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of the matters that come before us , some inferences that may point a moral , and to me an act like this , on the part of the brethren of a large and influential lodge , teaches us that a man may live a long time in this somewhat critical , caustic , and censorious world , and may fulfil the many and varied offices to which he may be appointed , so as not to give

offence to one single , solitary soul ; but on the con'rary , so as to secure the lasting and undoubted esteem of his fellows , and those who know him best and most . In conclusion , Bro . McGeorge , I couple your name with this toast , and in the words of old Rip Van Winkle , I say , " Here ' s your good health , and your family's good health , and may you live long and prosper . " The testimonial was briefly

acknowledged by Bro . McGcorge , P . G . R ., who referred to his long connection with the Merchants Lodge , and the interest he had taken in its affairs . He greatly esteemed the honour which had been conferred on him by Lord Skelmersdale , and that hor . our was enhanced tenfold by the presentation which had just been made to him—a g ift which he hoped would descend to his children , as evidence of the esteem in

which their father had been held . A pleasant evening was spent with toast , song , and sentiment . CHEETHAM . —Derby Lodge ( No . 1055 ) . — The annual soiree of this lodge was held on the 13 th inst ., at the Knowsley Hotel , Cheetham . Bro . Brcnmchl , the host , had done all in his power to make every preparation for the reception of the guests , even going to the

trouble of taking down the two billiard tables in order that there might be no lack of room . The company were admi' . tcd at the private door of the hotel and ushered into the reception-room , where they were welcomed by Bro . Alfred Turner , W . M ., and Mrs . Turner . They then passed through the ball-room , and promenaded to some excellent music performed by Bro . Charles Fielding . When

the guests had all arrived tea was served in the billiard room . The catering did great credit to the worthy host ; and when the company were all seateel the room had a very pretty appearance—what with the beauty of the faic ones , the magnificence of their toilets , the flowers , plants , and candelabra adorning the tables , and the happiness that beamed from every countenance , there was prescntcel a " tout ensemble " not often witnessed . After the cloth

was withdrawn the W . M . ( Bro . Alfred ' 1 urner ) , rose and said : —Brethren , perhar . s 1 ought to have said ladies , but unaccustomed as wc are to have the interior of our Derby Lodge graced by the presence of ladies , I may well be forg iven the omission . It is said " All's well that euds well . " So I will now address you as ladies and brethren , and feel assured eveiy Drothtr present will be willing , for once , to

assign the place of honour to the ladies who have favoured us by their presence to-night . Few Masters of lodges have been called upon to fill such a responsible , and yet , I must add , such a pleasing position as that which now devolves upon me , and I only regret Ihe task has not fallen into abler anil better hands than mine . One thing , however , h is always cheered the heart eif every Master oi

his lodge , and that is , that when he feels his own weakness and inability , he knows he need not look in vain for help and assistance to the P . M . ' s of the lodge . The I . P . M . ( Bro . E . G Hughes ) I have ever found ready in every good work , and willing at all times to lend a helping hand to a poor and distressed Mason . To each of the other P . M . 's of this lodge—without mentioning or singling out any

names—I must say I am very much indebted , and feel grateful for the help and assistance they have afforded mc . But , ladies ami brethren , I am wandering from the special business now in hand . It is known to some that wc desire and are accustomed to have the portraits of the P . M . 's of this lodge giacing the w . alls of the ; suite after they the ( P . M . ' s ) have ceased to act , and I know of no reason why

an exception should be made in the case of my I . P . M ., Bro . Hughes . My esteemed friend and brother . P . M Smith , the senior P . M . of the lodge , has kimily consented to perform this duty , and 1 doubt not it will be a source of great pleasure to him , because , in aiielition to the portrait which will be retainetl by the lodge , he is to present one as a trihute of respect and esteem to Mrs .

Hughes , of her beloved husband . I need onl y siywhich I am sure every lady and every brother will endorse—long may our brother and Mrs . Hughes be spared to each other , sharing each othei ' s joys , bearingeach other ' s sorrows , and helping one another amid the battle of life , until that time when , the battle being over , they shall each enjoy the rcwarel prepared by the Great

Architect of the Universe for all who wait His coming to summon them to the United Lodge , which is above . Bio . James Smith , senior P . M . oi the lodge , said that as they were all well aware he was a very bashful man amongst the ladies , and if he did net acquit himself to their satisfaction they must attribute it to his nervousness . He nail been called upon in his capacity of senior P . M . to

present to Mrs . Hughes , 011 behalf of the lodge , the portrait of her husband . It was well known to all Masons , especially to Past Masters , tluL the duties appertaining to the office of W . M . of a lodge were not light , but on the eontrary , look up an enormous amount of time , entailed a great deal of self-denial , and required great devotion and attention to the duties of the office if they were to be

efficiently and satisfactorily performed . It was a source of satisfaction to him that the Derby Lodge had at all times been blessed with Mastcri who were alive to their duties , and had done all in their power 10 promote the wellbeing and prosperity of the lodge . It was owing to their efforts that they were in such a state of prosperity to-day , and jt was because the brethren felt this , and

Uelieved that the Immediate P . M ., Bro . Hughes , iv as second to none of his predecessors in his Ubours -nid in his love for the lodge that tl . ey desired to show their esteem . The Derby Lodge , during tfro . Hughes's term of office , had enjoyed a most prosperous career , and this was mainly owing to the hard work and never-failing courtesy of its W . M , He

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had very great pleasure in being the mouthpiece of the brethren -on this occasion , and in presenting to Mrs . Hughes , on their behalf , this oil portrait of her dear husband . He trusted that the Great Architect would long spare them to each other , that they would continue to find their chief happiness in each other ' s love , and that they would be blessed with every blessing this world could

afford ; and that finally , after this life , they would be removed to the Grand Lodge above , where joy exists for evermore . Bro . Glendcnning , P . M ., remarked that it gave him great pleasure to endorse the sentiments that Bro . Smith had so well expressed , as he was sure that Bro . Hughes had earned the esteem and love of every member of the lodge . Bro . Joseph Snapc said that as they had

been listening to the Masters of the lodge with such attention , perhaps they would not object to hearing a word or two from one who was only a woiking cr journeyman Mason . He had risen for the purpose of drawing attention to one trait in Bro . Hughes ' s character that had not been alluded to by the previous speakers , and that was the great devotion he had alvvavs shown to the first , greatest , and

noblest principle of Freemasonry—viz ., charity . Bro . Hughes bad been ever first and foremost in promoting in that lodge the cause of the different Masonic charities , and only last week he declared that he would not rest satisfied till the Derby Lotlge was second to none in Manchester in the amount subscribed to their support . Bro . Hughes , in returning thanks , said that he was

somewhat at a less to find words in which to express , as he would like , the giatitude he felt . But , on oehalf of Mrs . Hughes and himself , he would simply say that they thtJTiked them from their hearts for this manifestation of their good will . It was a great pleasure to him to hear the kindly expressions of the different speakers in reference to himself , although he was afraid they were somewhat

exaggerated ; but , however , to knowthathe had tosomeextent gained their approbation , was epiite a sufficient reward for all his labours on their behalf . He was eiuite sure that Mrs . Hughes would treasure up the portrait that had been presented to her , and it was a suurcc of satisfaction to him to know that his children , and those friends who survived him , would have in the portrait something to remind

them that the friends and brethren of the Derby Lodge respected him , and were not unmindlul of his services on their behalf . The company then adjourned to the ballroo . n , where dancing was kept up with great spirit until an early hour in the morning . In the intervals between the dancing some beautiful songs and conccrteel pieces were rendered by Mrs . Buckley , Miss Dumville , Messrs .

F . H . Hollins , N . Dumville , J . Senior , Phenix , and Pollitt . Bro . Charles Fielding presided at the pianoforte with his accustomed skill . In the anteroom there were photographs , objects of art , some very ingenious mechanical ligur . s , and a telephone , exhibited

by Bro . Mesnissoii . Bro . Cox exhibited a splendid collection of coins of the Georgian era . Bro . G . Kenyon , P . M ., made an efficient D . C ? and he had an able deputy in the person of Bro . Cooper . The whole of the proceedings passed off with the greatest eclat , and reflected the highest credit upon Bro . Alfred Turner , the W . M ., and

his olr . cers . THIRSK . —Falcon Lodge ( No . 14 , 16 ) . —The nnuual installation meeting eif ihis lodge was held oil 'f hursday , December the 13 th , at the Masonic Hall , when there was an unusually large attendance of brethren . Besides the members , amongst the the visitors were W Bio . G . Maivvood , | . P ., G . D ., 1 \ G . M ., i 41 , Installing

Master ; Bros . ) . S . Walton , P . M ., P . P . G . Sti ., 1337 ; J . S . Muss , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Lion , 312 ; Paley , P . M . Earl ele Grey and Ripon , 837 ; Lukis , S . W . 837 ; Waistell , P . M . Anchor , 13 , 7 ; Southern , Anchor , 1337 ; J . Fairbourne , P . M . 1337 ' ; ' C P . illiser , P . M . 1337 ; G . OxetuHUI , 1337 ; Hutche ' nce , 1337 ; Moiling .-, 236 ; J . W . Fleming , P . M . 1211 ; 1 . Richardson , Claro and Ripon , P . M ., P . P . S . P .

Wtst Yorkshire ; J no . Rhodes , P . M . ; C . fc . Camidge-, P . P . G . Organist ; Jno . Marker , A . G . Duncomb , Dinwoodic , Broderic , J . 11 . Gilling . The lodge was opened by Bro . G . Anderson , W . M , and after the usual formalities , the jiosilion of Installing Master was taken by Worshipful Bro . treu Marwouel , P . D . P . G . M . Bro . Geo . Ay re , S . W ., and W . M . elect , was then duly presented by

Bro . Geo . Anderson , W . M . The ceremony of installation was performed by W . Bro , Marvvood in his usual most impressive manner , and Bro . George Ayre having been placed in the Master's chair ami saluted vviih full honours , according to ancient cusoin , he appointed his officers , invested them with the respective insignia , Bros . T . j . Wilkinson , S . W . ; W . Coliman , J . W . ; ' rl . Smith , Treas . ;

C K . Camidge , Chaplain ; Jas . Johmson , Sec ; A . G . Duncombe , S . D . ; R . AtVnisun , J . D . ; W . Hall , D . C ; J . Lee , I . G . ; Zaceheus Wright , Organist ; E . Richardson and J . II . Gilling , Stewards ; J . Farmery , Tyler . Bro . Marvvood having addressed the officers , they proceeded with the work of the lodge , the ceremonies being aelmirably performed , the Worshipful Master giving

proof of great ability . Bro . Z . Wright very efficiently conducteel the musical arrangements . After the installation the brethren sat down to an excellent banquet , admirably served by Bro . T . Foreman , at the Three Tuns Hotel , lire menu carte embracing all the delicacies of the season . The Worshipful Muster mentioned that he had re . iived a number of ht'ers of apology and

congratulation , amongst others from Bro . ST James Meek , 236 ; Bro . W . S . Orde-Povvlctt , k . P . S . G . W . ; Bro , Cowling , 2 ^ 6 ; Bro . Biskett , 236 ; Uro . Hol'ans , P . P . G . Treas ., 236 ; M . C . Peek , P . P . G . S ; Bio . Jos . Te . dd , P . P . S . G . ; and others . The usu » l loyal and M-isoni ; toasts were

given by the W . M ., and drunk most enthusiastically . The toast of "The Earl of Zetland , and Past Provincial Grand Officers" was cordially received , and Bro . C . E . Camidge . cspondeil . The W . M . propose 1 "The Health of the Installing Master , " and expressed his gratification in being honoured with tie presence of Bro . Maivvood , who

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

had installed all previous Masters , and who had now placed in the chair the first W . M . who had been made in the lodge . Bro . Marvvood replied that it was always a great pleasure to him to be of any service to the Falcon Lodge , and he hoped for many years to be spared to com ; to the installation of the W . M . ' s of the Falcon Lodge , No . 1416 . He concluded by proposing "The Health of Bro .

George Ayre , W . M , " whom he felt assured would prove an efficient and excellent Master , wishing him a prosperous and successful year of office , and expressing himself much pleased at placing the first W . M . made in the lodge in the chair , the highest office the brethren could confer . Bro . George Ayre , in replying , feelingly expressed his sense of the honour and proud position to which the brethren hail

elected him , and said it woulel be his utmost endeavour , to the best of his ability , to do credit to their choice , to maintain the harmony and good feeling s . ) cordially existing , and instil into every candidate the tenets ard principles of Freemasonry . Bro . Jno . Rhodes , P . M ., then gave the toast of " Bro . George Anderson , I . P . M ., " remarking that the duties of W . M . had been most creditably performed

during the past year , and he had earned the good opinion of all the brethren . Bro . Anderson responded , and gave " The Officers of the Falcon Lodge , 1416 . " Bro . Wilkinson , S . W ., replied , and proposed the toast of ' •The Visitors , " referring to the past obligation of the lodge to visiting brethren , coupling with it the names of Bros . Paley . P . M . ; Lukes , S . W . of Earl De Grey and Ripon

Lodge , No . 837 , and Bro . Richardson , P . M . of Harrogate and Claro Lodge , No . 1001 . FLUMSTE AD . —United Military Lodge ( No . 1536 . )—One of the most memorable and enthusiastic gatherings of the brethren of the Woolwich and Plumstead districts that have ever come under our notice took place on Friday the 14 th inst ., at the above lodge , the

occasion being its usual monthly meeting , but it was taken advantage of to show the hig h esteem in which two of its most prominent members were held in by the district at large : we refer to Bros . F . G . Pownall , the first Master of the loelge , anil J . Mc . Caffery , the popular and general favourite of all who have the pleasure of calling him friend and brother . Both of them we are pleased to record have

just received Her Majesty ' s commissions as Lieut , in the Coast Brigade , and both leave Woolwich at once to take their respective commands , Bro . Pownall at Dover , and Bro . Mc . Caffery at Devonport . The fine hall of Bro , Plaistcds ' s on Anglesea Hill , was crowded with some 150 , brethren of the lodge and visitors ; among the latter were Bros . Dr . Spurrell , W . M . 613 ; Prov . G . J . W . for Kent . ;

C . Coupland , P . P . G . J . D . Kent , who is as well an honorary member of the lodge ; H . Butter , W . M . 913 ; E J . De Salis , A PenfoJd , P . M . 91 ?; S . Goddard , P . M . 700 ; J D . Hayes , S . W . 913 ; ' ! ' . Hutton , J . W . t 3 ; T . Donully , S D . 106 ; J . Porter , 5 63 ; A Thorc , 5 6 3 ; A . Jarvis , 913 ; A Mabbitt , 913 ; J . Christie , 836 ; A . Mc . Diugall , 8 3 C ; A Haicham , 153 ; D . C . Capon , 913 ; G . H . Baker , 13 ; A

Upperton , 913 ; , W . J . Light , 299 ; A . Cleal , 13 ; G . Mc . Coy , G . Mc Lambs , 115 ; E . Tappenelen , 791 ; F . C Lyons , 7 oo and 913 ; I . G . 700 ; E . B . Hobson , J . D . 700 , T . Hasse ) , D . C . 13 ; G . Eraser , 700 ; A . Hiscock , 13 ; W . Cobb , 700 ; and C Jolly , 913 ; ( Freemason ) . Bro . G . Spinks , W . M . presided and was supported by the following officers : Bros . W . Weston LP .

M ., R . Croisdale , P . M ., and P . M ., 706 ; H . Pickern , S . W . ; H . Shaw . J . W ., W . Murphy , Treasurer . F . G . Pownall , Sec , and P . G . Supt . of Works Kent , and P . M . 13 ; J . Mc . Caffery , S . D , ; H . Harding , Org . ; A . Brooks , and T . Hollyman , Stewards ; and D . Deevcs , I . G . The lodge having been duly opened and the minutes and accoun s passed , Quarter-master Sen . Saunder , R . H . A ., was

alter ballot and approval initiated into Freemasonry . Bros . Beach , Nollage , and Orchard were then passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Steadman received the benefit of the Third Degree , the ceremony being worked by the W . M ., and his officers in splendid style . Bros . Povvnall , McCaffery , and Wright , the latter being D . C , then separately resigned their offices , and placed their collars in the W . M . ' s

hand , who said he deeply regretted the great loss the lodge' sustained by the loss of their services ; and it was unanimously resolved that a vote of thanks should be recoided on the minutes of the lodge , and presented to Bros . Pownall and McCaffery , for the valuable services rendered by them to the lodge since its foundation . The lodge was closed , and the brethren reassembled for

refreshment . " The Queen and theCrift , " and " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , G . M . of England , " were most enthusiastically received , a party of musical brethren , headed by Bro . C Buckland , playing a verse of the " National Anthem " and " God bless the Prince of Walts , " after each toast . The other Masonic toasts followed , and in giving that of the D . G . M . of Kent , and

the rest of the P . G . Officers , coupled it with the name of Bro . Dr . Spurrell , who the W . M . assured the brethren took great interest in Freemasoniy , ami said go where they might cart , west , north , or south , wh-rc tnerc was charitable work to be done , there they would find Dr . Spurrell . ( Loud cheers . ) Bro . Spurrell in reply said he came there that night in a double capacity—one was

in that of a Provincial Grand Officer , and the other as a personal friend ef the W . M . He always felt it a p leasure to vi it the United Military Lodge , bcc . iuse it was a treat to see the excellent manner of their working . What was elone was done well . During the time he had been in office as a P . officer he had visited a great many iodges , and although most of them did their

duties well , yet the precision anel perfectness of the working in that lodge was , he felt hound 10 say , rarely equalled , and never surpassed . ( Cheer .-. ) As to Lord llolmesdale , they , who ha'l the honour to know him even in his high office , must admit how jealously he worked , and how unremitting were his exertions for the welfare of Masonry . ( Loud cheers . ) Bro . Eastes , their esteemed D . G . M ., and the test ot the G . officers , had but one desire ,