Provincial Meetings.

his elders present enjoyed themselves thoroughly ; he had done so , and he certainly should never forget that evening . Bro . J . Duncan , S . D . 59 , said he had enjoyed the working he had witnessed , the dinner , the wines , and the scenery surrounding their place of meeting . Altogether he had spent a delightful time on that his first , and he trusted not his last , visit to the Kingswood Lodge .

Bro . Dewsbury , P . M ., said he was present at the consecration of the lodge , so that he felt , in some degree , at home amongst them . It had been a very pleasant meeting to him . Bro . Merrick was an old friend of 25 years ' standing , but that vvas the first time they had met within the walls of a Masonic lodge . It vvas a coincidence that rhey vvere both Past Masters of a Skelmersdale Lodge , one in London and the other in Natal .

"The Health of the I . P . M . " —absent in body , but present in mind—vvas given by the W . M . "The Officers of the Lodge" vvas next proposed in complimentary terms , and replied to by the Senior and Junior Wardens . The Tyler's toast followed , and closed the proceedings . The vocalists of the evening vvere Bros . Moore , Parkinson , and Kennedy . TORQUAY .

Jordan Lodge ( No . 1402 ) . —The annual festival of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the gth instant , at the Masonic Hall , when a large number of visitors and brethren from the neighbouring lodges assembled , amongst whom vvere the following : Bros . T . H . Wills , W . M . j J . McKellar , S . W . ; John Taylor , J . W-, W . M . elect ; J . Dodge , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Treas . ; T . J . Grossman , S . D . j

S . Wills , J . D . j W . Winget , D . C ; W . Hersey , I . G . ; G . West and J . Risdon , Stwds . ; J . E . Newton , Tyler ; Jno . Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; F . S . Hex , P . M . ; R . D . Renwick , W . M . 328 ; W . Taylor , P . M . 328 , P . G . D . C ; J . Salter , P . M . 32 S ; VV . Wakeham , P . M . 32 S , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; W . J . Way , W . M . 797 ; R . Light , W . M . 135 S j I . T . Janes , VV . M . 24 SJ F . Crowe , J . VV . and Org .

2189 , * H . R . Beer , J . D . 328 , * W . Thomas , 1 S 9 ; F . T . Hyne , 1341 , Hong Kong ; Dr . Pitt-Palmer , 32 S ; George Burt , 32 S ; J . G . turle , E . J . Pratt , R . Pickard , T . Brooks , W . J . Nosworthy , R . L . Mugford , P . M . 3285 T . Gale , W . H . Rowland , C . Hill , and W . Richardson , of Denver , Colorado . The lodge being opened by the W . M ., the minutes of the

previous meeting were read and confirmed . A successful ballot vvas then taken for Bro . VV . Thomas as a joining member , after which the Treasurer ' s balance-sheet vvas presented and approved , and vvhich showed—after dispensing its charities in the most liberal manner—a good balance in hand . The ceremony vvas then proceeded vvith , when the retiring W . M ., Bro . T . H . Wills , assisted by Bro .

Jno . Lane , very ably installed Bro . John Taylor as VV . M . for the ensuing 12 months , and he invested and appointed his officers as follows : Bros . T . H . Wills , I . P . M . and Sec . j John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., S . W . ; S . Wills , J . W . ; F . S . Hex , P . M ., Chap . ; John Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., Treas . j VV . Hersey , S . D . j W . Winget , J . D . j John Dodge , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., D . C .

E . J . Pratt , Org . j G . West , I . G . j J . Risdon and | J . D . Beer , Stewards ; and J . E . Newton , Tyler . Bro . J . Lane vvas elected Charity Steward and representative on the Committee of Petitions . Letters of apology vvere then read from several brethren regretting their absence , including one from Bro . R . F . Gould , P . G . D . England , the distinguished Masonic historian , and honorary member of the

lodge , and another from Bro . W . J . Hughan , P . G . D . England , & c , the celebrated Masonic author and antiquarian , also honorary member of the lodge , in vvhich he expressed his sorrow that the state of his health prevented his attending , expressing his high sense of the admirable manner in vvhich the I . P . M . had discharged his duties , and conveying his assurance that the newly-installed VV . M . vvas

in every way qualified for that onerous and honourable position , and his appreciation of the W . M . ' s career as a Freemason . The brethren expressed their deep sympathy with Bro . Hughan , and hoped the change would have the much desired effect , and restore him to his former state of health . The W . M . then presented Bro . T . H . Wills vvith a Past Master ' s jewel , on behalf of the lodge , as a token of

their appreciation of the admirable manner in vvhich he had filled the Master ' s chair during the year . After receiving the " Hearty good wishes " from the visitors , the lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet-hall of the lodge for the annual banquet , vvhich vvas decorated vvith flags , banners , plants , and shrvibs , Bro . W . J . Nosworthy providing a handsome repast , which

reflected great credit upon that brother . The toasts of "The Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of VVales ; the D . G . M ., Bro . the Earl of Lathom ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " were given by the W . M . ; and , in proposing the latter toast , he referred in feeling terms to the less the Craft had sustained through the death

of the Pro G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon . Other toasts followed ; and , in responding to the toast of his health , proposed by Bro . J . Lane , the VV . M . announced his intention to act as Steward for one or more of the great Charities during the year , and alluding to the capital custom vvhich has existed in the lodge for some years upon the installation of the VV . M ., he handed to the 1 ' reasurer a

cheque for live guineas for the lodge Charity Fund . The visitors and brethren generally expressed themselves highly pleased at the admirable manner in which the whole of the proceedings had been carried out , this being the first festival held on the lodge premises . The musical arrangements vvere ably carried out by Bro . E . J . Pratt , Bros . W . Thomas , Crowe , S . Wills , and J . G . Turle contributing towards the harmony of the evening .

YORK . Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the ist instant , at Freemasons' Hall , St . Saviourgate , for the purpose of according a Masonic welcome to the Grand Master of Pennsylvania and other distinguished visitors from America . Bros . MacCalla , Grand Master of Pennsylvania ; J . P .

Horner , Past Grand Master of Louisiana ; VV . M . Fleming , of New York ( accompanied by their wives ); and J . L . Hunt , of Philadelphia , arrived in York on the evening of the 31 st ultimo , and on the following day , under " the guidance of Bro . T . B . Whytehead , they visited the cathedral , the abbey , the fortifications , and other places of archadogical and Masonic interest , concluding the day's doings by inspecting the ancient records of the Grand

Provincial Meetings.

Lodge of York , vvhich vvere exhibited to them by Bro . J . Todd , P . M . In the evening the American visitors were entertained at dinner by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , after which they adjourned to the Masonic Hall , St . Saviourgate . Here the Eboracum Lodge had been opened by the W . M ., Bro . George Chapman , ' and a goodly number of members and visitors had assembled , including Bros . S . J . Dalton , P . M . ; VV . BrownP . M . ; VV . B . Dyson , P . M . ; M .

, Millington , P . M . ; G . Balmford , P . M . ; G . Lamb , as S . W . ; W . Storey , J . W . ; J . H . Shonksmith , S . D . ; P . Pearson , J . D . ; F . W . Halliwell , I . G . ; G . G . Pook and James Smith , Stwcls . ; VV . S . Child , Org . , * C . Garrood , H . L . Challenger , J . T . Chambers . G . H . Chapman , J . H . Scott , C . Hollander , VV . Sykes , J . Colahan , J . R . Dow , T . Milner , J . Horner , H . Scott , A . Archer , j . Mais , C .

Palliser , P . M . 1337 ; J . Todd , P . M . 236 ; W . H . Cowper , P . M . 1 S 4 S ; J . M . Goldie , P . M . 660 ; T . Archey , 23 6 J H . Longford , P . M . 1416 j A . M . Foster , 534 i J- Masterman , PJVI . 1019 j J . F . Watson , 566 ; H . E . Cousans , P . M . 13 S 6 ; G . W . Purnell , 23 G ; C Anderson , 23 6 ; A . Buckle , P . M . 236 ; F . R . Hansell , VV . M . 1416 ; J . E . Jones , 2326 ; and others . The chair having been taken by Bro . T . B . Whytehead ,

G . S . B ., the American visitors vvere escorted into the lodge and saluted vvith the customary honours . A candidate vvas then raised to the Third Degree by the acting W . M ., and Bro . Whytehead expressed the great pleasure experienced by the lodge at having amongst them so many visitors , some of whom vvere of such eminent fame . Bro . MacCalla replied , thanking the brethren for their kindly reception , and

saying that he did not feel at all like a stranger amongst them , seeing that he had the honour of being an honorary member of the lodge . The lodge having been closed , the brethren and visitors adjourned to the dining room , where light refreshments vvere served , and where the usual international toasts vvere honoured . - Bros . MacCalla , Horner , and Fleming

made eloquent speeches , dwelling on the universality of Freemasonry and the kindness and cordiality exhibited towards themselves , referring also to the pleasure vvhich they had in visiting York , the mother city of Freemasonry , as it is now known . Considerable alterations and additions have latel y been made to the hall and its surroundings . Two additional rooms for working the ceremonies in the Christian Degrees

have been connected vvith the lodge room proper , and a small sitting room added on the ground floor for private meetings of Committees . A recess has been formed in the entrance for the reception of a powerful stove , which vvill add greatly to comfort during the winter months , and anew lavatory has been formed behind the main buildings . A 3-manual organ , by Denman , has been placed in the lodge room , and was used for the first time , everyone being delighted vvith its mellow qualities .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

CROYDON . Mozart Chapter ( No . 1929 ) . —A meeting of this chapter vvas held at the Greyhound Hotel , on the 15 th inst . Among those present were Comps . I *; . J . Hoare ,

M . E . Z . ; H . H . Shirley , M . A ., P . Z ., P . P . A . G . S ., H . j F . Weiss , J . ; Capt . T . C Walls , P . Z ., S . E . ; G . Alliston , P . S . ; T . W . Richardson , ist A . S . ; E . M . Lott , Mus . Doc , P . Z ., P . G . Org . ; and Lane , Janitor . The minutes of the previous convocation vvere read and confirmed . Apologies for non-attendance vvere received from Comps . H . J . Lardner , P . Z ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Treas ., and F . Costello , S . N .

The chapter vvas then closed , and the companions adjourned to a well-served banquet . The First Principal proved to be an able and fluent Chairman . Comp . Dr . Lott responded on behalf of " The Grand Officers , " and Comp . Shirley acknowledged the toast of " The Prov . Grand Ofiicers . " A few other toasts vvere duly honoured , and the companions separated at an early hour .

HAMPTON COURT . Lebanon Chapter ( No . 1326 ) . —The installation meeting of this flourishing chapter was held at the Greyhound Hotel , on Saturday , the Gth inst . The members present vvere Comps . J . VV . Hartley , Prov . A . G . Soj ., Z . ; H . Hooper , H . ; G . R . Langley , J . ; R . F . Potter , S . E . ; C . W . Baker , S . N . ; J . T . Briggs , P . Z . ; E . Hopwood

P . Z . ; T . Moody , P . Z . j J . J . Marsh , P . Z . ; A . Blenkarn , R . Brown , John Bott , J . Amey , C O . Burgess , G . H . Reynolds , B . Forster , and VV . H . Moore . The chapter having been opened , the sanction of Grand Chapter to the removal to the Greyhound Hotel was duly reported . The minutes of the last convocation vvere read and confirmed . The S . E . elect having declined the office ,

the following elections consequent thereon vvere unanimously made : Comps . John Bott , S . E ., and A . Blenkarn , 2 nd A . S . Bros . B . Forster , S . W . 196 , and VV . H . Moore , J . D . 1625 , having been regularly approved at a previous convocation , vvere exalted into Royal Arch Masonry . Comps . H . Hooper , G . R . Langley , and R . F . Potter were next installed into the chairs of M . E . Z ., H ., and J .

respectively , a noteworthy feature being that each Principal vvas installed by his immediate predecessor in office . Each ceremony was rendered in a highly creditable and impressive manner , and fully maintained the excellent standard ot working attained by the chapter . The following are the other officers for the year : Comps . John Bott , S . E . ; C . VV . Baker , S . N . ; Hammond , P . Z ., Treas . ; G . Reynolds , P . S . ;

VVilson , ist A . S . j A . Blenkarn , 2 nd A . S . ; and Gilbert , Janitor . The prosperity oi the chapter vvas evinced at the last convocation , when Past Principals'jewels vvere voted to all companions entitled to them who are still subscribing members . On thepresent occasion Comps . J . J . Marsh , P . Z . j Moody , P . Z . ; and Hartley , I . P . Z ., being in attendance vvere duly invested , and the M . E . Z . was instructed to take an early opportunity of investing Comps . J . Hammond , P . Z ., Treas . ;

C . VV . Fox , P . Z . ; and J . C Woodrow , P . Z . Comp . J . T . Briggs , P . Z ., moved that a hearty vote of thanks should be accorded to the three companions who had installed their successors in the Principals' chairs , remarking that he had seen many chapters , but there vvere few in vvhich that took place . 'Phis having been seconded and unanimousl y carried , the chapter vvas closed . After banquet , the customary toasts were briefly honoured .

Royal Arch.

Comp . Hartley , Prov . A . G . Soj ., replying for " Ihe Provincial Grand Officers , " said of course he vvas a very humble Provincial Grand Officer , but he returned sincere thanks for the way in vvhich their endeavours vvere appreciated . His presence as a Provincial Grand Officer showed that if companions vvere inclined they had a chance of filling a similar position . He had gained his Masonic

honours from that chapter , and it would be an incentive to him to take a deeper interest in its welfare , and jf those officers coming on would follow his example , when it came to their time for honours , he should be as heartily pleased . Comp . J . T . Briggs , P . Z ., also replied . and referring to the fact that the Grand Superintendent had proposed his son for initiation in the province , said they vvere looking forward to

seeing the son follow in the footsteps of their beloved chief . It vvas a privilege to be a P . Z . of the chapter , and more so to receive those high honours in the province . "The Health of the M . E . Z . " was given by Comp . Hopwood , P . Z ., who said that Comp . Hooper had done his duty in the most efficient manner , vvhich they all appreciated , and trusted he would have health and strength to

carry out his duties . Comp . H . Hooper , M . E . Z ., said he rose at once to return thanks for the kind manner in vvhich his health had been proposed and received . With the excellent examples he vvas following he ought to do very well , and it would be his earnest endeavour to see that the work was kept up . He could only say that if a man did his best he could do no

more , and he would do his best to maintain the high position the Lebanon Chapter had attained . He hoped with the assistance of his officers to do so , and would try his utmost to succeed . "The Exaltees " was next honoured , and having been replied to by Comps . Forster and Moore , the M . E . Z . proposed "The H . and J . "

Comp . G . R . Langley , H ., responding , said that , as the Second Principal of the chapter , he could assure them he had to tender his cordial and hearty thanks for the reception he had received from them , not only upon that occasion , but ever since he vvas exalted in the chapter . It had been to some small extent his endeavour to do the best he could in the interests of the chapter from thc

time of his exaltation , and although it might appear somewhat egotistical , he felt that if he had failed to do . his duty , they would not have placed him in the position he held as Second Principal . He could assure them that as he had endeavoured to do his duty since his exaltation , so he would continue to do his best in the future . As their Second Principal he would fulfil the duties if possible vvith credit to

himself and satisfaction to them . If it should please them to elect him to fill the higher office he would also endeavour to discharge those duties to his own credit and to their satisfaction , and if he failed he would ask them to believe thatitwasnotfrom unwillingnessbutincapacity . Hethanked them for the cordial reception always accorded him as representing the brotherly love prevailing in the Craft , and

more especially in this Degree . He also thanked them for the kind remarks always made in respect to his small services , and would leave the J . to respond for the other portion of the toast . Comp . R . F . Potter , J ., thanked the companions , and particularly for electing him to his present proud and exalted position . It had been his endeavour to do his duty , in whatever capacity in vvhich he had been placed , to the utmost of

his ability , and nothing should be wanting in the future to do his duty vvith satisfaction and credit to the chapter . He did not expect to arrive at the perfection his predecessors had attained , but their success would be an incentive to him to do his utmost . "The Visitors" was cordially given , and duly responded to by Comps . Fruen and Lee .

In introducing "The Past Principals , " the M . E . Z . expressed the pleasure it had afforded him to present the jewels in the chapter to the P . Z . ' s present . Comp . Briggs , P . Z ., had rendered great service on many occasions , and vvas one of the most worthy . Comp . J . T . Briggs , P . Z ., said that at this time of the year companions vvere looking to their holidays and

pleasures , and that had kept some away , but if required they would have attended from a distance to render assistance . The Past Principals were all qualified to carry out their duties , and performed whatever services vvere required of them with great pleasure . They attended to give assistance , and would do so during the coming year . It had been a pleasant meeting that evening , and the officers had

carried out their work very ably in the installation of their successors . The P . Z . ' s wished the chapter every success , and vvere assured that in those coming forward good work vvas certain for years to come . Comp . J . J . Marsh , P . Z ., also replied , and joined in the expression of regret made by a previous speaker that Comp . W . H . Lee , the Prov . G . S . E ., vvas unable to be

present , as they had expected him , and would have been delighted to have seen him vvith them . With regard to the jewel presented to him , he had placed it next to his heart , and whenever he looked upon it he should regard it vvith great pleasure and delight , and think of the many happy

moments he had spent in the chapter . He thought he must have rendered some little suit and service or he would not have been presented with the jewel . Comps . Baker and Blenkarn replied for "The Officers , " after which a pleasant and successful gathering vvas closed by the Janitor's toast .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

CLARENCE LODGE ( No . 263 ) . —The usual vyeekly meeting vvas held on Thursday , the nth inst ., at Tupp ' s Restaurant , 8 , Tottenham Court-road . There vvere present Bros . VV . H . Kirby , VV . M . ; ] . W . Drysdale , S . W . ; D . D . West , J . VV . ; C . E . Bulling , Treas . j VV . Baker , acting Sec . j C . F . Cox , S . D . j J . Thompson , J . D . j R . Home , I . G . ; H . Neville , S . B . Levy , H . G . Cubitt , I . Bates , I . H . Passmore , T . Stallabrass , and T . Parker .

The lodge vvas opened in the First Degree , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The lodge vvas opened in the Second Degree , and resumed in the First . Bro . Stallabrass kindly consented to act as candidate , and having answered the necessary questions , vvas entrusted and retired , when the lodge vvas resumed in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing carefully and thoroughly rehearsed . The W . M . gave the