Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

-oo persons dependent upon them between the ages of oK . ' years and eight years . These were supported with"' show of ostentation , and in spite of the great depres-¦ of trade it had been done without difficulty . Instead Tthe fi )" ' - decreasing with the badness of the times , I ,- had increased in a larger proportion than in any

corbonding previous three years in the history of the Craft , t only because the Grand Master in his wisdom hatl " ranted warrants for new lodges , but he believed because die Craft at large were awakening to their duties and supporting their own Charities , knowing that those Charities ' ould not appeal for support to thc outer world . There re 0 ver £ 40 , 000 raised last year for the three

Institutions . But at cacn election a large number of unsuccessful candidates were left over . If , however , every Mason would subscribe five shillings a year to each Institution , Ihev would bc able to meet all claims without any election . It mattered not to him which of the Institutions the brethren should think fit to support , but he would remind llicm that it was fifty years after Masons established thc Girls' Schools , and forty years after they hail established

the Boys' School , that they thought of themselves , and established the Old Men and Women ' s Institution . He ventured to think that tlie claims of this Institution would bear comparison with any other Benevolent Institution , and if there was any brother who wished to become a Steivanl , he would submit to him the claims of thc Benevolent Institution . The other toasts were then given , and the brethren returned to town .

INSTRUCTION . -WELLINGTON LODGE ( No . 54 S ) . — The Fiiteen Sections were worked at a meeting of this ledge of instruction , held at the White Swan Hotel , High-street , Deptford , on Monday last , the 16 th inst ., when there was a large attendance of brethren , chiefly members of lodges in thc vicinity . Bro . J . G . Milbourn , of thc Union Waterloo

Lodge , No . 1 3 , presided , thc other offices being filled bv Bros . J . J . Hutchings , J . W . 147 , S . D . 1531 , as S . W . ' ; S . P . Cattcrson , J . W . ' 348 , as J . W . ; W . Fieldson , S . D . ¦ 548 , as S . D . ; Martin , 879 , as J . D . ; and Price , 1233 , as i . G . The lodge having been opened , the Sections appertaining to thc First Degree were ivorkce ! as follows : — The First by Bro . Waterman , W . M . 147 ; the Second by

Bro . Gibson , 1531 , Hon . Sec . to the lodge of instruction ; the Third by tlie J . W . ; the Fourth by the S . W .-, the Fifth by thc W . M ., the questions being put by the S . W . ; the Sixth and Seventh by the J . D . After a brief adjournment from labour to refreshment , the lodge was opened in thc Second and Third Degrees . Being resumed in the Second Degree , the First Section of the Lecture was worked

by Bro . Tuck , 8 34 and 1531 j the Second by the S . W . ; the Third by Bro . Waterman ; the Fourth by the J . D . ; and thc Fifth by Bro . Speight , I . P . M ., and Sec . 147 . On the resumption of thc lodge in the Third Degree , the remaining Sections were worked , the First by Bro . Tuck ; the Seconel by Bro . Griffin , P . M . 933 , P . Z . 933 anil 79 , J . W . 1531 ,

the Preceptor and Treasurer of the lodge of instruction . The labours of thc evening Iieing thus terminated , the lodge was resumed in the First Degree , and in due time closctl after an unanimous vote of thanks had been accorded to Bro . Milbourn for his kindness in undertaking to preside , and as an acknowledgment of the ability displayed by him in fulfilling the duties of the chair .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1534 ) , —A meeting of the above lodgeof instruction was held at the Havelock Tavern , Albion-road , Dalston , on Wednesday , the 18 th inst . There were present Bros . A . McMillan , W . M . ; J . Lorkin , S . W . ; C . Lorkin , J . W . ; A . R . Olley , S . D . ; C . Olley , I . G .,- W . Fieldwick , Preceplor ; J . Williams , Sec , and several other brethren . The

minutes of the previous meeting were read anel confirmed . Theccremonyof raising was rehearsed . Bro . T , Slaiter , can' idatc , having answered the necessary questions , was raised to thc Sublime Degree of Master Mason . Bro . T . Slaiter , assisted by the brethren , workeel the First and Second Sections of the Lecture . The loelge having been resumed to Ihe

degree , Bro . Fieldwick proposeel , and Bro . C . Lorkin seconded— " That Bro . J . Lorkin be W . M . for the ensuing weeli . " Carried unanimously . Bro . A . It . Olley proposed , ai * d C . 1 oikin seconded— " That Bro . Payne , Duke of Conna ught Lodge , 1524 , be , 1 member of this lodge of induction . " Carried unanimously . Nothing further offerln £ > the lodge was closed in ancient form .

" WALTHAM NEW TOWN . — King •wold Lodge ( No . 1327 ) . —Thc closing meeting of "" season of this prosperous lodge of instruction was held ¦ '' 'he Britannia Hotel , on Thursday , the 12 th inst . The i "ttlirtn present wtie Bros . ) . Robinson , as W . M . ; ] . : ^ Hs , S . W . ; T . Reilly , P . JL , as J . W . j A . Malcolm , 1 V -M . of the mother lod JTdemanIPMJ

; ge ; . y , ... ; . ' ^ cll , P . M . ; F . Drummond , P . M . ; W . Bradstock , ' feceptor and Sec , ; Brewster , Blackmore , Cox , Eversfield , fj ^ er , Holdsworth , Imrie , Kent , J . Knight , J . W . mother i , ,, !> e ; Lewis , Newman , Rogers , Richardson , Cooke , ; falter , Wheeler , and Woollard . Visitors : Bros . Kent , 1 „;¦"'•and Precentor 870 : Beavis , 870 : Martin . 870

, s Ju mrirl ge , 8 79 ; Osgathorp , 1437 ; Shepherd , 122 ; Young , \ p *?! 1 ! Norman , Newall , P . M . ; Davis , 13 ; Hewlett , Dunan , I t" [* Tbe lodge was openctl , and the Sections of the First \ | 0 " ? Ure v < - * ry ably worked by Ibe following brethren , Bro . i ViRi-binson , as W . M . ami Licture Master , supported by i , 0 * P -M . Kent , 870 , as Preceptor : — ' Kl C * ' Mellon Bro . Caskcll , P . M . 1076 and 1327 .

3 ti " 1 , Martin , 879 . 4 th ' Reill >'» ' * M < 327-slil " ... .. „ Btavis , 879 , {() , ' ,, Shepherd , 122 . ; th " » Uwis < 8 49 and l 3 * 7-„ Noyes , J . D . 1327 .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Experienced brethren among thc visitors declared they had seldom seen the Sections worked in better form—very great credit was due to Bro . Robinson , who , although a young Mason , had taken a lively interest in thc lodge of instruction , and in acquiring the Masonic ceremonies , his proficiency in the latter being evinced by the able manner in which he worked the Sections on this occasion . Votes

of thanks were passed to all who had taken part in the Lecture , and especially to Bros . Kent , Beavis , and Martin , 879 , whose valuable assistance hail greatly contributed to its success . The business of the meeting being concluded , thc brethren retired to a dinner provideel by thc worthy host , Bro . F . E . Cooke . After the usual loyal anel Masonic toasts had been duly honoured , the W . M . said he had a very pleasing eluty to perform , which was to present a very

handsome goltl pen and pencil case , subscribed for by the brett . ren , to P . M . T . Reilly . who had acted as Secretary ami Preceptor for some years in the lodge of instruction , as a token of esteem and respect . Bro . Reilly returned thanks in suitable terms for the kindness he had always receiveel from the brethren , and for this handsome mark of their favour . The Tyler ' s toast brought the evening to a close , and the brethren separated , very pleased with thc proceedings .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

GREAT YARMOUTH . —Friendship Chapter ( No . 100 ) . —Thc annual convocation of this prosperous chapter was held at thc Chapter Rooms , Crown and Anchor Hotel , on Monday , thc 9 th inst . There were present Comps . E . J . Bonfellow , M . E . Z . ; R . Martins , H . ; lt . W . Hubbard , J . ; James Bemd , I . P . Z . ; John Franklin , P . Z . ; A . Hanlon , P . Z .: Major W . Dods , E . P .

Youell , G . F . Crane , W . J . B . Johnson , J . Wheridge , J . T . Maybank , E . B . Wright , W . B . Page , J . C . Welham , J . A . Fisk , J . W . llolfe , O . Moore , C . Fenton , It . Stanier , J . Woolonton , E . Sturge , D . It . Fowler , G . S . Gibbs . Tlie visitors were Comps . James Dunsford , I . P . Z . Perseverance Chapter , 213 ; Edwin Baldwin , M . E . Z . 213 ; C . H . Capon , H . 2 i ? . After the minutes of thc last confirmation had

been read and confirmed , the companions retired , and the Principals for the ensuing year were installed in their several chairs—Comp . It . Martins , as'M . E . Z ., by Comp . Dunsford , P . Z . ; Comp . lt . W . Hubbard , as H ., by Comp . Baldwin , M . E . Z . 213 ; and Major W . Dods , as J ., by Comp . C . H . Capon , H . 213 . Tlie companions were then readmitted , and Bro . Alexander Mitchell , M . D ., whom thc

companions had unanimously elected , was exalted to the Sublime Degree of Holy Royal Arch by the newly-installed Principals in a very impressive manner . Thc M . E . Z . invested his officers with their collar anil jewel of office as follows : —Comps . Edmund J . Bonfellow , I . P . Z . ; A . Hanlon , P . Z ., S . E . ; E . P . Youell , P . S . ; G . F . Crane and W . B . Johnson , Asst . Sojourners ; J . Etheridge , S . N . ; F .

W . ltolfe , Org . ; and J . Holt , Janitor . The business of the evening concluded , the chapter was closed in ancient and solemn form . The companions then adjourned to the banquet room , the tables of which were very artistically decorated by Comp . John Franklin , P . Z . After a capital banquet , served in Comp . Franklin ' s usual unique style , and which , it is needless to say , gave general satisfaction , the

usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were given . " The Health of the M . E . Z . " was given by Comp . E . J . Bonfellow , I . P . Z ., and which was received with enthusiastic cheering . The M . E Z ., in thanking the companions for the hearty manner in which they had received the toast , congratulated them on the continued prosperity of the chapter , and assured them that he would do everything in

his power to still further promote the interests and prosperity of the chapter ; that he considered it a very great honour to preside over so large and flourishing a chapter , and he hoped that when his vear of office expired the companions would have no cause to regret thc exalted position in which they had that elay placed him . " The Healths of Comps . 11 . W . Hubbard , H ., and Majeir Wm . Dods ,

J ., " were given and receiveel in a very hearty manner , and both those companions replied in very appropriate speeches . The next toast was that of the companions who had visited the chapter that day and kindly undertaken the duties of installing the Principals , Comps . James Dunsford , P . Z . 213 ; Edwin Baldwin , P . Z . and M . E . Z . 213 ; C II . Capon , H . 213 . To these companions the M . E . Z . tendered the

best thanks of the chapter for their kindness and consideration . Each of the Installing Companions replied , thanking the chapter for the reception given them . " The Health of the I . P . Z . " was very heartily received , and rcspondeel to in a very earnest speech by Comp . Bonfellow . " The Principal Sojourner ' s Health " was received with tremendous cheering . The chapter was very fortunate in having a

Principal Sojourner so thoioughly efficient as Comp . E . P . Youell ; the arduous duties of his office would be discharged in a manner calculated to give the highest satisfaction to the companions of this chapter . Comp . Youell replied , thanking the companions for the very encouraging manner in which his name had been received . He assured the chapter that he would endeavour to the best of his ability to

discharge the duties of his office to their entire satisfaction . " The Healths of Comp . Hanlon , P . Z . and S . E ., and the rest of the Officers , " and " The Newly-Exalted Comp . Alex . Mitchell , " were given and responded to . "The Health of Comp . Franklin , P . Z ., and Mrs . Franklin , the Host anel Hostess , " was enthusiastically received , as it

well deserved to be , it being a recognised fact throughout the province thai the very name of Franklin was a sufficient guarantee that everything woulel bc done , every arrangement maele to ensure their comfort and happiness . Comp . Franklin replied , thanking the companions for their expressions o . satisfaction . * WIGHTON . —St . John's Chapter ( No . 327 ) . — The quaiterly convocation of this old chapter was held at

Royal Arch.

the Lion and Lamb Inn , on Wednesday , the nth inst . There were present Comps . fas . Gardiner , M . E . Z . ; J . Pearson , H . ; W . II . Hoodless , " j . ; H . Bewcs , P . Z ., Treas . ; J . Lazenby , S . E . ; A . Walter , ist A . S . ; J . Harris , 2 nd A . S . ; T . Richardson , Janitor , anel others . The minutes of the previous convocation were read and confirmed . There being no work on the summons , thc S . E . read over thc bye-laws , when sundry alterations and improvements

therein were made , and ortlercd to bc submitted to next convocation for confirmatinn , prior to final authorisation by Grand Chapter and the Provincial Grand Superintendent . " Hearty good wishes " were tendered from Nicholson Chapter , No . 371 , Maryport , and the Principals of St . John ' s Chapter expressed their willingness to lend a helping hand to their young sister whenever opportunity offered . The chapter was then closed in solemn form .

TYWARDREATH . — Unity Chapter ( No , 11 , 51 ) . —The usual quarterly communication of this chapter was held in the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , the 17 th inst . Present : Comps . W . Tonkin , M . E . Z . ; the Rev . Dr . Treffry , as H . ; J . Polkinghorne , J . ; Col . Peard , P . G . H . ; Emra Holmes , P . Z ., P . G . Std . Bearer ; J . C . Stephens , P . Z . ; H . De Legh , P . Z . ; Col . Bake Rowe ,

Treas . ; and others . Thc chapter having been opened in ancient form , the minutes of last chapter were read and confirmed . Bros . Dr . Newman and J . T . Baker , of St . Andrew ' s Lodge , St . Blazey , having been balloted for and acceptetl , they were duly obligated and exalted to the Degree of Holy Royal Arch , the ceremony being performed by the M . E . Z . with his customary ability . This being * the

annual meeting for the installation and investiture of officers , Comp . C . Tonkin duly installed the three Principals into their respective chairs in a very impressive manner—Comps . Emra Holmes , as Z . ; J . Polkinghorne , as H . ; and W . P . Smith , C . E ., as J . The newly-installed M . E . Z . then invested his officers—Comps . N . H . Lamb

Scribe N . ; Sylvanus Trcvail , Treasurer ; Wellington , Scribe E . ; Walton , Prin . Soj . ; Dr . Newman and J . T . Baker , Asst . Sojs . ; Elliott , Janitor . The other business having been concluded the chapter was closctl , a vote of thanks having been given to the Treasurer for his valuable services during tbe past year .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

PLUMSTEAD . —Excelsior Lodge ( No . 226 ) . —The installation meeting of the above influential lodge took place on Tuesday , the 10 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall attached to the Sir Robert Peel , Bro . Garbett ' s house , on Anglesca Hill . Upwards of fifty brethren assembled to meet the W . M ., Bro . Capt . Ritchie , R . A ., one of thc Grand Officers of England , G . J . M . W . Kent , P . P . G . M . W . Middx .

and Surrey , and W . M . of thc " Ulrigue" Lodge in the Craft . Among them were Bros . C . Coupland , S . W . and W . M . elect , G . M . S . O . Kent , P . P . G . J . W . Kent ( Craft ) j J . Smythc , G . M . J . O . Kent ; W . Weston , G . M . J . D . Kent ; II . Shaw , G . M . D . C . Kent ; II . Pryce , G . M . R . M . Kent ; G . Kennedy , G . D . M . Sec . Kent ; the Rev . C . A . Solbe , G . M . Chaplain Kent j Eugene Swe ' ny ; G . D . A . D . C . Kent ; W . Holleyman ,

G . M . Steward ; D . C . Capern , G . M . Steward Kent ; H . De Grey , W . Watkins , W . Moulds , G . R . Nicholls , Dr , C . W . Mooie-Keys , T . Hosgood , J . B . Gibson , T . Ovenden , E . Turner , C . Buckland , T . W . Kirkbride , J . Anderson , T . Stevens , J . Percival , E . Wilson , J . Sculley , J , Donolly , and C . Jolly ( Freemason ) . The lodge was opened at about 3 p . m ., and after the minutes of the last meeting

had been read and passed , the W . M ., Bro . Ritchie , in his inimitable and eloquent style , advanced Bro . John Purnell and Bro . Thomas Stevens , of Craft Lodge , No . 1536 . He then , with the usual Mark formalities , installed the W . M . elect , Bro . Coupland , into the chair of the lodge , and this most heartfelt and impressive ceremony was splendidly worked by Bro . Ritchie , and created a marked impression

upon all present . Bro . Coupland then invested his officers as follow -. —Bros . Smythe , S . W . ; W . Weston , J . W . ; Abel Penfold , M . O . ; H . Shaw , S . O . j Itev . C . Solbe " , Chaplain and J . O . ; E . Palmer , K . M . ; D . Dceves , S . D . ; Captain Swe ' ny , J . D . ; W . Holleyman , I . G . ; D . Capon , D . C ; W . Watkins , W . S . ; and B . Norman , Tyler . A handsome P . M . M . jewel , of the value of five guineas , was then

presented to Bro . Ritchie , as a mark of the esteem and respect in which he is held by the lodge , and as well of the excellent manner in which he had conducted the business of it during the past year . Bro . Ritchie returned thanks in a feeling anil suitable speech , and thc lodge was then closed in due form . A drive into thc country , round Welling , Bexley , and Shooter's Hill , whiled away the time till

half-past six , when thc brethren sat down to a most enjoyable banquet , prepared by Bro . Garbett . We do not as a rule say much about the Fourth Degree , but , conscientiously , we must give our meed of praise to Bio . Garbett for his perfect service of a most enjoyable repast . The cloth being cleared , the usual loyal and Mark Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., and drunk with

enthusiasm . That of " Lord Skelmersdale , the G . M . M ., " was especially noticeable for its heartiness . In giving the toast of " The R . W . the D . G . M . M ., and the rest of Grand Officers , Present and Past , " the W . M . drew attention to the honour that had been conferred upon their I . P . M ., Bro . Captain Ritchie , who , at the recent Grand Lodge meeting , had received the distinction of being appointed a Grand Officer ; he coupled lhat brother ' s name with the toast .

Bro . Ritchie , who is deservedly popular with the brethren of the Exctlbior Loilge , was , on rising to return thanks , met with a round of cheers . He said he thanked them for the cordial manner in which they had received the toast of the R . W . D . G . M . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers . Considering the fact that he had only been invested some three or four days since , he trusted they would excuse him saying too much in response to thc tots :.