The Purple In West Lancashire.

THE PURPLE IN WEST LANCASHIRE .

The following circular has been forwarded to the lodges of West Lancashire : — Ulverston , ist Nov ., 1871 . Worshipful Sir and Brother , —Having noticed

for some years past the way in which Prov . Grand honours have been distributed in West Lancashire , I have , with the advice of several experienced brethren , the honour to draw your attention to the accompanying memorial to the R . W . P . G . M .

If your lodge approves of it , I would suggest that you instruct your Secretary to write out the memorial , and forward it , signed by yourself and

Wardens , on behalf of your lodge , to the R . W . P . G . M ., stating at the same time any special cause of grievance you may have .

I remain , Worshipful Sir and Brother , Yours truly and fraternally , HENRY BARBER , M . D ., P . M . No . 995 . " To thc Right Worshipful Sir Thomas George

Fermor-Hesketh , Bart , MP ., Prov . Grand Master of West Lancashire . " We the undersigned , being Master Masons of this province , beg respectfully to draw your

attention , Right Worshipful Sir , to the mode of appointment of Prov . Grand Officers in this province of late years , feeling sure that the matter

requires only to be brought under your immediate notice to receive that attention which we know is always most readily granted to questions affecting the honour and welfare of the Craft .

" We desire more particularly to refer to the fact that many Prov . Grand Officers who have attained positions enabling them to retire with grace and dignity on past rank , are year after

year re-appointed , to the exclusion and neglect of many deserving , energetic , and enthusiastic Masons in the province , who have been led to believe that these honours would be conferred

according to merit and ability , and that time and diligence would enable them to partici pate in them . We therefore respectfully suggest that , in order not to lose the valuable services to

Masonry of these earnest brethren , as well as to keep up a spirit of emulation , and to encourage them that do well , you will , Right Worshi pful Sir , consider the desirability of distributing the

Prov . Grand honours more generally over the province , and in accordance with the great principle of our Order already quoted . " With every feeling of respect and fraternal regard ,

\\ e have thc honour to remain , Right Worshipful Sir , Yours obediently , " & c . & c

WE have pleasure in announcing that Karl Percy , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master for Northumberland , has consented to preside at the Annual Festival of the Royal Benevolent Institution , on the 31 st January next .

MY brethren , * ' said Swift , in a sermon , " there are three sorts of pride : of birth , of riches , of talents . I shall not speak of the latter , none of you being liable to that abominable vice . " " MOUI * than a year ago one of my children

was attacked with bronchitis , and , after a long illness , was given up by my physician as past cure ! 1 was then induced to try ' your Vegetable 1 Killer

am , and from the time I began the use of it the child rapidly got belter , and is now strong and healthy . — J WI . N ' STANLEY , IO . Whitlle-st ., Lpool , Jan . 1 S 69 . —To P . D . & Son . '

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

e » THE CRAFT .

METROPOLITAN . The Britannic Lodge , No . 33 . —This highlydistinguished lodge met at Freemasons' Hall on Friday , the 10 th instant , when Bro . J . Glaisher , F . R . S ., W . M ., presided over a very numerous assemblage of the brethren , amongst whom were

Bros . Magnus Ohren , S . W . ; F . G . Finch , J . W . ; G . L . Crombie , P . G . D ., P . M . and Treas . ; T . A . Chubb , Sec . ; E . Eachus , S . D . ; T . Chynowcth , J . D . ; F . Pendrcd I . G . ; Past Masters A . G . Church , H . Bridges , P . G . S . B ., R . Galloway , J . Strapp , J . S . Peirce , F . W . Shields ; Bros . G . N . Strawbridgc , C .

Horsley , E . Burke , J . Davis , C . Pawley , T . Spencer , D . Hodge , A . Hodge , W . T . Sugg , J . Church , H . Rowland , T . D . Parker , J . N . Sharp , E . Palmer , H . Finlay , J . B . Paddon , J . W . Wright andF . Williams . Among the many visitors present were Bros . JE . J . Mclntyre , G . Registrar ; J . Hervey , G . Sec . ; B .

Baker , P . G . D . ; S . Edwards , and R . W . Little , P . M . The lodge having been duly opened and ballots taken , the W . M . proceeded to initiate separately five gentlemen , Messrs . E . Strouts , H . Kent , A . J . Dudgeon , W . L . Dudgeon , and G . T Huntley . The work was done in such admirable style by all the

officers as to elicit the highest commendations from the Past Master and visitors . Bro . Magnus Ohren then proposed , and Bro . J . Chynowcth , J . D ., seconded " That the sum of two Guineas be voted to thc Binckes Testimonial , ancl the proposal was carried unanimously . Thc W . M . then called for

three stewards to represent the lodge at the forthcoming festivals of the Masonic Charities , when his appeal was at once responded to by the J . W . and two other brethren , who undertook the important duties appertaining to those offices . The lodge was then closed , and about 80 brethren sat down

to the banquet , which was provided by the Freemasons' Tavern Company . Grace was sung by the professional brethren engaged , and who were under the leadership of Bro . G . Titus Carter , P . M . 3 S 2 . After the cloth was cleared , the W . M . proposed thc usual loyal toasts , and in announcing the healths

of the D . G . M . and the Grand Officers , alluded to the distinguished services of those present , Bros . Mclntyre , Hervey , Baker , Crombie and Bridges , the two last named being members of th : lodge . Bro . Mclntyre , G . R . responded in a very eloquent speech , in which he congratulated the old

' ¦ Britannic " on the proud position it continued to maintain in the Craft , and also congratulated the five gentlemen initiated during the evening on their good fortune in having been admitted into a Lodge ofsuch prestige and importance . I 5 ro . Hervey , G . S ., returned thanks for thc visitors , and liro . Magnus

Ohren , S . W ., for the officers . In the course ofthe evening several songs ancl glees were sung in excellent style by the professionals , and the whole proceedings were conducted in a manner calculated to sustain , if not to enhance the ancient reputation of the lodge .

Lodge of Faitli , A o . 141 . —This justly-celebrated old lodge held its installation on Tuesday , Oct . 31 st . The lodge was opened by I ! ro . J . Speed . W . M ., who was supported by Bros . C . C . Taylor , S . W . and W . M .-elect ; J . A . Green , J . W . ; J . W . Carter , P . M . and Treasurer ; T . Anslow , P . M ., Secretary ; A .

1 hemans , S . D . ; Catmaucr , J . D . ; Kennctt , I . G . ; W . Stuart , E . Hopwood , E . Gottheil , and W . Power , P . M . s ; & . C . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The W . M . raised Bros . Hyman , Downey , Houseman , and Berg to the third degree . Bro . E . Gottheil , P . M ., then took thc chair ,

raised Bro . Wigel to the third degree , and passed Bro . Challis , Levy , and Nathan to the second degree . He then , in the presence of twenty Installed Masters , installed liro . Taylor as the W . M . for the ensuing year , who appointed and invested as his officers the following : Bros . J . Speed , I . P . M .

J . A . Green , S . W . ; A . Themans , J . W . ; J . W . Carter , P . M . and Treasurer ; T . Anslow , P . M ., Secretary ; Kennctt , S . D . ; Waygood , J . D . ; M . Davis , I . G . ; Mallett , W . S . ; Scott , ' D . C . ; Longstaff , Tyler . The ceremony of installation was given in an impressive and correct manner . Bro . C . C . Taylor ,

W . M . at once gave proofs of his proficiency , by the admirable manner in which he initiated . Messrs Covington , Mead , and R . Ellis into Freemasonry . All business being ended the lodge was closed . Nearly eighty brethren sat down lo an admirable banquet provided by liro . Clemow in his usual fns' .-class style , and served up under the able

superintendence of liro . Smith , whose courteous manner and anxiety to please have so deservedly made him popular with all who attend at this hotel . All the usual toasts were proposed and responded to , and Bros . L . Davis and T . Mortlock sang some of their best songs . Amongst a long list of visitors we noticed Bros . F . Walters ( P . M . 73 ) , L . Davis ( 73 ) , J . Terry ( P . M . 228 ) , S . Bayfield ( P . M . 1158 ) ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

T . Mortlock ( P . M . 186 ) , C . A . Smith ( W . M . 795 ) , J . Stack ( 834 ) , H . M . Levy ( P . M . 188 ) , D . Posener ( 1227 ) , J . Frankford ( 188 ) , R . Snare ( 228 ) , W . Lotham ( P . M . 3 S 2 ) , E . Holland ( 144 ) , J- Fordham ( 554 ) , De Camer ( 92 ) , Goodyer ( P . M . 192 ) , G . De Maid ( 1328 ) , W . Heart ( 93 ) , and others whose names we were unable to ascertain .

Zetland Lodge , No . 511 . —This numerous and still-increasing lodge met at Bro . Clemow ' s ( Anderton ' s Hotel ) , Fleet-street , on the ist inst . Bro . H . J . Birch , W . M ., in the chair , supported by P . M . ' s Andrews , Barficld , Schofield , and Copus , about sixty of the members of the lodge , and visitors Bros .

Worthington ( W . M . 834 ) , Mann ( W . M . 144 ) , Lines ( P . M . S 34 ) , Slack ( P . M . S 34 ) , Adamson ( P . M . 834 ) , Thompson ( P . M . 834 ) . Bryatt ( J . W . 834 ) , Lamborn ( P . M . 40 ) , Willis ( P . M . 157 ) , Lacy ( P . M . 174 ) , Birch ( P . M . 144 ) , CornelHson ( P . M . 89 ) , Walker ( P . M . 902 ) , & c . Two brethren were raised to the third

degree , and one was passed to thc second degree , by the W . M . in his usual good style . Bro . Birch then installed as his successor Bro . George Reed , which beautiful ceremony he rendered in the most perfect manner . The new Master then initiated four candidates in an admirable manner . The

following brethren were invested as officers for the ensuing year , viz . : Bros . Horstead , S . W . ; Game , J . W . ; Barficld , P . M ., Treas . ; Andrew , P . M ., Hon . Sec ; Pardee , S . D . ; Russell , I . G . ; Whittick and Gottfried , Stewards : and Schofield , P . M ., D . C . Nearly eighty brethren then sat down to an excellent banquet , and

the visitors expressed their strong admiration ofthe working of the lodge generally , especially in the installation ceremony . In the course of the banquet Bro . Reed , W . M ., presented Bro . Bro . Birch , I . P . M . ; with a P . M . ' s jewel , unanimously voted to him by the lodge . Five new candidates were proposed .

Lodge of Asaph , No . 1319 . —Ou Monday week this lodge met at Freemasons' Hall , and the W . M ., Bro . E . Stanton Jones , installed Bro . Charles Coote as Master of the lodge for the ensuing year . The ceremony was performed in splendid style , and Bro . Jones received the congratulations ofthe brethren on

resuming his seat . Bro . Coote appointed as his officers : Bros . J . M . Chamberlin , S . W . ; James Weaver , J . W . ; C . Coote , jun ., Treas . ; Frewin , S . D ; C . S . Gekyll , J . D . ; W . A . Tinney , I . G . ; W . H . Stephens , D . C . ; and W . H . Cremer , W . S . These appointments seemed to give great satisfaction to

the brethren of the lodge , as each brod \ er was greeted with great applause on his being invested by the W . M . A vote of thanks was passed to Bro . James Weaver for the pains and trouble he had taken in performing the duties of Secretary of the lodge , and a similar compliment was paid to Bro .

Tinney for writing thc bye-laws . Resignations were received from Bros . Jas . Thorne and Dearie , and the names of two gendemen were given in for initiation at next meeting . Thc brethren then adjourned to an admirable banquet , supplied by the Freemasons' Tavern and its manager , Mr .

Francatelli , and at thc conclusion of the repast the usual toasts were faithfully honoured , and a massive tenguinea P . M . jewel was presented to Bro . E . Stanton Jones . Thc W . M . in the course of the evening announced that the voluntary subscriptions to the Lodge of Asaph Benevolent Fund amounted to over

^ " 20 , and that Bro . Starkey of Conduit-street , had most generously presented the lodge with a handsome sword . Bro . J . Honey and Walter Joyce treated the brethren to songs and resitations , and the meeting was one of the most delightful that Masonry could afford . There were present during

thc evening : Bros . E . Stanton Jones , P . M . ; C . Coote , W . M . ; J . M . Chamberlin , S . W . ; James Weaver , J . W . ; E . Frewin , C . Coote , jun . ; C . S . Jekyll , W . A . Tinney , Frederic Ledger , P . M . ; T . A . Adams , P . G . P . ; G . Compton , li . J . Tinney , John Read , P . M . ; W . Graves , H . Snyders , J . Horton ,

J . Egerton , J . Baker , W . II . Weston , E . ferry , E Swanborough , XV . H . Stephens , J . Honey , C . B Wright , J . Starkey , W . II . Cremer , G . Horton , J M . Ball , T . Gough , J . Perry , W . T . Wrighton , C Harper , L . Silberberg , A . J . Phasey , T . Edgar , H

Reynolds , H . Snelling , W . Easton , G . Snelling , R . II . Maldon ( J . D . 382 ) , T . Smith ( 75 ) , Wybert Reeve ( 200 ) , S . J . Reynold ( S . W . 101 ) , J . B . Buckstone ( 157 ) , Walter Joyce ( 1158 ) , J . Rumford ( S . W . 90 ) , and I-I . Massey ( P . M . 619 ) .

PROVINCIAL . lU > h \ nE \ D .- Lodge of St . Cybi , No . 597 . —A regular meeting of tbis lodge was held on the 6 th inst ., at the lodge-room , Marine Hotel . There were present : Bros . John Peters , W . M . ; J . LI . Griffith , S . W . ; William Lewis , J . W . ; Owen R . Ellis , Sec . John Ellis , S . D . ; Dr . O . Williams , J . D . ; Rev . O .

W . Jones , Chap . ; Evan Evens , Steward ; James Lloyd , I . G . ; Samuel Hughes , Tyler ; visiting Bro . H . Williams , P . M . 249 , 1264 , 1276 -. and a very fair gathering of the brethren . The principal business ofthe evening was the initiation of Mr . John Jones , liro . J . Clark was elected as a rejoining member . There being one of the candidates for passing not in attendance in due time , the lodge was raised to thc