Provincial Meetings.

Bro . J . Marson replied to the toast of "The Masonic Charilie " s , "fervently proposed by Bro . Lunn , and commented upon the exceptional liberality displayed by the Swan of Avon Lodge which had only been established some seven or eight years . A very pleasant evening , enhanced by some excellent songs , was spent by the brethren .

TEDDINGTON . Sir Charles Bright Lodge ( No . 1793 ) . — This lodge met at the Clarence Hotel , on the 31 st ult . Among those present were Bros . W . H . VVindeatt , W . AI . ; Finch , P . P . G . S . of VV ., P . M ., acting S . VV . ; Playford . acting l . W . ; R . W . Forge , P . P . G . D . C , P . M .. Treas . ; E . W . ' Warner . P . P . A . G . D . C , P . M ., Sec . ; Ruffle , S . D . ;

Packington , Org . ; J . Barns , D . C . ; Captain Walls , P . P . G . W ., G . Stwd ., P . AL , Williams , Hall , and T . Aliddleweek , Stwds . ; VV . Aliddlcweek , I . P . AI . ; and W . J . Porter , P . P . G . S . B ., P . AI . Bros . J . J . Hough , 733 , and H . Campbell , 742 , were visitors . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and coi . lirmed , Bros . Goddard and Brougham were impressively raised

to the Third Degree . Bros . Muller , S . W ., was unanimously elected VV . AI ., R . VV . Forge , P . AL , unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and J . Gilbert , P . G . Tyler , Tyler . Bros . Goddard and Brougham were elected Auditors . A Past Alaster's jewel was voted to the VV . AI . He was also elected to represent the lodge as Steward to the R . M . I , for Boys , and Bro . Capt . Walls gave notice of motion to vote

a sum of money from the lodge funds to place on the Master's list . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Bros . Muller , S . VV . ; F . L . Chandler , P . P . G . Purst ., J . VV . ; A . J . R . Simmonds , P . AL , and others . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . A few toasts were subsequently given .

Bro . R . VV . Forge responded for " The Provincial Grand Lodge . " The l . P . AL , in giving "The Health of the Worshipful Alaster , " spoke in complimentary terms of his working in the Third Degree that night . He hoped to see him install his successor in Alarch next . Unfortunately , they had not had so many initiates in the lodge as in former years , yet

by the judicious management of the W . AL , and their indefatigable Treasurer , a most favourable balance-sheet would be shown at the next meeting . The lodge occupied a proud position in Middlesex , and long might it continue so to do . This toast having been warmly received , The W . AL replied . After thanking the I . P . AI . for his kind remarks , he said that his year of office had been a

pleasant one , and he took that , his last opportunity , of also thanking the other Past Alasters and the officers for their cordial support and co-operation . He hoped to be spared many years to wear the jewel that the brethren had that night so kindly voted him . Bros . Hough and Campbell responded for "The Visitors . "

"The Health of the Past Alasters" was coupled with the name of Bro . Middleweek , and "The Officers" with the names of Bros . Forge , Warner , and Packington . During the evening some excellent instrumental and vocal selections were given by Bros . Packington , E . Hall , T . and W . Aliddleweek , and others .

URMSTON . Urmston Lodge ( No . 1730 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Alonday , the 12 th inst ., at the Victoria Hotel , Bro . VV . H . Jolliffe , W . AL , in the chair , who opened the ledge . The minutes of thc previous

meeting were read and confirmed , and the ballot was taken for two gentlemen , both being favourable , they were initiated by Bro . G . A . Myers , P . AL , P . G . D . of C , the other by thc VVorshipful Alaster . Bto . Stretch , P . AL , S . W ., piesented the working tools , and Bro . John Walton , jun ., J . VV ., gave the address to the candidates in a most impressive

manner . At the close of the ceremonies "Hearty gocd wishes " were expressed from the numerous visitors present , and a most successful meeting closed . The following brethren were present : Bros . W . II . Jolliffe , W . M . ; F . Stretch , S . W . ; J . Walton , jun ., J . W . ; E . L . Littler , P . AL , Sic , Treas . ; G . R . Lloyd , P . AL , & c , Sec ; W . Bowers , S . D . ; G . G . Alends , J . D . ; G . A .

Myers , P . AL , Prov . G . D . of C ; | . Bowers , P . AL , Org . ; J . Ormrod , I . G . ; G . Stolt , F . French , and VV . Mallard , Stwds . ; E . C . Roberts , P . AL , Tyler ; J . H . Marsh , I . P . M . j J . Slyman , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; P . Heaton , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; R . Swindells , P . AL ; ) . Walton , P . AI . ; ) . S . Whitley , II . H . Jones , A . Hawkins , VV . Kirk , G . Biron , and G . G . R . Alends . Visitors : Bros . F . Coupe , I . P . AI . 1147 ; B . Grant . 1021 ; and A . Laidlaw , 111 , St . John ' s , N . B .

YORKTOWN . Albert Edward Lodge ( No . 1714 ) . —There wis a c'istr . r . uishtd pathtiing of btilhun at the Duke nl V : ik Heltl , on Wednesday night , when Air . I ) . G . Xoirran , ll . e rispccltd ptslroaslcr of Carnbcrky , was irslallr d into Ihe chair of the ibeve lodge . 1 he following weie picsent : Bros . T . K . Bunting , W . M . j W . E .

5-iirikid . S . W . ; II . Walls , J . W . ; VV . S . T wort , Treas . ; V \ . D . lilvlb , P . P . G . S . B ., Sec ; S . VV . Ktgcrs , Stwd . ; S . 1 M we , I . P . M .: J . McClirrh y , P . M . ; D . G . Norman , P . S . W . ; ard W . M . e ! eet ; \ V . Girlirg , . Metcalfe , Knight , hllis , Maitir , Alir , Prole . CrldirLii , bhaw , Stallwood , Baker , Cook , Alarshall , and Pain . 'Ihe visitors were Bros . Colontl G . Noel Ale . ney , P . G . AI . Surrey ; Iiro . li .

Lelchworth , G . Sec ling .: F . II . Goldney , P . G . D ., Prov . G . T . Wilts ; S . G . Kirchhc . ffer , D . G . D . C , Eng . ; | . Alason , P . P . S . G . D . ; A . Kcne . lt , VV . VV . Alhnjehiin . VV . AI . 723 ; II . l . ar . casler , P . AL 2317 ; Webb , S . W . 2317 ; Captain Pollun , 1 S 19 ; Davidge , W . AL 2203 ; Hammond , 2203 ; Arr . os , 101 ; Gale 2317 ; Wallis , 2311 ; Elliot , 15 ( 14 ; Manders , VV . AI . 2475 ;

and Goodall , S . W . 2203 . letters of apology were read fiom itlti Grand Ledge Officers , including VV . Bro . R . live , P . G . T ' ., lirg . I lie Deputy Prov . G . AI . of Surrey also expressed regret that he ua- , unable to attend . 'The installation ceremony was performed in a most able manner , by Bro . Dr . Twort , and the newly-installed . Master

appointed his officers as follows : Bros . T . K . Hunting , I . P . M . ; VV . li . Stamford , S . W . ; W . II . 'Twort , Treas .. ; W . Girling , Sec ; T . Alartin , . S . D . ; J . Alee , J . D . ; VV . Prowle , l . G . ; VV . Ducrocq , Org . ; VV . D . Blythe , D . C . ; Rogers and Stallwood , Stwds . ; and Paine , Tyler . After business the brethren dined together , and a very

Provincial Meetings.

pleasant evening was spent , interspersed with toast and song . "The Health of the Grand Lodge Visitors" was drunk with enthusiasm , as was also that of " The Worshipful Alaster , " and general satisfaction was expressed at the happy state of things which appeared to surround the future of Lodge 1714- We may mention that the W . M ., Bro . Norman , is also Senior Warden of Border Lodge , No . 2475 , and Alaster Overseer of Bisley Alark Lodge .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Union - ^ atarloo Chapter ( N . 13 ) . )—The installation meeting of the above old and excellent chapter took place on the 31 st ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Alount Pleasant , Plumstead , when Comp . H . S . Syer was installed into the chair of AI . E . Z . ; G . VV . King , as H . ; and G . Kenneday , P . Z ., J . The other officers were invested as follows : Comps . R . J . Warren , P . Z ., P . Z . 1472 and 1437 , P . P ' . A . G . S . Essex , S . E . ; VV . H . Keeble , S . N . ; Capt . G .

Spinks , P . Z ., Treas . ; VV . J . Crowdy , P . S . ; H . Crowdy , ist Asst . S . ; J . Taylor , 2 nd Asst . S . ; anel L . Comerford , D . C . The Installing Officer was Comp . A . Penfold , P . Z . 913 and 1472 , and P . P . G . ist Asst . S . Kent , and grandly did this old Alason perform his arduous anel important task , for which he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks , the same to be entered on the minutes of the chapter . Comp . VV . Tailbey , the outgoing AI . E . Z ., was presented with a

handsome and valuable P . Z . ' s jewel ; and after certain sums had been voted to local Charities , the chapter was closed . The banquet was served at Bro . Capon ' s comfortable hostelry , the Earl of Chatham , Thomas-street , Woolwich , and it , the banquet , was universally voted chic . After the clearing of the cloth , the usual loyal and Grand Chapter toasts were loyally honoured . The I . P . Z ., in proposing the toast of "The First

Principal , " said that he and Comp Syer had been associated in Alasonry so much that it would seem like flattery if he said all he felt he could sav in his favour . Suffice it , that they all knew what a staunch supporter he was of the mother lodge , and they might dep ? nd upon him to leave no stone unturned for the success anel prosperity of the chapter . He asked them to drink the toast enthusiastically , and wish their AI . E . Z . a prosperous year of

office . Comp . Syer , in responding , remarked feelingly on the deceas ; of their late companion , VV . Akers , who , had he lived and retained his health , would have occupied the proud position he , Comp . Syer , had achieved that day . He trusted that during his year of office the ( rood old chapter would go on and ( loutish , and asked the ' officers one and all to earnestly assist him to attain that result , and so place it

in the proud position of the strongest , as it was the oldest , in the district . Comp . Penfold , in responding to the toast of " The Installing Officer , " said that their ALK . Z . had kindly alluded to the fact that he ( Comp . Penfold ) had installed the Principals of that chapter 16 years ago . He certainly was an old member of that chapter , having joined it some time in the 'Go ' s , and now they were in the ' 90 ' s . They

might say " where now are his colleagues at that time ?" Well , some of them had gone to the Grand Lodge above , and others had retired or were scattered about the world ; but they hael all done gooel work for Alasonry in their day and generation . The Union Waterloo Chapter was getting up to its centenary , and , although they might not all live to see it , yet they would most likely some of them do so . The kind manner in which the AI . E . Z . had spoken of him

as the Installing Officers was very gratifying , and although he had for many years filled that position in that and other chapters , yet he hoped some of the younger P . Z . ' s would make themselves ready to fill the gap . However , as long as they required his services , so long would he endeavour to carry out the duties of the office to their satisfaction . The toastof "The Second and Third Principals " was

responded to by Comps . King and Kenneday severally , and the Past Principals present acknowledged the toast of their health . Comps . Capt . Watson , P . Z . 17 S 5 , and C . Jolly , P . Z . 1472 , responded for "The Visitors . " "The Ofiicers " were honoured . Comps . C . IL Canning , P . Z . 1472 ; A . Fenn , and D . Jenkins responded severally .

Kennington Chapter ( No . 1381 ) . — Thi chapter met at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park , on thc iSth inst . Among those in attendance were Comps . Dowling , I . P . Z ., acting AI . E . Z . ; Sims , H . j Dennis , J . j Henry Higgins , P . Z , P . P . G . D . C , S . E . ; Smith , S . N ! . ; George liverett , P . Z ., P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; Buxton , P . S . ; Colwell and Lingley , Asst . Sojs . ; Hopkins , Org . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . P . G . P . S . ; C . H . Kohler

P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B . ; VV . VV . Westley , P . Z . ; H . Salter , P . Z . ; and Patrick , Janitor . The minutes of the previous convocation were read and conlirmed . 'The election of Principals and officers took place as follows : Gimps . Sims , AI . E . Z . j Dennis , H . j Lingley , J . ; II . Higgins , P . Z ., S . E . j Buxton , S . N . ; George liverett , P . Z ., Treas . ; Lundie , P . S . ; Colwell

and Smrth , Asst . Sojs . ; Hopkins , Org . ; and Patrick , Janitor . Comps . Parrott , Whrtncy , and Lundie were elected Auditors . A Past Principal ' s jewel was voted to Comp . Austin , AI . E . Z . 1 in recognition of his services . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Comps . Sims , M . E . Z . ; _ VV . P . Webb , P . Z . ; II . J . Lardner , P . Z ., and others . The resignation of Comp . Griffin was received with regret . The chapter was then closed . A banquet followed , at which Comp . G . Everett , P . Z .,

P . G . Treas ., presieled most ably and genially . Th = re being no exaltees nor visitors present the proceedings were shorn somewhat of their usual formality . The presiding First Principal being very brief in his remarks , and the companions whose names were mentioned were equally as terse in their respective replies . The evening ' s entertainment was agreeably enhanced by the musical selections of Gimps . Hopkins , Lundie , Smith , and others . ' 1 he proceedings were not unduly protracted .

Duke of Fife Chapter ( No . 2345 ) . —The first i-lec tion meeting of this chapter was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , on the 3 rd inst ., when there were present Comps . S . Gchrane , Grand Treas . ling ., AI . E . Z . ; J . Wyer , P . Z ., II . ; J . W . Folkard , J . ; Charlie Woods , S . E . ; A . Robertson , 'Treas . ; J . Andrews , P . S . ; J . Randall , ist A . S . ; Boswell , 2 nd A . S . ; Munslow and J . Mitchell .

Royal Arch.

Visitors : Comps . R . J . Voisey , P . Z ., S . E . 132 S , & c ; J . Hernaman , ¦ 1227 ; and Hodges , M . E . Z . 1534 . Bros , C . W . Alunslow and J . Mitchell were impressively exalted . The elertions resulted unanimously as follows : Comps . J , Wyer , H ., as AI . E . Z . ; J . VV . Folkard , J ., as H . j A . Harvey , S . N ., as J . ; J . Andrews , P . S ., as S . N . ; A . Robertson , Treas . ; C . Woods , S . E . ; J . Randall , P . S . ;

Boswell , M . R . C . V . S ., as ist A . S . ; Bonner , as 2 nd A . S . ; Munslowand J . Mitchell , Stwds . ; and Patrick , P . Z .. Janitor . It was unimously resolved to present Comp . S . Cochrane with a P . Z . ' s jewel at the end of h ' rsiyear of office . The by-laws were read , and chapter closed . The companions afterwards dined together , and duly honoured the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts .

BIRKENHEAD . Chapter of Fidelity ( No . 477 ) . —P RESBNTA - nox TO Conr . SAMUEL J ONES . —At the regular meeting on Alonday evening , the 12 th instant , there was a goodly gathering at the Alasonic Chambers , 9 , Hamilton-street , to witness and participate in the presentation of a handsome gold hunting watch to Comp . S . Jones , S . E . The watch bears the following inscription on the dome : " Presented

to Excellent Companion Samu ; l Jones , S . E ., P . Z ., P . Prov . G . H ., by the members of the Chapter of Fidelity and a few admiring companions , as a token of their . respect and high esteem , after 25 years' service in the chapter . —Birkenhead , February 12 th , 1 S 94 . " The presentation was made by Comp . John Alorris , P . Z ., who , alter a short history of the chapter since its formation , in Alarch , 1 S 45 , referred to Comp . Sam . Jones ' s connection

with it for a quarter of a century . During that period Comp . Jones had filled various offices , passed through the chair of First Principal in 1 S 75 , and from 1 S 76 to the present time—a period of nearly iS years—had performed the duties of S . E . Comp . Alorris laid stress on the fact that the companions were under special obligations to Comp . Jones for the faithful manner in which he had held the chapter together in time of depression and trouble , and attributed its

present flourishing condition to his unwearied and zealous efforts in the face of every difficulty . The remarks of Comp . Morris were received with marked approval by the members of the chapter , and when he sat down Comps . James Clarke , Thorburn , Gamlin , Owen Jones , Coveney , and G . H . Brown paid hearty tribute to Comp . Jones , not only for what he had done for his own chapter , but for the ready assistance he had always

rendered to the chapters and lodges in the neighbourhood . Comp . Jones , who deeply felt the kind way in which all the speakers referred to him personally , thanked the companions for the very handsome presentation , by which they were pleased to show their appreciation of what services he had been able to give to the chapter and its members . During the proceedings several letters of apology were read , among others being one from the Grand

Superintendent and one from the Prov . G . S . E ., who , at the last moment , were prevented attending the meeting , and expressing every kind wish for Comp . Jones ' s future happiness . The following members and visitors were present on the interesting occasion : Comps . Joseph Clarke , Prov . A . G . S ., I . P . Z . ; R . G . Hawkins , H . ; J . Syer Warren , J . j S . Jones , P . Z ., P . P . G . H ., S . E . j John Morris , P . Z ., P . P . G . S ., D . C ; Robert Robinson , P . S . ; Geo . Poole-Poole ,

ist Asst . Soj . ; Jas . McLeavy , 2 nd Asst . Soj . j Richard Parry , S . N . j Wm . Hopkinson , Treas . j Enoch Evans , P . H . j James Clarke , P . Z . P . Z . C 05 J Joseph Scarratt , James Watson , Jas . VV . Shaw , George Lloyd , Thomas Thorburn , P . Z . 537 , P . P . G . H . ; Owen Jones , P . Z . 605 , P . P . G . S . N . ; Geo . II . Brown , P . Z . 537 , P . P . G . D . C ; John Armstrong , P . Z . 605 , Prov . G . S . B . ; E . R . Latham , P . Z . 594 , P . P . G . D . C . West Lancashire ; J . G . Adams , P . Z . 477 j A . E . Coveney , P . Z . 605 j James Gamlin , P . Z . Ooi ; and George Proudman , S . N . 241 .

Laying Of Masonic Foundation-Stone At Pontefract.

LAYING OF MASONIC FOUNDATION-STONE AT PONTEFRACT .

On Thursday , the 25 th ult ., Bro . T . W . Tew , P . G . D , Eng ., P . Prov . G . M . West Yorkshire , performed the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of what is to be the future Masonic lodge , in Ropergate . It is intended that the buildings shall be of modern classical

structure , of red brick , with terra-cotta panelling and stone-facing . On the upper storey will be a lodge room 34 feet from east to west , by 21 feet from north to south ; adjoining will be ante-rooms , and the area downstairs will be occupied by a dining hall 51 feet by 21 , which will also be available for use as a ball room , and will be fitted with movable partitions to make

three smaller rooms . There will be a caretaker ' s house adjoining , and the whole work will cost about X ' IOOO . Bro . J . H . Greaves , J . W ., is the architect . 'There was also present at that day ' s ceremony ; Bros . H . Smith , Deputy Pov . G . Master ; Green , Prov . G . Sec . ; J . A . Bentley , Sec . 910 ; Rev . F . E . Egerton , Chap . 910 ; H . R . Harrison , Chap . 910 ; Rev . A . H . B .

Lees , Rev . F . Heptinstall , E . Lord , P . M . ; S . Slack , P . AL ; J . Quarterman , P . AL ; W . Alathers , P . M . ; C . England , P . AL ; James Atkinson , P . M . ; Ellis Foulds , W . M . j P . P . Wood , H . B . Wood , C . Woodhouse , Craven , J . Alorrell , Lawson , S . Lowden , Smithson , H . Fisher , R . Fisher , T . Swales , Riley , Austerberry , Ream , Farr , Dr . Hillaby C . E . S .

Lowtlen , Spink , Roberts , Picker , J . H . Greaves , X < Greaves , Wheatley , I . Kaberry , Pygott , J . Heminan'i Nicholson , Davies , Warde , Monckman , Butler , and Garner . Bro . S . SLACK called upon Bro . Ellis F ' oulds lu request Bro . Tew to lay the foundation stone of thai lodge .

Iiro . FOL ' I . IJS said he would not detain them longer than possible , but he could not let that opportunity pass without expressing the sincere thanks of the lodge to Bro . 'Tew for his presence that day . They bad all of tliem felt the want of a new lodge , their present premises being deficient in accommodation ; and it was gratifying to them to see some ocular proof that ere long they would have a new Alasonic Temp ter