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Provincial Meetings.
Woodward , P . M ., Secretary , returned thanks in an appropriate speech , remarking that what he had done had been a labour of love , and he was extremely gratified by that mark of their appreciation and esteem . The W . M . then proposed a hearty vote of thanks , which was seconded by the S . W ., and heartily carried , to Bro . Dr . Nicholls , the I . P . M ., for the valuable assistance rendered by him during
the past year . The W . M . further said he desired to link vvith that his own thanks , and also had to ask the I . P . M . 's acceptance from him of a Past Master ' s jewel . Bro . Dr . Nicholls , I . P . M ., thanked the W . M . sincerely for the kind terms in vvhich he had alluded to him , and for the handsome jewel presented to him . He also thanked the brethren for the unanimous vote of thanks accorded him . Bro . Fox
Havves was duly installed as W . M . by Bro . C . H . Woodward , P . M ., who performed the ceremony for the iSth time , and appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . Hubbard , S . W . ; Williams , J . W . ; R . Price , Treas . ; C . H . Woodward , P . P . G . S . of W ., Sec ; Griffiths , S . D . ; Moss , J . D . ; Hellewell , ' I . G . j W . Nicholls , D . C ; Gates and Timson , Stewards ; and Lane , Tyler . The
addresses vvere effectively rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . C . H . Woodward . On the motion of Bro . Dr . Nicholls , a hearty vote of thanks vvas accorded to Bro . George Price for his services as W . M . during the Jubilee year , and also upon his resigning the Treasurership of the lodge , vvhich he had held for 35 years . On the suggestion of Bro . J . Hooke , P . M ., the members immediately
subscribed sufficient to make Bro . George Price s youngest grandson a Life-Governor of one of the Masonic Charitable Institutions . The Secretary presented every member vvith a neatly bound history of the lodge , compiled by himself , and completed up to the end of the Jubilee year , and received a cordial vote of thanks . The lodge was closed , and , after an excellent banquet , the usual toasts vvere duly honoured .
Bro . Frederick West , Dep . Prov . G . M . in charge , responding for " The Grand Officers , " said that , as a very small item in a very comprehensive subject , he trusted they would accept from him the very hearty thanks of the Grand Officers whose names ' vvere included for the very excellent rendering of the Masonic ceremony tbey had witnessed and the great cordiality shown that night .
Being , . called upon to respond reminded him of 12 months ago , when they vvere graced with the presence of a very large number of distinguished Grand Officers , and it then fell to the lot of a very distinguished officer to return thanks for that toast . He naturally felt regret that he should have to respond on the present occasion , but at the same time , being called upon , he replied with the greatest
cordiality . They vvere told that Masonry rested on a sure foundation , and it vvas a great pleasure for any Grand Officer to be present on the installation night to witness the addition of one more ruler of the Craft , and so taking part in the popular ceremony of making up the old fabric , for however sure and however sound the foundation may be , it vvas liable to fall into decay for want of repair , and they
vvere only too glad to witness the old building being renovated from time to time , such as on the present occasion . The stone vvhich had been taken up and filled in that day was a stone of a very ancient nature , as they knew , and he supposed they could not select in the province a more distinguished ruler than the brother vvho filled the office of I . P . M . They had been fortunate in that lodge in having a
good number of distinguished brethren as P . M . ' s . They had had a very distinguished Secretary for a great many years , one vvho had worked hard for the Craft at large , and whose duties had been so faithfully fulfilled as to be recognised in the way in vvhich the I . P . M . described in the lodge . He was sure in losing their Bro . George Price from the office oi W . M ., they vvere losing one vvho had done
suit and service to the Craft in the Province of Surrey in a way vvhich no one could possibly compete vvith . If he could find one to follow in his footsteps , he , as an officer of it , should be particularly pleased . He was glad that in the lodge Bro . Price had found somebody bearing his name to take up the office he had filled for nearly 40 years . When they elected Bro . George Price to the office of W . M . for the
second time in 50 years , he vvas sure it vvas one of the most unanimous appointments that could be made in a lodge , and when he left the chair they could not help feeling , however illustrious his follower might be , there was something wanting in the grand fabric vvhich it would be difficult to replace . They could not help thinking it possible that there vvas no flock , however cared and tended , but one pet lamb
vvas missing ; there vvas no fireside , however fortunate , but had one vacant chair and the Past Masters of that lodge , in parting vvith Bro . Price , would feel they had lost a position in it which would be difficult to fill . He vvas sure that one and all would do their best to support the W . M . during his year , and he vvas not wrong in saying it was the wish of every Grand Officer that Bro . Fox Havves would have a
prosperous and happy year . There vvas one topic vvhich vvas of importance he knew in the Province of Surrey , and he believed as a topic vvas being discussed now—they would forgive him referring to it—and that vvas whether it vvas right and proper for Masons to give " Hearty good wishes " to the W . M . They had some antiquarian members in the lodge , notably the Secretary , who had given them a resume
of all the minutes of the lodge in his history , and he vvas sure the views of that brother , of Bro . George Price , and of those rulers of lodges would be valuable vvith a view to try and solve the mystery as to whether it vvas right and proper to give "Hearty good wishes " to the VV . M . He personally felt it difficult to know what to do and he should like tc have some authoritative statement from the Grand Lodge .
or the Board of General Purposes , that they might all know what to do , and that there should be no half and half feeling about the matter . It appeared to him that the origin of the matter vvas somewhat simple . When travelling vvas not so rapid , and the interchange of ideas between lodges vvas not so general , it was usual to extend the right hand of fellowship to all those vvho mi g ht be in a similar
neighbourhood and it vvas usual for the invitation to be sent to the W . M . and Wardens , and no doubt the visitors gave wishes which , he believed , in the olden times vvas a recognised part of the W . M . He thought it should be somebody appointed on behalf of the lodge to give " Hearty good wishes , " for he did not think it was competent for any member to give
them unless so appointed , especially as in some cases when the W . M . of a lodge was present . He thought the solution of the matter vvas this—that the W . M . or whoever vvas appointed to attend vvas the proper person to convey congratulations to an incoming Master , for he vvas the person accepting the hospitality of the W . M . and it could not be out of place to wish him " Hearty good wishes . " It seemed
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to be a simple solution , and if it should be determined to be so he was sure the Province of Surrey would heartily fall in vvith the suggestion . Personally , as one of the Grand Officers and as the ruler of the province , he should be glad if the point vvas settled up . Bro . Hy . Thompson , P . P . S . G . W ., replied for "The Prov . Grand Officers , " and having returned thanks , said
that when he had placed in his hands the record of the lodge he looked for some point vvhich he could choose as a text on vvhich to found his remarks . The first name he saw was that of Bro . Hope , and he thought that a good name to dilate upon . He saw that the first W . M . bore the harmonious name of Hope , and when they started a lodge it vvas with the hope that it might prosper as time went on . They
now found that the hope with regard to that lodge had been raised to perfection in Bro . Price . He hoped it vvas not the last time he should see their beautiful working . They had all enjoyed themselves that evening , not only vvith what they had heard , but also vvith what they had seen . Bro . Woodward had impressed them vvith his beautiful working , and vvith the feeling that Masonry vvas something higher
than most people thought it . Bro . George Price , I . P . M ., said the toast vvhich he had the pleasure and honour of submitting vvas " The Health of the W . M . " Bro . Fox Havves , the W . M ., had worked his way up through every office in that lodge up to the S . W . 's chair , and that he occupied for two years in order to permit him ( Bro . Price ) to go into the chair of the lodge for the second
time . At length , after waiting for two years—vvhich vvas somewhat disappointing to many Masons , but it did not appear to have the slightest effect upon Bro . Fox Havveshe had attained the summit of his ambition , and was now the W . M . of the lodge . It was a grand thing to be the W . M . of a lodge . It gave power and dignity , and it vvas true there was much responsibility , but it vvas a position
that almost every Mason desired and coveted . Bro . I'ox Havves deserved their confidence , their best feelincs , and their hearty good wishes . He ventured to say that , because as the I . P . M . of that lodge , and lately , of course , their W . Master , he was sure he should be in order , and should not violate any of the edicts of Freemasonry , when he asked them to join him in wishing the W . M . "Hearty good
wishes . He could only say that he trusted and hoped , and was , in fact , sure they would join in wishing their VV . M . a year of enjoyment and prosperity . Bro . W . Fox Havves , VV . M ., in response , said that from his experience of the lodge the toast of the W . M ., especially on the installation night , was always well received . He was diffident in undertaking the duties of W . M ., following such
an illustrious predecessor as Bro . George Price , and when he remembered the array of Grand Officers present a year ago , he felt he shone with a diminished lustre . However , with their assistance he would use his best endeavours to promote the interests of his mother lodge . He knew all the brethren would look vvith a favourable eye on his shortcomings , and he trusted his endeavours would be moderately successful , as he should look forward to make them so . As
they all kneiv , last year they celebrated the Jubilee of the lodge , and in the coming year he hoped to work the ceremonies in a quiet way , so that the lodge would make its mark in the province . Bro . Dr . Parsons Smith , P . P . G . D ., replied for " The Visitors , " and other toasts given vvere " The Past Masters " and " The Treasurer , " responded to respectively by Bros . George and Robert Price ; " The Secretary , " replied to by Bro . Woodward j "The Officers , " andthe Tyler's toast .
LEEDS . Prudence Lodge ( No . 2069 ) . —The last regular meeting of this lodge , which took place on the nth inst ., vvas a most successful function . The VV . M ., Bro . Chas . Middleton , occupied the chair of K . S ., and he vvas supported by Bros . Fretwell , S . W . j Atkinson , J . W . ; Abbott , Sec . ; B . Abbott , Asst . Sec . ; Butterworth , S . D . ;
Bailey , J . D . ; Trevor , P . M ., D . C ; Smithson , I . G . j Dr . Smyth , P . G . Chap . ; C . L . Mason , P . P . G . Treas . ; and others . The visiting brethren included several members of Leeds lodges , and also Bro . J . W . Mason , I . P . M . 95 6 , Pietermaritzberg , Natal . The tracing boards in the two Degrees vvere given by Bros . Dr . Smyth and C . L . Mason respectively . When
"Hearty good wishes" vvere being exchanged , Bro . Tudor Trevor called attention to the presence of Bro . J . W . Mason , of the Province of Natal , and said how heartily they would all join in welcoming their distinguished colonial brother . Bro . Middleton , in seconding Bro Trevor's remarks , moved a formal vote of welcome , assuring Bro . Mason that it vvas a great gratification to all that
he had found himself in a position to visit Prudence Lodge , and all hoped that his stay in England might be a happy one , and that his health might be completely restored . Bro Dr . Smyth seconded , and the resolution was carried vvith acclamation . Bro . Mason , in the course of a fitting reply , said how pleased he vvas to make the acquaintance of those present . He had heard of Prudence Lodge in Natal , and
had read vvith pleasure the reports of the meetings which had appeared in the Masonic journals . Especially had he been struck with an address delivered by Bro . C . L . Mason , and not only his own lodge , but the Durban Lodge had perused it vvith interest and profit . Speaking of his own lodge , he said it numbered 65 members , and the average attendance vvas 31 . During the year he vvas W . M ., last year , they held iS meetings , had 16
initiations , 17 passings , and iS raisings—a fair amount of work . He wore on his breast a handsome jewel presented by his lodge , and he vvas proud to wear it . He had a telegram that at the last meeting of his lodge they initiated two Wesleyan ministers , rather an unusual thing in the Colonies . He assured all present that he deeply appreciated all that he had seen in the lodge , and he should not forget to carry back home a report of the fraternal feeling he had observed .
TORQUAY . St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 328 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge vvas held on Monday , the 7 th instant , in the Masonic Hall , when there present , vvith others , Bros . R . D . Renwick , VV . M . ; T . Beckett , S . VV . ; Jno . Taylor , S . D ., as J . W . ; J . Gorwin , as S . D . ; H . R . Beer ,
J . D . ; T . Bladder , l . G . ; R . L . Mugford , P . M . ; Jas . Grant , P . M ., Chap . ; VV . Taylor , P . M ., Prov . G . D . C , Sec . ; T . Brooks , Org . ; G . Burt , Tyler ; W . Knee , W . Bedford , 1 SS 1 j and Collins , 106 . The lodge vvas opened by the VV . M ., and the minutes of last meeting read and confirmed . Bro . W . Knee was passed to the Degree of F . C . by the VV . M ., in a very able
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and creditable manner . Bro . Jno . Chapman , 551 , 1 4 02 , 1 SS 4 , P . P . G . D . Devon , vvas unanimously elected a joining member of the lodge , together with Bro . W . P . Roberts , 135 S . The lodge voted a contribution of £ 2 ios . to the " Binckes' Annuity Fund , " and disposed of a variety of miscellaneous business , after vvhich the lodge vvas closed .
Jordan Lodge ( No . 1402 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., when there vvere present , vvith others , Bros . T . H . Wills , VV . M . ; J . McKellar , S . W . ; Jno . Taylor , J . W . ; T . Prust , P . M ., Chap . ; J . Dodge , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; J . Chapman , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Sec . j T . J . Grossman , S . D . ; S . Wills , J . D . ; W . Hersey ,
I . G . j T . Brooks , Org . j Geo . West , Steward j T . W . Morgan , I . P . M . j Jno . Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . j J . Murray , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; C . Hill , E . J . Pratt , J . G . Turle , Nosworthy , Morton , P . M . 124 S , P . P . G . D . C . N . and E . Yorkshire ; and J . E . Newton , Tyler . The lodge vvas opened by the VV . M ., and the minutes of last meeting read and confirmed . A donation vvas voted by
the lodge to the R . M . I , for Girls , to be placed on Bro . Lane ' s list , vvho is acting as Steward at the next annual Festival in May . Bro . J . G . Turle vvas passed to the Degree of F . C . by the W . M ., who performed the ceremony in a very able and lucid manner , Bro . J . Taylor delivering the lecture on the second tracing board . Bro . Lane reported having been successful in placing upon the " Devon Masonic Educational Fund " the child of a deceased brother of the
lodge , and then proceeded to give a lucid and interesting account of the working of the Third Degree in the Province of Bristol , comparing it vvith some very old workings , as well as vvith that in use at the present time , noting the chief points in the beautiful ceremony . As our distinguished Bro . Lane is a specialist in the department of Masonic rituals , the brethren highly appreciated his instructive account . Bro . J . Chapman also gave an account of the part he took in working the Third Degree in Bristol some 15 years
. The lodge then proceeded to dispose of a considerable amount of general business , after vvhich the lodge vvas closed .
TWICKENHAM . Strawberry Hill Lodge ( No . 946 ) . —The installation meeting of this old and distinguished lodge was held on Wednesday , the gth inst ., at the Town Hall . Present : Bros . A . Machin , VV . M . ; E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . J . Lyons , J . W . ; W , Beard , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Middx ., Sec ; G . W . Brown , S . D . j H . E . Gomme , I . D . ; F . R . Robinson , I . G . ; H .
Barton , D . C ; T . Inglis , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . Middx . ; Geo . Mayor Cooke , P . M . ; Rohrs , P . M . ; A . Loft , P . M . ; J . Auton , P . M . ; and F . DeGroot ; also as visitors Bros . Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C , Dep . Prov . Grand Master j Wilson , P . J . G . W . Berks and Bucks j E . W . Warner , P . M . I 7 g 3 , P . P . A . G . D . C . j Carter , P . M . 141 j Ransford , I . P . M . 1512 ; Langdale , 141 j Oliver , go 2 j
Wilson , 122 S J and R . W . Forge , P . M . 1793 , P . P . G . D . C . Middx . The lodge vvas opened , and the report of the Audit Committee vvas received and adopted , and other business of minor importance transacted . The W . M . then vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Inglis , P . M ., who duly installed Bro . Hopwood , the addresses being briefly and impressively
rendered . The W . M . appointed and invested the following officers : Bros . Lyons , S . W . j Brown , J . W . j Beard , Secj H . E . Gomme , S . D . j Robinson , J . D . j Barton , I . G . j De Groot , D . Cj and A . Walkley , Tyler . Bro . Wohlgemuth , P . M ., Treas ., vvas , in consequence of illness , unable to attend , but the W . M ., in feeling terms , alluded to his absence , and expressed the wish that he might soon be restored to health .
The lodge vvas closed , after vvhich the brethren retired to banquet at the King's Head Hotel , vvhich was served in Bro . Barton's usual efficient style . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly given and honoured , and the handsome Past Master ' s jewel of the lodge presented to the I . P . M ., Bro . A . Machin . A very pleasant evening vvas spent , Bros . Langdale , Warner , Inglis , and Ransford contributing greatly to the enjoyment of the brethren .
WALTON-ON-NAZE . Arnold Lodge ( No . 1799 ) . — A meeting of this lodge vvas held on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., at the Clifton Hotel , when there were present Bros . J . M . Scarlett , VV . M . ; H . Wilkinson , S . W . ; E . Groocock , J . W . ; E . Osmond , Treas . ; R . H . Scott , P . M ., P . P . A . G . Sec , Sec ; VV . E . Sutton , S . D . ; C . P . King , J . D . j lames
Andrews , D . Cj T . H . Harman , I . G . j W . Wright , Stwd . j J . James , Tyler j G . Canler , I . P . M . ; Rickarby , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Dorling , P . M ., P . P . G . Sec . ; VV . Finer , P . M . ; H . Finer , P . M ., P . P . A . G . P . Suffolk j Loomes , Purvis , Svvoffer , VV . Wright , Dunn , Schofield , Randall , and Daniel . Visitors : Bros . T . J . Railing , 51 , P . A . G . D . C . England , P . G . Sec . j A . Welch , 51 , P . P . J . G . W . j J . F .
Haskins , Org . 136 4 ; and M . Page , 2063 . The lodge vvas opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and conlirmed . Bro . A . Purvis was raised to the Degree of M . M ., the VV . M . giving the working tools . The ballot proving unanimous , Messrs . R . Scarlett and C . Dowcra were duly initiated . Election of W . M . then took place , and Bro . H . Wilkinson , S . VV ., vvas declared elected
and congratulated . Bro . E . Osmond vvas again elected Treas ., and Bro . James , Tyler . Bros . Randall , King , and Wright vvere appointed Auditors . The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to supper . The usual toasts vvere loyally given and received , and the lodge congratulated by Bros . Railing and Welch on the excellent working of its VV . M . Bro . Railing , P . G . Sec ,
also informed the brethren that Bro . Lord Brooke , P . G . M ., had appointed Saturday , July 26 th , as the day on which he intended holding Provincial Grand Lodge at VValton-on-Naze under the banner of the Arnold Lodge . Some excellent songs and selections of music were given by the W . M ., and Bros . Sutton , Purvis , R . Scarlett , and others , under the able direction of Bro . J . F . Haskins , Organist to Lodges 194 , 212 , & c .
WOOLWICH . Union Waterloo Lodge ( No . 13 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of the above nourishing lodge , took place on Wednesday , the 9 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall
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Woodward , P . M ., Secretary , returned thanks in an appropriate speech , remarking that what he had done had been a labour of love , and he was extremely gratified by that mark of their appreciation and esteem . The W . M . then proposed a hearty vote of thanks , which was seconded by the S . W ., and heartily carried , to Bro . Dr . Nicholls , the I . P . M ., for the valuable assistance rendered by him during
the past year . The W . M . further said he desired to link vvith that his own thanks , and also had to ask the I . P . M . 's acceptance from him of a Past Master ' s jewel . Bro . Dr . Nicholls , I . P . M ., thanked the W . M . sincerely for the kind terms in vvhich he had alluded to him , and for the handsome jewel presented to him . He also thanked the brethren for the unanimous vote of thanks accorded him . Bro . Fox
Havves was duly installed as W . M . by Bro . C . H . Woodward , P . M ., who performed the ceremony for the iSth time , and appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . Hubbard , S . W . ; Williams , J . W . ; R . Price , Treas . ; C . H . Woodward , P . P . G . S . of W ., Sec ; Griffiths , S . D . ; Moss , J . D . ; Hellewell , ' I . G . j W . Nicholls , D . C ; Gates and Timson , Stewards ; and Lane , Tyler . The
addresses vvere effectively rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . C . H . Woodward . On the motion of Bro . Dr . Nicholls , a hearty vote of thanks vvas accorded to Bro . George Price for his services as W . M . during the Jubilee year , and also upon his resigning the Treasurership of the lodge , vvhich he had held for 35 years . On the suggestion of Bro . J . Hooke , P . M ., the members immediately
subscribed sufficient to make Bro . George Price s youngest grandson a Life-Governor of one of the Masonic Charitable Institutions . The Secretary presented every member vvith a neatly bound history of the lodge , compiled by himself , and completed up to the end of the Jubilee year , and received a cordial vote of thanks . The lodge was closed , and , after an excellent banquet , the usual toasts vvere duly honoured .
Bro . Frederick West , Dep . Prov . G . M . in charge , responding for " The Grand Officers , " said that , as a very small item in a very comprehensive subject , he trusted they would accept from him the very hearty thanks of the Grand Officers whose names ' vvere included for the very excellent rendering of the Masonic ceremony tbey had witnessed and the great cordiality shown that night .
Being , . called upon to respond reminded him of 12 months ago , when they vvere graced with the presence of a very large number of distinguished Grand Officers , and it then fell to the lot of a very distinguished officer to return thanks for that toast . He naturally felt regret that he should have to respond on the present occasion , but at the same time , being called upon , he replied with the greatest
cordiality . They vvere told that Masonry rested on a sure foundation , and it vvas a great pleasure for any Grand Officer to be present on the installation night to witness the addition of one more ruler of the Craft , and so taking part in the popular ceremony of making up the old fabric , for however sure and however sound the foundation may be , it vvas liable to fall into decay for want of repair , and they
vvere only too glad to witness the old building being renovated from time to time , such as on the present occasion . The stone vvhich had been taken up and filled in that day was a stone of a very ancient nature , as they knew , and he supposed they could not select in the province a more distinguished ruler than the brother vvho filled the office of I . P . M . They had been fortunate in that lodge in having a
good number of distinguished brethren as P . M . ' s . They had had a very distinguished Secretary for a great many years , one vvho had worked hard for the Craft at large , and whose duties had been so faithfully fulfilled as to be recognised in the way in vvhich the I . P . M . described in the lodge . He was sure in losing their Bro . George Price from the office oi W . M ., they vvere losing one vvho had done
suit and service to the Craft in the Province of Surrey in a way vvhich no one could possibly compete vvith . If he could find one to follow in his footsteps , he , as an officer of it , should be particularly pleased . He was glad that in the lodge Bro . Price had found somebody bearing his name to take up the office he had filled for nearly 40 years . When they elected Bro . George Price to the office of W . M . for the
second time in 50 years , he vvas sure it vvas one of the most unanimous appointments that could be made in a lodge , and when he left the chair they could not help feeling , however illustrious his follower might be , there was something wanting in the grand fabric vvhich it would be difficult to replace . They could not help thinking it possible that there vvas no flock , however cared and tended , but one pet lamb
vvas missing ; there vvas no fireside , however fortunate , but had one vacant chair and the Past Masters of that lodge , in parting vvith Bro . Price , would feel they had lost a position in it which would be difficult to fill . He vvas sure that one and all would do their best to support the W . M . during his year , and he vvas not wrong in saying it was the wish of every Grand Officer that Bro . Fox Havves would have a
prosperous and happy year . There vvas one topic vvhich vvas of importance he knew in the Province of Surrey , and he believed as a topic vvas being discussed now—they would forgive him referring to it—and that vvas whether it vvas right and proper for Masons to give " Hearty good wishes " to the W . M . They had some antiquarian members in the lodge , notably the Secretary , who had given them a resume
of all the minutes of the lodge in his history , and he vvas sure the views of that brother , of Bro . George Price , and of those rulers of lodges would be valuable vvith a view to try and solve the mystery as to whether it vvas right and proper to give "Hearty good wishes " to the VV . M . He personally felt it difficult to know what to do and he should like tc have some authoritative statement from the Grand Lodge .
or the Board of General Purposes , that they might all know what to do , and that there should be no half and half feeling about the matter . It appeared to him that the origin of the matter vvas somewhat simple . When travelling vvas not so rapid , and the interchange of ideas between lodges vvas not so general , it was usual to extend the right hand of fellowship to all those vvho mi g ht be in a similar
neighbourhood and it vvas usual for the invitation to be sent to the W . M . and Wardens , and no doubt the visitors gave wishes which , he believed , in the olden times vvas a recognised part of the W . M . He thought it should be somebody appointed on behalf of the lodge to give " Hearty good wishes , " for he did not think it was competent for any member to give
them unless so appointed , especially as in some cases when the W . M . of a lodge was present . He thought the solution of the matter vvas this—that the W . M . or whoever vvas appointed to attend vvas the proper person to convey congratulations to an incoming Master , for he vvas the person accepting the hospitality of the W . M . and it could not be out of place to wish him " Hearty good wishes . " It seemed
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to be a simple solution , and if it should be determined to be so he was sure the Province of Surrey would heartily fall in vvith the suggestion . Personally , as one of the Grand Officers and as the ruler of the province , he should be glad if the point vvas settled up . Bro . Hy . Thompson , P . P . S . G . W ., replied for "The Prov . Grand Officers , " and having returned thanks , said
that when he had placed in his hands the record of the lodge he looked for some point vvhich he could choose as a text on vvhich to found his remarks . The first name he saw was that of Bro . Hope , and he thought that a good name to dilate upon . He saw that the first W . M . bore the harmonious name of Hope , and when they started a lodge it vvas with the hope that it might prosper as time went on . They
now found that the hope with regard to that lodge had been raised to perfection in Bro . Price . He hoped it vvas not the last time he should see their beautiful working . They had all enjoyed themselves that evening , not only vvith what they had heard , but also vvith what they had seen . Bro . Woodward had impressed them vvith his beautiful working , and vvith the feeling that Masonry vvas something higher
than most people thought it . Bro . George Price , I . P . M ., said the toast vvhich he had the pleasure and honour of submitting vvas " The Health of the W . M . " Bro . Fox Havves , the W . M ., had worked his way up through every office in that lodge up to the S . W . 's chair , and that he occupied for two years in order to permit him ( Bro . Price ) to go into the chair of the lodge for the second
time . At length , after waiting for two years—vvhich vvas somewhat disappointing to many Masons , but it did not appear to have the slightest effect upon Bro . Fox Havveshe had attained the summit of his ambition , and was now the W . M . of the lodge . It was a grand thing to be the W . M . of a lodge . It gave power and dignity , and it vvas true there was much responsibility , but it vvas a position
that almost every Mason desired and coveted . Bro . I'ox Havves deserved their confidence , their best feelincs , and their hearty good wishes . He ventured to say that , because as the I . P . M . of that lodge , and lately , of course , their W . Master , he was sure he should be in order , and should not violate any of the edicts of Freemasonry , when he asked them to join him in wishing the W . M . "Hearty good
wishes . He could only say that he trusted and hoped , and was , in fact , sure they would join in wishing their VV . M . a year of enjoyment and prosperity . Bro . W . Fox Havves , VV . M ., in response , said that from his experience of the lodge the toast of the W . M ., especially on the installation night , was always well received . He was diffident in undertaking the duties of W . M ., following such
an illustrious predecessor as Bro . George Price , and when he remembered the array of Grand Officers present a year ago , he felt he shone with a diminished lustre . However , with their assistance he would use his best endeavours to promote the interests of his mother lodge . He knew all the brethren would look vvith a favourable eye on his shortcomings , and he trusted his endeavours would be moderately successful , as he should look forward to make them so . As
they all kneiv , last year they celebrated the Jubilee of the lodge , and in the coming year he hoped to work the ceremonies in a quiet way , so that the lodge would make its mark in the province . Bro . Dr . Parsons Smith , P . P . G . D ., replied for " The Visitors , " and other toasts given vvere " The Past Masters " and " The Treasurer , " responded to respectively by Bros . George and Robert Price ; " The Secretary , " replied to by Bro . Woodward j "The Officers , " andthe Tyler's toast .
LEEDS . Prudence Lodge ( No . 2069 ) . —The last regular meeting of this lodge , which took place on the nth inst ., vvas a most successful function . The VV . M ., Bro . Chas . Middleton , occupied the chair of K . S ., and he vvas supported by Bros . Fretwell , S . W . j Atkinson , J . W . ; Abbott , Sec . ; B . Abbott , Asst . Sec . ; Butterworth , S . D . ;
Bailey , J . D . ; Trevor , P . M ., D . C ; Smithson , I . G . j Dr . Smyth , P . G . Chap . ; C . L . Mason , P . P . G . Treas . ; and others . The visiting brethren included several members of Leeds lodges , and also Bro . J . W . Mason , I . P . M . 95 6 , Pietermaritzberg , Natal . The tracing boards in the two Degrees vvere given by Bros . Dr . Smyth and C . L . Mason respectively . When
"Hearty good wishes" vvere being exchanged , Bro . Tudor Trevor called attention to the presence of Bro . J . W . Mason , of the Province of Natal , and said how heartily they would all join in welcoming their distinguished colonial brother . Bro . Middleton , in seconding Bro Trevor's remarks , moved a formal vote of welcome , assuring Bro . Mason that it vvas a great gratification to all that
he had found himself in a position to visit Prudence Lodge , and all hoped that his stay in England might be a happy one , and that his health might be completely restored . Bro Dr . Smyth seconded , and the resolution was carried vvith acclamation . Bro . Mason , in the course of a fitting reply , said how pleased he vvas to make the acquaintance of those present . He had heard of Prudence Lodge in Natal , and
had read vvith pleasure the reports of the meetings which had appeared in the Masonic journals . Especially had he been struck with an address delivered by Bro . C . L . Mason , and not only his own lodge , but the Durban Lodge had perused it vvith interest and profit . Speaking of his own lodge , he said it numbered 65 members , and the average attendance vvas 31 . During the year he vvas W . M ., last year , they held iS meetings , had 16
initiations , 17 passings , and iS raisings—a fair amount of work . He wore on his breast a handsome jewel presented by his lodge , and he vvas proud to wear it . He had a telegram that at the last meeting of his lodge they initiated two Wesleyan ministers , rather an unusual thing in the Colonies . He assured all present that he deeply appreciated all that he had seen in the lodge , and he should not forget to carry back home a report of the fraternal feeling he had observed .
TORQUAY . St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 328 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge vvas held on Monday , the 7 th instant , in the Masonic Hall , when there present , vvith others , Bros . R . D . Renwick , VV . M . ; T . Beckett , S . VV . ; Jno . Taylor , S . D ., as J . W . ; J . Gorwin , as S . D . ; H . R . Beer ,
J . D . ; T . Bladder , l . G . ; R . L . Mugford , P . M . ; Jas . Grant , P . M ., Chap . ; VV . Taylor , P . M ., Prov . G . D . C , Sec . ; T . Brooks , Org . ; G . Burt , Tyler ; W . Knee , W . Bedford , 1 SS 1 j and Collins , 106 . The lodge vvas opened by the VV . M ., and the minutes of last meeting read and confirmed . Bro . W . Knee was passed to the Degree of F . C . by the VV . M ., in a very able
Provincial Meetings.
and creditable manner . Bro . Jno . Chapman , 551 , 1 4 02 , 1 SS 4 , P . P . G . D . Devon , vvas unanimously elected a joining member of the lodge , together with Bro . W . P . Roberts , 135 S . The lodge voted a contribution of £ 2 ios . to the " Binckes' Annuity Fund , " and disposed of a variety of miscellaneous business , after vvhich the lodge vvas closed .
Jordan Lodge ( No . 1402 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., when there vvere present , vvith others , Bros . T . H . Wills , VV . M . ; J . McKellar , S . W . ; Jno . Taylor , J . W . ; T . Prust , P . M ., Chap . ; J . Dodge , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; J . Chapman , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Sec . j T . J . Grossman , S . D . ; S . Wills , J . D . ; W . Hersey ,
I . G . j T . Brooks , Org . j Geo . West , Steward j T . W . Morgan , I . P . M . j Jno . Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . j J . Murray , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; C . Hill , E . J . Pratt , J . G . Turle , Nosworthy , Morton , P . M . 124 S , P . P . G . D . C . N . and E . Yorkshire ; and J . E . Newton , Tyler . The lodge vvas opened by the VV . M ., and the minutes of last meeting read and confirmed . A donation vvas voted by
the lodge to the R . M . I , for Girls , to be placed on Bro . Lane ' s list , vvho is acting as Steward at the next annual Festival in May . Bro . J . G . Turle vvas passed to the Degree of F . C . by the W . M ., who performed the ceremony in a very able and lucid manner , Bro . J . Taylor delivering the lecture on the second tracing board . Bro . Lane reported having been successful in placing upon the " Devon Masonic Educational Fund " the child of a deceased brother of the
lodge , and then proceeded to give a lucid and interesting account of the working of the Third Degree in the Province of Bristol , comparing it vvith some very old workings , as well as vvith that in use at the present time , noting the chief points in the beautiful ceremony . As our distinguished Bro . Lane is a specialist in the department of Masonic rituals , the brethren highly appreciated his instructive account . Bro . J . Chapman also gave an account of the part he took in working the Third Degree in Bristol some 15 years
. The lodge then proceeded to dispose of a considerable amount of general business , after vvhich the lodge vvas closed .
TWICKENHAM . Strawberry Hill Lodge ( No . 946 ) . —The installation meeting of this old and distinguished lodge was held on Wednesday , the gth inst ., at the Town Hall . Present : Bros . A . Machin , VV . M . ; E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . J . Lyons , J . W . ; W , Beard , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Middx ., Sec ; G . W . Brown , S . D . j H . E . Gomme , I . D . ; F . R . Robinson , I . G . ; H .
Barton , D . C ; T . Inglis , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . Middx . ; Geo . Mayor Cooke , P . M . ; Rohrs , P . M . ; A . Loft , P . M . ; J . Auton , P . M . ; and F . DeGroot ; also as visitors Bros . Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C , Dep . Prov . Grand Master j Wilson , P . J . G . W . Berks and Bucks j E . W . Warner , P . M . I 7 g 3 , P . P . A . G . D . C . j Carter , P . M . 141 j Ransford , I . P . M . 1512 ; Langdale , 141 j Oliver , go 2 j
Wilson , 122 S J and R . W . Forge , P . M . 1793 , P . P . G . D . C . Middx . The lodge vvas opened , and the report of the Audit Committee vvas received and adopted , and other business of minor importance transacted . The W . M . then vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Inglis , P . M ., who duly installed Bro . Hopwood , the addresses being briefly and impressively
rendered . The W . M . appointed and invested the following officers : Bros . Lyons , S . W . j Brown , J . W . j Beard , Secj H . E . Gomme , S . D . j Robinson , J . D . j Barton , I . G . j De Groot , D . Cj and A . Walkley , Tyler . Bro . Wohlgemuth , P . M ., Treas ., vvas , in consequence of illness , unable to attend , but the W . M ., in feeling terms , alluded to his absence , and expressed the wish that he might soon be restored to health .
The lodge vvas closed , after vvhich the brethren retired to banquet at the King's Head Hotel , vvhich was served in Bro . Barton's usual efficient style . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly given and honoured , and the handsome Past Master ' s jewel of the lodge presented to the I . P . M ., Bro . A . Machin . A very pleasant evening vvas spent , Bros . Langdale , Warner , Inglis , and Ransford contributing greatly to the enjoyment of the brethren .
WALTON-ON-NAZE . Arnold Lodge ( No . 1799 ) . — A meeting of this lodge vvas held on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., at the Clifton Hotel , when there were present Bros . J . M . Scarlett , VV . M . ; H . Wilkinson , S . W . ; E . Groocock , J . W . ; E . Osmond , Treas . ; R . H . Scott , P . M ., P . P . A . G . Sec , Sec ; VV . E . Sutton , S . D . ; C . P . King , J . D . j lames
Andrews , D . Cj T . H . Harman , I . G . j W . Wright , Stwd . j J . James , Tyler j G . Canler , I . P . M . ; Rickarby , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Dorling , P . M ., P . P . G . Sec . ; VV . Finer , P . M . ; H . Finer , P . M ., P . P . A . G . P . Suffolk j Loomes , Purvis , Svvoffer , VV . Wright , Dunn , Schofield , Randall , and Daniel . Visitors : Bros . T . J . Railing , 51 , P . A . G . D . C . England , P . G . Sec . j A . Welch , 51 , P . P . J . G . W . j J . F .
Haskins , Org . 136 4 ; and M . Page , 2063 . The lodge vvas opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and conlirmed . Bro . A . Purvis was raised to the Degree of M . M ., the VV . M . giving the working tools . The ballot proving unanimous , Messrs . R . Scarlett and C . Dowcra were duly initiated . Election of W . M . then took place , and Bro . H . Wilkinson , S . VV ., vvas declared elected
and congratulated . Bro . E . Osmond vvas again elected Treas ., and Bro . James , Tyler . Bros . Randall , King , and Wright vvere appointed Auditors . The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to supper . The usual toasts vvere loyally given and received , and the lodge congratulated by Bros . Railing and Welch on the excellent working of its VV . M . Bro . Railing , P . G . Sec ,
also informed the brethren that Bro . Lord Brooke , P . G . M ., had appointed Saturday , July 26 th , as the day on which he intended holding Provincial Grand Lodge at VValton-on-Naze under the banner of the Arnold Lodge . Some excellent songs and selections of music were given by the W . M ., and Bros . Sutton , Purvis , R . Scarlett , and others , under the able direction of Bro . J . F . Haskins , Organist to Lodges 194 , 212 , & c .
WOOLWICH . Union Waterloo Lodge ( No . 13 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of the above nourishing lodge , took place on Wednesday , the 9 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall