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Notes" are of special value and interest , embracing as they do several historical sketches of lodges and chapters . Relative to No . 272 , Boston , founded originally at Northampton , there are quite a number of facts narrated . Its Benevolent Fund was formed in lSuS , sums having been donated therefrom to the English Prisoners of War in France , 1 S 0 S-11 , to the Patriotic Fund in 1854 , and to other

worthy purposes . Banquets at the expense of the lodge were discontinued in 1 S 59 . Unless a separate fund or additional subscriptions are paid , we much wish all other lodges had a similar record . Under No . 297 mention is made of the old Iodge held there with records from the year 1732 . It was chartered September 7 th , 1730 . The present lodge dates from 1793 . Bro . Vickers is in error as to the present

" Doric" Lodge , No . 362 , of the year 1820 , having been restored under its original number by the Duke of Sussex , as the lodge does not date from 1791 , but 1820 . The brethren of the Shakespeare Lodge , No . 426 , possess the whole of the regalia which belonged ori g inally to the Shakespeare Lodge , Stratford-on-Avon , being naturally , much prized . St . Matthew ' s Chapter , No . 1447 , of 1 SS 0 ,

owns the pick and crowbar used by the old chapter , originally granted as No . 5 S , to a chapter of the same name , on May 16 th , 17 SS , at Barton-upon-Humber . There are other items we should like to cull from Bro . Vickers' interesting little volume , but must forbear . We conclude our glance at its chief features by commending our friendly criticism to the kind consideration of its painstaking editor .

MASONIC CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF HERTFORDSHIRE . The Calendar is now edited by the Prov . Grand Secretary , and is published by authority of the Prov . Grand Lodge , but we believe the first issue was compiled by Bro . T . S . Carter , of Hertford . There are many reasons , however , why the Prov . G . Sec . of the province should undertake

the duty , provided such a brother is both able and willing , as Bro . G . E . Lake is . The " bill of fare" exhibits a most attractive list , and , on reference to the text , we find that the initiatory promises are abundantly fulfilled in the varied , extensive , and well-arranged list and tables , which render the Directory nearly all that is needed for such an active and compact province . There are 14 lodges , but

only four Royal Arch Chapters and two Mark Lodges . We find there are some 474 subscribing members in the province , or , in other words , an average of 34 members to each lodge ; and there areSG registered Royal Arch companions . We think there is room for a considerable increase in Royal Arch Masonry in Herts , for surely over four-fifths of the brethren should not rest content with only

locally supporting their lodges . Not only does Bro . Lake give a carefully compiled Calendar , with the meetings of lodges , & c , inserted , but , under each lodge and chapter , the days of meetings , installations , names and addresses of Secretaries , and number of subscribing members are duly given , as also their dates of warrants and consecrations , names of consecrating officers , also full lists of

officers for 1 SS 6 , subscribing P . M . s , with their provincial honours ( if any ) . The page " In Memoriam " wc like to see , and also the several pages devoted to the Royal Masonic Charities , and the votes held in the province . The totals of the latter , however , are not given , so we have added up the four columns , which , to our surprise , show that the extraordinary number of 3334 votes are credited to

the province , inclusive of the Ladies' and Lewis ' s , but exclusive of the official Benevolent votes . In this total a few brethren figure very largely , five well-known London Craftsmen having some thousand votes between them . Still , however distributed , and though the lodges , as such , hold lamentably few votes , the fact remains that , with 474 subscribing members in the province , the average

is unusually large , there being nearly seven times as many votes as members . What province can equal or beat this record ? If all are utilised for local candidates we should say that many larger provinces would be worsted at the elections by Herts , for though much more numerous as respects members , their votes would be far behind . We Wonder if the success is due to having Bro . Terry as one

of the most energetic officers in the province . If so , and we fancy it must be , then he has been Prov . G . D . of C . to some purpose , and , though envy is not a Masonic virtue , we expect other provinces would be glad at least of another Secretary or two , to help them in like manner , by their

advocacy , practical help , and excellent example . We congratulate the R . W . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., on presiding over such a Provincial Grand Lodge , and we trust that our reference to its extensive benevolence will induce other provinces to improve their lists , and increase their support to the Royal Masonic Charities .

MASONIC CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT , 1 S 86 . The Hants Calendar is published " under the authority of the R . W . Provincial Grand Master , " W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., the Editor being Bro . Edgar Goble , Prov . G . Sec , assisted by Bro . the Rev . A . A . Headley , P . Prov . Grand Chaplain . This handy volume contains a deal of

information respecting all the recognised Degrees , but what surprises us is the attention paid to what is described as the "Esoteric Masonic Orders , " such as the "Segmental Ghousla of the Order of Sikha and the Sat B'hai , " the " Swedenborgian Rite , " "Senate of Hermetic Philosophers , " "Ancient and Primitive Rite , " Sic , Sic These Masonic Orders , so-called , are certainly not desirable

companions with those Regular Degrees , the " Ancient and Accepted Rite , " the "Knights Templars , " & c , especially when the esteemed Prov . Grand Master holds such a deservedly high position in the Mark Grand Lod ge as a Past G . M ., and is the Provincial Prior of the Templars . It occurs to us , that all the Masonic Degrees , socalled , as well as actually so , being thus given , may be

taken as a sign of large heartedrtess , but however that may be , we cannot butthink that the insertion of lists of officers of Masonic monstrosities ( excrescences—beg pardon ) as well as the names of the officials of the regular Rites , is calculated to lead ordinary members astray , by causing them to believe that all the Degrees enumerated are parts

of one great whole , whereas , some are no more calculated for companionship than oil is suitable to mix with water . Looking at the Calendar , however , with respect to the portion which concerns us , we have no hesitation in declaring that it is one of the most valuable of the score or more published for provinces in England . The complete register is appended of P . G . Masters from 1767 , of D . P . G . Masters

Reviews

( so far known ) from 1 793 , and of all the other officers from 1 S 33 , the years of appointment , or election , being appended , as well as the lodges to which they do or did belong . So also with the Grand Superintendents and officers of the Prov . Grand R . A . Chapter from 1 S 46 , and the officers of the Prov . Grand Mark Lodge . Then again , 43 lodges and 20 R . A . chapters have , as far as possible , the names of

their officers , Past Masters , and Past Principals duly inserted , and the same is done for the numerous Mark lodges , Rose Croix chapters , and K . T . preceptories , the mere arranging which must have been no slight labour , but the value of which is considerable , for reference and use generally in the province . The oldest Iodge in the province is the Medina , Cowes , of February 17 th , 1733

( not 1732 ) , and the junior was warranted November nth , 1 SS 4 , at Landport , Portsmouth . What are the numbers of members in lodges and chapters , Sic , we do not know ; but in another issue we suggest that they might well be given , as so many editors do . It would enable one to test the relative proportion of subscribing members to the number of votes held in the Royal Masonic

Charities . We should judge that the figures would come out well , and show much to the advantage of the province , there being over 3400 votes enumerated in the excellent table devoted to that purpose , and we should not suppose there were 2000 subscribing members . As there are 11 girls , seven boys , five brethren and seven widows enjoying the benefits of these truly grand and beneficent Institutions

from Hants and the Isle of Wight , it will be seen that the province gets a goodly share by way of return , and suggests that the votes are well utilised . There is also a local " Educational and Benevolent Institution , " of which Bro . G . F . Lancaster , of , Forton , Gosport , is the Honorary Secretary , and about which we should have liked to have read a few particulars , for the success of such Societies generally is a matter for sincere congratulation .

PROVINCIAL CALENDARS . There are the Directories for East Lancashire , Kent , Durham , and Warwickshire , of which we should like to receive copies for review , and we understand that the Calendar for Cornwall is now ready for issue , and Devon is in preparation . If there are any more than these , and the others mentioned in the Freemason for the 1 st inst ., our correspondents will doubtless kindly inform us , that the whole series may be duly described .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft . SHasourjj

STRONG MAN LODGE ( No . 45 ) . —The installation meeting of this old lodge was held on Thursday , the Cth inst ., at Mason ' s Hall Tavern , Basinghall-street . The lodge was opened in due form by the W . M ., Bro . Henry T . Nell , assisted by Bros . L . Selwyn Fountaine , S . W . and W . M . elect ; Robert E . Hunt , J . W . ; Henry Follett , P . M ., Treas . ; John N . HealeSec ; F . C .

, Herbert , S . D . ; T . Bolt , J . D . ; T . C . Cubban , I . G . ; J . H . Smethurst and R . Kelsey , Stewards ; and G . G . Symons , P . M ., D . of C . The members present were Bros . Driver , P . M . ; Humphries , P . M . ; Smith , P . M . ; Dove , A . Whitby , A . M . Whitby , Sammes , Liddall , sen ., Liddall , jun ., Wood , Dowsett , E . Mallett , Tyler ; and others .

Among the visitors the lodge was honoured by the presence of the V . W . Bros . D . P . Cama , Grand Treas ; Capt , J . Pash , W . M . 569 ; J . J . Woolley , I . P . M . 15 ; J . S , Badkin , P . M . 1365 ; VV . Wilkinson , P . M . 16 7 ; Dyer , P . M . ; Clough , S . W . 293 ; Sharp , I . G . S 6 g ; Broad , 1364 ; Crook , 554 ; Rutter , 1275 ; Dowsett , 79 ; Thomas Chamberlain , Forsyth , and Kif t , who presided at the organ .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . I . James Ward , and being unanimous in his favour , he was at once initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry , the ceremony being most ably performed by the VV . M . Bro .

L . Selwyn Fountaine was next presented to Bro . G . G . Symons , P . M . and D . of C , by Bro . Henry Follett , P . M ., foe the henefit of installation , and a Board of installed Masters having been formed , he was duly installed in the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom , the ceremony being performed in a highly impressive and efficient manner .

It may be mentioned a beautiful carpet , the one upon which H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was installed as Grand Master at the Royal Albert Hall , kindly lent to the lodge , was used on this occasion , and was greatly admired by the brethren and visitors . The newly-installed Master then appointed the following brethren as his officers , viz .: Bros . R . E . Hunt , S . VV . ;

F . C . Herbert , J . W . ; H . Follett , P . M ., Treas . ; H . T . Nell , I . P . M ., Sec ; T . Bolt , S . D . ; T . C . Cubban , J . D . ; J . H . Smethurst , I . G . j and R . Kelsey , E . H . Dove , and A . Mace , Stewards . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to an elegant banquet , admirably served under the superintendence of Bio . S . Wood . At its conclusion grace was sung , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed .

In reply to that of "The Grand Officers , " the Grand Treasurer expressed his pleasure at being present , and thanked those members of the lodge who supported him at his election , and in a subsequent speech made an eloquent appeal on behalf of the Masonic Charities . The I . P . M . then assumed the gavel , and in a few words proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " wishing him every

success , and felt sure that he would make an excellent Master . The toast was received with acclamation . The W . M ., in reply , thanked the brethren for their hearty reception of the toast , and also for the honourable position in which they had placed him , and which he fully

appreciated . He assured them he had the welfare of the lodge at heart , and that his endeavours should always be for its best interests . "The Health of the Initiate" was then given by the W . M ., who hoped Bro . Ward had been impressed with the ceremony he had passed through . Bro . Ward , in reply , thanked the brethren for the manner in which they had received him , arid said that had

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

it not been for illness he would have been a Mason many years ago , as he always had a desire to become one . The W . M . then proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " whom he said had conducted his duties in a most satisfactory manner to the credit of the lodge and unanimous approval of the members . TheW . M . then presented him with a gold P . M . ' s jewel which had been voted to him by the members .

The toast was heartily received . The I . P . M . briefly replied , thanking the brethren for their hearty support during his year of office , which had been a happy and successful one . He strongly urged on the members the' claim of the Strong Man Lodge of Instruction as one of the best in London . The W . M ., in a few well-chosen remarks , welcomed the visitors to the lodge , to which Bros . Cama , Woolley ,

Badkin , Pash , and others replied . The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Installing Master , " alluded to the very efficient manner in which the ceremony of installation had been carried out , and how pleased the lodge was at having so able a member . Bro . Symons , in responding expressed his thanks , and said he should at all times be ready to carry out any duties entrusted to him to the best of his ability , and if his

services were gratifying to the lodge he was amply repaid for anything he might do for them . The W . M . proposed "The Health of the P . M . ' s , " to which Bro . John Smith replied . " The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary" was well received , and the W . M . expressed a hope that Bro . Follett , who had been Treasurer for so many years , would continue so for many years to come .

Bro . Follett replied . The toast of " The Officers " was responded to by the S . W ., Bro . Hunt , who promised on behalf of himself and the other officers , to support the W . M . to the best of their ability . The Tyler's toast brought the meeting to a close . The musical programme was ably arranged by Bro . J . Ion Cantle , P . M ., Sec . 1791 , and was assisted as vocalists by Miss Matilda Roby and Bros . Hunt , Kift , and Nell .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Westbourne , Craven-road , Bayswater , on Thursday , the 6 th inst ., Bro . James Stephens , the W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . Charles Powell , S . W . ; J . Whitehead , J . W . ; W . C . Heaton , Chaplain ; W . Langridge , Treasurer ; G . Read , P . M ., Secretary ; A . T . Hayes , S . D . ; J . R . Allman , J . D . ; J . T . Mickelburgh , P . M ., D . C ; J . H . Dew ,

Organist ; C . A . Bond , I . G . ; A . C . Stephens , Steward ; Coleman , J . Chappell , Hendry , Seymour , Barrow , Howe , Chappie , Thompson , Snell , Barradell , S . Sones , P . M . ; A . H . Longhurst , P . M . ; \ V . H . Chalfont , P . M . ; C . W . Hunt , P . M . ; D . Gellion , P . M . ; J . E . Hughes , Hutchings , Drew , W . Bailey , Smith , J . Tapp , H . Curtis , and Wyndow . Amongst the visitors present were Bros . Seager Hunt , M . P ., W . M . elect 2030 ; DavieI . P . M .

, 173 ; S . J . Humfress , S . W . 733 ; Harvey , P . M . 25 ; J . Bradney , S . D . 419 ; Bird , D . C . 121 ; Clear , 538 ; J . Welton , 1452 ; Darnall , J . W . 1799 ; J . Potter , 19 S 7 ; Mostyn , 2045 ; Groves , 172 ; Farthing , P . M . 55 ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1 543 , P . P . G . S . D . Essex ; J . J . Thomas , S . D . 753 ; C . Biorn , J . W . 733 ; J . C . Conway , S . W . 1891 ; Capt . A . Nicols , P . M . 1974 , P . D . G . S . of VV . Punjab ; J . Hughes , P . M . 901 ; D . Hughes , P . M . 901 ;

J . Hughes , S . W . 901 ; Ross , I . G . 1744 ; J . Wells , Steward 1612 ; and J . Finch , P . M . 173 . The lodge being opened in due form , and the minutes having been confirmed , and the report of the Audit Committee adopted , Bro . Hendry was raised to the Degree of a M . M ., and Bros . Thompson and Chappie passed to the Second Degree . Bro . Stephens , the retiring VV . M ., then installed Bro . C . Powell into the chair of K . S ., which he

did with great satisfaction to the brethren present , and credit to himself . After being saluted by the members , the new W . M . proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : Bros . J . Stephens , I . P . M . ; 1 . Whitehead , S . W . ; A . T . Hayes , J . W . ; J . R . Allman , S . D . ; C . A . Bond , J . D . ; A . C . Stephens , I . G . ; C . W . Hunt , P . M ., D . C . ; H . Curtis , Asst . D . C . ; W . Bailey and J . M . Hutchings , Stewards ; B . H . Dew , Organist ; and

re-invested Bros . Heaton , Langridge , and Read , as Chaplain , Treasurer , and Secretary , respectively . Theaddresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren were delivered by the Installing Master in a very impressive manner . After " Hearty good wishes " from the visitors present , the lodge was closed , and the banquet took place , supplied by Bro . Fisher in his customary good style . Previous to the close of the banquet , Bro . Seager Hunt ,

ftl . r ., the W . M . elect ot the Abbey Lodge , was compelled by his parliamentary duties to leave , before his departure , however , he expressed to the brethren his regret at doing so , and his gratitude to the I . P . M . for his kind invitation . He said he was under the impression that he knew the duties , but after hearing the admirable way the I . P . M . had performed his part , and the W . M . had done his , he had great doubt of his own powers , but hoped those who were

present to see him installed would onlv render him a moiety of the approval that had been given to the VV . M . and I . P . M . that evening , and he hoped at a very near future to visit the Hyde Park Lodge again . After the banquet , the W . M . in proposing "The Queen , " alluded to her presence at the opening of the Colonial Exhibition , and also to the fact that the brethren had been witnesses that afternoon ot Her Majesty's return to

Windsor , from the windows of the lodge room . The other Royal and Grand Officers toasts followed . "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed in very felicitous terms by Bro . Stephens , who , in the course of his remarks , told the visitors that no VV . M . was ever placed in the chair of K . S . under more favourable auspices than Bro . Powell , and he hoped his year of office would be as successful as his had been—he might say the most successful in the history of the lodge—and he trusted

all would hail and support the W . M . both as a pattern and a Mason in every sense of the word . The Worshipful Master thanked the I . P . M . and the brethren for the cordiality of their recepton of the toast , and hoped he would deserve the encomiums that had been heaped on him when he left the chair . The Worshipful Master then proposed the toast of "The I . P . M ., '' whose year of office had been so satisfactory to the Iodge , there having been a larger number of initiations than in any previous year since the foundation