Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

I am sorry as yet our Hall is only a hired bungalow , but the question of a Temple has been agitated for many years , but vve have not been able to raise sufficient funds . Government has kindly intimated that it will allot a site on the Esplanade on favourable terms , but as it is in the midst of magnificent public buildings vve are required to erect a very handsome architectural structure , to be in

harmony with its surroundings . To do this vve do not yet possess the means , but the brethren are striving hard to augment their resources , and I am sure it will not be long before they accomplish it . And here I may tell you a story of funds that we look at with longing eyes but cannot obtain . About a century ago a Bro . Smith died at Cochin , Malabar Coast , and in his will left a lac of rupees

" to the illegitimate children of Lodge No . i , Bombay . " This vvill was discovered when the records of the old Supreme Court vvere removed to the new building of the High Court . The document had been partially destroyed by the ravages of white ants , but enough remained to show there vvas a Masonic legacy . Vour late District Grand Masters , Bros . James Gibbs and Tyrell Leith , both able

and accomplished barristers ( the former a member of the Bombay Council and subsequently Supreme Council ) did their utmost to unravel the donor's intention , and made every possible suggestion to Government to obtain this legacy , but the Government Law Officials vvere inexorable that vve did not prove our claim , and consequently the legacy still remains in the Government coffers . The amount with

interest ^ totals up to a very handsome sum , and if vve could obtain it the difficulty of _ building a Masonic Temple in _ Bombay would vanish . Upon another subject , which is dear to every Mason ' s heart—Charity—1 may tell you that , although the spead of our Craft is but recent , and , of course , vve cannot boast of Masonic schools and asylums for indigent brethren , yet in both Constitutions

funds are regularly set apart for benevolence , and are beginning to swell up in amount . We have excellent schools in the Bombay Presidency , so our Masonic orphans , if Church of England , are sent to the Bombay Education Society ' s Schools ; if Presbyterians , to the Scottish Orphanage ; if Roman Catholics to the St . Mary's College ; if children of soldiers , to the Lawrence Asylum , Mount Aboo ;

and the Craft pays for their education , clothing , and maintenance up to the age of 16 years . Our widows in distress are given monthly allowances as long as they need them . So , brethren , vve can proudly assert that no Mason ' s orphan is neglected , or widow permitted to want . I may tell you that your District Grand Lodge in Bombay and our Grand Lodgeof All Scottish Freemasonry in India work in perfect

harmony side by side , and jointly rent the same building , vvhich enables both Constitutions to minimise expenses . The Grand Lodges have wisely given more extended powers to India than to your Provincial Grand Lodges , and this is to be commended , for the rulers of the Craft in India are most able and expert Masons , and from their long residence in the East their knowledge and acquaintance with their

Oriental brethren enables them to deal with the various complex questions that naturally arise in a manner satisfactory to all , vvhich , if referred to your Grand Committees , would , from want of knowledge of our Oriental brethren , be dealt with in the hard and fast rules applying to home lodges , and cause friction . The powers given to your District Grand Master and to the Grand Master of All Scottish

Freemasonry have been most wisely used , with the result of a flourishing Craft , working in perfect harmony . Your District Grand Lodge of Bombay has been presided over by those eminent brethren the late James Gibbs and Tyrell Leith , and lastly by H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , who without exception has proved himself to be one of the most

popular men that ever served in India , beloved alike by every soldier and civilian , European and Indian . Other toasts followed , and a very pleasant evening vvas spent , the pleasure being enhanced by some excellent singing by Bros . Brockbank , choir master of Norwich Cathedral , F . G . Atkinson , and others .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BROUGHTON . St . Thomas' Lodge ( No . 992 ) . —The installation meeting of this very successful lodge vvas held at the Griffin Hotel , on Wednesday , the 3 rd inst ., the Installing Master on this occasion being Bro . J . J . Meakin , P . P . J . G . W ., who is well known to be a capital exponent of the Craft working , consequently the ceremony was a most

impressive one . There vvas a large number of influential brethren present , including Bros . J . W . Millward , W . M . ; J . H . Lamb , S . W . ; W . H . Southern , J . W . ; J . Hancock , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; H . G . Rutter , P . M ., Sec ; W . Hawkins , S . D . ; W . Craigh Royle , J . D . ; T . H . McGill , I . G . ; J . J . Meakin , P . P . J . G . W . ; P . B . Welch , P . M . ; A . Grice , P . M . ; T . Southern , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; Sam

Moore , P . M . ; H . Fisher , P . M . ; G . Ramage , G . Cooper , L Faulkner , C . Garbutt , VV . Meakinson , and W . J , Marsden . Visitors : Bros . N . A . Earle , P . P . J . G . W . ; M . Leresche , P . P . G . R . ; E . G . Lingard . P . J . G . W . ; p , Robinson , P . M . 152 ; D . Griffiths , P . M . 935 ; R . Chadwick , P . M . 1147 ; F . Stretch , 1730 ; J . Sharpies , 2359 C . Bagot , P . M . 1055 ; R . Hughes , W . M . 1219 ; J . A ,

Woolley , 853 ; A . H . Duffin , W . M . 1134 ; and G . S . Smith , P . M ., W . M . 2359 . The lodge vvas presided over in the first place by Bro . J . W . Millward , W . M ., who subsequently retired for the Installing Master , who appointed Bros . P . B . Welch , P . M ., S . W . ; A . Grier , P . M ., J . VV . ; and J . Hancock , P . G . S . B ., I . G . The ceremony of installation vvas proceeded with .

and Bro . J . H . Lamb vvas duly placed in the chair . After the usual formula , the brethren subsequently saluted him , and he was proclaimed in the three Degrees . The working tools vvere presented by Bro . Welch . The addresses to the W . M . and Wardens was delivered by Bro . Millward , P . M ., and that to the brethren by Bro . J . J . Meakin , P . P . J . G . W .

The W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . VV . H . Southern , S . W . ; W . Hawkins , J . W . ; Jas . Hancock , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; W . Craigh Royle , S . D . ; T . W . McGill , J . D . ; Thos . Southern , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., D . C ; Geo . Ramage , I . G . ; and W . Riddell , P . M ., Tyler ; and they vvere addressed by Bro . Hancock , Bro . J . M . Leresche , P . P . G . Reg ., addressing the Treasurer .

The brethren , after some formal business , closed the lodge , and subsequently dined together , and celebrated the festival of St . John . The attention vvas directed to the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . -

Provincial Meetings.

All the speeches were good , but very short and to the point . A very handsome Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro . Millward , I . P . M ., by the members of the lodge , and vvas manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

CAMBRIDGE . Scientific Lodge ( No . 88 ) . —At the monthly meeting on Monday , the Sth inst ., Bro . W . Purchas , W . M ., P . P . G . Reg ., in the chair , there was a good attendance of members , in addition to the following visiting brethren : Bros . M . W . Packer , P . M . 466 ; T . Watts , P . M . 441 ; W . H . Francis , W . M . S 50 ; 1 . Catling , 441 ; and VV . W .

Wallis , Ssoand 2107 . Mr . T . W . Allsop , of Ealing , vvas balloted for , unanimously elected , and subsequently initiated . The charge was given by Bro . T . Nichols , P . M . Bro . Frank Piggott , S . W ., P . P . G . Swd . Br ., vvas unanimously elected VV . M . for the ensuing year , and the

installation will take place on the 12 th prox . Bro . T . Hunnyhun , P . M ., vvas re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . C . H . Ellis as Tyler . Bros . O . Papworth , C . VV . Redin , and W . Fawssett vvere elected auditors . A Past Master ' s jewel vvas voted to Bro . W . Purchas on his retiring from the chair . The strength of this old lodge is now 75 , and there is work in store .

DARLINGTON . Marquess of Ripon Lodge ( No . 1379 ) . — On Thursday , the 5 th inst ., this lodge celebrated the annual Festival of St . John , at the Masonic Hall , Archer-street . The lodge vvas opened by Bro . Dr . Hill Drury , W . M ., and a large number of brethren and visitors were present . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed ,

Bro . Tovey , P . M ., presented Bro . Howlett , W . M . elect , to the W . M . The installation vvas proceeded with , and Bro . Hoivlett was placed in the chair in a most impressive manner by Bro . Hill Drury . Bro . Hill Drury then proposed "That the sum of 10 guineas be paid from the Lodge Charity Fund to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , to endow the chair of

the Treasurer of the lodge in perpetuity . " The motion having been carried , Bro . Hill Drury said that since the last meeting a very worthy brother ( Bro . Barron , P . M . ) had been elected to the honourable position of Chief Magistrate of the borough , and he felt sure that every member of the lodge would feel that no more popular appointment could have been made . He , therefore , proposed " That the

brethren of the Marquess of Ripon Lodge desire to congratulate Bro . Barron , P . M ., on his election to the position of Chief Magistrate of the borough , and to express the hope that he may have a happy and prosperous term of office . " This vvas duly seconded , and carried with

acclamation . The Mayor , who vvas present , thanked the brethren for their congratulations and good wishes . There being no other business , after hearty congratulations had been offered by the visiting brethren the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall to celebrate their annual festival .

After the cloth vvas removed the VV . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , dwelling particularly on the great loss Masonry in general had sustained in the death of the Pro Grand Master . In replying for "The Provincial Grand Officers , " Bro . Nutford , P . M ., Prov . G . Std . Br ., spoke of the Provincial Grand Master , Sir Hedworth Williamson , in eulogistic

terms , feeling sure that no province had a better Grand Master than Durham had . It gave him great pleasure to be present that night . He had been a Mason 21 years , and had seen many installations , but he never saw the ceremony so solemnly and im pressively done as it vvas that night . The toast of "The VV . M . " vvas proposed by Bro . T . Watson , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., and met with a most hearty

reception . The Worshipful Master replied in well chosen terms , and thanked the brethren for the honour they had conferred upon him in electing him to the chair , and said that he would discharge the duties to the best of his ability , and trusted that in his hands the reputation of the lodge would in no way suffer .

Bro . Forster , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg ., then rose to propose "The Health of the Installing Master , " and in doing so spoke of his great services to Masonry , of the excellent manner in which he had discharged the duties of the chair during the past year , and of the installation ceremony , vvhich he had never seen so well done before . He had a further pleasing duty to perform , and that vvas to offer for

Bro . Hill Drury s acceptance a Past Master s jewel , subscribed for by the brethren of the lodge , as a token of their gratitude for his services in the chair of the Marquess of Ripon Lodge , and with their best wishes that he might long be spared to wear it . The toast vvas enthusiastically received with musical honours .

Bro . Hill Drury , in reply , said he would indeed have been unworthy of the honour they did him when 12 months since they placed him in the chair he had relinquished that night if he did not experience some heart-achings , some lingering regrets , in having to bid adieu to the position in the lodge in vvhich he had been so well supported by his brethren , in which he had enjoyed so much pleasure , and in vvhich he

was so glad to know , from the way they had accepted the toast , he had discharged the duties to their satisfaction . But any regrets he might feel vvere more than counterbalanced by the pleasure he had derived in installing as his successor one who vvill worthily fill the highest position it is in the power of his brethren to bestow upon him , and who vvill uphold the honour and dignity of the chair , and carry

forward the traditions and good name of the Marquess of Ripon Lodge . Next to the pride vvhich anyone may justly feel in being honoured with supreme command at the hands of those over whom he is to rule , must be the consciousness of having done his duty so as to merit the gratitude of his fellows , but above and beyond all is the pleasure of knowing that that gratitude has been expressed in no stinted terms .

If he had , as they told him , fulfilled the trust reposed in him to their satisfaction , he must accord to those who had so faithfully assisted him his heartfelt thanks . No Master ever had more efficient and painstaking officers than he had and it would be invidious to particularise where all had done so well . He also thanked the Past Masters for their

cordial assistance at all times . Bro . Foster and Bro . Milford had spoken of the way in which the ceremony had been done that night . He ( Bro . Hill Drury ) thanked them for their kind words , but he felt that there was little merit in doing well that vvhich he done so often before . Bro . Howlett vvas the eleventh Master he had installed into the

Provincial Meetings.

chair . Bro . Hill Drury then spoke of his successful year of office , and alluded to its special feature , viz ., the introduction of music into their beautiful ceremonies , and said that the happiness of the brethren , the good of the lodge , and the advantage of Freemasonry had been his constant aim . The seal of their approval had that night been set to his work in the gift of a beautiful Past Master's jewel . He

did not want anything to remind him of his pleasant year of office , one truly of peace , love , and harmony , but he would wear the jewel as an expression of their goodwill towards him , and whenever he looked at it he would see reflected the faces , and feel again the generous impulses of those whose fraternal assistance and good wishes contributed to the pleasure and happiness he had enjoyed in

fullest measure while occupying the chair of the Marquess of Ripon Lodge . "The Visiting Brethren" was proposed by Bro . R . S . Benson , P . M ., and replied to by Bro . I'Anson , P . M . i 6 iS , and Bro . W . C . Barron . W . M . elect Restoration Lodge .

Bro . Sam . Wilson , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., proposed "The Newly-Appointed Officers , " vvhich vvas responded to by the Other toasts followed , and songs by Bros . Martin , I'Anson , Barron , Broughton , Glover , and Watson enlivened the evening's entertainment .

DIDSBURY . Doric Lodge ( No . 2359 ) . —The sixth regular meeting of this successful lodge vvas held on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., at the Didsbury Hotel . There was a goodly attendance of members and visitors , although the time fixed was 2 . 30 p . m . Thus showing how desirable a time it is for the brethren who joined it in the first place and have since

been initiated . The lod ge vvas opened by the W . M . punctually , with every officer present , with one exception . A candidate vvas passed , the W . M . performing the ceremony . The raising vvhich subsequently took place was conducted by Bro . A . J . Jefferis , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas ., in a most efficient manner . The chair vvas resumed b y the W . M ., and the rest of the business transacted , and the lodge vvas closed .

Among those present vvere the following : Bros . G . S . Smith , P . M ., W . M . ; C . F . Towell , S . W . ; A . H . Jefferis , P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; J . Walker , acting Sec . ; G . A . Myers , VV . M . 1730 , S . D . ; A . K . Boothroyd , J . D . ; Fred Stretch , D . C ; J . M . Veal , I . G . ; Wilmot Kolt , Org . ; P . D . Langley , J . Ward , James Sharpies , A . VV . Moore , Robert Filton , G . W . Jack , and F . Thomas . Visitor Bro . Wm . Ramsden , P . M ., P . P . G . D .

FRIZINGTON . Arlecdon Lodge ( No . 1660 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Freemasons''HallJ on Wednesday , the 3 rd inst ., Bro . J . Wilkinson , W . M ., in the chair , supported by Bros . J . Dickinson , W . M . 19 S 9 , as S . W . ; B . Craig , P . M ., as J . W . ; Geo . Dalrymple , P . M ., Treas . ; M . Jones , Sec . ; Wm . Robinson , S . D . ; Wm .

Shaw , J . D . ; W . Barwise , I . G . ; C . Bland , Tyler ; Jas . Singers , D . C . ; Jas . Toye , Ed . Jackson , and others . The lodge was opened , and the minutes confirmed , and a candidate balloted for and accepted , and one brother raised to the Third Degree . A circular vvas read from the R . M . I , for Boys , anent a Stewardship , when the W . M .

intimated that Bro . Dalrymple , P . M ., was going up to the next Festival in June , and it was his wish that the Arlecdon Lodge would give him all the support possible , and endow , at the least , two chairs . With other general business and " Hearty good wishes " from S 72 and 1989 , the lodge was closed .

HASTINGS . Derwent Lodge ( No . 40 ) . —A meeting was held on Monday , the Sth inst ., when there were present Bros . W . S . Allen , W . M . ; F . C . Edwards , S . W . ; C . Randell , J . VV . ; F . Rossiter , P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; J . Pearce , Prov . G . S . B ., Sec ; R . Walmsley , S . D . ; G . H . Gage , J . D . ; C . E . Botley , P . M ., acting D . C . ; C . J . Ticehurst , ' I . G . ; L . J . Jukes , Stwd . ; F . Plowman , P . M . ; P . Robinson ,

P . M . ; T . Trollope , M . D ., P . M ., P . G . D ., P . P . S . G . W ., & c . j W . H . Russell , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C ; T . W . Markwick , P . M . ; F . H . Hallett , P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; H . Boyce , H . J . Russell , A . G . Hickman , J . H . Tendall , G . Heaphy , F . G . Tyrrell , J . Whitehouse , G . F . Wood , E . 1 . McCormick , C . Reinmann , R . Dengate , and W . A . BecK . Visitors : Bros . A . E . Young , J . D . 1842 ; J . Booty , 172 S ;

and R . Hughes , 11 S 4 , P . P . G . Std . Br . Bro . H . J . Russell was raised , Mr . J . B . Guy elected , and Mr . T . T . Horton proposed . Bro . F . ' C . Edwards vvas elected W . M . for the ensuing year . In acknowledging the compliment , he said he feared his small abilities would be totally eclipsed by the excellent manner in vvhich the present W . M ., Bro . Allen , had filled the duties , but he would

nevertheless make every effort in his power to shine a little , and maintain the prestige of the old Derwent . The proposer and seconder of a Past Master ' s jewel spoke in high praise of the ability and good qualities displayed by the retiring W . M . during the year . A letter of condolence was , on the proposition of Bro . Dr . Trollope , sent to the relatives of the late Bro . Burchali , who had been a subscribing member of the lodge 37 years .

JERSEY . Prince of VVales Lodge ( No . 1003 ) . —This popular lodge held its 27 th annual festival on Wednesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , when amongst those present vvere Bros . E . Oldridge , W . M . ; F . J . Godfray , I . P . M . ; E . J . Dodman , S . W ., W . M . elect ; G . Contauche , J . W . ; G . J . Renouf , P . M ., Treas . ; F .

Payn , Sec ; W . L . Newman , S . D . ; H . M . Godfray , ] . D . ; H . C . L . Brodhurst , I . G . ; G . Rogers , P . M ., Tyler ; Dr . | . Le Cronier , D . P . G . M . ; G . J . Pallot , P . M . ; P . Sohiev , P . M ., Prov . G . Sec . ; P . G . Hamilton , P . M . ; F . Vincent , P . M . ; H . M . Waldon , P . M . ; E . Kelly , P . M . ; F . Pearce , P . M . ; J . Baal , P . M . ; P . Bois , P . M . ; and several others . Visitors : Bros . J . W .

Hamling , W . M . 245 ; E . L . Bisson , W . M . 491 ; H . Becker , VV . M . 590 ; Dr . P . B . Bentlif , W . M . 877 ; E . R . Priestwood , W . M . 95 S ; S . Gilley , P . M . 491 ; L . Kelly , P . M . 491 ; T . Stone , P . M . 245 ; C . Donaldson , P . M . 244 ; J . H . Goldsmith , P . M . 491 ; J . O Flaherty , P . M . 95 S ; W . H . Chapman , P . M . 95 S ; J . Gray , P . M .

245 ; W . H . Hamley , I . P . M . 245 ; W . T . Pugsley , P . M . 245 ; H . Ahier , Sec . 590 ; J . H . Elliott , P . M . 245 ; T . LeScilleur , P . M . 590 ; T . Palmer , S . W . 491 ; W . J . Taylor , J . D . 491 ; Dr . M . Le Cronier , S . D . 877 ; W . Fentum , J . W . 244 ; J . C . Barette , S . W . 245 ; A . Curry , J . D . 245 ; and others .