Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Letters of regret were read or referred to from the following : Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Grand Sec . ; Rev . G . Davies , P . G . D . S . Punjab ; F . R . VV . Hedges , Sec . Girls School ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C . ; P . Wadsworth , Prov . G . Treas . Cheshire ; J . Needham , P . AI . 295 ; J . Stevens , P . M . 1216 ; T . H . Hall , P . M . 148 ; Kev . J . Wilson-Hoffenden ; B . de

, Solla , 244 ; G . Norrington , " 1 C 6 9 ; A . Brier , 26 7 ; Wm . Day , 295 , and Treas . 1949 ; J . Cowel-Heldon , 1791 ; E . H . Langley , 11 S 4 ; Alerry weather ; W . Bromley ; and others . The visitors present included V . W . Bro . E . Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; VV . Bros . J . L . A . ather , P . M . 1910 , P . G . S . D . Herts ; R . A . Matthews , P . M . 493 , P . P . G . J . D .

Gloucestershire ; Geo . Beavis , I . P . AI . 471 , P . P . G . S . of W . Alonmouthshire ; Hy . Baldwin , W . M . 1949 , P . G . S . Middx . ; P . T . Breary , P . M . 1321 , P . G . S . ; VV . H . Williams , P . M . 104 ; A . R . Cranch , I . P . M . 1669 ; C . H . Spiller , VV . AI . 49 ; T . H . Spiller , I . P . M . 49 ; J . R . Johnson , VV . M . 1320 ; C . VV . Fox , P . M . 132 G ; and A .

J . Bellis , I . P . M . 1901 ; Bros . S . Richardson , J . W . and W . AI . elect 1 S 3 ; Sidney Hill , Org . 1216 ; R . Walden , 1 G 5 S ; C . Wise , P . AI . 1158 ; S . R . Smith , S 57 ; J . VV Williams , 104 ; E . A . Francis , 165 S ; A . E . Albert , l . G . 1949 ; James Letchford , 165 S ; VV . T . H . Mayer , I . G . 1693 ; VV . M . G . Cooper , 1743 ; R . R . Johnstone , I . G . l 777 > ]•H . Hudepohl , 1669 ; and A . Gooch , D . of C .

* 445-We must not omit to refer to the excellent way in which the ceremonies were accompanied throughout by the acting Organist , Bro . Sidney Hill , ( Org . 1216 ) , whose improvisations on the organ were extremely appropriate . The installation ceremony was interspersed with chants , anthems , and processional hymns , arranged especially for

this lodge l » y the W . M ., which added much to the impressiveness of the ceremony . An excellent banquet was provided by the host , Bro . Bye , and after the cloth was removed the VV . M . commenced the toast list with the usual loyal toast , " The Queen and the Craft , " folloiving this with " The M . W . G . M . " To the toast of "The Grand Officers , " Bro . Edgar

Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br ., responded in a most happy and genial speech , expressing the pleasure the Grand Officers had in visiting lodges , esgecially when the working was as excellent as they had witnessed that evening . The I . P . AI ., in proposing " The Health of the VV . M ., " said they had worked shoulder to shoulder in Alasonry for several years , especially the past two years in that lodge .

No more worthy brother than the VV . M . nor one who had worked more zealously for his lodge and the interests of the Craft generally could be found , and he predicted a most successful year of office . The W . AI . had already given them a sample of his work in the appropriate remarks to each of his officers as he invested them . The W . AI . was most popular amonrr a very large circle of

brethen , and the large attendance of members of the lodge and the visitors , was a convincing proof . The W . M ., in responding , thanked them for their flattering reception of his name , and assured the brethren he would do all in his power to maintain the credit of the lodge . He only desired the cordial co-operation of each officer and member of the lodge , of which , however , he had

no doubt . To the toast of " The Initiates , " Bros . Andrews , Dr . Lawson , and Clarke suitably and modestly replied . "The Visitors , " proposed by the W . AI ., who welcomed them to the lodge , stating that several personal friends had come long distances , from north , east , south , and west , to support him that evening , and to favour the lodge

with their presence . On such occcasion they were especially welcome . Alany other brethren from Cheshire and Lancashire with whom he spent the early days of his Masonic career had written their congratulations and best wishes to the lodge . His father was present that evening , a P . M . of nearly 20 years , had unconsciously led him into Alasonry , for which he would assure them

gave the greatest happiness and comfort to his life , apart , of course , from family and business duties . Bros . VV . H . Williams , George Beavis , R . A . Alatthews , J . L . Alather , P . T . Breary , Hy . Baldwin , and A . J . Bellis responded . Bro . F . Binckes , responding for "Thc Masonic Institutions , " made a powerful appeal to the brethren to practise that great Alasonic virtue—Charity—and especially to

support the list of Bro . C . N . Phillips , their I . P . M ., who had promised to represent the lodge as Steward at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The brethren of the lodge , too , had an especial , though painful interest in the approaching election , as the son of their late Bro . Ambrose would be a candidate . The other usual Masonic toasts were given and responded

to , and the brethren separated at a somewhat late hour , ' out in time to catch the last train to town , after a most pleasant evening . Vocal music between the toasts by Bros . Simons , Cranch , Johnstone , Pitman , andS . S . Young . Bro . Sidney Hill , as pianistc . We understand in consequence of Bro . Binckes ' s appeal a considerable sum was added to the I . P . M . ' s list . The jewels previously referred to were manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

HASTINGS . —Derwent Lodge ( No . 40 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this old established lodge was held at the Castle Hotel , on Alonday , the gth inst ., Bro . Plowman , W . AI ., presided , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . Councillor W . H . Russell , I . P . AL ; F . H . Hallett , S . VV . ; T . W . Alarkwick , J . W . ; F . Rossiter , P . M ., Treas . ; Capt . E . W . J . Hennah , P . M .,

Sec . ; H . Gloyns , S . D . ; S . Chandler , J . D . ; H . Muscat ., Org . ; F . Duke , I . G . ; Leslie , Tyler ; Councillor C . W . Duke , P . P . G . D ., P . M . 11 S 4 , P . AI . ; John Pearce , G . Gaze , G . Roddis , J . Huist , P . P . G . D . Herefordshire , P . M . 33 S ; Peter Robinson , P . M . ; J . B . Foord , J . D . 1184 ; J . Stacc , F . C . Edwards , W . A . Beck , R . Dengate , Randall , C . G . Baines , Henry Kimm , S . D . 11 S 4 , ( Freemason ) . The visitors were Bros . C . R . Chandler , P . P . G . P . Sussex , P . AI .

11 S 4 ; Robert Hughes , Sec . 1184 ; Rev . Saunders , B . Wood , P . AI . 784 ; and others . The lodge being duly opened , the minutes of the last meeting were confirmed , and communications read . A ballot as joining member was then taken for Bro . Richard Jones , 1044 , after which Bro . C . G . Barnes was raised to the Sublime Degree , the entire ceremony being most ably and impressively performed by the W . AL , Bro . F . Plowman . The lodge was then worked down , and Mr . R .

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VValmesley duly initiated by the W . M . in a very efficient manner . Bro . Councillor Russell , secretary of the ball committee , to be held April Sth , then gave his report . A candidate proposed for initiation and " Hearty good wishes " from the visiting brethren concluded the business . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned

to a well served supper , presided over by the VV . M . The usual loyal , Masonic , and complimentary toasts were given and heartily accepted , the intervals being interspersed with songs from Bros . F . Plowman , VV . H . Russell , C . W . Duke , E . W . J . Hennah , F . H . Hallett , H . Gloyns , and others . The brethren then dispersed about 11 o ' clock , having spent a most pleasant evening .

SEAHAM HARBOUR . —Fawcett Lodge ( No . 6 G 1 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the iCth inst .. at the Alasonic Hall . Among the brethren present were Bros . E . Atkinson , VV . M . ; J . Scorfield , I . P . AI . ; W . Forster , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . ; W . Liddell , P . P . G . D . ; J . | . Clay , P . M . 07 , P . G . D . D . of C . ; I . C . Moor , I . P . M . 07 , P . G . J . D . ; H . W . Emerson , P . M .,

P . G . A . D . of C . j the Rev . D . VV . James , P . G . Chap . ; John Richardson , P . AI . ; T . Shepherd , P . M . ; S . J . Cockburn , P . M . ; J . B . Wells , P . M . ; J . R . Pattison , W . AL 97 ; D . G . Smith , S . VV . ; T . C . Beatty , J . W . ; H . Wright , Sec . ; T . Richardson , B . Wells , J . Smith , J . D . Londsdale , L . S . Henry , VV . Bowey , Alnwick , and others . After some' preliminary business , the W . M . elect , Bro .

D . G . Smith , was presented by Bro . W . Forster , P . M ., to the Installing Alaster , Bro . J . J . Clay , P . G . Dep . D . of C , by whom the installation ceremony was impressively performed . The newly-installed VV . M . afterwards invested the following officers for the ensuing year : Bros . E . Atkinson , I . P . M . ; T . C . Beatty , jun ., S . W . ; H . Wright , J . W . ; J . Richardson , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Richardson , S . D . ; Barrett Wells , J . D . ; T . R . Mitchell , Sec ; H . W .

Emerson , P . AI ., P . G . A . D . C , D . C . ; the Rev . D . W . James , P . G . C , Chaplain ; J . Smith , I . G . ; T . Taylor , Tyler ; G . Steele and G . Musther , Stwds . ; R . Candlish , P . AI . ; and VV . Forster , P . AI ., Auditor . The lodge proceedings shortly afterwards terminated . The annual festival of the lodge was held in the evening at the Lord Seaham Inn , at which the VV . AI ., Bro . D . G . Smith , presided , and was supported by most of the above named brethren , and by Bro . T . R . Mitchell , J . Candlish , S . Varey , and others . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured .

DERBY . —Arboretum Lodge ( No . 731 ) . —The annual festival and installation of this lodge took place at the Alasonic Hall , on Wednesday , the 1 ith inst . The lodge was opened by the VV . M ., Bro . C . Webster , who was supported by the following officers and brethren ; Bros . J . Bland , I . P . AI . ; J . Copestick , S . W ., W . AI . elect ; Edgar Home , J . W . ; Rev . T . Owcll , Chaplain ; W . Whittaker ,

P . AI ., Treas . ; J . W . Brigg , Secretary ; A . Woodiwiss , S . D . ; J . Chadwick , J . D . ; Severn Taylor , D . of C . ; G . Sutherland , Org . ; J . Walker , I . G . ; W . Stone , as Tyler ; W . Forman and J . Melrose , Stwds . ; Past Masters Bros . G . T . Wright , John Smith , H . Burn , J . C . Merry , T . R . Gee , John Brown , VV . Cooper , A . Frazer , J . Taylor , ^ Dr , Carter Wigg , James Worsnop , T . E . Yeomans , F . G .

Sanderson ; also Bros . VV . load , F . Sale , H . Home , W . Knight , A . Smith , A . Tyler , and others . The visitors were Bros . T . Cox , W . M . 253 , P . G . Treas . ; W . Naylor , 253 , P . G . Sec ; F . Campion , 253 , P . P . G . S . W . ; Percy Wallis , 253 , P . G . D . of C . j A . J . Waller , W . M . S 02 ; Holden , S 02 ; Hunt , S 02 ; B . Cooper , P . AL ' 7 S 7 ; N . Carr , S . VV . 10 S 5 ; F . Bennett , P . M . 7 S 7 ; C D . Hart , P . M . 1085 ; T . R . Russell , W . M . 10 S 5 ; T . Parker , P . M ., M . Hill ,

P . M ., V . J . Greenhough , W . M ., N . B . Boar , all of 1495 ; T . Stacey , I . G . 1739 ; S , Alorley , Stwd . 1739 ; R . Roberts , W . M . 353 ; and many others , the gathering being one of the largest known . Mr . J . E . Raye , was balloted for and elected . Bro . Thomas Day , who had recently been appointed hall keeper , was unanimously elected Tyler . The W . AL

elect , Bro . James Copestick , was presented by Bros ; J . Bland , P . AI ., and T . R . Gee , P . AL , when the ceremony of installation was worked in a most admirable manner by Bros . C . Webster , thc retiring W . M ., and W . Whittaker , P . M ., acting as D . of C . The officers were appointed as follows 1 Bros . C . Webster , I . P . M . ; Edgar Home , S . W . ; A . Woodiwiss , J . W . ; Rev . T . Orrell , Chaplain ; W .

Whittaker , P . M ., Treas . ; J . W . Brigg , Sec ; J . Chadwick , S . D . ; S . Taylor , J . D . ; J . Walker , D . of C . j W . Forman , Org . ; G . Sutherland , I . G . ; J . Melrose , J . J » nes , and W . Todd , Stwds . ; and T . Day , fyler . Lodge having been resumed in the First Degree , the W . M . in a few well-chosen words presented a beautiful P . M . ' s jewel in the name of the lodge to the retiring W . M ., who cordially thanked the brethren .

Bro . T . R . Gee , P . M ., gave notice to vote at next lodge the sum of 20 guineas to Bro . Webster ' s list as Steward to the Boys' School Festival . The W . M . having received the " Hearty good wishes " oi the visitors , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the lower hall , where an excellent banquet had been provided by Bro . Russell , of the County Club , to

which ample justice was done by the 70 brethren who sat down . Thanks having been returned by the Chaplain , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . Bro . T . Cox , P . M ., W . AI . 253 , responded for "The Prov . Grand Lodge , " taking occasion to compliment the new W . AI . on the successful meeting , making happy allusions also to the old days at the Aboretum Hotel , from

whence the lodge was named . Bro . E . Home , S . W ., then proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " which he ventured to say was the toast of the evening . The applause with which the toast was received showed , he said , how highly the brethren esteemed him , which was also evinced by the great number of brethren who had come from various parts of the province to attend

the meeting . The Worshipful Master , in response , said he was sure he was very grateful to the S . W . for the kind remarks he had been pleased to make , also to the brethren for the high honour they had conferred upon him . He attributed the prosperity of the lodge to the peace , love , and harmony

wliich always existed amongst the brethren , and assured all that he would do his very utmost to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors . The W . M ., in proposing " The Installing Master , Bro . C . Webster , " said that after the pleasing ceremony upstairs , so ably performed , it was unnecessary to say more . His manner was always genial and kind , and hc was most

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glad to see that so many had attended to witness the ceremony . The I . P . M ., in responding , said he could . hardly fi n < j words to express his thanks . He believed the brethren were of opinion he had tried to do his best , and he was proud of having been W . M . of the lodge . He especiall y wished they would not forget him in his Stewardship to the Boys' School Festival .

Bro . J . Bland , P . M ., P . G . J . D ., proposed "The Visiting Brethren , " thanking those who had come irom a distance for attending in such goodly numbers , as the Arboretum Lodge were always glad to see visitors . Bros . B . Cooper , P . M . 7 S 7 ; R . Roberts , VV . M . 353 ; and S . Morley , 1739 , severally responded , expressing the great pleasure it had given them to be present .

The toast of " The Past Masters " having been proposed by the W . AL , Bro . A . Frazer , P . P . G . S . D ., in response , alluded to the attack against the Order recently made by the Pope and others of the Catholic religion . Bro . John Brown , P . P . G . J . D ., said it was a toast always well received , and the Past Masters were always glad to be present and do all they could to promote the interests of the

lodge . Bro . W . Whittaker , P . M ., proposed "The Sister Lodges . " Bros . A . J . Waller , W . M . S 02 ; J . E . Russell , W . AI . 10 S 5 ; and T . R . Gee , 253 , warmly responded . The other toasts were " The Charities , " by the I . P . AI . ; " The Officers , " to which the S . W . and Secretary responded ; and the Tyler ' s toast closed a gathering long to be remembered .

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE . —Walker Lodge ( No . 1342 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held in the Alasonic Hall , Grainger-street , on Wednesday , the nth inst . The retiring W . M . opened thc lodge , and after raising three candidates proceeded to install Bro . Wm . Swan Armstrong , W . M . elect , there being present a full attendance of ofiicers and brethren , with 16

Past Masters on the dais . The ceremony was performed in a most able and impressive manner throughout , and it is seldom that this all-important and pleasing Masonic duty is gone through by a retiring Alaster , with more care , attention , and credit , and it must have been very gratifying to Bro . J . Brown to have been complimented as he was by most of the Past Alasters present on his efficient working .

The W . M . having invested the Installing Alaster as his I . P . M ., proceeded with appropriate remarks to invest the following brethren as his officers : Bros . H . Spittle , S . VV . ; J . VV . Matthews , J . W . ; A . Barker , P . AL , Treas . ; Wm . Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., D . C . ; F . Graham , Org . ; M . Bark , as Sec ; J . T . Schollar , S . D . ; J . Patterson , J . D . ; l . W . Robson , I . G . ; Isaac Taylor , S . S . ; Geo . Brown ,

J . S ; and J . Curry , Tyler . The ancient charges to the W . AL , Wardens , and brethren were given by the Installing Master . " Hearty good wishes " were tendered by Bro . E . D . Davis , P . M ., P . G . D . C , on behalf of the Prov . G . Lodge , and by several other visiting brethren . The names of three candidates were put forward for

election at the next regular meeting . The lodge having been closed the brethren adjourned to the Central Station Hotel , where over So partook of a recherche dinner . The usual loyal toasts were g iven and responded to with exceptional fervour and enthusiasm . The toasts of "The P . G . AI . " and "Officers of the P . G . Lodge , " was suitably responded to by Bro . E . D .

Davis , P . M ., P . G . D . C . Bro . J . Brown , I . P . M ., proposed in neat well-set terms the toast of "The W . M ., " expressing his conviction that under his rule the lodge would continue to prosper . The W . M . suitably replied , assuring the brethren that he should endeavour to emulate the previous Alasters , and energetically strive to maintain the high position to which the

lodge had attained under their guidance , and to best of his ability forward its interests . In concluding he gave thc toast of "The Installing and Immediate Past Master , " paying him a just tribute of praise for his able and efficient work and management . The I . P . M . having responded , the W . M . requested Bro . E . D . Davis , P . AL , P . G . D . C , to give the toast of

the "Alasonic Charities . " In April next , Bro . Davis will have completed his 50 th Masonic year , and since he joined the Craft he has been untiring in his efforts to put forward the claims of these Charities . No one could possibly have made a more earnest or eloquent appeal on their behalf , and it was an exceptional treat to hear him plead the case of _ the children of deceased Masons with his usual dramatic force and

pathos , his appeal cannot have failed favourably to impress his hearers with a sense of their duty . Bro . Jas . Sedcole , W . M . 1119 , responded , intimating his intention of forming a tontine in connection with his lodge in aid of the Charities . Other usual Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured .

During the evening the pleasures of this most successful gathering were materially enhanced by Bro . A . Barker , P . M ., giving one his characteristic and humourous songs , and by the fine rendering of several songs and glees by Bros . Graham , Gibbon , Ferry , Dewar , Richardson , Davis , Rauhart , Gourley , Thompson , Cooper , Sturgess , Robson ,

and others . Amongst the brethren present at the banquet were Bros . R . W . Cummings , P . M . 16 7 6 ; Wm . Cooper , P . M . 1342 ! J . H . Leech , P . M . 97 ; Jno . Ducket , P . M . 4 S 1 ; }<* ; Cook , P . M . 1342 ; Wm . Smith , P . M . 1342 ; J- y Taylor , P . M . 16 7 6 ; T . M . Sturgess , W . M . 541 ; E . JGibbon , P . M . 541 ; J . D . Annan , P . AL 1342 ; E .- > Davis , P . M . ; Jas . Sedcole , W . M . 1119 ; and A . Barker , P . M . 1342 .

LEIGH . —Marquis of Lome Lodge ( No . i 35 y —A meeting was held on Wednesday , the 4 th inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , when there were present Bros . J . Jackson , P . M ., acting W . AL ; Thos . Banks , S . W . j Davies , acting J . W . j William Bryce , Treas . ; Wm . Chas . Freeman . P . M ., Sec ; W . H . Pennington , S . D . ; T . Yarwojx . J . D . ; R . J . Martin , Org . ; Jas . Dickinson , l . G . ; «»• Smith and Joseph Jackson , Stwds . ; T . Coupe , Ty ler ; '" Starkie , P . M . ; W . Griffith , John Walshaw , R . S . H _»> Richd . Greenough , and Robert Ditchfield . . , The minutes of the last regular meeting having receiive confirmation , the ballot was taken for Mr . Frederic Edwa-