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every confidence that a "brilliant future was before them , with good officers , such as those which he saw round him , and zealous brethren the prosperity of the lodge was assured , and he looked forward to the day when the Stanhope Lodge would be one of the first in the London district . After once more thanking the brethren for their kindness , the AV . M . sat down amid loud cheering . The

next toast of " The Visitors was given by the W . M . in highly complimentary terms , and was replied to by Bros . C . A . Gottebrune , P . M . ; Matthew Cooke , P . M . ; G . Wilson , P . M . ; and E . Dodson , AV . M . 72 , in very eloquent and effective speeches . The toast of " The I . P . M . " was responded to by Bro . Lindus in a brief speech , in which he referred to the fact that it had been

his good fortune to initiate fourteen members of the lodge , most of whom were proposed by himself , and also to propose several joining members , during the time he had presided over them , and he expressed a hope that the lodge in the future would attain the same amount of prosperity whichithad achieved in the past . After tendering

hisgrateful acknowledgments to the brethren , he resumed his seat . The toast of " The Officers " was responded to by Bros . Hart , S . AV . ; Hardy , J . W . ; and Ring , J . D . The Tyler ' s toast brought the evening to a satisfactory conclusion , in the course of which some excellent was discoursed by Bro . M . Cooke , who presided at the pianaforte and the harmonium .

St . John of Wapping Lodge , No . 1306 . —This lodge met on the 12 th inst ., under the presidency ofthe AV . M ., Bro . AVilliam Mann , assisted by Bros . * W . Bartlett , S . AV . ; D . D . Beck , J . AV . ; AV . J . Dawson , S . D ., and several other brethren . After three raisings and one initiation , the sanction of the lodge was given to the holding of a Lodge of Instruction , under the warrant of

the lodge , at Bro . Hay ward ' s , The Gun Tavern , Wapping , to meet every Monday c veiling . The ceremony of consecration and installation will be performed by the AV . Bro . James Brett , G . P ., on Monday evening , the 24 th Oct ., at seven o ' clock , when all brethren are invited to attend . Bro . Thomas S . Mortlock , P . M . 186 , lias kindly consented to act as Preceptor for a time .

MIDDLESEX . Acacia Lodge , No . 1309 . —An emergency meeting of this prosperous lodge was held at the Sebri ght Arms Tavern , Alston-road , Barnet , on AVednesday , the 12 th inst . Bro . Frederick AValtcrs , AA ' . M ., presided , and in an admirable manner passed Bro . AVest to the second

degree . Apologies were received from absent candidates for initiation . There were present Bros . Cattel , P . M ., Sec ; R . Sinclair , C . F . Hall , J . R . Tustin , Metherway , and others . For the first time since the lodge has been in existence no visitors were present . Refreshment followed labour , and songs , recitations , and music were given and a happy evening was spent .

PROVINCIAL . MARGATE . —Union Lodge , No . 127 . — This ancient lodge met at the King ' s Head , on the 7 th October , for the first time since May last , to resume its Masonic duties , and was presided over by the W . M ., Bro . G . E . Hawkes , while amongst the brethren present we noticed Bros . Hayward , P . M ., P . B ., P . P . G . S . D . ; Brasin , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . S . ; Matthews , P . M . ; AllhelstonBoysP . M .

; , , P . P . G . R . ; Morton Edwards , 144 , 1293 , 5 : c ., & c . The minutes of the last meeting and also those of some emergency meetings , having been read and confirmed , the Secretary , Bro . Fenkins , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., read over the lodge by-laws in conformity with the notice convening the meeting . Bro . Boys then proposed Bro . Thomas Talfourd , the son of the late Mr . Justice Talfomd , of legal and literary repute , as a joining member , and he

was seconded by Bro . Hunter , S . AV ., who passed a high eulogy on the candidate . Bro . AValter Green was also proposed as a joining member by Bro . Boys , and seconded by Bro . Treves , S . AV . Bro . Boys then in a short speech proposed that a sum of £ 2 2 s . from the lodge funds be Riven to the Society for the Relief of the Sick and AVounded in the Continental AVarnow raging , which was seconded by Bro . Fenkins , and carried unanimously . Ihe lodge then adjourned .

LANCASTER . — Lodge of Fortitude , No . 281 . —The regular meeting of this old-established lod ge was held on Wednesday evening , the 12 th inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , Athenamm . The AA ' . M ., Bro . John Hatch , presided , and was supported by the following officers and brethren : —

w . liro . King , as I . P . M . ; Bros . C . Hartley , S . AV . ; f . Harrow , J . W . ; Edmund Simpson , P . M . and Secretary ; W Heald , S . D . ; AV . Fleming , J . D . ; AV . Hall , I . G . ; John Watson and John Beeley , Tylers ; AV . Bro . I . D . Moore , M . D . , P . P . G . S . of AVks . ; AV . Bro . AV . Hall , W . M . 1051 ; Bros . E . Airey , J . Bell , AV . Bradshaw ,

James Beesley , J . lindd , I . II . Chamley , R . R Ilathorntliwaite , B . Mills , AV . J . Sly , II . . Sumner , J . Stanley , John Dickenson , E . A . P , and John Tilley , E . A . P . The lod ge was opened , and the usual business transacted , A billot was taken and proved unanimous in favour of Bro < ~ E Dodson , Bro . E . D . de Vitre , M . D ., Br . i . Captain *¦ Rossall

. , H . , and Bro . Lieut .-Colonel R . AVhitlc , as joining members . Bros . Dickenson and Tilley , having ¦ Men approved of by the brethren , were duly passed lo the AV \ r ° ' ' e" 0 W C'aft 1 , y lhc W * M * aml I ! , ' ° * W * Hal *' w . M . 1051 , who afterwards , in an admirable manner , "eUvercd the lecture on ihe tracing-board of the first

decree , for which a vote of thanks was unanimously awarded / the lodge . The AV . M . read a circular from the Instituoon for Aged Freemasons and their Widows , asking for a steward 10 be appointed to represent the lod- 'c at thc c-oining festival in January , and Bro . Dr . Moore . P . M ..

tlnY 7 ° um , ertake " >¦ " duty- The AV . M . gave notice nrn 1 ncxt IC £ Hlar meeting of the lodge he should L l ! ° ? i Vat a sum of moncy . not exceeding ten guineas , S ™" fo ** that charily from the funds of this lodge ! ¦ "TO . Snmpson , P . M . and Secretary , who has also for many

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years past acted as Almoner to the lodges in Lancaster , stated that he had heard of several begging Masons complaining that he had refused to give them the assistance that they required ; one case especially had occurred during the last few weeks to which he desired to direct the attention of the lodge . A man , calling himself Brother C . H . Couch , who stated that he was a member of the Prince of

Wales Lodge , Kirkdale , applied for relief . He ( Bro . Simpson ) being very doubtful of the truth of his story , hesitated to grant him assistance , and a communication being held with the West Lancashire Masonic Relief Committee , it was found that the applicant was not a member of the lodge to which he said that he belonged , but was one of the many who make their living in part by levying

contributions upon members of our truly charitable fraternity , and who do not hesitate to threaten if they are not relieved to the extent that they desire . He mentioned this case which was unfortunately but one amongst many , in order that the brethren of the lodge might know how frequently they are imposed upon , and to show the difficulty attending the distribution of alms to wandering Masons .

Four brethren were then proposed as joining members of the lodge by the AV . M . and Past Masters E . Simpson and Moore , and one candidate for initiation , after which the lodge was closed in due form . LIVERPOOL . —Lodge of Sincerity No . 292 . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Temple , Hope-street , on the nth inst . Bro . Thos . AVylie , P . M .,

was in the chair , supported by Bros . Pelham , S . AV . ; AVilson , J . AA ' . ; Hess , P . M ., Treas ; R . Wylie , P . M ., Sec . ; Hustwick , J . D . ; Elliott , M . C . ; and others . Bro . Ashmore , P . M . 823 , was also present as a visitor . On a ballot being taken for Mr . AV . Fletcher , he was declared duly elected , and being present , was initiated into ancient Freemasonry , the J . AV . giving the explanation of the

working tools , and the S . W . the charge . There was also a proposition of another candidate for the next meeting . On the representation of Bro . Ashmore , it was resolved that a sum of money be given to relieve the wants of the distressed widow of a Freemason . No other business appearing , the lodge was closed with solemn prayer , and the brethren repaired to the Committee-room ,

where a slight repast awaited them , and a pleasant evening was afterwards spent . LUTOV , BEDS . —Lodge of St . John the Baptist . No 475- —The first monthly meeting after the summer vacation was held in the Town Hall -on 7 th inst ., under the presidency of the AV . M ., Bro . F . C . Scargill , supported by the whole of his officers . The lodge was opened in due

form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was then opened in the second degree , and Bros . Handly and Barley presented themselves for examination as to their progress in Masonry . They were entrusted previous to raising , and on their retirement the lodge was opened in the third degree , when

those brothers were readmitted and severally raised to the sublime degree of M , M ., the ceremony being impressively rendered by the W . M . The lodge was then declared down to the first degree , when the sum of £ 5 was voted to the Sick and AVounded Fund , and £ 2 2 s . each to the Boys ' and Girls' Masonic charities . The lodge was then closed in harmony .

COXGRESBURY , SOMERSETSHIRE . — Lodge of Agriculture , No . 1199 . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 10 th instant . Present : Bros . AVm . Partridge , AV . M . ; James R . Bramble , P . M . ; G . J , M . Blackburn , S . AV . ; Rev . William Hunt , J . AV ., and Prov . Grand Chaplain of Somersetshire ; Dr . Hurd , Dir . of Cer . ; Captain AV . Long , Sec . and Treas . ; T . Pitt , S . D . ; C . Edwards , J . D . j J . Hurd , I . G . ; C . Banwell , Tyler ;

H . Shiner , J . Mountstevens , F . AV . Irwin , & c . The lodge was opened in due form , and Messrs . George Nicholls and Henry AVoodford ( who had been previously ballotted for and duly accepted ) , being in attendance , were duly initiated by the AV . M . in a masterly and impressive manner . Bro . Bramble did the duty of Organist in his usual efficient style . The annual dinner was fixed for the ncxt regular meeting , and no doubt there will be a good gathering of brethren .

Amherst Lodge , No . 1223 , Westerham . The installation meeting of the Amherst Lodge , No ! 1223 , whose head-quarters are at the King ' s Arms Hotel , was held , for convenience , in the Public Hall , on Thursday , the 6 th inst . The brethren present were R . B . Newsom , AV . M . ; Colonel AA ' arde . S . AV . ; Jewell . J . AV . ; and Edmed , Sutton , Bird , Bowen , Durtnell , AVhale ,

lflakeman , Stannard , Johnson , Newing , Moyce , Fox , and Clarke . The visitors were Bros . Patten , P . G . S . B . England ( Secretary to the Masonic Girls' School ) ; Mackney , P . M . 299 and P . G . O . Kent ; Mourilyan , 1206 , P . G . R . Kent ; Tallent , S . AV . 186 ; Shepherd , P . M . 27 , & c ; Landale , P . M . 299 ; AVilson , P . M . 173 ; Tyrcrand Bond , S 29 ; Poole , 6 S 3 ; Bainbridge 15 ; and

, Hemmings , 1141 ( Mid Sussex ) . Tho lodge being opened with solemn prayer , the minutes of the last meeting were read and unanimousl y confirmed . The ceremony of installation being the ncxt business , thc AV . M .-elect , Colonel AVarde , was presented to the AV . M ., and the ancient charges and regulations having been impressively read by Bro . Bowen . the

installation was performed in a praiseworthy and excellent manner , and the subsequent address was so ably delivered by liro . Mackney as to call forth much applause at its close . The following officers were then appointed and invested : Bros . Jewell , S . AV . ; Durtnell , J . W . ; Bowen , Sec ; Sutton , S . D . ; Johnson , J . D . ; AVhale , I . G . ;

Blackman , AVine Steward ; and Fullager was re-elected Tyler . The AA ' . M . then called P . M . Newsom forward , and , addressing him , said that almost one ofthe first duties he had to perform after his appointment to so distinguished a position as that of AV . M . of that lodge , was of a most pleasing character . By th » unanimous vote of thc lodge ,

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it had been decided to present him with a jewel , for the very able manner in which he had presided over the lodge for the last two years—since its formation . He knew that there was no man who more appreciated the good opinion of those around him , and no man who tried more to do his duty , according to the ability with which God had endowed him . He ( the W . M . ) looked with

great diffidence to following so able a AV . M ., as , for many years after embracing Masonry , he had lived abroad , where he had not the opportunity they possessed at home , and therefore he should require a little forbearance at their hands . But Bro . Newsom had most kindly promised him every assistance , for which he was most grateful , as , without it , he could not have accepted the honour

conferred upon him ; and he should continue to do all he could to advance the interests of the lodge . He then presented to Bro . Newsom the jewel , a very handsome one , and on . which was the following inscription : — " Presented to Bro . R . Newsom , P . P . G . S . B . Kent , in appreciation of the great and valuable services rendered by him to the Amherst Lodge , 122 3 , as its first AV . M . and

founder , October , 1870 . Bro . Newsom , in acknowledging the presentation , said : AVorshipful Master and Brethren , during the twenty-seven years of my Masonic career very many high and important duties have devolved upon me , but I cannot call to mind any one so difficult as the task which your kindness has imposedupon me , and of which I know

not how readily to acquit myself . Too often , on occasions like the present , do we surrender ourselves to mere habitual forms of expression—worn thread-bare by constant repetition—as a means of making known our sense of an honour conferred upon us , rather than let the voice of the heart make itself heard . But , brethren , for the mark of your cordial esteem which I have just received , I would fain

thank you , not out of Ihe ordinary abundance of my heart , but out of its depths , and therefore avoid " set phrases , " however glibly I might utter them . " This is the proudest and happiest moment of my life , " & c ., might sound well ; but is it more than hundreds have declared , in similar circumstances , with no echo of its truth in their hearts ? The tongue of the most g fted orator , in

the employment of volumes of words , would not serve me to convey to you any idea of my feelings on the present occasion . AVould that I could by some more effectual means give you proof of the value I set upon this token of your regard for me ; but were I to rack my brain for days , I could not do better than in saying it is priceless to me as a token of thc " golden opinions " which . I trust ,

accompany its presentation . Now , 111 its newest gloss , I wear this jewel , with more consciousness of your kindness than of my own merits—sincere as have been my purposes to deserve your esteem ; and should I live to a long-distant period , I hope never to cast aside the memory of this highly gratifying hour , or of your cordial manner of bestowing an honour . AV . M . and brethren , again

I thank you . The question of the removal of the lodge to Sevenoaks was introduced , it being felt that the long drive by road from the railway was against that increase of the strength of the lodge which would take place by the removal , and

it was agreed that a Lodge of Emergency should be held on the first Thursday in November , to consider the question . There being 110 other business , the lodge was closed in the usual manner , and the members adjourned to the hotel , where an excellent banquet was provided by Bro . Clarke .

After the good things provided had been fully discussed , the AV . M . gave the usual loyal ' and Masonic toasts in short hut pithy lemarks , and Bro . Patten , in responding for the Grand Officers , ably advocated thc cause of the Masonic charities , especially that of thc girls' , with which he

himself was connected . The result oi his appeal was that the AV . M . consented to act as Steward at the next girls ' festival , and two guineas were subscribed by the brethren present , in addition to one guinea from the lodge funds , and these , no doubt , will be supplemented by further contributions .

Bro . Mourilyan responded to the toast of "The P . G . Oflicers , " after which Bro . Fox proposed the health of the AV . M . in eulogistic terms , and said that he was sure he would take the same deep interest in Freemasonry as he did in everything with which he became connected . ( Cheers . ) The AV . M . appropriately acknowledged the toast .

The AV . M . then proposed " The health of the I . P . M . " He said that in all his experience he had never seen a more enthusiastic , a more persevering , a more wellmeaning and well-doing man in Masonry than Bro . Newsom . ( Hear , hear . ) He had established that lodge under very great difficulties , as Masonry was so little known in that locality , and he , in his position as their Master , and

in the position he held in that town , gave him his and their cordial thanks for the trouble he had taken on their behalf . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Newsom having feelingly responded , The AV . M . proposed "The Officers of the Lodge . " He observed that from past experience of the brethren who occupied the subordinate chairs , he anticipated every

assistance from ihem during his year of office , He had been reminded by Bro . Newsom that a great deal of valuable and excellent assistance had been given by their secretary , Bro . Bowen , and that had it not been for his cordial and willing assistance , the onus of establishing this lodge would have been much greater than it turned out to be . lie hoped , therefore , that Bro . Bowen would be satisfied with that expression of their late Master ' s

opinion . For himself , he trusted they would get on so fraternally together that they would have the strongest motives for saying the same thing to each other at the end ofthe next year . ( Cheers . ) The toast having been duly honoured . " The Visitors " was acknowledged hy Bro . Tallent ( S . W . of 1 S 6 Industry ) , and the usual toast brought this very successful gathering to a close ,