Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Peacock xvas going to get him out of the difficulty . He could not say xvhat he had done to deserve the great compliment they had paid to him ; but he could say it in another sense . Municipal institutions and Freemasonry had a great many sympathies , and it xvas to the municipal position he had attained through ' their suffrages and confidence that they paid thecompliment , and nottohim individually . Hoxvever ,

he hoped if the Corporation lived long enough to dosomething for that body , and also as a Mason to recognise what the Masons had done for him . He should certainly not forget the great principles of charity and those institutions so forcibly alluded to by the Grand Master of Nova Scotia . They xvould find him ever ready to assist them , lt xvas perfectly true he had not been ver \ - active as a Mason , but

that had not been his fault . He left them unavoidably after he took office as I . G ., because he was living in the country and had heavy responsibilities , and they knexv a man could not get up a very important place of business such as he had created xvithout great anxiety and great work . So he thought it his duty as he could not attend to the duties of his lodge to leave them and become an absent member .

But the moment he returned , as he had done noxv , to a reasonable distance from toxvn he was again xvith them , and from that moment his ambition xvould be to hold the proud position of Master of that lodge . He hoped that by attention to his duties he might prove himself worthy of their confidence on the day of election . He begged them to accept once more his very sincere thanks for the honour they had done him and to excuse him if he was unable to

do justice to the sentiments xvhich others might perhaps have expressed in more eloquent language . He thanked the members and distinguished visitors and officers of Grand Lodge for the compliment they had paid him by their presence , and was deeply sensible for the honour , which he should never forget . " The Health ' s of the Initiates " xvas then proposed by Bro . B . Baker , P . G . J . D ., and suitably acknoxvledged by

Bros . Sheriff Savory and Jarbottom . Bros . Alderman Foxvler , M . P ., and Alderman Sir R . Hanson rerponded for "The Visitors , " and in replying for " The Past Masters and Treasurer , " Bro . T . Taylor , P . M ., said the Past Masters xvere alxvays anxious to do all they possibly could to preserve the harmony and prosperity of their lodges . They had great virtues , one of xvhich xvas that they did not interfere with the W . M . in the duties of his office or dictate to him

in any shape or xvay ; but they were alxvays xvilhng so long as he abided within Masonic rules as laid doxvn in thc Book of Constitutions to let him have his oxvn course in the appointment of his officers and everything else appertaining to his lodge . At the same time they xvere alxvays willingand anxious to aid in cases of difficulty , to give their advice xvith due respect to his position . As a proof of this , he

might say the details connected xvith this banquet the Past Masters did not take upon themselves thc duty , but a committee was appointed , upon xvhich some of the Past Masters were elected ex-officio and some by choice ; but the great burden had been borne by the junior officers of the lodge , and he left them to say xvhether they had not done their dutv xvell . It xvas characteristic of this lodsre that the

Past Masters constituted within five or six one-half the numercial strength of the lodge ; but they did not interfere with or dictate to the other members . Another virtue of the Past Masters xvas , although they did not _ often honour the lodge xvith their presence they paid their subscriptions most regularly ; thus the funds of the lodge were not depreciated , but rather exalted . He congratulated them

upon the flourishing state of their funds , xvhich alloxx'ed them to give this banquet xvithout any interference xvith theirpockets . " The Health of the Officers and Secretary of thc Lodge " was then given , and responded to b y Bro . Arthur Hill , Secretary , after which the list was closed with the Tyler's

toast . The proceedings of the evening xvere enlivened xvith a capital selection of music , under the direction of Bro . Winn , assisted by Bros . A . J . Broxvn , T . W . Hanson , and Kenningham , and a most pleasant gathering xvas enjoyed . Bro . Harper officiated as toastmaster .

VITRUVIAN LODGE ( No . S ;) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on the 14 th inst ., at the White Horse Hotel , Belvedere-road , Lambeth . Bro . W . M . Robinson , W . M ., presided , and there xvas an unusually large attendance of brethren , including Bro . lannaxvay , S . W . j Past Masters Skirving , Hull , Whiting , Wm . Stuart , and Carrington .

The lodge was opened in due form and a raising was performed . It was unanimously resolved to vote 25 guineas from the lodge funds to the Royal Benevolent Institution for Aged Masons to be placed on Bro . Woodliffe ' s list . The lodge then proceeded to the election of a W . M . for the year ensuing , and the choice of the brethren xvas unanimously in favour of the S . W ., Bro . Jannaxvay , xvho

received the congratulations of the brethren upon his election . Bro . Thurtle was xvith the usual unanimity reelected Treasurer , and his kindness of heart and courtesy of manner came in for deserved eulogy . Brethren xvere nominated to audit the accounts , and the lodge by a shoxv of

hands elected Bros . Thos . Minstrell , / . Huntley , Barnett , and Chamberlain . After the transaction of other Masonic business the lodge was closed and thc brethren dined together , sitting doxvn to a capital banquet served under the personal direction of the worthy landlord , Bro . Carrington .

EASTERN STAR LODGE ( No . 95 ) . —The installation meeting of this old lodge xvas held on Tuesday last , at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street , when a large gathering of members and visitors xvere present to xvitness the ceremony of formally and according to ancient usage placing Bro . Ruff in thc chair of King Solomon . The following members and visitors xvcre present : Bros . Collier

W . M . ; Howard Ruff , S . W . ; A . C . Macklin , J . W . ; I H . Sxvan , S . D . ; J . Knight , J . D . ; Juttson , I . G . ; E . XV Davis , P . M ., Treasurer ; George Edinger , P . M . ; J . J . Barnett , P . M . ; H . W . Ruff , P . M . ; J . Marriott , P . M . ; T . Duncan , P . M . ; II . T . Bonner , P . M . ; E . Bonner , P . M . ; R . T . Hill , G . W . Tiffin , H . Grover , F . Johnson , 1 . A .

Keen , A . J . Harris , P . Ayres , and | . L . Holmes . Visitors : H . T . Stark , P . M . 1765 ; T . H . Bromley , P . M . 22 S ; F . Walton , P . M . 157 ; B . S . M . Lazarus , P . M . ; G . J . Buck , J . W . 1702 ; B . Humphrey , W . M . I 3 < ~ > 4 ; Alfred Buck , P . G . S . W . Essex ; VV . G . Atkins , P . M . 837 ; E . Wilding , 1541 ; Thomas Ducas , P . M . ; R . J . Ward , J . W . 1541 ; R . Birkett , 5 G 9 ; VV . Braby . 1541 ; J- W .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Chapman , 1541 ; T . G . Wright , 55 ; T . iW . Hanson , 1706 ; and VV . Lake , P . P . G . Reg . Cornwall ( Freemason )' The usual lodge business having been transacted , the chair xx'as occupied by Bro . H . W . Ruff , P . M ., xvho proceeded to instal the W . M . elect , Bro . Hoxvard Ruff . The proceedings xvere rendered more than ordinarily interesting by the fact that the installing officer was the brother of the nexv W . M . If this had aught to do xvith the selection

of P . M . Ruff for thc duties of thc day , the choice would have been more titan justified by the result , for a more impressive and effective rendering of the beautiful ceremony it has never been our good fortune to listen to . Performed throughout xvithout a hitch and xvith faultless elocution , it created an impression on those jiresent that xvill remain for a long time . The VV . M . appointed his officers as folloxvs : Bros . Macklin , S . W . ; Sxvan , J . W . ;

Knight , S . D . ; Jutsum , J . D . ; Johnson , I . G . ; Marriott , D . C ; B . Davis , Treas . ; Edinger , Sec ; and Speight , Tyler . After congratulations from thc members and hearty good xvishes from the numerous visitors present , the lodge xvas closed , and thc brethren adjourned to the banquet , xvhen the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . In proposing that of "The Queen , " hesaid that Her Majesty

must consider the Order loyal or she would not have three sons members ; and in Masonry anarchy could not prevail . "The M . W . G . M ., the Prince of Wales , " came next , and the W . M . remarked that it xvas a fortunate thing for the Craft that on the retirement of the Marquis of Ripon the future king of England took the reins . Of thc Grand Officers the VV . M . said they xvere all axvare hoxv popular they xvcre and xvhat a great amount of xvork they did .

Bro . Collier , the I . P . M ., then proposed the toast ot thc evening , that of "The VV . M ., Bro . Hoxvard Ruff . " They had seen hoxv he had passed through thc various offices of the lodge xvith credit to himself and to their advantage , and he felt sure he would pass through his year of ofiice with great eclat . He had only to emulate his esteemed brother xvho had filled the chair before , to ensure his success . The harmony and comfort of thc lodge xvould be safe in his hands ,

and he knew they all felt proud of their W . M . Bro . Ruff in reply expressed . thanks for the honour done him and the flattering remarks of his immediate predecessor , but he could only receive their thanks properly xvhen he had shoxvn that he had done something for them now that they had landed him in that proud position . He should do all in his poxver to maintain the dignity of the chair and promote the comfort and pleasure of the brethren .

Thc Worshipful Master then said that he had a very pleasant duty to perform . Thc I . P . M ., Bro . Collier , xvas a very old member of the lodge ; for 20 years he had sat on the right of the chair as a simple Master Mason and it xvas only after great pressure that he consented to take the chair of W . M . ; but having done so he xvent through his year of office xvith credit and there xvas no one among them more esteemed and respected than Bro . Collier . A Past

Master ' s jewel had been voted to him and he had then the honour of pinning it on his breast . He xvould value it , not for its intrinsic xvorth , but xvhen he looked at the jexvel he xvould associate it xvith one of the most interesting events of his life . Bro . Collier in reply thanked the brethren for the sentiments expressed through thc VV . M . It had been no fault of the lodge that he had not occupied that position before ;

but he felt for various reasons he could not accept it . Thanks to his predecessor , the duties had been made easy , and he was proud to retire from the chair xvith the esteem and regard of the Eastern Star Lodsre . The Worshipful Master said that he approached the next toast with considerable diffidence , because the subject of it xvas his brother—it xvas that of "The Installing Master . " They would readily understand that he did not wish to

flatter him or pay him compliments ; but he xvas bound to say that he had performed his work with precision and in a solemn manner . It had been his lot to sec the ceremony performed several times , but he had never seen it carried out more efficiently . Bro . Ruff in acknowledging the toast said he could scarcely find language to respond . It had been a very proud moment for him to instal his brother in that chair . From the time he xvas initiated nine years ago he had

received the utmost kindness and consideration at their hands and he had baen proud to introduce members , amongst others his brother xvhom he had installed that day . If hey had been pleased xvith the ceremony he had been equally pleased to perform it . " The Visitors" xvas the next toast , the Worshipful Master remarking that it was considered that charity xvas the first Masonic virtue but he xvas inclined to say it xvas

hospitality . The Eastern Star Lodge had always the pleasure of entertaining visitors , and he could say on behalf of the brethren that they xvere alxvays xx'elcomc . He called on Bros . Buck and Lazarus to reply on behalf of those present . Bin . Buck said in the words of the song just given , they had in the Province of Essex a short time ago to give out notes of sadness on the loss of their Prov . Grand Master , Lord Tenterden , but it was also then his pleasure to give

out notes of gladness on the appointment of Lord Brooke . In representing the Province of Essex he had come to pay homage to the Eastern Star , and he could not refrain from expressing his admiration of the manner in xvhich the installation ceremony had been performed—he had never seen it equalled . Bro . Lazarus also replied , and in the course of his remarks gave some interesting particulars of his oxvn Masonic

experience , extending over a period of some Go years , and concluded xvith an amusing account of hoxv he became Master of the Eastern Star Lodge more than 50 years ago . The toast of "The Past Masters" came next , and the W . M . said that he alxvays considered it a happy position for a brother to be in xvhen after passing the chair he could fold his arms and sit and criticise the VV . M . ; but Past Masters as a rule did more , they were generally ready

to aid the W . M . in his xvork , and he hoped to have their assistance during his year of office . In connection with this toast he xvould name Bros . Davis and Hill , and if Bro . Davis xvas thc father of the lodge Bro . Hill had certainly been its high priest , for he had for many years performed the dutv of installing the W . M .

Bro . Hill in returning thanks said it had been very gratifying to him to discharge any duty connected xvith the lodge , from I . G . to W . M . It had been his privilege to act as Installing Master for many years , ancl he xvas glad that other brethren could noxv be found to perform that duty . It xvas a relief to him , and he had been delighted at the efficient

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

manner in which the ceremony had been carried out that day . " The Treasurer and Secretary " came next . Bros . Davies and Edinger replied , the former remarking that they had entrusted him xvith the funds of the lodge for 21 years . He xvas pleased to lind the lodge xvas prospering ; fresh blood had been introducedxvhich brought

, fresh energies . During his long connection with the lodge they had never had any quarrels , and he alxvays looked forxvard , ancl should continue to do so , to thc lodge meetings as a means of spending a social evening in thc enjoyment of their society . The Secretary also replied in a humorous speech , and

with the toast of " Thc Wardens and other Ofiicers " and the Tyler ' s toast the proceedings terminated . The proceedings of the evening were greatly enlivened by some excellent singing by Bros . Ward and Hanson , accompanied on the pianoforte by Bro . Humphrey 1 . Stark , Mus . Bac , P . M .

WESTBOURNE LODGE ( No . 733 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge xvas held at Lord ' s Hotel , Lord ' s Cricket Ground , St . John ' s Wood , on Thursday , the 15 th inst ., xvhen there was a large attendance of brethren and many visitors , including Bros . J . J . Thomas , 7531 J . J . Masters , 3 rd Lodge of Ireland ; John Biorley , 1 793 ; Sidney Decketts , 193 ; W . G . Higgins , 15 G 3 ; F

Leach , 25 ; G . F . Challis , 704 ; T . D . " Scott , 177 ; L . Lexvis , P . M . i gS ; A . E . Stead , 1 G 22 ; C . H . Abrams , 511 ; Edward . V . Nexv , 173 ; James Payne , 1425 ; C . Shannon , 975 ; Theodore Distin , Phoenix ; and E . C . Massey ( Freemason ) . The lodge xvas opened by the W . M ., Bro . William Hitchcock , assisted by his officers , and after reading of the minutes of thc previous meeting and disposal of other

formal business , Bro . Moss xvas passed to the Second Degree . Thc ceremony of installing Bro . B . Kershaxv , the VV . M . elect , xvas the next business on the agenda , and as this ceremony xvas to be peformedby Bro . Cottebrune , P . G . D ., who is the father of the Westbourne Lodge and the Master of Ceremonies , that xvorthy brother assumed the chair , whereupon Bro . Kershaxv xvas formally presented

for installation and having signified his acquiescence in the requirements of the ancient charges was duly obligated ; after which a Board of Installed Masters was formed and Bro . Kershaxv duly installed into the chair of K . S ., subsequently appointing and investing his officers as folloxvs : Bros . S . R . Walker ( late Secretary ) , S . W . ; W . C . Joy , J . W . ; Welford , Treas . ; T . W . Allen , Sec ; C . R .

Wickens , S . D . ; Biorn , J . D . ; S . J . Humfrcss , I . G . ; W . Tucker Allen , Org . ; C . A . Cottebrune , M . C ; Burnc , Assist . M . C ; J . Sothcott , Stexvard ; Curtiss , Assist . Stexvard ; and Thomas , Tyler . Bro . Cottebrune then delivered the three orations to the W . M ., the Wardens , and the brethren , thus bringing to a close his duties as Installing Master , xvhich he had

performed xvith great skill and exactness . The skill of thc nexv W . M . xvas at once put to the test as there xvere txvo candidates , xvho having been approved upon ballot , noxv presented themselves for initiation . These xvere Mr . Thomas Segger and Mr . Samuel Ebcnezer Wallis . These candidates xverc duly initiated by Bro . Kershaxv , but the ceremony suffered somexvhat from thc

fact that Bro . Kershaxv xvho had been laid up for some days ( and xvho indeed was present contrary to the wishes of his medical adviser ) xvas still too unxvell to go through the xvork xvith the energy and ability xvhich have characterised his xvorking at the lodge of instruction . Hoxvever the strong determination xvhich brought Bro . Kershaxv to the lodge at great personal inconvenience , carried him through

the ceremony , and the nexv candidates xvere duly initiated . On their return to the lodge the Auditors reported that they had examined thc accounts cf the lodge and had found them to be in an eminently satisfactory condition , xvhereupoh it xvas moved , seconded and carried that the accounts , xvhich had been printed and circulated amongst the members , be received and entered on the minutesand

, a vote of thanks to the Auditors for their services xvas also passed . The minutes of thc Benevolent Fund Committee were also confirmed , and a vote of £ 2 , supplementing a grant of £ 3 made by the Committee ot the Benevolent Fund , was carried in favour of the xvidoxv of a deceased member of thc lodge .

The Secretary reported that he had received from thc widow referred to—who was desirous of applying to thc Lodge of Benevolence for further assistance—the usual printed form of petition to Grand Lodge , which had been sent to him xvith the expectation of its being recommended and signed by the Master , Wardens , and members of the Westbourne Lodge ; but | as , apparently from ignorance of

what xvas necessary to be done , she had not filled up the form , the lodge had no alternative but to direct the Secretary to return it to her for completion . Bro . Cottebrune said that they had a brother amongst them xvho had filled a very high and important office in the lodge , the duties of xvhich he had discharged xvith perseverance and great skill for many years . That brother—he

alluded to Bro . S . K . Walker , thc late Secretary—had that evening been appointed Senior Warden of the lod ge , and he trusted that he xvould nest year attain the hi ghest position in the lodge that the members could confer upon him . He thought hoxvever that the brethren should noxv do something for one xvho had done so much for the lodge—something to mark their appreciation of the services xvhich he

had rendered , ancl of the kindness and courtesy xvhich he had alxvays displayed . He proposed therefore that the lodge should present Bro . Walker with a Past Secretary ' s jewel of the value of five guineas . The Worshipful Master said it gave him the greatest p leasure to second that proposal , and he put it to the meeting with thc greatest confidence that it would jiass

unanimously . The vote was carried by acclamation , and some other formal business having been disposed of thc lodge closed and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room . After dinner the xvell knoxvn list of toasts xvas gone through and all xverc duly honoured . The state of the

Worshipful Master's health did not admit of his exerting himself much in the way of speech making , and therefore the first three toasts were proposed xvithout any accompanying remarks , but were none the less cordially received by the brethren . Bro . Cottebrune being the only Grand Officer present replied on behalf of " The Officers of Grand Lodge , " passing a high encomium on the zeal , ability , and urbanity