Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

THE CRAFT . PROVINCIAL . PIC-NIC OF THE MARINERS' LODGE , No . 349 ,

LIVERPOOL . On Thursday evening , the 4 th inst ., the usual monthly meeting of the Mariners' Lodge was held at The Temple , Hope-street . The W . M . ( Bro . J . K . Smith ) occupied the chair , supported by Bro . Pearson , S . W ., and Bro . Hughes , J . W . On account of the stormy weather , the attendance of brethren was not so large as usual . The

lodge was opened at six o ' clock , when thc minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed unanimously . Four candidates were initiated , and three brethren were passed to the second degree . Seven brethren were then elected on the Investigation and Relief Committee ; Bros . Rose and Lewis were appointed Stewards , after which the lodge resolved that a pic-nic should be held on

the nth , Gresford ( a lovely spot a few miles beyond Chester ) being selected as the scene of the festivities . The W . M ., S . W ., J . W ., and P . M . Pinnington were appointed to carry out the arrangements in connection with the excursion . It should have been stated in our report of thc installation proceedings that the following brelhien were

invested : Bros . P . Pinnington , the I . P . M . ; G . de Laperelle , P . M ., the elected Treasurer ; Ball , jun ., Tyler ; and Bro . Roberts received his re-appointment as Secretary . The lodge was afterwards closed hi due form . In accordance with the icsclution heartily adopted at the monthly meeting , a large number of the brethren , in company with their fair friends—the entire party

numbering about eighty—assembled on the George s landingstage , on the morning of Thursday , the nth inst ., for the purpose of proceeding on the pic-nic excursion . The weather was all that the most fastidious could desire , thc heat of the sun being agreeably tempered by a genial breeze . It may here be stated that it has been customary in previous years to invite the presence of ladies at

the annual installation banquets ; but as very few generally responded to the invitation , and for several other reasons , it was thought advisable to substitute a pic-nic in place of this arrangement , and the large number of the fair sex present on the occasion showed the wisdom of the change , which will probably be followed out in future . Little time had been afforded in which to make the

necessary arrangements , and therefore it is all the more creditable to the W . M . and Bro . Pinnington—who undertook the refreshments and arrangements at Gresford—and to Bros . Pearson and Hughes , for providing and superintending the amusements , that the excursion proved in every respect a most pleasant and successful one , affording complete enjoyment to every one . In the best spirits the

¦ merry party left the landing-stage shortly before ten o ' clock , and after a highly enjoyable journey arrived at their destination in good time , when every one immediately proceeded to find enjoyment in the way best suited to his or her taste . The more contemplative enjoyed a walk through the woods , some found their delight in dancing , others entered wilh zest into the ever-popular game ofthe "Jolly Miller , " a few played at cricket ,

improvised races , and all did their best to make a pleasant day pass pleasantly . A visit to the find old church and an ascent to thc top of the tower , from whence a splendid prospect could be had , were also among the enjoyments . Iiro . Joseph Wood , who hada large camera on the ground , also added considerably to the interest of the " out" by taking a large photograph of the whole party , besides other groups of two , three , and four individuals . An abundance of "creature comforts" at lunch and tea were

supplied by Bro . Bolland , of Chester ; and Bro . G . A . W . Phillipps was present with an excellent quadrille band for the benefit of the dancers . Before starting on the return journey votes of thanks were given to Bro . Smith , W . M ., for his valuable assistance in getting up the pic-nic , and a hope was expressed that these pleasant "outs" would

continue to be periodical . 1 he W . M . acknowledged the compliment , and in doing so referred to the excellent help he had received from Bro . Pearson , S . W ., and Bro . Hughes , J . W ., for whom three hearty cheers were given . After singing the National Anthem , and giving cordial cheers for the ladies , the party returned to Liverpool , where it arrived at rather a late hour .

LANCASTER . — Lodge of Fortitude . No . 281 . —Thc Sfgular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Rooms , Athena-urn , Lancaster , on Wednesday . 10 th inst . There weie assembled a goodly number of members under the presidency of the W . M ., llro . John Hatch , who was supported by his officers , P : ist Masters and members , an follows- . —Bros . E . Storey , I . P . M . ; C . Hartley . S . W .

J , Barrow , J . W . ; James Match , P . M ., Treas . ; Edmund Simpson , P . M ., See . ; W . Heald , S . D , ; B . Mills , as J . D . ; William Hall , I . G . ; J . Watson . Tyler ; Past Masters Wm . Wearing . Prov . G . Steward ; R . Stanton ; and J . Daniel Moore , M . D ., Prov . G . S . of Works ; Bros . R . Jervis , J . Iludd , M . M . Harrison , J . Beesley , Wm . He aid , T . Stanley , R . Taylor , J . Beeley ; visitor , Bro .

K . R . Ilalhornthwaitc , ofthe Royal Sussex Lodge . The lodge being opened , the minutes read and confirmed , and other business transacted , a F . C . lodge was opened , and the W . M ., in accordance wilh the summons , called upon Bro . Moore , P . M ., lo deliver the lecture upon the tracingboard of the second degree , which was done in such a

manner as to elicit a special vote of thanks from the brethren . Four brethren of high standing in the Craft were proposed as joining members of the lodge by Bros . J . Hatch . W . M .. Jas . Hatch , P . M ., E . Simpson , P . M ., and Dr . Moore , P . M . The Secretary made some announcements , amongst others , lhat a brother who making a short sojourn in the town and desiring to attend thc meetings of

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t tis lodge , in lieu of subscription gave a sum of twenty shillings to the lodge to be expended in charity . Three guineas having been previously voted by the lodge for the West Lancashire Educational Fund , the Secretary suggested that if twenty-two members would subscribe one shilling each , it would confer a life governorship upon the

W . M . of the Lodge . This suggestion was quickly acted upon and the necessary sum subscribed . It was understood that at the next regular meeting of the lodge a lecture on the tracing-board of the first degree would be delivered by Bro . W . Hall , W . M . 1051 . There being no other business before the lodge it was closed in due form .

LEICESTER . —John of Gaunt Lodge , No . 523 . —The brethren of this lodge were summoned to attend an emergency meeting at the Freemasons' Hall , on Monday , the Sth inst ., and ihe business being of an interesting naturethe initiation of a Syrian Christian , a native of Beyroutthe attendance of members and visitors was numerous , about forty brethren being present . The W . M ., Bro . T .

H . Buzzard , presided for the first time since his installa'ion . The candidate ' s name , rendered into English , is Iskander , or Alexander Howard , that being nearly the sound of the name in Arabic , which cannot be literally given in English , and he is a most intelligent and gentlemanly young man , who speaks English and five other languages . He has visited Leicester expressly for the

purpose of being initiated into Masonry , an arrangement having been made to that effect some months ago in the East between him and his proposer , Bro . J . E . Hodges , of this lodge . On the lodge being opened , the ballot was taken and was declared to be unanimous in his favour . A F . C . ' s lodge was then opened , and Bros . Rowlett and Charles worth , who had been previously examined in the

first degree , were passed to the second degree . The lodge being lowered to the first degree , the candidate was introduced , and he was regularly initiated into our mysteries in an efficient manner , the impressiveness of the ceremony being greatly aided by the performance of Bro . Charles Johnson on the organ , and who , with the assistance of the musical brethren , gave the chants of the

degree . On the conclusion of the ceremony ,, the lecture on the tracing-board was given hythe I . P . M ., Bro . Toller , and the charge by the P . G . M . Two gentlemen were then proposed for initiation , and the lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to refreshment , and spent an hour or two very pleasantly—the usual loyal and Masonic toasts alternating with songs from several of the

brethren . The newly-initiated brother , in responding to the toast of his health , addressed the brethren first in Arabic and afterwards in English , thanking them for the honour they had done him in initiating him into an Order for which he had long entertained the highest respect , and to which he felt proud to belong . He then gave some very curious particulars of a system very similar to

Freemasonry practised among the Arabs of the desert . Bro . Turner , of the Maybury Lodge , in responding for the visiting brethren , bore high testimony to the admirable manner in which this lodge was worked . Amongst those present , in addition to the W . M ., were Bros . Kelly , P . G . M . ; Rev . John Spittall , W . B . Smith , C . Johnson , and Geo . Toller , jun ., P . M . ' s ; Sculthorpe , S . W , ; Rev .

Dr . Haycroft , J . W . ; Baines , Sec ; Partridge , S . D . ; Richardson , J . D . ; Atkins and Sergeant , Stewards ; Mace , I . G . ; Moor , Elgood , Rowlett , Charlesworth , Thomson , J . E . Hodges , J . C . Clarke , Ross , Spencer , and others . Visitors : Bros . Suffield ( P . M . 925 ) , Turner ( 965 ) , J . J . F . Scott ( 1007 ) , Stanley ( W . M ) , Gosling , Halford , Thorpe , Blunkley , Smith , Palmer , Widdowson , and Gurden , of No . 279 .

NOVA SCOTIA . HALIFAX . —Royal Standard Lodge , No . 398 . —The members of the lo Ige celebrated the anniversary of St . John ' s day , by a pic-nic at McNab's Island , The steamer Mc-Mac , which was hired for thc occasion , started from t ic wharf about eleven o ' clock , with the party on board , which was a large one , numbering about 200 , and

proceeded to the Island , after taking a turn up the harb mr . The fine band of the 78 th Highlanders accompanied the party and entertained them with their enlivening strains . On arriving at the Island , the company proceeded to Mr . McNab's grounds , the use of which had been very kindly granted for the occasion , where several marquees had been pitched , and a platform for dancing erected , which

latter amusement was kept up with great spirit during the day . The company sat down to luncheon about 3 o ' clock in regular pic-nic style , and the various uniforms of the military mingled with the gay dresses of the ladies , and the more sober atlire of the civil an friends present , presented a very bright and agreeable picture . Altogether a very pleasant day was spent , and although the afternoon

turned out rather wet , the sport was not permitted to flag for one moment . The party returned home about halfpast eight o ' clock in the evening , highly pleased with the day ' s amusement , and the excellent arrangements which had been made for their entertainment , and they separated wishing heartily that they might meet again on another similar occasion . The members of this Lodge met

round the festive hoard on the 1 st inst ., for the purpose of entertaining a number of the Brethren ofthe Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers about to leave for England in II . M . ship Tamar very shortly , and a very pleasant evening was spent , some capital songs and recitations being given . The following toasts were proposed from the chair and duly honoured : " The Queen and ihe Craft ;" "The Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and all

the Koyal Family ; " "The M . W . G . Master the Earl de Grey and Ripon , coupled with the M . W . P . G . Masler the Earl of Zetland . " The W . Master , in a short but feeling speech , alluding to the approaching departure of the Brethren of the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers , then gave the toast of the evening : "The health of the Brethren of the R . A . and R . E . leaving the lodge , " which was most warmly and heartily responded to . The

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next toast was— " The three M . W . Grand Masters o ' Canada , Nova Scotia , and New Brunswick , and the Brethren generally throughout the Dominion of Canada ;" then— "The Ladies . " The Brethren separated as the " wee sum' hours" were drawing on , highly pleased and

amused with the evening's entertainment . This lodge , which is principally composed of military brethren , numbers about 60 members , and is in a highly prosperous condition , and we are happy to add that some naval brethren have very lately been added to the roll , so that both branches of Her Majesty ' s service are now represented in it .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

PROVINCIAL . LIVERPOOL . —St . John of Jerusalem Chapter , No . 203 —The regular monthly convocation of this chapter was held at the Masonic Temple , 22 , Hope-street , on Tuesday , the 2 nd inst . The chapter was opened at six o ' clock by Comps . Bradshaw , W . Rowson , M . E . Z . ; John Jones , M . E . H . ; and Jose M . Pastor . P . Z ., M . E . J . The

minutes of the last regular convocation were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Bro . David Hughes , of Lodge No . 203 , and being unanimous , he was exalted to the supreme degree of a H . R . A . Mason , which ceremony was performed by thc M . E . Z ., Comp . B . W . Row-son , in that very impressive and admirable manner for which he is known , and which earned for him

the approbation of his brethren when discharging the duties of W . M . of the lodge to which this chapter is attached . After the business was completed , the M . E . Z . rose and stated that before the chapter was closed he had a very agreeable and pleasant duty to perform . During the past year they had been presided over by the very excellent and worthy companion , Colonel Jose M . Pastor ,

and who , although a foreigner and having many difficulties to encounter in masteringour language , had performed his duties in such a manner as to receive the enconiums of all the companions in the chapter . He had now the pleasing duty of presenting to him , in the name of a number of the companions , a very handsome P . Z . jewel as a mark of the very high estimation in which they held him ,

and trusted he would receive it and wear it as such ; and when he visited his native land , and wore this token in the lodges of that country , it would speak more than words of the estimation in which he was held here , and would also show that he had been faithful to his trust and discharged the duties of his office in such a manner as to merit the approbation of his companions . —Comp . Pastor , having been decorated with the jewel by the

M . E . Z ., said that he could assure the whole of the companions that he felt grateful to them for this mark of their esteem ; that he would ever wear it with pride , not only in this country , but also in foreign climes ; and when far away , he would ever remember with gratitude the kind wishes of the companions of his mother chapter . Should his duties require his presence abroad , he would never cease to be a companion amongst them . —The chapter being closed , the companions joined in refreshment , wnen the health of Comp . Pastor was drank amidst loud acclamation .

NOVA SCOTIA . Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Nova Scotia . The first Annual Convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Nova Scotia , was held at the Masonic Hall , Halifax , on Thursday evening , June 23 rd , at which was present a full representation of all the Chapters working under this jurisdiction , and also a large and influential

attendance of visitors . In thc absence of M . E . Comp . the Hon . Alex . Keith , G . II . P ., who , owing to indisposition , was prevented from being present , M . E . Comp . S . R . Sircom , G . K ., took the chair , with M . E . Comp . W . A . Hesson , acting as O . K ., and M . E . Comp . J . Conway Brown , Grand Sciihe . The minutes of the Grand Chapter , and also a full

report from the Committee of General Purposes , which latter embodied all the transactions of thc Grand Chapter since its formation ( Oct . 15 th , 1869 , ) were read and approved . Reports from Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary were presented , read and approved . The routine business being concluded , thc installation

of officers-elect for the ensuing year was proceeded with , when the following Companions were duly installed into their respective offices ; the installation was performed by M . E . Comp . S . R . Sircom . M . E . Win . Twiney , G . Treas . ; R . E . Jas . Gossip , Sec . ; R . E . W . S . McDonald , P . S . ; R . E . G . T . Smither . - , G . R . A . C . ; V . E . | ohn Schofield , G . 3 rd . V . ; V . E .

C . W . Dimock , G . 2 nd V . ; N . F . Robt . Fraser , G . fst V . ; V . E . W . Richards , G . Sword Bearer ; V . E . Douglas McLeod , G . Standard Bearer . Grand Stewards—V . E . Jas . Montgomery , V . E . Edward Graham , Comp . J . A . Taylor , Grand Jxnitor . Com . of General Purposes—M . I ' . G . K . S . R . Sircom , M . E . G . S . J . Conway Brown , R . E . J . Gossip , G . Sec , ( cx-ofuio ) , M . E . W . A .

Hesson , M . E . C . J . McDonald , R . E . Wm . McDonald , R . E . Geo . T . Smilbers , M . E . Wm . Taylor , M . E . W . Nicholson . A communication announcing the formation of a Council of High Priests in this jurisdiction was read to the Grand Chapter and approved . Thc following are the

principal oflicers : Hon . Alex . Keith , President ; S . R . Sircom , Vice-President ; J . Conway Brown , Recorder . The thanks of the Grand Chapter were then tendered to Comp . Gossip , Grand Secretary , for his gratuitous services rendered to the Grand Chapter since its formation , after which the Grand Chapter closed .

CURIOSITY . —Freemasonry has in all ages excited the curiosity of mankind ; and curiosity is one of the most prevailing passions in the human breast . The mind of man is kept in a perpetual thirst after knowledge , nor can he bear to be ignorant of what he thinks others know .