Exhibition Of Civic Plate.

curiosities , other articles were lent by the Society of Antiquaries , Mr . J . R . Vallentin , Mr . VV . Pitman , and L . H . Phillips , and there was an interesting collection of ancient and modern Japanese goods , lent by Mr . C . Pfoundes . In the Long Parlour there were exhibited the various charters granted ' to thc Corporation of London by William the Conqueror , Henry 11 ., Richard 1 ., and John ; various old books , records , and pictures ; two cases of valuable autographs ,

including a deed signed by Shakespeare ; the City jewelled sceptre , " purse , and " S . S . " chain used by the Lord Mayor on State occasions ; and the valuable plate in use at the Mansion House . The articles were all chronologically arranged by a staff from South Kensington Museum , whose services were kindly lent by Sir P . Cunliffe-Owen , in show cases . contributed for the occasion by Mr . I '" . Sage ; while the catalogue was prepared and thc hall-marks

verified by Mr . Wilfred Cripps and Mr . Soden-Smith . The arrangements for the collection were made by a Committee , of which Mr . Alderman Staples , F . S . A ., acted as Chairman , and Mr . VV . H . Cross , of St . Bartholomew ' s Hospital , as Hon . Secretary ; and to these gentlemen much of the success of the gathering was due . The band of the Coldstream Guards played during the

evening , and the guests , who included representatives from all the learned societies and the City companies , were received in the saloon on their arrival by the Lord Mayor and the Lad y Mayoress . It was a source of much regret that the exhibition lasted only for that one evening . All the articles , without a single loss or mishap , were returned to their various owners next day .

Scotland.

Scotland .

A GOLDEN WEDDING .

An interesting meeting took place in tbe Masonic Hall , Kelso , in connection with Kelso Lodge , No . 5 S , on Monday evening , the 7 th inst ., the occasion being the celebration of the ' Golden Wedding of Bro . and Mrs . James Allan , Forest Field , who had completed the fiftieth year of their married life . Bro . Allan is highly respected by all classes

of the community as a faithful and courteous public servant . He was for about twenty-live years one of thc town letter-carriers , and for about forty-live years he has officiated unintcruptedly in thc capacity of Tyler to the Kelso Freemasons . The brethren of the lodge , along with their lady friends , held a conversazione to celebrate suitably the rare event , and to express their respect for Bro . and Mrs .

Allan . There was a good attendance , and tea was provided in a very satisfactory manner by Bro . Slight , of the Border Temperance Hotel . After tea , a lady friend and several of the brethren , amongst whom was Bro . Nutton , of Durham Cathedral , on the invitation of the Chairman , Bro . Bulman , R . W . M ., contributed to the harmony and pleasure of the meeting . During the evening Bro . Allan

was presented with a purse of sovereigns anel Mrs . Allan with a golel pebble brooch in testimony of the congratulations and goodwill of the brethren . Bro . the Rev . P . M'Kerron , the Chaplain , made thc presentation , and in doing so alluded to the highly useful , blameless , and honourable , though humble and unostentatious , nature of Bro . Allan's career , anel concluded by expressing the hope ,

which was joined in by all , that , though he and his wife had already lived together for lialf-a-ccntury , they might yet be spared feir several happy years . Bro . Allan replied very feelingly and characteristically . Mrs . Allan anel he were thankful that they had been so long spared to each other , and that their many kind friends had thus honoured them . They had climbed the hill together , they were now toddling

down together , and they hoped to sleep together at the foot . He concluding hy expressing the hope that those of his friends present who were not married would soon lie so , and that all might live to celebrate their golden wedding . The proceedings throughout were very pleasant , and were brought to a close shortly after ten p . m . by the whole company singing Bro . Burns ' s ever green "Auld Lang Syne . "

Ireland.

Ireland .

CONSECRATION OF THE DOWNSHIRE LODGE , No . 662 . Freemasonry in the provinces appears tobe making rapid strides—the latest proof being thc establishment of a loelge under particularly promising auspices in Edenderry . This healthy state of things may be attributed , no doubt , to thc harmonious working of the Prov . G . Lodge of the Midland Counties , and the undeniable popularity of its Grand

Master , the Right Worshipful the Earl of Huntingdon . His lordship's interest in the latest addition tothcloeige-reill was evidenced by his presence at Edenderry , attended by the P . G . Sec , Bro . R . J . Shepherd Birr , on the occasion of tbe formal inauguration of the Downshire Lodge , No . 562 , so called from the title of the lord of the soil , the Marquis of Downshire .

The new lodge-room is situated in the Market House , and in every respect is most suitable for Masonic purposes , the large ball-room being capable of transformation into a commodious baniiueting-room , while Ihe lodge-room proper is a model of neatness and comfort . The establishment of the new lodge is due in a great measure to the Masonic aspirations of Bros . Walter Tyrrell , who occupies the office

of Sec . ; F . T . L . Dames , O . C ., W . M . ; and J . T . Gallogly , Treas . To these gentlemen the labour was undoubtedly one of love , but the success of the proceedings more than repaid them , we are sure , for their previous toils . The assemblage of Prov . G . Officers was unusually large , anel included the R . W . Bros . R . W . Sliecklcton , O . C ., D . G . M . of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , representing His Grace

the Duke of Abercorn , the Granel Master ; I hemophilus I-.. St . George ' , J . G . D . of the Granel Lodge of Ireland ; D . A . Bradley , P . G . O . Midland Counties ; II . T . Love ; V . W . Bro . Montgomery F . Barnes , P . G . Treas . ; W . Bro . D'Arcv , P . P . G . Sec . Mcath ; and many others , Ihe

attendance of members altogether being close upon fifty . Although by virtue of his office the D . G . M . was entitled to the honour of consecrating Ihe new lodge , Bro . Sheckleton gracefully waived his privilege in favour of the Earl of Huntingdon , who performed the impressive ceremony most effectively . Business was then formally opened , and the new W . M ., Bro . Dames , having taken the chair , with Bros .

Ireland.

George Dunne , as S . W ., and II . M . Williams , as J . W ., he congratulated the brethren on the fact that thc Downshire Lodge , No . 602 , started on its course with thc very respectable number eif eighteen members on its reill , while at the meeting a number of new names were submitted for ballot as well as for affiliation .

The bulge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to the ball-room , appropriately decorated , where a banquet was served up in the most admirable style by Miss Smith , of Edenderry . Thc usual loyal and fraternal toasts having been duly honoured , the company separated in " peace , love , and harmony , " after a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft iHasonrp . CAVEAC LODGE ( No . 176 ) . —The installation meeting of this influential and prosperous lodge was held at the Albion , Aldersgate-street , on Saturday last , 12 th inst . Present : Bros . Waiter Neumegen , W . M . ; Alfred West Thorpe , S . W . ; P . A . Nairne , P . M . ; Treasurer , Charles T . Dorey , P . M ., Secretary ; E . F . Johnston , S . D . ; William Kirkness . J . D . ; Charles Browne , P . M ., D . C ; Thomas

Ouihampton , P . M . ; J . B . Sorrcll , P . M . ; J . B . Sorrell , iun ., P . M . ; VV . Miller Goss , P . M . ; VV . J . Stride , P . M .: Robt . Sutherland , Aubrey Browne , Oscar L . W . Moore , Chas . J . Scott , Chas . Bischoff , Fredk . Elder , Guillermo A . Wilson , and Louis B . C Will . Visitors : Bro . Buss , Assist . Grand Secretary ; Bro . Simpson , P . G . Chaplain ; Bro . Hogg , P . G . D . ; Bro . Costa , P . G . D . ; M . R . Morton , P . M . 263 ;

John Charles , P . M . 19 ; A . Middlemas , P . M . ; Harold Carter , W . M . 320 ; John G . Horsey , W . M . 1619 ; Chas . Atkins , W . M . ' 121 I 0 ; ' H . B . Mughston . S . W . 122 S ; H . Paget . J . W . 191 ; S . Pollard , S . D ' . 19 ; C . II . Dorey , 160 ; W . W ' Wartraby , 1330 ; Robt . Symington , 1330 ; J . L . Patisson , 2 ; E . R . Hales , 34 ; Buzzegoli , and II . L . Hancock , 141 . Loelge was opened at 4 o ' clock p . m . in due

form , anel with solemn prayer , and the minutes of the previous meeting read antl confirmed . Lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , and Bro . L . B . C . Will , a candidate for raising , having been entrusted , retiree ] , when lodge was opened iri the Third , anel he was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . Lodge having then been resumed in the First , the ballot was taken for Mr . E . C . Fielding , a candidate for

initiation , which proving unanimous , that gentleman was duly admitted into the mysteries of Freemasonry . Lodge was then resumed in the Second Degree , and Bro . Alfred West Thorpe , S . W ., presented for the benefit of installation by the D . C . The first portion of the ceremony concluded , the lodge was resumed in the Thirel Degree , a Board of Installed Masters formed , and the W . M . elect duly placed in

thc chair of K . S . Having been proclaimed , saluted , and greeted , he then proceeded to invest Bro . Walter Neumegen , the retiring W . M . and Installing Master , as I . P . M ., and closeel the Board . The brethren were then re-admitted , and the W . M . saluted , proclaimed , and greeted in each of the three degrees . This portion of the ceremony over , thc newly installed W . M ., Bro . A . W . Thorpe , then invested

the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year Bro . Eilward F . Johnston , S . W . ; Bro . William Kirkness , J . W . ; Bro . P . A . Nairne , P . M ., Treasurer ; Bro . Chas . T . Dorcv , P . M ., Secretary ; Bro . Wm . Geo . Elder , S . D . ; Bro . Robt . Sutherland , J . D ., and Bro . O . L . W . Moore , I . G . The Tyler having been re-elected and invested , the Installing Master then proceeded to deliver to the W . M ., the Wardens ,

and brethren the ancient charges . The W . M . then rose and saiel that he hail now a very pleasing duty to perforin , viz ., that of presenting to Bro . I . P . M . Neumegen a very handsome P . M . 's jewel , subscribed by the lodge in recognition of his services to the body during the past year . After the transaction of other business lodge was closed , and the brethren re-assembled at banquet . During the evening the

usual loyal and Masonic toasts were fully honoured . In proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " Bro . Neumegen spoke of the high esteem in which Bro . A . W . Thorpe was held by the brethren of the lodge , and congratulated them on having at their head a Master possessed of such

great zeal and ability , and under whose direction they might with certainty expect a successful year . The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the I . P . M ., " spoke of the impressive manner in which Bro . Neumegen had rendered the ceremony of installation . The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .

NORTHERN BAR LODGE ( No . 1 G 10 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 14 th inst ., at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel . There were present Bros . Samuel Pope , O . C , W . M . ; T . C . VTatham , S . W . ; R . Luck , J . W . ; " Rev . F . K . Harford , Chaplain ; L . VV . Cave , O . C , Treasurer ; C . Churchill , P . M ., Secretary ; E . Macrory , S . D . ; VV . R . McConnell , J . D . ; Campbell

Foster , O . C . D . C ; Edward Ridley , I . G . ; T . Ilenr } Baylis , O . C ., Sld . ; J . Edge , P . M . ; L . Temple , Q . C . ; Butler , Sowerlvy " , Meek , Wormald , Lamb , Tomlinson , and Ord . The following visitors were present : Bros . J . Pope , Fred , A . Philbrick , O . C .: F . B . Cuningham , R . F . Roberts , J . H . P . Leresche , Rev . E . M . Tomlinson , E . Lowringer , II . Sutherland , S . E . Butler , T . W . Suagge .

WOOLWICH . —Union Waterloo Lodge ( No . 13 ) . —The usual monthly meeting eif the above olel loelge took place on Wednesday , the eith inst ., at tbe Masonic Hall , William-st ., Bro . 'T . Hutton . W . M ., in the chair , assisted by the following officers : Bros . C . Young , P . M . ; G . D . Davies , P . M . ; R . Hodgkinson , P . M .: G . W . Reid , P . M . ; N . Brown , S . W . ; II . S . Syer , J . W . ; Oliver Hutton ,

Secretary ; 1 . Hosgeiod , S . D . ; R . Smith , J . D . ; James Mattey , I . G . ; and W . Bidgood , Organist . Among the visitors present were Bros . O . C . Symonds , 35 ; A . J , Rowlev , I 5 ' , ( i ; Jas . Anderson , 1530 ; J . Ashworth , 153 G ; W . J . Harris , 700 ; and C Jolly , 913 ' { Freemason ) . 'The loelge having been duly opened , and the minutes of the last meeting confirmed , and there being no other

business before thc loelge , the election of W . M ., 'Treasurer , and Ty ler for the ensuing twelve months was proceeded with . " Bro . N . Brown , S . W ., was unanimously elected to the important position of W . M ., and returned thanks suitably ; Bro . G . Davies , P . M ., was , after a sharp contest with Bro . Chasleauncuf , elected Treasurer ; and Bro . Lackland as Tyler . Bros . Reid , P . M . ; Hodgkisson , P . M . ; and Akers were elected to serve on the Audit Committee .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

It was then unanimously resolved that a Past Master ' s jewel of the value of ten guineas should be presented to Bro . Hutton for the many and valuable services rendered by him to the loelge during his year of office . The lod < Te was then closed in due form and with solemn prayer , and the brethren partook of refreshments , during which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and "The

Health of the W . M . elect" drunk with enthusiasm . It may be interesting to the many friends of this grand old lodge to know that on that night for the first time in the memory of the oldest Mason present the original banner of thc lodge was displayed over the Master's " chair . It is an exceedingly handsome one , of line silk , with the name anel number of the lodge in gold on each side , as also the

emblems of Masonry . It was unearthed from an old lumber closet in the ante room of thc lodge , where it must have been laid up for many years past , ' for on our enquiring of Bro . Denton , P . M ., the oldest living Past Master of the lodge , and an authority upon Masonic matters generally

m this district , he assured us that he bad never seen or heard of such a banner . It will not , however , soon return to its obscure recjptacle , for thc worthy J . W ., Bro . Syer , in conjunction with Bro . Akers , have determined to have it properly hung on proper halberds by the installation meeting in July next .

LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No . 2 S 1 ) . —The monthly meeting of the members of this lodge was held in the Masonic Rooms , Athemeum , St . Leonardgate , on the 9 U 1 inst . 'There was a good attendance of brethren and visitors , amongst the former being His Worship the Mayor of Lancaster ( Bro . George Cleminson ) . Bro . W . Warbrick , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros .

lowett , as I . P . M . ( in the absence of Bro . E . Cardwell ); J . J . Croskcll , S . W . ; J . Atkinson , J . W . ; Jas . Hatch , Treas . ; Jeihn Hatch , Sec ; J . Pilkington , S . D . ; B . Gregson , J . D . ; T . Bayley , I . G . ; and R . Stanton and R . Nicholson , Stewards . 'The loelge was opened in the First Degree with the usual formalities , after which the minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed . It was resolved tei hold the

festival of St . John the Baptist on Wednesday , the 23 rd inst ., at the house of Bro . T . Longmire , West View Hotel , Morecambe . On the motion of Bro . Hatch ( Treas . ) , seconded by Bro . Cleminson , a vote of condolence was passed to Bro . Sumner on the bereavement he had sustained in the leiss of his wife . 'The usual proclamations were then made , eliciting " Hearty good wishes " from the visiting brethren , and the loelge was closed in peace , love , and harmony , and with solemn prayer .

WEST HARTLEPOOL . —Harbour of Refuge Lodge ( No . 764 ) . —The annual meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Churchstreet , on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., for the installation of the Worshipful Master for the ensuing year . The lodge was opened at three o ' clock , when a large number of brethren anel visitors were present .

Among those in attendance were Rros . C . S . Lane , W . M ., P . G . J . D . ; G . Carter , S . W ., W . M . elect ; R . B . Harpley , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Brown , Sec ; W . Mavson , S . D . s H . Baumann , J . D . ; J . Stonehouse , I . G . ; J . Quincev , Org . ; hi . Hudson , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Atkinson , ivler ; ' W . W . Brunton , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; S . Cowley , PiM ., P . P . G . S . W . ; J . W . Cameron , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; E . Hodgson , P . M .: W . II . Fisher , P . M . ; G . T .

Pearson , P . M . ; and W . D . Coxon , P . M ., who occupied the chair of J . W ., in the absence of Bro . G . Young , through illness . 'The visitors were Bros . W . Spofforth , W . M . ; F . Bennett , I . P . M . ; J . Horsley , P . M . ; R . W . Lynn , T . Carter , J . Hockaday , J . Mowbray , 531 ; W . York , 1611 ; A . Hey , P . M . ^ 09 ; " A . Knowles , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . Hunton , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., 940 ; Jas . Mall , W . M . ; E . E .

Wallace , 141 S ; A . Farmer , W . M . 1 S 4 S ; and F . Tovey , W . M . 1379 , P . P . G . O . ' The minutes of last regular meeting , confirming a vote of twenty-live guineas to the funds of the Girls' Schools , were duly reael and approved , anil a ballot was then taken for three candidates , which resulted in their being unanimously accepted . The loelge was openeel in the Second

Degree , and Bro . G . Carter , W . M . elect , was duly presented to the W . M ., and took the usual obligation regarding the government of the lodge . 'The lodge was then opened in ( he Superior Degree , and thence to the Board of Installed Masters . Bro . C . S . Lane , who had occupied the chair for

the past two years , was the Installing Master , and performed his duties , with the usual solemnities , in an admirable manner . After placing Bro . Carter in the chair of K . S ., the M . M . 's , Fellow Crafts , and Apprentices were , in due course , admitted , and saluted their new chief with the usual honours .

The W . M . then appointed and invested as his officers for the ensuing year Bros . H . Baumann , S . W . ; W . Mayson , J . W . ; R . B . Harpley , P . M ., Treas . ; T . H . Sissling , Sec ; J . Stonehouse , S . D . ; W . Roe , J . D . ; W . Marley , I . G .: J . Ouincey , Org . ; E . Hudson , P . M ., D . C . ; and W . Atkinson , Tyler . Bro . C . S . Lane was lunanimouslv chosen as the

representative of the lodge on the Chanties' Committee for the province . " Hearty good wishes " being- given by thc visiting brethren , the lodge was then closed , and the brethren aeljourned for the banquet to ( Bro . Hobson ' s ) Commercial Hotel , where , ample justice having been done to the good things , the W . M ., who presieled , proceeded with the toast list . 'These were given and responded to in a manner

which reflected great credit to the Fraternity . The W . M ., in rising to respond to the toast of his health , saiel -. Brethren , I have to express my sincere thanks to you for the very kind and hearty reception you have given me , and also for unanimously electing me to this exalted position . I do not feel worthy of so much kindness , but it will be my earnest endeavour to merit your confidence , and use

my best services for the continued welfare anil prosperity of the loelge . Bro . W . W . Brunton , P . M ., then proposed "The Health of the Installing Master , " and , reverting to having proposed Bro . Lane ' s health last year on his accession to the chair for Ihe second year , could compliment him most sincerely on the admirable manner in which he had performed his duties , and , more particularly that dav , on

the ceremony of installing his successor ; and , as the oldest P . M . of the lodge , he felt certain that , whilst it contained such ardent Masons , it must be prosperous . Bro . C . S . Lane briefly replied , and thanked the brethren for the very hearty support they had given him during the past two years , and , if he had done his duty to the lodge , he was amply repaid in being able to leave the chair knowing