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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
had rendered him by the very satisfactory manner in which they had severally discharged their duties , and trusted they would render to his successor the same support , so necessary in the well governing of the lodge . Bro . Rath , S . W ., and the other officers having responded , the " Tyler ' s " toast was duly honoured , and the brethren separated , after the enjoyment of a most successful meeting .
WHITTINGTON LODGE ( No . 862 ) . —Thc installation meeting of this lodge was held on Monday evening at Anderton ' s Hotel , and was presided over by Bro . A . R . Haley , W . M . As usual at installation meetings , the lodge was full , members and visitors being very numerous . Among these were , besides the W . M ., Bros . Tames Weaver , P . M . ; W . F . Smith , P . M . ; W . Hurlstone ,
P . M . ; R . W . Little , P . M ., Sec . ; F . N . Quilty , P . M ., Treas . ; John Walmisley , J . D . ; and Alfred Moore , I . G . Visitors : Bro . Col , Burdett , Prov . G . M . Middlesex ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . ; T . A . Adams , P . G . P . ; John Boyd , P . G . P . ; F . Davison , P . G . S . W . Middlesex ; James Moore , 714 ; James W . Baldwin , 1423 ; Edward W . Davis , P . M . 95 and 172 ; Peter Robinson , 201 ; J . F . Wuest , P . M . 753 ; Alex .
Adams , P . M . 252 ; T . J . Maidwell , 17 ; VV . Langridge , 142 ?; Chas . W . Hudson , J . D . 313 and 1540 ; W . F . Savage , W . M . 1425 , J . W . 834 ; James Forbes , W . M . 1287 ; C . Hampton , P . M . ; John George Marsh , P . M . 28 , P . G . P . Middlesex ; M . S . Larlham , W . M . Surrey Masonic Hall Lodge ; T . W . Clarke , Elliot Lodge ; Samuel T . Kingston , Stanhope Lodge ; Henry Webb , P . M . 72 , 193 ,
890 ; C . Chesterton , 72 ; H . Massey , P . M . -19 (" Freemason" ); G . Clarke , 177 ; A . Beasley , P . M . 780 ; J . Rcadly , 597 ; J . S . Brown ; and J . H . Chaplin . The lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock , and after the usual preliminaries Bro . Alfred Allen , jun ., 813 ; and Bro . D . J . Ross , 813 , were unanimously elected joining members . Bros . Smith , Richardson , and Devine were
afterwards passed to the Second Degree by the W . M . Bro . James Weaver , P . G . Org . Middlesex , P . M ., afterwards ' took the chair by desire of the W . M ., who presented to him Bro . Thomas Kingston , S . W . and W . M . elect , for the purpose of being installed as Master of the lodge . Bro . Thomas Adams , P . G . P ., took the S . W . chair during the ceremony . After Bro . Kingston had been installed in the
chair and saluted according to custom , he appointed Bro . A . R . Haley , I . P . M . ; Bro . Walker , S . W . ; Bro . Moore , J . W . ; Bro . F . N . Quilty , P . M ., Treas . ; Bro . James Weaver , P . P . G . Org . Middlesex , P . M ., Treasurer of the Benevolent Fun- , Bro . R . Wentworth Little , Prov . G . S . W . Middlesex , Sec . ; Bro . Walmisley , S . D . ; Bro . Blakemore , J . D . ; Bro . Packer , I . G . ; Bro . Gilbert , Tyler ; Bro . A . R . Haley , P . M .,
W . S . Bro . Little , on being re-investcd as Secretary , thanked the W . M . for the appointment , and also the ten W . M . ' s under whom he had served for their uniform kindness * and courtesy . This was the last time that he would hold the office of Secretary ; but the brethren would allow him to say that it was with great gratification he had witnessed the prosperity of the lodge in past years , and he
hoped it would continue unabated . He now must inform the brethren that he only held the oflice of Secretary until the W . M . was pleased to appoint his successor . Bro . Weaver then delivered the addresses , after which thc W . M . immediately proceeded with his work and initiated Mr . John Collinson in Freemasonry . The ceremony was admirably performed , thc W . M . giving proof that the
brethren had made an excellent choice in electing him as their head . Thc other new officers were also well up in tlieir work . Notice of motion for a revision of the bye-laws was given by Bro . Haley , I . P . M ., and the Secretary read a circular from the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , requesting a Steward from this lodge for the next festival of this Institution on the nth February ,
1876 . There being no further business before the lodge , the brethren then adjourned to the banquetting rooms , where an excellent repast awaited them , to which they did ample justice . At the clearing of the cloth grace was said , and the W . M . proceeded with the toasts . In giving that of " The Queen and the Craft , " he said it was a toast which was always received iu assemblies of Englishmen
with enthusiasm , and particularly at Masonic gatherings , Her Majesty being , as they were well aware , a patron of the noble charities of the Order . In giving thc toast of " The M . W . G . M ., " he said Masons were all proud of H . R . H . thc Prince of Wales , both as heir to the Crown and head of the Craft . He sincerely hoped that thc Great Architect of the Universe would be with his Royal
Highness in his travels both by sea and land , and restore him safely to his home . It was very gratifying to all Masons to see the great interest he took in Freemasonry , and those Freemasons who were present at thc installation of his Royal Highness some months since must have felt proud of him when they saw the admirable way in which he discharged his duties as Grand Master . The W . M . observed ,
in proposing " Thc Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , & c , " that the Craft were deeply indebted to , and ought to be proud to have one so able and willing to fill the lofty position of Pro Grand Master as Lord Carnarvon . Col . Burdett responding , said although there were other Grand Officers present who could respond to this toast , no one could do so with a greater
wish for the benefit of Ihe Order than himself . The Grand Officers were continually being asked out to these festival meetings , and they felt great pleasure iu attending them . Happily they did not seem to interfere much with their digestion or health . One of the Grand Officers present that evening ( Bro . Adams ) had reached the age of four score years and four , and he was one among many
instances of those whom Freemasonry had not deteriorated . The Grand Officers were glad to be able to feel that while they h . <\ done all thc work required of them conscientiously , they had done it so well that they had nut with thc approbation of thc Craft . ( Cheers . ) Bro . John Bo ) d , P . G . P ., also replied , and , referring to the remarks of Col . Burdett respecting the age of Bro . Adams , said that there ' was a Past Master of the Whit-
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tington Lodge present , ( Bro . Hurlstone , ) who was 87 years of age , and still in thc enjoyment of excellent health , It was a great pleasure to him ( Bro . Boyd ) to see him present . When he ( Bro . Boyd ) was a young man in Masonry , Bro . Hurlstone was comparatively an old man , and yet he went through the different degrees in lodges of instruction . It was very gratifying to Freemasons to find that such a
brother had had conferred upon him the highest honour the lodge could bestow . Moreover , there was not a brother around that hospitable board who was not pleased to sec Bro . Hurlstone , notwithstanding his age , able to join and sit amongst them . Bro . A . R . Haley , P . M ., proposed " The Health of the W . M . " He stated that it was with much pleasure he did so . Those of the brethren who had known
him a long time knew how to appreciate him . Those who had seen him for thc first time that evening perfotming the work in the lodge would also appreciate him for the admirable manner in which he had performed the ceremony of initiation , and also conducted the affairs of the lodge . As far as he ( Bro . Haley ) was concerned , he had never seen a W . M . the first time he was in the chair so fluent in his
working . What , then , might they expect from him during thc remainder of his year ? He concluded by calling on the brethren to drink the W . M . ' s health in bumpers , and most heartily . The toast was drunk with the utmost cordiality , after -which the W . M . said : —Worshipful Bro . Haley , P . M . ' s , Wardens , and brethren , —It is with a great deal of pleasure that I rise to return thanks for the very kind
manner in which my health has been proposed and received as W . M . of the Whittington Lodge . I need not tell you that I feel very proud to fill so distinguished a position as Master of this lodge . 1 only hope I shall be able to discharge my duties to your entire satisfaction . This being the first time in my life that I have filled thc chair of King Solomon , you must not expect mc to make a long speech ,
as I feel somewhat out of my clement . Therefore , you must excuse me . I hope I shall be better next time . 1 again thank you very much for the kind manner in which my health has been proposed and received . The W . M . afterwards proposeil " Thc Visitors , " observing that the lodge was very much pleased to see so many around the table , and hoping not only that this would not
be the last time they would come , but that they had had a pleasant evening . Bro . F . Davison , P . P . G . W . Middlese ., replied . From what he had seen that day , and from what he had heard fall from the lips of the W . M , he thought the Whittington Lodge would lose none of that lustre it had already secured , or the position it had taken in Freemasonry . He hoped the
VV . M . would have a year of office as pleasurable to himself as to the brethren at the table . He would depute to Bro . Binckes the duty of concluding the visitors' reply . Bro . F . Binckes , P . G . Steward , after some preliminary observations , said that the visitors had been extremely happy to have had the opportunity of being present on such an auspicious occasion as the installation in the Whittington Lodge . His first duty was to return the brethren's sincere
and warm congratulations to the W . M . on being placed in the chair , the highest position the lodge had tiic power to confer on any of its members , and secondly to wish every prosperity to the lodge over which thc W . M . ' had been called upon to rule . To the W . M . he wished all the health and happiness which he could wish himself . From what the visitors had witnessed , they could entertain no possible doubt that the brethren had exercised a most wise
discretion in the choice they had made of one so accomplished as the W . M . to be their ruler . Comparisons were always invidious ; but when he looked back on a long line of distinguished brethren who had ruled over this lodge and displayed a large amount of ability , he would be doing an injustice to them and paying no compliment to the W . M . if he did not expect that thc VV . M . would not excel all
former efforts and prove himself equal to any who had gone before him . That , in the opinion of the visitors , was very high praise indeed . He looked around the table and saw a great number of visitors to this lodge , many of whom he knew , some of whom he did not know ; but he and they had all had the pleasure , as well as thc honour , of being guests of the Whittington Lodge . He had looked
forward to this visit with much pleasure , and it would have been a great disappointment to him if he had been prevented coming . By coming he had the opportunity of expressing the warmest thanks of the visitors for the hospitality of the lodge , and of tendering their best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the lodge during the W . M . ' s reign . At the hospitable board the W . M . hail
been no less distinguished than he had been in the working of the lodge , and thc less the visitors deserved the more merit to thc lodge ' s bounty nnd hospitality . The W . M . proposed "The Initiate , " and said : Brethren , the toast I am now about to propose I know will be received with the greatest enthusiasm by you all when I tell you that it is the health of our brother initiate . Bro . Collinson
I have known for a great many years , and feel proud in having had the honour to initiate so worthy a brother to so distinguished a lodge as the Whittington . I feel satisfied that he will be an ornament to the Craft and a valuable addition to this lodge . Bro . Collinson , in reply , thanked the W . M . for initiating him . lie had had but a very faint idea of what he would have to go through . He knew it
would be something very serious . From what he had heard he gathered that he was expected to be a very honourable and virtuous man , and he should endeavour to carry out those excellent qualities . The W . M . next gave " Thc P . M . 's . " Without P . M . ' s the W . M . ' s would often find themselves in a very serious dilemma . The P . M . 's were
always ready to assist , and he hoped they would help him in his year of office . The lodge was very proud of its P . M . 's , and he had very much pleasure in presenting Bro . Haley , the I . P . M ., with the jewel of his oflice , wishing him many years of life to enjoy thc wearing of it . Bro . A . R . Haley , I . P . M ., replied , thanking the brethren very much for the handsome jewel just presented to him , ar , well as
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for the handsome , jewel commemorative of the Prince of Wales ' s installation as Grand Master . He felt it a very great honour , and hoped he would always so consider it . His experience of thc W . M . chair was that if a brother wished to do his duty in it , and determined to do it , the brethren would sympathise with him , and would render him all thc assistance in their power . In the choice they
had made of the present W . M . he thought they could not have done better , as they would all find as they went into the chair that thc principle on which to govern a lodge was to conduct it in harmony , to sink yourself as much as you could , and study the happiness of the brethren . Bro . W . Hurlstone , P . M ., said the P . M . ' s were at all times anxious to assist thc W . M ., as well as to encourage those
who were desirous of going into the Master ' s chair . It was a position that any man might be proud of . As the oldest P . M . of the lodge he felt that position a great honour . The lodge had been successful in its career , although that had been but a short one . The lodge had arrived at a high position in the Craft . It had many P . M . ' s , some of them Past Grand Officers . He had himself met with
great kindness from the brethren . lime , however , had the advantage of him now , but still he was able , thank God , and desirous to perform some little duties ; and he was proud to meet the brethren on this occasion . When he entered the lodge that night he little thought that he should meet his younger brother ( Adams ) , or so many distinguished Masons . He found many brethren there
whom he did not know before ; but it was a great pride to him in his latter days to make these new acquaintances . With respect to the VV . M ., he felt that he bade fair to make a worthy addition to the P . M . ' s of the lodge . Though he ( Bro . Hurlstone ) could not say much for himself , because his day in Freemasonry had gone by , he was a great admirer of Freemasonry . ; and he would not have
adhered to i ; so long if he had not seen that it was good . He should remain a Freemason as long as he lived , and if he should not again have the opportunity of thanking the brethren for this toast , he would say now with heartiness and sincerity that he thanked them very much for not forgetting him on this important occasion . The toast of "The Officers" followed , and the W . M . reminded them
that if they brought their best efforts to bear in assisting him during his year of oflice , in due time they would arrive at the position he had attained to . Bro . Walker , S . W ., said it was his pleasure , as well as his duty , to assist the W . M , and he was thankful that his efforts had been re-, cognised by placing him in the S . W . chair . that night . It was about ten years ago that he and the WdM . joined the
lodge , the VV . M . as an initiate , and himself as a joining member . They were now next lo each other in office , and he would use his best exertions to promote the prosperity of the lodge and the happiness of the W . M . ' s year of oflice . Bro . Alfred Moore , J . VV ., also icplied . He appreciated most highly the W . M . 's kindness in placing him in thc distinguished position of J . W . He would fulfil the
duties of that distinguished position with due ability . Any office in a lodge was a dignified one ; in fact , every one as soon as he entered Masonry was , if he proved himself a true Mason , a more dignified man than he was before . The man became a Mason , and if he held any position whatever , however humble , it was dignified . He was gratified when the
W . M . invested him with his collar of office , and told him his situation was in the south . They all knew that that position was not thc highest , although the sun was at its highest , at the meridian . In that position they might remember the J . W . was high up , and ere long , if no clouds intervened , would shine still brighter . He also remembered the duties the W . M . apprised him of ; nnd he would
remind the biethren that their pleasures in Masonry or in any other capacity in this life should be accepted in such a way that they might never exceed the bounds of what was honourable . The brethren should always so place themselves as to be capable of performing their duty . He would do his utmost to merit the esteem of the VV . M ., and of the brethren . " The Health of the Treasurer , Bro .
Quilty , " ami "The Secretary , Bro . Little , " followed . Bro . Quilty , Treas ., said that il was a source of great gratification to him to see the lodge prosper as it had . As far as his individual effoits were concerned he had endeavoured to support the lodge as much as he could . In entrusting him with the care of their funds , they might rely on it that he would do everything he could to promote their
interests . Bro . James Weaver , Treasurer of the Benevolent Fund , said he had £ 77 15 s . in hand , but he wanted to get rid of it and invest it . I le asked the brethren to contiibute enough to enable him to purchase £ 100 stock . It was a fund that must ultimately grow , and if it was now invested the brethren would net want to touch it . If any draught was wanted to be made for a
small amount they would not have to sell out . At the audit meeting brethren had told him if he wanted any addition to the fund they would be £ 3 each to it . He did not want so much ; he only wished to have a small individual contribution , it was , however , necessary that they should have a lunillo apply lo in case misfortune should overtake a brother . I le therefore appealed to the brethren for the means
tu purchase £ . 100 stock . Iiro . Little , Sec , as one of the officers included in the toa . t , was pleased that the brethren and visitors were gratified with their reception that evening . He then referred to what he had said in lodge as to his inability to continue to discharge the onerous duties of Secretary . He found that the duties of his Secretaryship of the Iloyal Masonic Institution for Girls
increasing so much that he could not also discharge the duties of Secictary of thc Whittington Lodge . It was with very great pleasure he found the lodge so flourishing . They had been increasing for a long time , and the lodge was now enabled to say it would have some funded property . The members introduced during the time he had belonged to the lodge were men of the right calibre ; men disposed to do their duty to the Craft ; men imbued
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
had rendered him by the very satisfactory manner in which they had severally discharged their duties , and trusted they would render to his successor the same support , so necessary in the well governing of the lodge . Bro . Rath , S . W ., and the other officers having responded , the " Tyler ' s " toast was duly honoured , and the brethren separated , after the enjoyment of a most successful meeting .
WHITTINGTON LODGE ( No . 862 ) . —Thc installation meeting of this lodge was held on Monday evening at Anderton ' s Hotel , and was presided over by Bro . A . R . Haley , W . M . As usual at installation meetings , the lodge was full , members and visitors being very numerous . Among these were , besides the W . M ., Bros . Tames Weaver , P . M . ; W . F . Smith , P . M . ; W . Hurlstone ,
P . M . ; R . W . Little , P . M ., Sec . ; F . N . Quilty , P . M ., Treas . ; John Walmisley , J . D . ; and Alfred Moore , I . G . Visitors : Bro . Col , Burdett , Prov . G . M . Middlesex ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . ; T . A . Adams , P . G . P . ; John Boyd , P . G . P . ; F . Davison , P . G . S . W . Middlesex ; James Moore , 714 ; James W . Baldwin , 1423 ; Edward W . Davis , P . M . 95 and 172 ; Peter Robinson , 201 ; J . F . Wuest , P . M . 753 ; Alex .
Adams , P . M . 252 ; T . J . Maidwell , 17 ; VV . Langridge , 142 ?; Chas . W . Hudson , J . D . 313 and 1540 ; W . F . Savage , W . M . 1425 , J . W . 834 ; James Forbes , W . M . 1287 ; C . Hampton , P . M . ; John George Marsh , P . M . 28 , P . G . P . Middlesex ; M . S . Larlham , W . M . Surrey Masonic Hall Lodge ; T . W . Clarke , Elliot Lodge ; Samuel T . Kingston , Stanhope Lodge ; Henry Webb , P . M . 72 , 193 ,
890 ; C . Chesterton , 72 ; H . Massey , P . M . -19 (" Freemason" ); G . Clarke , 177 ; A . Beasley , P . M . 780 ; J . Rcadly , 597 ; J . S . Brown ; and J . H . Chaplin . The lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock , and after the usual preliminaries Bro . Alfred Allen , jun ., 813 ; and Bro . D . J . Ross , 813 , were unanimously elected joining members . Bros . Smith , Richardson , and Devine were
afterwards passed to the Second Degree by the W . M . Bro . James Weaver , P . G . Org . Middlesex , P . M ., afterwards ' took the chair by desire of the W . M ., who presented to him Bro . Thomas Kingston , S . W . and W . M . elect , for the purpose of being installed as Master of the lodge . Bro . Thomas Adams , P . G . P ., took the S . W . chair during the ceremony . After Bro . Kingston had been installed in the
chair and saluted according to custom , he appointed Bro . A . R . Haley , I . P . M . ; Bro . Walker , S . W . ; Bro . Moore , J . W . ; Bro . F . N . Quilty , P . M ., Treas . ; Bro . James Weaver , P . P . G . Org . Middlesex , P . M ., Treasurer of the Benevolent Fun- , Bro . R . Wentworth Little , Prov . G . S . W . Middlesex , Sec . ; Bro . Walmisley , S . D . ; Bro . Blakemore , J . D . ; Bro . Packer , I . G . ; Bro . Gilbert , Tyler ; Bro . A . R . Haley , P . M .,
W . S . Bro . Little , on being re-investcd as Secretary , thanked the W . M . for the appointment , and also the ten W . M . ' s under whom he had served for their uniform kindness * and courtesy . This was the last time that he would hold the office of Secretary ; but the brethren would allow him to say that it was with great gratification he had witnessed the prosperity of the lodge in past years , and he
hoped it would continue unabated . He now must inform the brethren that he only held the oflice of Secretary until the W . M . was pleased to appoint his successor . Bro . Weaver then delivered the addresses , after which thc W . M . immediately proceeded with his work and initiated Mr . John Collinson in Freemasonry . The ceremony was admirably performed , thc W . M . giving proof that the
brethren had made an excellent choice in electing him as their head . Thc other new officers were also well up in tlieir work . Notice of motion for a revision of the bye-laws was given by Bro . Haley , I . P . M ., and the Secretary read a circular from the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , requesting a Steward from this lodge for the next festival of this Institution on the nth February ,
1876 . There being no further business before the lodge , the brethren then adjourned to the banquetting rooms , where an excellent repast awaited them , to which they did ample justice . At the clearing of the cloth grace was said , and the W . M . proceeded with the toasts . In giving that of " The Queen and the Craft , " he said it was a toast which was always received iu assemblies of Englishmen
with enthusiasm , and particularly at Masonic gatherings , Her Majesty being , as they were well aware , a patron of the noble charities of the Order . In giving thc toast of " The M . W . G . M ., " he said Masons were all proud of H . R . H . thc Prince of Wales , both as heir to the Crown and head of the Craft . He sincerely hoped that thc Great Architect of the Universe would be with his Royal
Highness in his travels both by sea and land , and restore him safely to his home . It was very gratifying to all Masons to see the great interest he took in Freemasonry , and those Freemasons who were present at thc installation of his Royal Highness some months since must have felt proud of him when they saw the admirable way in which he discharged his duties as Grand Master . The W . M . observed ,
in proposing " Thc Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , & c , " that the Craft were deeply indebted to , and ought to be proud to have one so able and willing to fill the lofty position of Pro Grand Master as Lord Carnarvon . Col . Burdett responding , said although there were other Grand Officers present who could respond to this toast , no one could do so with a greater
wish for the benefit of Ihe Order than himself . The Grand Officers were continually being asked out to these festival meetings , and they felt great pleasure iu attending them . Happily they did not seem to interfere much with their digestion or health . One of the Grand Officers present that evening ( Bro . Adams ) had reached the age of four score years and four , and he was one among many
instances of those whom Freemasonry had not deteriorated . The Grand Officers were glad to be able to feel that while they h . <\ done all thc work required of them conscientiously , they had done it so well that they had nut with thc approbation of thc Craft . ( Cheers . ) Bro . John Bo ) d , P . G . P ., also replied , and , referring to the remarks of Col . Burdett respecting the age of Bro . Adams , said that there ' was a Past Master of the Whit-
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tington Lodge present , ( Bro . Hurlstone , ) who was 87 years of age , and still in thc enjoyment of excellent health , It was a great pleasure to him ( Bro . Boyd ) to see him present . When he ( Bro . Boyd ) was a young man in Masonry , Bro . Hurlstone was comparatively an old man , and yet he went through the different degrees in lodges of instruction . It was very gratifying to Freemasons to find that such a
brother had had conferred upon him the highest honour the lodge could bestow . Moreover , there was not a brother around that hospitable board who was not pleased to sec Bro . Hurlstone , notwithstanding his age , able to join and sit amongst them . Bro . A . R . Haley , P . M ., proposed " The Health of the W . M . " He stated that it was with much pleasure he did so . Those of the brethren who had known
him a long time knew how to appreciate him . Those who had seen him for thc first time that evening perfotming the work in the lodge would also appreciate him for the admirable manner in which he had performed the ceremony of initiation , and also conducted the affairs of the lodge . As far as he ( Bro . Haley ) was concerned , he had never seen a W . M . the first time he was in the chair so fluent in his
working . What , then , might they expect from him during thc remainder of his year ? He concluded by calling on the brethren to drink the W . M . ' s health in bumpers , and most heartily . The toast was drunk with the utmost cordiality , after -which the W . M . said : —Worshipful Bro . Haley , P . M . ' s , Wardens , and brethren , —It is with a great deal of pleasure that I rise to return thanks for the very kind
manner in which my health has been proposed and received as W . M . of the Whittington Lodge . I need not tell you that I feel very proud to fill so distinguished a position as Master of this lodge . 1 only hope I shall be able to discharge my duties to your entire satisfaction . This being the first time in my life that I have filled thc chair of King Solomon , you must not expect mc to make a long speech ,
as I feel somewhat out of my clement . Therefore , you must excuse me . I hope I shall be better next time . 1 again thank you very much for the kind manner in which my health has been proposed and received . The W . M . afterwards proposeil " Thc Visitors , " observing that the lodge was very much pleased to see so many around the table , and hoping not only that this would not
be the last time they would come , but that they had had a pleasant evening . Bro . F . Davison , P . P . G . W . Middlese ., replied . From what he had seen that day , and from what he had heard fall from the lips of the W . M , he thought the Whittington Lodge would lose none of that lustre it had already secured , or the position it had taken in Freemasonry . He hoped the
VV . M . would have a year of office as pleasurable to himself as to the brethren at the table . He would depute to Bro . Binckes the duty of concluding the visitors' reply . Bro . F . Binckes , P . G . Steward , after some preliminary observations , said that the visitors had been extremely happy to have had the opportunity of being present on such an auspicious occasion as the installation in the Whittington Lodge . His first duty was to return the brethren's sincere
and warm congratulations to the W . M . on being placed in the chair , the highest position the lodge had tiic power to confer on any of its members , and secondly to wish every prosperity to the lodge over which thc W . M . ' had been called upon to rule . To the W . M . he wished all the health and happiness which he could wish himself . From what the visitors had witnessed , they could entertain no possible doubt that the brethren had exercised a most wise
discretion in the choice they had made of one so accomplished as the W . M . to be their ruler . Comparisons were always invidious ; but when he looked back on a long line of distinguished brethren who had ruled over this lodge and displayed a large amount of ability , he would be doing an injustice to them and paying no compliment to the W . M . if he did not expect that thc VV . M . would not excel all
former efforts and prove himself equal to any who had gone before him . That , in the opinion of the visitors , was very high praise indeed . He looked around the table and saw a great number of visitors to this lodge , many of whom he knew , some of whom he did not know ; but he and they had all had the pleasure , as well as thc honour , of being guests of the Whittington Lodge . He had looked
forward to this visit with much pleasure , and it would have been a great disappointment to him if he had been prevented coming . By coming he had the opportunity of expressing the warmest thanks of the visitors for the hospitality of the lodge , and of tendering their best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the lodge during the W . M . ' s reign . At the hospitable board the W . M . hail
been no less distinguished than he had been in the working of the lodge , and thc less the visitors deserved the more merit to thc lodge ' s bounty nnd hospitality . The W . M . proposed "The Initiate , " and said : Brethren , the toast I am now about to propose I know will be received with the greatest enthusiasm by you all when I tell you that it is the health of our brother initiate . Bro . Collinson
I have known for a great many years , and feel proud in having had the honour to initiate so worthy a brother to so distinguished a lodge as the Whittington . I feel satisfied that he will be an ornament to the Craft and a valuable addition to this lodge . Bro . Collinson , in reply , thanked the W . M . for initiating him . lie had had but a very faint idea of what he would have to go through . He knew it
would be something very serious . From what he had heard he gathered that he was expected to be a very honourable and virtuous man , and he should endeavour to carry out those excellent qualities . The W . M . next gave " Thc P . M . 's . " Without P . M . ' s the W . M . ' s would often find themselves in a very serious dilemma . The P . M . 's were
always ready to assist , and he hoped they would help him in his year of office . The lodge was very proud of its P . M . 's , and he had very much pleasure in presenting Bro . Haley , the I . P . M ., with the jewel of his oflice , wishing him many years of life to enjoy thc wearing of it . Bro . A . R . Haley , I . P . M ., replied , thanking the brethren very much for the handsome jewel just presented to him , ar , well as
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
for the handsome , jewel commemorative of the Prince of Wales ' s installation as Grand Master . He felt it a very great honour , and hoped he would always so consider it . His experience of thc W . M . chair was that if a brother wished to do his duty in it , and determined to do it , the brethren would sympathise with him , and would render him all thc assistance in their power . In the choice they
had made of the present W . M . he thought they could not have done better , as they would all find as they went into the chair that thc principle on which to govern a lodge was to conduct it in harmony , to sink yourself as much as you could , and study the happiness of the brethren . Bro . W . Hurlstone , P . M ., said the P . M . ' s were at all times anxious to assist thc W . M ., as well as to encourage those
who were desirous of going into the Master ' s chair . It was a position that any man might be proud of . As the oldest P . M . of the lodge he felt that position a great honour . The lodge had been successful in its career , although that had been but a short one . The lodge had arrived at a high position in the Craft . It had many P . M . ' s , some of them Past Grand Officers . He had himself met with
great kindness from the brethren . lime , however , had the advantage of him now , but still he was able , thank God , and desirous to perform some little duties ; and he was proud to meet the brethren on this occasion . When he entered the lodge that night he little thought that he should meet his younger brother ( Adams ) , or so many distinguished Masons . He found many brethren there
whom he did not know before ; but it was a great pride to him in his latter days to make these new acquaintances . With respect to the VV . M ., he felt that he bade fair to make a worthy addition to the P . M . ' s of the lodge . Though he ( Bro . Hurlstone ) could not say much for himself , because his day in Freemasonry had gone by , he was a great admirer of Freemasonry . ; and he would not have
adhered to i ; so long if he had not seen that it was good . He should remain a Freemason as long as he lived , and if he should not again have the opportunity of thanking the brethren for this toast , he would say now with heartiness and sincerity that he thanked them very much for not forgetting him on this important occasion . The toast of "The Officers" followed , and the W . M . reminded them
that if they brought their best efforts to bear in assisting him during his year of oflice , in due time they would arrive at the position he had attained to . Bro . Walker , S . W ., said it was his pleasure , as well as his duty , to assist the W . M , and he was thankful that his efforts had been re-, cognised by placing him in the S . W . chair . that night . It was about ten years ago that he and the WdM . joined the
lodge , the VV . M . as an initiate , and himself as a joining member . They were now next lo each other in office , and he would use his best exertions to promote the prosperity of the lodge and the happiness of the W . M . ' s year of oflice . Bro . Alfred Moore , J . VV ., also icplied . He appreciated most highly the W . M . 's kindness in placing him in thc distinguished position of J . W . He would fulfil the
duties of that distinguished position with due ability . Any office in a lodge was a dignified one ; in fact , every one as soon as he entered Masonry was , if he proved himself a true Mason , a more dignified man than he was before . The man became a Mason , and if he held any position whatever , however humble , it was dignified . He was gratified when the
W . M . invested him with his collar of office , and told him his situation was in the south . They all knew that that position was not thc highest , although the sun was at its highest , at the meridian . In that position they might remember the J . W . was high up , and ere long , if no clouds intervened , would shine still brighter . He also remembered the duties the W . M . apprised him of ; nnd he would
remind the biethren that their pleasures in Masonry or in any other capacity in this life should be accepted in such a way that they might never exceed the bounds of what was honourable . The brethren should always so place themselves as to be capable of performing their duty . He would do his utmost to merit the esteem of the VV . M ., and of the brethren . " The Health of the Treasurer , Bro .
Quilty , " ami "The Secretary , Bro . Little , " followed . Bro . Quilty , Treas ., said that il was a source of great gratification to him to see the lodge prosper as it had . As far as his individual effoits were concerned he had endeavoured to support the lodge as much as he could . In entrusting him with the care of their funds , they might rely on it that he would do everything he could to promote their
interests . Bro . James Weaver , Treasurer of the Benevolent Fund , said he had £ 77 15 s . in hand , but he wanted to get rid of it and invest it . I le asked the brethren to contiibute enough to enable him to purchase £ 100 stock . It was a fund that must ultimately grow , and if it was now invested the brethren would net want to touch it . If any draught was wanted to be made for a
small amount they would not have to sell out . At the audit meeting brethren had told him if he wanted any addition to the fund they would be £ 3 each to it . He did not want so much ; he only wished to have a small individual contribution , it was , however , necessary that they should have a lunillo apply lo in case misfortune should overtake a brother . I le therefore appealed to the brethren for the means
tu purchase £ . 100 stock . Iiro . Little , Sec , as one of the officers included in the toa . t , was pleased that the brethren and visitors were gratified with their reception that evening . He then referred to what he had said in lodge as to his inability to continue to discharge the onerous duties of Secretary . He found that the duties of his Secretaryship of the Iloyal Masonic Institution for Girls
increasing so much that he could not also discharge the duties of Secictary of thc Whittington Lodge . It was with very great pleasure he found the lodge so flourishing . They had been increasing for a long time , and the lodge was now enabled to say it would have some funded property . The members introduced during the time he had belonged to the lodge were men of the right calibre ; men disposed to do their duty to the Craft ; men imbued