Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

At that time thc province had thc voting poxver of electing thrce or four candidates , whereas noxv they could only elect one or txvo , and if the brethren of East Lancashire wished to keep up the prestige of the Boys' School their subscriptions must also be kept up and largely increased , as something like a sum of £ 3000 xvould be required , and he trusted the efforts to raise this amount xvould not fail for xvant of

advocacy or for some one to go about and make known thc present position . Bro . Jas . Brook , P . P . G . P . West Yorks , also responded . "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed in eulogistic terms by the I . P . M ., Bro . Griffin , and heartily drunk by the brethren . Bro . R . R . Lisenden then sung " Here ' s to his health in

a song . The Worshipful Master in reply said he thanked the brethren for so cordially responding to the toast . Jt was nine years ago since he xvas initiated into the St . David ' s Lodge , and tor the last seven he had been in office . Bro . Barloxv went on to say that Freemasonry xvas one large broad platform upon xvhich men of every opinion could meet and shake hands . He had often heard Freemasonry condemned ,

to his sorrow , by non-members of the Craft , and he need scarcely say hoxv utterly absurd it was for such people to condemn a society of xvhich they knexv very little about . 'The W . M ., continuing , said it xvas his opinion that Freemasonry xvas so closely allied to Christianity that he did not see how they could separate it . Respecting the newly-invested officers , the W . M . said he was very pleased to see

such a good array under him , and he trusted they would take the cue from him , and each be in his place every lodge night half-an-hour before the time fixed for opening , as punctuality xvas a very important feature , and no officer ought to accept office unless he was prepared to fulfil it thoroughly ; and xvith regard to private members , he might say that if they xvished to learn the beauties and value of attendance

Freemasonry they could only do so by constant . In proposing " The Health of the Visiting Brethren " Bro . Ellis Jones said that amongst Freemasons xvere found Englishmen , Welshmen , Irishmen , Scotchmen , Jexvs , Germans , and Lincolnshire men , the xvhole forming one great Brotherhood of xvhich they were all proud . Bro . lones in cordially welcoming the visitors enlarged upon the

attainments and high position in the Craft of Bro . Kobert McDowell Smith , P . P . G . T . ; John Chadxvick , Prov . Grand Sec ; Abraham Pemberton , S . VV . 1030 , and others , and concluded by asking the brethren to drink their healths xvith the other visitors in a bumper . The invitation was readily acceded to , and the brethren xvhose names xvere mentioned responded to the toast .

In proposing "TheMasonic Charities" Bro . J . O . Evans made a very forcible and eloquent speech on their behalf , and gave some statistics of the total amounts subscribed to the three Institutions in various years . These sums might appear to many persons as they had done to him very satisfactory , and create an impression that brethren generally were doing a great deal in the cause of charity , but he had

been very much surprised to find lately that much as had been done a great deal more was requited of them , and he had been made axvare of the fact that the brethren of East Lancashire were not doing their best , and therefore he considered that great efforts should be made to place the Province of East Lancashire in its proper position with respect to its voting poxver . Bro . Evans went on to say

that men were now wanted who would fight hard for this object , and unless this was done they would fail signally in the purpose for which they met together . Bro . Evans continuing said his ardour xvas in a good cause , and he felt that he never undertook a more difficult task than that he xvas noxv doing in proposing such a toast as "Thc Masonic Charities , " and he xvould pledge the

character and integrity of St . David ' s Lodge , to xvhich no appeal was made in vain , to do its utmost in this cause . He would venture to say that this great question had not been kept sufficiently to the front by the Charity representatives , xvho might have made its urgency known before , but nevertheless he felt sure that the lodge would do all in

its poxver to retrieve their position . In conclusion Bro . Evans said there xvas another Charity—that xvhich caused them to speak xvell of their neighbours , also to give a helping hand to a brother in time of need , and the members of St . David ' s Lodge had done as much for their own brethren , and to the xvidoxvs and orphans of their oxvn brethren , but he felt certain they would do still more for this great

cause . Other toasts xverc proposed and responded to and a very pleasant evening xvas spent , thc intervals between the toasts being enlivened xvith songs from Bros . Wm . Brandon , 12195 Ishmael Davies , R . R . Lisenden , and others , and solos on the violin from Bro . Herr Brousil . Bro . William Cole most efficiently presided at thc piano .

ALDERSHOT . —Aldershot Camp Lodge ( No . , jt ) . _ A meeting of this lodge xvas held at the Masonic Hall on thc 14 th inst . Bro . Adams , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros Robertson , as S . W ; Barloxv , J . W . ; Major Douglas , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , as Sec ; Captain Croisdale , P . M ., P . P . G . Sxvd . Br ., as Treas . ; Colonel Richardson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; Lexvis , P . M . ; Clisham , P . M . ; Campbell , Russell , Harrison . Youd , P . M . ; and

others . . , The minutes of the previous meeting xvcre read and confirmed ^ and the ballot xvas then taken for Mr . Wingrove , which proving unanimous , he , being in attendance , xvas duly initiated in a very able and impressive manner b y the W . M ., the charge being subsequently given by the S . W . with a fulness of meaning and point xvhich xvas heartily then votea to meet

appreciated . I he sum ot £ 3 3 s . xvas an urgent case of distress , and a further sum of £ 5 5 s . was granted from the lodge funds as a donation to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , thereby making a total sum of £ 15 15 s . contributed by thc lodge during thc current year to that institution . The Worshipful Master announced to thc brethren

present that Bro . Eve , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., xvould represent the IOCI TC as Stexvard on the occasion of the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Beach , presiding at the forthcoming l-cst . val of the Roval Masonic Institution for Girls , and lie hoped he xvould tie well supported , so that the province might occupy the lists

if possible the premier position on subscription . Bro . Captain Croisdale , P . M ., P . P . G . Sxvd Br ., supported thc observations of the W . M ., and said that he was by no means satisfied their lodge had done its duty by the ,, charitable institutions in the past ; but he trusted tins reproach would be xvipud out in the future , and that greater efforts would be made on bebalf of those noble institutions .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Of course he quite understood that as a military lodge they must be prepared to meet many contingencies which through the many changes and exigencies of the service rarely fell to other lodges that xvere differently constituted . 'They had however very recently , and very xvisely he thought , made

ample provision for that by establishing a reserve fund , and therefore in their present prosperity they ought to keep prominently before them thc claims of those noble Masonic Charities to their support . Other business of a routine character having been transacted the lodge xvas adjourned .

SUNDERLAND . —Fenwick Lodge ( No . 1389 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on the 10 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Park-terrace . In the absence of the W . M ., Bro . James Murphy , the lodge xvas opened by Bro . J . Tillman , I . P . M ., P . G . Supt . of Wks , who was assisted by the folloxving officers : Bros . Douglas , P . M ., S . W . ; XV . Brandt , P . M ., as J . W . ( in the absence of Bro .

Chapman , J . W ., who was afterxvards present ); Wilkinson , S . D . ; H . Pinkney , I . G . ; T . L . Howorth , Hon . Sec ; and T . Tillman , P . M ., Treas . There were also present Bros . C . McNamara , W . M . 97 ; J . Hudson , W . M . 94 ; and a number of visiting brethren from other lodges .

The lodge having been opened in due form a letter xvas read from ' the W . M . acknoxvledging the receipt of a vote of condolence passed by the lodge to him on the death of Mrs . Murphy . Thc lodge was afterxvards closed in due form and the brethren adjourned to refreshment , at xvhich Bro . Tillman , I . P . M ., presided .

TWICKENHAM . —Sir Francis Burdett Lodge ( No . 1503 ) . —This highly successful lodge met for the dispatch of business at the Albany Hotel , on the 14 th inst ., when there xvere present Bros . VV . Taylor , P . M ., VV . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., S . W . ; S . Saunders , J . VV . ; VV . H . Saunders , P . P . G . D ., Middx ., Treasurer , and acting Secretary in the unavoidable absence through illness of

Bro . Wigginton , P . P . G . S . of XV . Middx ., & c ; Briggs , S . D . ; Gurney , I . G . ; R . H . Sanders , I . P . M . ; Hanson , Tyler . Bro . Jenkyns , Manchester Lodge , xvas a visitor . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Mr . Jenkyns xvas initiated into the Craft mysteries by the W . M . in a manner that left nothing to be desired . Previously to the lodge being closed , a vote of

condolence xvas passed to the family of Bro . Clayton Palmer , LL . D ., & c , deceased , xvho xvas one of the oldest members of No . 1503 . The brethren then adjourned to the banquet . A fexv toasts xvere given . Bro . Walls responded upon behalf of " The Provincial Grand Officers . "

"The Health of the W . M . " xvas warml y proposed by Bro . W . H . Saunders , and this toast having been duly acknoxvledged thc pledge of " The Initiate " folloxved . Bro . Jenkyns having made a good speech in response to " The Health of the Visitor . " "The Past Masters " and " The Officers " terminated the proceedings .

HAMPTON . —Hemming Lodge ( No . 1512 ) . — A meeting of this lodge xvas held at the Lion Hotel , on the 15 th inst . Among those in attendance xverc Bros . Hiscox , W . M . ; Moody , S . W . ; Davey , J . W . ; W . . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Middx ., P . M ., Sec ; Jones , S . D . ; Russell , I . C ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., I . P . M . ; Jessett , P . M . ; and VV . S . Gilbert , Tyler . Bro . Groom , P . M ., was

a visitor . The minutes of the previous meeting xvere then read and confirmed , Messrs . Martin and Churchivard were ably initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . Several communications from absent members xvcre then read , notably one from Bro . E . Hopxvood , P . M ., Treas ., who is

suffering from severe indisposition . The lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts received full justice . W . Bro . W . Hammond having responded upon behalf of " The Provincial Grand Officers , " " The Health of the VV . M . " was given by the

I . P . M . Bro . Hiscox having made a short speech in response , the toast of "The Initiates" folloxved , ancl in their respective replies both candidates expressed themselves as being highly gratified xvith the xvhole ceremony xvhich had left a poxverful impression upon their minds . The toast of " The Visitors " xvas acknoxvledged by Bro .

Groom . " Thc Health of thc Past Masters " was then proposed and was responded to by Bro . Walls . " Thc Treasurer and Secretary " folloxx'ed , and was replied to by Bro . VV . Hammond , Sec . In his speech he feelingly touched upon the illness of the Treasurer which had caused

his absence that day , but he hoped that at the next meeting of the lodge they xvould see Bro . Hopxvood in his usual place and thoroughly restored to health . " The Officers " was coupled xvith the names of Bros . Moody and Davey , who responded , and " The Masonic Charities " xvith the names of Bros . Walls and Jessett , xvho replied thereto . The proceedings then terminated .

DUNMOW . —Rosslyn Lodge ( No . 1543 ) . — Thc regular meeting of this lodge at the Saracen ' s Head Hotel , on 'Tuesday , the 20 th inst ., was of more than ordinary interest inconsequence of arrangements xvhich had been made for the delivery in open lodge by Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., of his interesting lecture on the xvorking of thc First Degree . The attendance was not so

large as had been expected . The " xvaters xverc out " and the brethren xvere long distances apart . Moreover , the weather , dull and depressing , threatened a further doxvnpour , and " xvet jackets " for such as ventured on thc lengthy journeys necessary for going to and retiring from lodge , so that the gathering , though respectable in numbers , xvas to some extent disappointing for the W . M . and his ofiicers .

Nevertheless a most enjoyable evening both as regarded labour and refreshment was passed by those xvho inscribed their names in thc attendance book . The lodge xvas opened by the W . M ., Bro . H . E . Dehane , P . G . S . D . Essex , at six o ' clock , and the previous minutes

having been confirmed , the investment of officers xvhich for some good cause or other which did not appear had been deferred from the former meeting took place . 'The appointments ancl investments , all being present , were made as folloxvs , viz . : Bros . A . Rattray , S . W . ; J . P . Lewin , P . M . 27 G , P . P . G . S . W . Essex , J . W . ; G . D . Clapham , P . M . P . P . G . R . Essex , S . D . ; J . C Rhind , J . D . ; Fred . I .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Snell , P . M . 1312 , 1543 , Treas . ; Fred . W . Warner , Sec . ; W . Rowc , l . G . j G . A . Randall and W . S . Callaman , Stxvds . ; ancl R . W . Russell , Tyler . 'The visiting brethren xvcre Bros . James Stevens , P . M . 720 , 121 G , 142 G , & c . ; and J . Collinson , S . D . SGs . Mr . Edxvard F . Ferris having been initiated into the Order , the W . M . introduced Bro . Stevens by a fexv

appropriate remarks bespeaking their attention to an exposition of Masonic xvorking xvhich he felt assured xx-ould greatly interest them . We have ourselves had former opportunities of hearing this undoubtedly able and instructive lecture , each subsequent delivety of which becomes more impressively delivered and less as it were stereotyped . On this occasion time pressed on the lecturer , and he found it

necessary to somewhat condense his xvork , but he made a judicious selection of those points in ceremonial xvorking which it xvas of the greatest utility to explain to the officers and younger members of a lodge , and gave good reasons xvhy some usages should be condemned in practice and others most punctiliously observed . At the close of his address , xvhich xvas listened to xvith great attention , Bro .

Stevens received most hearty expressions of satisfaction , many brethren openly exclaiming that they had learnt more of the science of Freemasonry than they had hitherto thought could have been afforded them . On the proposition of Bro . Clapham , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., seconded by Bro . F . J . Snell , P . M . and Treas ., the thanks of the lodge and honorary membership xvere voted to Bro . Stevens , xvho

acknowledged the cordiality with xvhich he had been received , the attention given to his address , and the compliment the lodge noxv paid him . Propositions having been received for initiation and joining the lodge was closed in harmony , and the brethren dined together , the worthy host of the Saracen's Head ( xvho had been proposed in lodge for initiation ) placing a

very elegant repast before them , to which speedy and ample justice xvas done . Subsequently the usual loyal toasts xverc honoured , Bro . Lexvin singing the National Anthem . "The Rulers of the Province" xverc also recognised in the usual manner observed amongst Masons , and responses were given by Bros . Clapham and Snell .

"The Health of thc W . M . " was drunk with much enthusiasm , and the remarks of the proposer , Bro . Clapham , P . M ., as to the able services which had been rendered to the lodge by Bro . Dehane xvere heartily endorsed . Bro . Stevens having recited "Masons voivs ; " Bro .

Dehane acknoxvledged the reception the brethren had given to the toast and assured them of continued labour and attention to the best interests of the lodge . "The Health of the Initiate " xvas proposed as a sitting toast , a provincial custom xvhich xve fancy most Mason ' s xvould consider more honoured in the breach than the

observance . Bro . Ferris in a well spoken reply expressed his gratification at having at length become a Freemason , and hoped that xvhat he had heard in the lodge xvould be indelibly impressed on his memory and to his advantage . The toast of "The Visitors " xvas responded to by Bro . J . Collinson , S . D . 862 , who in the course of his thanks for the invite he had received stated that the pleasure his

covisitor had afforded him by his lecture , xvould he hoped , again place the same txvo brethren side by side elsexvhere . " The Officers ot the Lodge" having been called unon the Tyler reminded the company of the poor and distressed , and these having been solemnly " cuffed , " according to a fortunately not invariable custom , the brethren separated , some to spend yet another hour or txvo on the road , and others , more fortunate , to be taking their case atan inn to enjoy a quiet chat before seeking nature ' s sxvect restorer .

YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . — This lodge held its monthly meeting on Monday evening , at thc Queen's Hotel . Bro . M . Millington , W . M ., was supported by Bros . T . B . Whytehead , P . M . ; J . S . Cumberland , P . M . ; Geo . Balmford , P . M . ; G . Simpson , P . M . ; Geo . Kirby , W . M . 23 G ; and hy his Wardens and an unusually large attendance of brethren . Txvo successful

ballots xvcre taken for candidates , and txvo candidates elected at a previous meeting xverc initiated by the VV . M ., the J . D . giving the charge . Bro . T . B . Whytehead , as treasurer of the building fund , announced that nearly £ 1000 had been subscribed towards the purchase of a hall , most of it by members of the lodge . The Prov . Grand Master had very generously subscribed £ « -.. and so also

had Bro . J . W . Woodall , of Scarborough , xvho xvas alxvays ready to help in Masonic work . There xvas no doubt that the necessary funds xvould easily be raised , and he was able to state that a meeting of members of the Mechanics' Institute had endorsed the action of their committee in the sale to thc lodge of their old building . Great satisfaction xvas expressed by the members at " this

announcement , and several additional debentures xvere taken up . Before the lodge xvas closed Bro . Cumberland , P . M ., presented to the lodge a framed photograph of Masonic emblems . Bro . G . Irving presented a large framed and coloured bird s-cyc view of York , and Bro . Whytehead presented to the library a bound copy of a volume of

thi-Voice of Masonry . 1 xvo candidates for Freemasonry xvcre proposed , and the lodge was closed . At refreshment several good speeches xvcre made , and thc proceedings were enlivened by the singing of Bros . Cumberland , W ? lkinson , and Child , xvhose performance of " Willie brexved a peck o' maut , " was exceedingly humorous . We may add that the building secured by the Eboracum Lodfor the of is

ge purposes meeting situated in St . Saviourgate , in the centre of the city , and for many years has been used by the Mechanics' Institute Society , who are noxv JJ ™ S , a' » n ' . r .. ercc f 1 n fJ a " and larger buildingin Clifford-street . 1 he old building is admirably adapted for Masonic purposes , having a very large lecture hall on the first floor , suitable for a lodge room , and ground floor available for

rooms banqueting room , smoke room , librarv . committee room , & c , and a caretaker ' s residence at the back . I he price is £ 1250 ; and as some additional outlays will be required , the members of the lodge have formed an Eboracum Masonic Hall Proprietory , and are raising ^ 2000 by means of debentures of £ 5 each , bearing interest at a low rate . There is every prospect of the scheme being perfectly successful .

HAMPTON WICK . —Wolsey Lodge ( No . 1 G 5 G ) . —This prosperous lodge met at the White Hart 1 u ' 1 " a a o » ' 1 . '' , x ?? A , thoSC l ' rcsent werc Bros . J . Hurst , P . P . G . P . Middx ., W . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P G