Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

P . M ., P . P . G . R . E . L . ( of Blackburn ); W . Almond , P . M ., P . P . G . Sup . of Wks . E . L . ; T . Grime , P . M ., P . P . G . A . D . C . E . L . ; and other brethren from Bacup , Blackburn , Stockport , Plymouth , & c The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Alexandra Hotel , were a most sumptuous repast vvas served by Bro .

Bromley . The room vvas most tastefully decorated , the leading feature being some large shields containing the monogram , name , and number of lodge , and office of each of the principal officers , executed in most artistic taste . The lodge appears to be in a flourishing condition , and rapidly increasing its strength and influence .

BIRKENHEAD . —Mersey Lodge ( No . 477 ) - — The annual installation of the W . M . of this lodge took place on Thursday evening , the 13 th inst ., at the Masonic Chambers , Hamilton-street . The W . M . elect was Bro . A Kenard Gardiner , who was duly installed by Bro James Salmon , of Chester , P . P . S . G . D . of Cheshire . There vvas a large gathering of members , and amongst the visitors were Bros .

H . Bulley , P . G . S . B . England , and P . G . S . D . of Cheshire ; Thomas Marwood , P . P . J . G . W . Cheshire ; James Salmon , P . P . S . G . D . ; Thomas Shaw , W . M . 1576 ; Thomas Chcsworth , P . P . D . C , 157 G ; IT . Lloyd , W . M . 721 ; Thomas Gregory , W . M . 605 ; A . Waterhousc , 5 S 0 ; A . Richardson , 157 6 ; J . H . Johnston , 1350 ; C . W . Seller , 425 ; C . Titherley , VV . M . 1350 ; VV . Ashley Clayton , P . M . 5 S 7 ; and others . After the installation ceremony ,

the new W . M . installed his officers as follow : —Bros . Fred . Thompson , I . P . M . ; J . T . Thompson , S . W . ; Enoch Evans , J . W . ; Samuel Jones , P . M . and Sec . ( for the seventh time ); D . Tocasura , P . M . and Treas . ( for the fifth time ); T . C . Thorburn , S . D . ; John Ellis , J . D . ; Thomas Inglefield , I . G . ; David Henderson , D . C . ; John Macdonald and Richard Bell , Stewards ; and J . IT .

Holtaway was re-elected 'T yler . Bro . H . Johnston , P . M ., on behalf of the lodge , presented Bro . Fred . Thomjison , I . P . M ., with a paid-up share in the Birkenheatl Municipal Building Society on thc occasion of the birth of a daughter during his year of office . Bro . IT .

Bulley , P . M . and P . G . Sword-Bearer of England , in appropriate terms also presented a P . M . ' s jewel to Bro . Fred . Thompson in acknowledgment of his services during the past year . The lodge business having been disposed of , the brethren dined together in thc banqueting room , the new VV . M . presiding .

NEW MILLS . —Peveril of the -Peak Lodge ( No . 654 ) . —At the regular meeting of this lodge , held on the 12 th inst ., at the conclusion of the ordinary business of the lodge , Bro . J . W . Wyatt , the VV . M ., said that he had a very pleasing duty to perform , viz ., to present in the name of the Past Masters and a few of the older members of the lodge , a P . M . ' s jewel to Bro . James Whitehead ,

I . P . M ., in token of their appreciation of his long antl varied service to the lodge , and hoped that the G . A . O . T . U . would long spare him to continue his usefulness to the Craft . Bro . Whitehead said that hc was taken entirel y by surprise . He did not , on entering the lodge , expect

anything of the kind ; he should always highly value the gift , and the motive that prompted the donors ; he heartily thanked them , and he hoped that the brethren would pardon his brevity , as their kindness and the surprise had overpowered him . The jewel was a handsome gold locket .

GOSPORT . —Gosport Lodge ( No . 903 ) . —The ceremony of installing the W . M . elect of this lodge ( Bro . Richard Wilton Downing ) took place on Tuesday evening , the 1 ith inst ., at the Star Assembly Rooms , when there was a large muster of thc Craft , including the following Installed Masters : Bros . R . W . Bradley , P . M . 257 , P . P . G . S . W . ; G . F . Lancester , P . M . 903 , P . P . G . D . ; J . Dyson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; A . L . Emanuel , P . M . 10 G 9 , P . G . J . D . ; C . B . Whitcomb , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; J . VVallinsrford

P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; E . S . Main , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; V . Brown , P . M . ; J . Hall , P . M . ; J . Maling , P . M . ; A . R . Holbrook , I . P . M . 309 ; George Grant , I . P . M . 1705 ; G . R . Strick , VV . M . 142 S ; W . Dart , W . M . S 04 ; C G . Adames , W . M . 177 6 ; W . Tuohy , P . M . 142 S ; and R . W . Mitchell , the outgoing W . M . of the lodge . There were also present Bros . Lieut .-Col . Harris ( Commandant R . M .

L . I . ); R . Holbrook , P . P . G . D . C ; IT . J . Dowse , J . W . 257 ; IT . Woodward , S . VV . 142 S ; T . fiatchclor , S . W . 1 7 ° 5 ; J . Howell , G . Pearman , J . Gentle , I . Simpson , J . Liddell , A . Knight , Walter Smith , F . Powell , J . Newberry , Johncox , J . Hibbs , J . W . Warden , G . Foster ; Wood , Misselbrook , Dempsey , and others . The ceremony of installation was carried out in a most creditable manner by Bro .

R . W . Mitchell , the retiring W . M ., after which Bro . Downing appointed his officers as follows : Bros . R . VV . Mitchell , I . P . M . ; F . Powell , S . W . ; W . Brunwin , J . W . ; V . Brown , P . M ., Treas . ; Walter Smith , Sec ; W . Wood , S . D . ; J . Dempsey , I-D . ; S . Misselbrook , Org . ; G . F . Lancaster , P . M ., D . C ; J . Thornton , I . G . ; T . Nichols and W . J . Smith , Stewards ; and L . Cauvin , Tyler . A

special vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Mitchell for the admirable manner in which he performed the duties of Installing Master , and a Past Master ' s jewel was presented to him , in token of appreciation , by the lodge of his efficiency in the chair . 'Tlie brethren subsequently sat down to an excellent banquet , provided at thc India Arms Hotel , the new W . M . presiding .-

LIVERPOOL . —Prince of Wales Lodge ( No . J ° 35 ) - —The annual installation meeting of the members of this lodge was held at the Skelmersdale Hall , Kirkdale , on Thursday afternoon , the 13 th inst . TheW . M ., Bro . R . R . Forshaw , opened the business in good time , and amongst those present were Bros . T . McVVean , I . P . M . ; T . Fozzard , P . M . ; A . Willis , P . M . ; J . F . Newell , P . P . G . S . D ..

P . M . ; VV . Donkin , S . VV . ; G . Morgan , P . M ., Treas . ; . J . P . Bryan , J . W . ; J . Smith , S . D . ; C . McNab , I . . M ., S . W . ; Shakespeare , S . ; John Stunstall , S . ; T . Mitchell , S . ; Watson , Tyler ; Moore , Major , Peacock , McPherson , J . Forshaw , Penrose , J . B . Bunting , P . M . ; L . Peake , Morrison , J . Winter , " Boustcad , Robinson ,

Barton , Wilson , Gardham , F .. Peake , and others . The visitors included Bros . J . P . McArthur , J . P ., P . M . 10 SG ; J . Busfield ; G . Musker , P . M . 11 S 2 ; ) ' . Williams , P . M . 1182 ; J . J . Savage , W . M . ioS' 6 ; S . E . Ibbs , P . P . G . S . B . ; II . Ashmore , P . M . S ::. -, ; J . W . Burgess , P . G . P . ; j . B . Mackenzie , W . M . 1 S 09 ; and others . Bro . R . R . Forshaw , the retiring VV . M ., concluded hi * .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

year's work by installing- Bro . William Donkin as his successor in thc chair—a ceremony which he performed in an eminently satisfactory manner , well meriting the special vote of thanks which was unanimously given to him at the close of the business . The officers invested werc Bros . R . R . Forshaw , I . P . M . ; J . P . Bryan , S . W . ; Louis Peake , J . W . ; A . Willis , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . J . Smith ,

Secretary ; T . McWean , P . M ., M . C . ; S . W . Shakespeare , S . D . ; John Tunstall , J . D . ; S . K . Gardham , I . G . ; G . Mitchell , S . ' S . ; W . Addison , J . S . ; and Bro . Watson was unanimously re-elected Tyler . The VV . M ., at the close of the business , intimated that a grand morning concert would be given at the Queen ' s Operetta House , Boldstreet , on thc afternoon of the 22 nd inst ., by the principals

and full band of the Carl Rosa Company , in -aid of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution and the Benevolent Fund of thc Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , under whose auspices the concert had been organised . The brethren subsequently sat down to an excellent banquet , provided by Bro . Casey , and during the evening a very handsome P . M . ' s jewel and a valuable timepiece

werc presented to Bro . R . R . Forshaw , I . P . M ., along with an artistic album for Mrs . Forshaw . The music at the ceremony of installation , composed by Bro . J . P . Bryan , was exceedingly effective , and a choice programme at the banquet was provided by Bros . W . Ellis , T . Foulkes , W . Quayle , IT . Ashmore , W . Forrester , Ellis Brammall , jun ., and John Hodgson ( conductor ) .

ALDERSHOT . —Aldershot Camp Lodge ( No . 1331 ) . —This popular lodge held its meeting on Wednesday , the 12 th inst ., at four o ' clock p . m ., and a large number of brethren and visitors met for the purpose of giving a hearty welcome to Bro . Croisdale , P . M ., W . M . elect . The minutes of the last regular and emergency meetings were read , and confirmed , and Bro . R . Croisdale , W . M .

elect , was presented to thc Installing Master ( Bro . John Clisham , _ I . P . M . ) by Bro . G . Douglas , W . M ., and duly installed in the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom . 'The VV . M . then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year 1 SS 1 : Bros . G . Douglas , I . P . M . ; VV . Lewis , S . W .: J . Chesterton J . VV ., P . M . ; A . Richardson , P . P . G . S . D ., Treas . ; G ; Douglas , P . G . S . B ., Sec . ; A . Adams ,

S . D . ; F . Cossey , J . D . ; VV . Williams , I . G . ; P . Robertson , D . C ; F . Aducto , Organist . The W . M . expressed the great pleasure in being placed in the chair of such a lodge , in which thc duties were carried out strictly in accordance with Masonic law , and he had no doubt but it would continue so by thc officers appointed that evening . The W . M . then presented the I . P . M . with a handsome Past

Master s jewel and collar , voted by thc brethren of the lodge as a token of their appreciation of themannerin which hc had carried out his duties during the past year , hoping that he would long be spared to wear them , and give the lodge the benefit of his services for some time to come , as her had so willingly done in thepast . Bro . Douglas returned his sincere thanks for the handsome present to the W . M ,

and brethren of the lodge , and said he must also thank many for their valuable assistanceduring his year of office , which had uocn a singular one . The S . VV . died shortly aftertaking office , and the J . W . hael been moved from the station . The duties hatl always been carried out by willing members .

Among them he would mention theW . M ., who vvas always present , and ready to take any . office , and he had no doubt that he would be a credit to the lodge , being a lover of the Craft . The loogc 'vas then closed , after which the brethren adjourned to thc banqueting room , were apleasan evening was spent .

PLUMSTEAD . —United Military Lodge ( No . I 53 < 5 ) - —The usual monthl y meeting of the above lodge took place on Friday evening , the 14 th inst ., at the Lord Raglan , Burragc-road , and was presided over by thc W . M ., Bro . D . Deeves , assisted by the following officers : Bros . Welding , S . W . , * T . Holleyman , J . W . ; VV . Weston , Sec , P . M ., and P . G . S . Br . Kent ; A . Morris ,

Treas . ; G . Kennedy , S . D . ; A . Saunders , J . D . ; VV . Mould , I . G . ; J . Parnall , Steward ; and J . Lacldand , Tyler . Among the visitors present were Bros . J . J . Donnelly , P . M . 70 G ; J . Scullcy , S . D . 17 S 9 ; IT . Hiscock , 700 ; D . Capon , 913 ; J . Hemby , 1789 ; E . Aldridge , 17 S 9 ; E . Hambley , 17 S 9 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) . 'The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the

last meeting passed , the ballot was taken for Bro . Ovenden , late Sergeant-Major R . A ., of Lodge 700 , as a joining member , anel the result was unanimous . Quarter-Master Sergeant G . Osborne , R . A ., vvas then appToved of as a candidate , anel admitted into Masonry in due form . Bros . Hambley and Aldridge , of the Ubique Lodge , No . 17 S 7 , were then raised to the Sublime Degree by the VV . M .,

whose perfect rendering of the ceremony was a real Masonic treat . Bro . Weston then reported that he had supported the case of the widow of a late brother at the Board of Benevolence , anil £ 20 had been awarded her . 'The lodge was then closetl , and the brethren partook of a neat little supper , provided by Bro . Moulder , in an adjoining room , and , on reassembling round the social

board , the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , coupling that of Bro . Weston with the Grand Officers of Kent . Bro . Weston , in response , thanked them for the toast . They—the members of the United Military Lodge —were proud of their Grand Master , Bro . Lord Holmesdale , and he , in return , took a great interest in the welfare of the lodge . Bro . Eastes , the Deputy Provincial Grand

Master , also stood high in their estimation , and vvas well worthy of the esteem felt for him by every Mason in the district . Among such distinguished Masons he ( Bro . Weston ) felt it a great honour to be enrolled ; but attributed his position not so much to his own merits as to the desire of Bros . Lord Holmesdale and Eastes to confer honour upon the United Military Lodge . He then referred to the

testimonial to Bro . Lord Holmesdale , and said his list at present only reached the sum of £ 12 5 s ., but trusted to much increase it before it went injto the Committee . Bro . Weston then , in ' eloquent terms , proposed the toast of " The VV . M ., " and referred to the grand style in which he had worked the third ceremony that night , and asked the brethren to rally round him , antl make his year of office as

prosperous as his predecessors had been . Bro . Deeves , in reply , thanked them most cordially for thc warmth with which they had resjioneled to the call of Bro . Weston anel drank his health . As far as he was personally concerned , he intended to make the lodge comfortable , artd keep it up to that high state of efficiency in which he received it from his predecessor , and if he had dune that up to the present

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

it amply repaid him for any time or trouble it might have cost him . He concluded b y thanking his officers for the valuable assistance they had at all times rendered him . The next toast was that of " The Past Masters ,- " and , in g iving it , the VV . M . spoke with excusable pride of the brilliant array of Past Masters of , and belonging to , the lodge , but more especially of those vvho had actually gone through the chair . He spoke of Bro . Spinks , now at Natal , and

said hc felt sure that worth y brother would be pleased to hear , through the columns of the Freemason , how his old lodge was progressing . Bro . Pownall , at Eastbourne , they were as proud of as he was proud of his association with them . Bro . Crousdale , at Aldershot , always spoke of this lodge with the most kindly and warm feelings . At home they had Bro . Weston always with them , and Bros . Dicken

and Shaw , vvho , although absent that night , were pillars of strength to them ; and then of those belonging to the lodge he had only to mention the names of Bros . Col . King , P . G . J . W . Kent ; Coupland , Penfold , and Hayes , to show how strong they were in Past Masters , and what good and true Masons they had to guide and direct them . He asked the brethren to drink the toast with enthusiasm . Bro . Weston returned thanks , and regretted the absence of Bro , Shaw ,

through illness . "The Initiate" was next honoured , and returned thanks briefly . The toast of "The Visitors " followed , anel Bros . Donnolly , Sculley , Capon , Hiscock , and Hamby returned thanks . The toast of "The Officers of the Lodge " vvas responded to Bro . Welding ; and then Bro . Jolly replied to an enthusiastic reception of " The Masonic Press , " proposed by the W . M . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the business and pleasures of the meeting .

LIVERPOOL . —De Grey and Ripon Lodge ( No . 1356 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held in the lodge room , So , North Hill-street , on Wednesday evening , the 12 th inst ., vvhen there were in attendance about sixty members and visiting brethren , the work comprising the First and Third Degrees , Mr . H . H . Hughes being initiated , and Bros . Bennison , Wraight , and

1 ucker being raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The whole ol the work was performed by the VV . M ., Bro . Awarden , who vvas ably assisted by his officers , and many of the other members and founders were also present . The lotlge having been closed down in due time , the brethren

adjourned to the banquet , which was excellently served . After the removal of the cloth the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and Bros . Webster Williams , Roberts , Beaumont , and Braithwaite , in song , and Bros . Dr . Arnold and Roberts , in recitation , gave selections which added much to the enjoyment of the evening .

NEWPORT . —Albert Edward Prince of Wales Lodge ( No . 1429 ) . — 'The annual meeting of this lodgetook place at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , 6 th inst . There was a nnmerous attendance of members of the Masonic fraternity . The ordinary routine of business having been gone through , it was shown from reports that the position of the lodge was highly satisfactory . The chief business was the

installation of Bro . J . L . C . Hunter Little , who had been duly elected at a previous meeting as W . M . of the Albert Edward Lodge for thc ensuing year . The Installing Master was Bro . James Sanders , vvho had so admirably conducted the business of the lodge during the past year . The ceremony was performed in a most impressive manner , the Installing Master being assisted by P . M . Richards .

T he VV . M . elect proceeded to invest his officers with their collars of office for the ensuing year , which vvas carried out in the following order : Bros . James Sanders , I . P . M . ; I . E . Thomas , S . W . ; William Welsford , J . W . ; Rev . D . Bowen , Chap . -, VV . Milton Lock , Sec . ; James Horner , Treas . ; VV . Watkins , Charity Steward ; A . I . Sinclair , S . D . ; E . W . Evans , J . D . ; Samuel Davies , D . C : Caleb

J . Thomas , Superintendent Works ; E . W . Perrin , Org . ; VV . K . Morgan , I . G . ; G . F . Gritton , W . J . Dix , S . Dean , Stewards ; IT . Fletcher , Tyler ; VV . Hopton , Assist . Tyler . Hearty congratulations were accorded to the newly Installed Master , complimenting him on the distinguished position he had attained in the Craft , and hopes were expressed that the year of office on which he had entered would be as successful and harmonious as the past . The annual banquet

then took place at the King ' s Head Hotel , when Host Gritton placed on the tables a most recherche ! spread . The banqueting hall had been superbly decorated for the occasion . The VV . M ., Bro . J . L . C . Hunter Little , presided , supported by I . P . M . Sanders and his newl y appointed officers . In addition to the members of the lodge , several visiting brethren from other lodges in the province were present . The proceedings subsequent . to the banquet were of a most convivial and pleasant character .

INSTRUCTION . WHITTINGTON LODGE ( No . 862 ) . —A meeting of this lodge vvas held on Wednesday , the 12 th inst ., at the Red Lion , Poppin's Court , Fleet-street . There were present Bros . Tate , VV . M . ; Drury , S . VV . ; Bolton , J . W . ; Long , Preceptor ; Pate , S . D . ; Abell , J . D . ; Pincott , I . G . ; Davidson , Ross , Brown , Turner , Hyde , and Dickens . The VV . M . opened the lodge , and the minutes were confirmed .

The chair vvas given up by the VV . M . to Bro . Dickens , who ably performed the Second Degree , after which Bro . Tate resumed the chair , and worked the First Section of the Lecture ; Bro . Abell , Second ; Bro . Long , Third ; and Bro . Tate , the Fourth . After the lodge hatl been resumed to the First Degree , Bro . Drury was elected W . M . for the ensuing week , when the ceremony of raising will be performed . The lodge was then closed .

THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday evening , the 13 th inst ., at 6 . 30 . Present : Bros . H . Sibley , VV . M . ; IT . IT . Room , S . W . ; R . Baker , J . W . ; T . Hamer , Treas . ; G . VV . Blackie , Sec ; C . F . Goodenough , S . D . ; F . Le Rosignall , J . D . ; O . Donnell , LG . ; Paddle , C Taylor , and Powell . Visitors : Bros . Peartree , Davidson , and Mahm . The lod ge vvas opened in the First Degreewhen

, Bro . 'Taylor offered himself as a candidate , and the ceremony of initiation vvas performed ; after whicii Bro . Goodenough worked the First Section of the First Lecture . The lod ge was opened in the Second Degree , when the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . Paddle acting as candidate . Bro . Room was elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and the officers were appointed in rotation , Thc lodge vvas then closed in due form .