal
Berkshire Lodge of Hope and the Porchester Lodge of Mark Masons , and also to perform a very pleasing duty , but he was placed in the very difficult position in having to speak on their behalf with very imperfect instructions . He had been asked in his official capacity to present to Past Master Stephen Knight the beautiful clock and ornaments which stood on the table before him . Bro . Knight
was not only a Past Master of both the Newbury lodges , but for many years he had also acted as Installing Master , and he had not only attained a distinguished position in Masonry , but had also been elected by his fellow townsmen to the highest office they could bestow upon him . It was a pleasing circumstance that the Mayor of Newbury should also be a well-known and
distinguished Freemason , and it was a somewhat curious coincidence that the same should be the case with regard to the Mayor of Abingdon , Bro . Tomkins , and the ex-Mayor of Reading , Bro . Dodd . The D . P . G . M . then asked Bro . Past Master Knight ' s acceptance of the articles mentioned , and resumed his seat amidst loud cheers . The testimonial consisted of a very handsome
drawingroom clock , with s de vases to match in gilt bronze , chiming hours and half-hours on cathedral-toned gong . The dial and sides are hand painted with exquisite taste on Dresden china , and a silver plate on the clock bears the following inscription : " Presented to Worshipful Brother Stephen Knight , Past Master , Provincial Grand Senior Deacon , by the brethren of the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope ,
Newbury , No . 574 , and the Porchester Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 27 , in appreciation of his many valuable services to Masonry , and to commemorate his Mayoralty of the Borough of Newbury . January 2 nd , 1 S 91 . " Bro . Stephen Knight , P . M ., on rising to acknowledge the presentation , was greeted with prolonged cheering . He said it was quite impossible for him to find words that would
adequately express his gratitude for the very great . kindness of the brethren of the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope and the Porchester Lodge of Mark Masons , in presenting him with that very handsome and valuable testimonial . It was very difficult to stand up and speak about one ' s self , but still it was somewhat necessary he should do so for a few moments on that occasion . He assured them
that he had spent the very happiest hours of his life in connection with Masonry . It was 17 years ago that he had the pleasure of being initiated as a member of the Newbury lodge , and every time he had heard the beautiful ceremonies gone through he had been more and more impressed with the solemn lessons they were intended to teach . Having passed through the various offices in the lodge , it
was their pleasure to elect him in 1 SS 0 as VV . M ., and at the close of his term of office they kindly presented him with a Past Master ' s jewel . The climax of the Masonic honours conferred upon him had now been reached by the presentation of that very handsome testimonial , which he should highly value to the last day of his existence . He hoped that those who followed him would value it as much as he