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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving- of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a 1 spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ! I
AGE OF SUN , SQUARE , AND COMPASSES LODGE , No . 119 , WHITEHAVEN . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have all along deprecated entering into any discussion with Bro . R . W . Moore , either in the local
papers or the Freemason , for reasons that must be obvious to all who have read Bro . Moore ' s letters in the Cumberland Racquet and the Freemason , which primarily partake of a personal character , rash assertions , insinuations , and mis-statements , which I cannot
allow to pass unnoticed , more especially those in your issue of the 11 th inst . ist . I have never made an attack on the Grand Lodge of England nor the Past Masters of Lodge No . 119 . 2 nd . 1 am not responsible for creating this
discussion . 3 rd . It is absolutel y untrue that I objected to the members of Lodge No . 119 wearing a centenary jewel ; in fact , I was not aware that lodge possessed a warrant till the close of the meeting , held at Keswick on the
15 th October last . Nor am I in any way responsible for the report of said meeting that appeared in the local press . I pass over the rest of Bro . Moore ' s charges in silence , and respectfully decline further correspondence . — Yours fraternally ,
. Q GEORGE J . McKAY . January 10 . J
SUN , SQUARE , AND COMPASSES LODGE , No . 119 , WHITEHAVEN . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The Permanent Committee of this lodge will be obliged by your publishing in the next issue of the Freemason the following copy of a letter which hasbeen received from Grand Lodge . —Yours fraternally ,
THOS . ALLINSON , I . P . M . 119 , IN THE CHAIR , [ COPY . ]
United Grand Lodge of England , Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , London , W . C . 13 th January , 1 S 90 . Sir and Brother ,
With reference to your letter of the 13 th November , requesting information as to the actual antiquity of Lodge No . 119 , Whitehaven , respecting which a serious question has recently been raised . In the first place , I have to refer you to the centenary warrant , granted to the lodge by the M . W . Grand Master
in the year 18 S 5 , wherein you will find the actual history of the lodge and its date of formation ; and , in the second place , I have to inform you that having , in consequence of the controversy which has arisen , cirefully reviewed all the facts of the case , and having consulted the records of the Grand Lodge , and the old minute book of vour iodge , no
doubt whatever remains in my mind as to the fact that , as recorded in the centenary warrant , the present lodge is the same that was established in the year 176 S , and that the old lodge was not erased and the warrant handed to a new lodge in the year 1 S 07 , as alleged .
1 am returning your minute book to-day . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , ( Signed ) SHADWELL CLERKE , Col ., G . S . 'The W . Master , Sun , Square , and Compasses Lodge , No . liy , Whitehaven .
1 With this emphatic declaration from the Grand Secretary , the correspondence is closed . — -ED . FM . ' \
A LODGE PRESENTATION . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Your leaderette of this day ' s date on " A lodge presentation , " deserves my prompt recognition , for there is nothing so gratifying to anyone actuated by a
sincere desire to serve the Cratt , as to find himself so well understood , that the essence of his communication with that object , is deemed of sufficient importance by the Editor of the Freemason , to merit special notice . As you so very ably put it , the point may be said to lie rather in the acquiescence given by silence , when a
harmless" but nevertheless clear breach of discipline is committed , than in the magnitude of the offence . This is very often the " loose screw" on which lawbreakers work , and by which , ( if successful ) , they succeed . Then the precedent comes up when wanted lor future occasions , and if some conscientious brother
who has the nerve to protest , does so , he linds himsell as unpopular as men usually are , who cannot endorse the sins of their elders . But I say Past Masters should never sin b y silence , though such may be pardoned in junior ( I mean young ) Masons . I find that on thc occasion referred to , a Past Master did protest againsl
the terms of the presentation , but as I understand the case , although he had personally warned the offender ; of their informal proceedings , he was told that the } had " hi gh authority" for the course pursued , ane should persist in it . ¦ I am glad to state , however , tha the protest led to calm reflection ( though not withou much unseemly altercation ) and at the next regula
Correspondence.
meeting , when it appears the " presentation" was left out of the minutes , that portion was modified and added in a new form . Whether the latter is quite satisfactory ( , for I know such rarely are ) , I am unable to say ; but in any case tbe " testimonialized " brother , feven if he has been ignorantlv an aider and abbetter
of the inform ;!) proceedings ) , cannot so regard his position . Why should he have been thus dragged through the mire , by any section of a lodge , whether composed of old or young members ? 1 am assured that some of the oldest Past Masters of the lodge would have gladly subscribed under proper
conditions , and yet , notwithstanding their names were used effectively in order to obtain subscriptions , they were never asked , nor was the least intimation conveyed to them of the proposed testimonial until the legality of the proceedings had been questioned . I could sav a good deal , perhaps make a sermon , on
this fulfilment of my predictions ( in mind ) when penning the letter to which you refer , Bro . Editor . But I refrain ; firstly out of consideration for and your valuable space ; and secondly out of consideration for myself : —every man to his profession . After thanking you for the prominence given to a
failing ( in itself creditable ) by which " harmless or apparently trivial matters may , with good motives , be sanctioned in lodges , but which are in the highest Degree antagonistic to their prosperity , I may , in justice to the worthy brother who at the moment
occupied the chair , state that he had only just previously been installed , when at the close of the lodge meeting this matter was brought forward . His exceptional position may therefore well be understood . —Yours truly and fraternally ,
,. WEST YORKSHIRE . January 17 II 1
LODGE MUSIC . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I should be very glad if some of my brother Organists would kindly inform me what service is used
at their lodges during the musical portions of tbe ceremonies . I have by me Dr . Baker ' s Service , and Dr . Spark's " Liber Musicus . " I am anxious to know if there are any others in use , and where they can be obtained . Any information will be very acceptable to —Yours fraternally , A COUNTRY ORGANIST .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft flDasonrp .
METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .
Temperance Lodge ( No . 169 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 16 th inst ., at the VVhite Swan Hotel , High-street , Deptford , the following being the officers for the ensuing year : Bros . John Davies , W . M . ; G . L . Moore , P . M ., S . W . ; Walter . Sanderson , P . M ., J . W . ; G . Bolton , P . M ., Treas . ; G . F . Neeld , P . M ., Sec ; J . Johnson , S . D . ; T . J . Wallis ,
' P . M ., J . D . ; G . Brown , P . M ., D . C . J G . Dale , P . M ., Stwd . ; and A . Goddard , P . M ., Tyler ; nearly 100 brethren being present . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Vivian Hosking was raised . A Board of Installed Masters was formed , consisting of 25 , and Bro . John Davies was duly installed into the
chair by the outgoing W . M ., Bro . Robert Jackson , who gave the addresses in a most able manner , eliciting considerable applause . After " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed . The brethren adjourned to a sumptuous banquet , after which the W . M . gave the usual loyal and grand toasts . The W . M ., in responding to the toast of his health ,
expressed his extreme satisfaction at being placed in the dignified and honourable position of Master for the 106 th year of the lodge s existence , and pledged himself to promote the welfare and harmony of the lodge as far as lay in his power , trusting he would leave ¦ the chair with the unanimous good wishes of the brethren . 1 He thanked the I . P . M . for his kindness in upholding the
dignity of the P . M . 's by installing him as his successor in 1 so admirable a manner as to elicit such commendation from j so large an assembly , not only of Past Masters of the lodge , but of many eminent brethren who had passed the chair in their own lodges , and as he had kindly rendered j him that service , he was now enabled to tell the brethren 1 that was the moment he had been looking forward to since
he sat at the immediate right of the then W . M ., Bro . Monk , and was the proudest event in his Masonic career , and it afforded him much gratification at being the channel of presenting him , on behalf of the lodge , with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , and hoped he would long continue to wear it as a mark of the appreciation of the brethren for his services during the year , and for the able manner in
which he had carried out his duties as ruler of the old 'Temperance Lodge . Bro . Jackson , I . P . M ., who replied in somewhat emotional but deeply grateful terms , concluded by recommending the brethren to support Bro . Davies in his Stewardship for the R . M . B . I ., and send him up with a list worthy of the lodge
he would represent . In giving the toast of "The Visitors , " theW . M . complimented the lodge on having so numerous an assembly of eminent Masons and workers , amongst whom were Bros . G . Read , W . II . Chalfont , H . Dehane , Milbourne , W . Martin , A . Williams ^ E . Austin , II . i . Gilbert , R . Josey , Rawley Cross , R . Gore , james Sims , L . Cox , G . VV . Higginson , F . Woodward , H . Cotton , J . Cruttenden , W .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Hillier , T . Jobson , F . Craggs , the brothers Kifford , and many others , coupling with the toast the names of Bros . Read , Dehane , Sims , Williams , Martin , and Gilbert , all of whom replied . The toast of "The Charities" was responded to , in the absence of Bro . Terry ( who was unavoidably prevented from being present ) , by Bro . G . Read , who , in the course
of a speech full of useful information regarding the Schools and the coining R . M . B . I . Festival , appealed to the brethren for their support , resulting in upwards of j ( , 50 being there and then placed on the W . M . 's list . The other toasts that followed were " 'The P . M . ' s" and "The Officers , " the Tyler's toast concluding a most agreeable evening , which was enlivened by a musical programme
of exceptional merit . Lodge of Sincerity ( No . 174 ) . —The 122 nd anniversary meeting of this comfortable lodge was held on Wednesday , at the Guildhall 'Tavern , under thc presidency of the VV . M ., Bro . William James Higgs . There were 53 brethren present . The Past Masters were Bros . Charles LaceyTreas . ; C . H . Webb , Sec . ; A . Haig-Brown , Jas .
, j . Fraser , George Jones , E . J . Moore , VV . C . Ba . low , Jno . Bulmer , J . Newton , Wm . Wells ; and the Visitors were Bros . Herbert Davies , 1793 ; W . G . Wishaw , 1716 ; J . 'Talbot Barnes , 21 S 4 and 226 ( S . C . ); J . W . O . M . Knight , P . M . 95 ; Milner J utsum , P . M . 95 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 , and 192 S ; F . S . Ballard , H . M . 555 ; J . W . Gomm , 1679 ; VV . T . Abnett , 19 S 1 ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ;
VV . Hirsts , 199 6 j Chas . Mansfield , 21 , P . G . Stwd . ; K H . Cheescwright , 907 ; Orlton Cooper , S . D . 211 ; S . Morley , W . M . 1853 ; A . H . Robinson , 1010 ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B . ; I . Oxley , W . M . 1306 ; J . VV . Mann Grey , S 3 ; J . Pracy , 1 GG 2 ; Jas . R . Large , P .. vl . and Treas . 1607 ; Hy . Parkin , 1319 , Chas . Chilley , 2005 ; and Jas . Budd , 101 . After the report of the Audit Committee , which was as usual
highly favourable , had been received and adopted , the VV . Master worked the opening part of the ceremony of installation , Bro . Henry Magee , J . W ., being the W . M . elect . At the Board of Masters Bro . George Jones , P . M ., presided , and performed the ceremony of installation . After the new W . M . had been saluted by the Board and heartily congratulated on the high distinction to which he had attained , the
remainder of the ritual was gone through , and the following brethren were invested as officers for the year : Bros . W . J . Higgs , I . P . M . j H . Jay , S . VV . ; T . A . Starnes , J . W . ; Chas . Lacey , P . M ., Treas . ; C . H . Webb , P . M ., Sec . j W . Phillips , S . D . ; W . Butcher , J . D . ; W . G . Norman , I . G . j Wm . Harvey , D . C . ; J . J . Whiting , Stwd . ; and lames Very , Tyler . Bro . George Jones delivered the
address to thc W . M ., Bro . A . Haig-Brown thc address to the Warden , and Bro . John Newton the address tothe other brethren . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented tothe I . P . M ., Bro . Higgs , after which the brethren unanimously voted 10 guineas to the W . M . ' s Steward ' s list for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , in addition to 10 guineas previously voted . 'This was supplemented , as will
be seen below , by a further sum of 20 guineas given by Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., one of the visitors . After the closing of the lodge the brethren adjourned to a beautiful banquet , served under the care of Bro . John Marcham , superintendent of the Guildhall Tavern . 'The customary toasts followed . After the toast of "The Oueen and the Craft " had been
given and honoured , The W . M . proposed "The M . W . G . M . ; " and said that he had never had the privilege of hearing his Royal Highness perform his Masonic duties but he was quite sure that when he did so he did it with the same enthusiasm as he did his other duties . The VV . M ., in proposing " The Pro G . M ., the Deputy
G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said there were two Grand Officers present . Bro . Frank Richardson was one , and wherever Freemasonry was known under the English Constitution the name of Frank Richardson was always drunk with enthusiasm . He would not allude to Bro . 'Terry at present , but he was there . He might be wrong in alluding to Bro . 'Terry as a visitor at that
lodge , but he was present , and he had always been received as a member by the brethren of the lodge . Bro . Frank Richardson , in responding , said he was sure Bro . Terry would join with him in saying that they considered it a very great honour indeed that their names should be coupled with the names of the Earl of Carnarvon and the Earl of Lathom . The Pro Grand Master was known
in the country as one of the finished orators . His lordship had been the means of bringing about a unity of Masonic feeling in Australia , in place of the condition of things existing when he ( Bro . Richardson ) was there , which was no less than in Melbourne and Sydney , of different jurisdictions working heart and soul against each other , ' 1 he Earl of Lathom was one of the most polished Masons of
England , one of the besc Masons they had , who could do his work well when he presided in Provincial Grand Lodge . Among the Grand Officers were hard-working men , and he did not know that there was such a hard worked man as Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , the Grand Secretary , who began his work at 10 o'clock in the morning , and did not leave off till 10 or 11 at night . Masons were fortunate enough tohave
the example of other Grand Officers , some of whom , perhaps , were bora to greatness , but some achieved greatness , and others had greatness thrust upon them . In whatever position they were , however , they did their duty to the utmost of their ability . Uro . Higgs , I . P . M ., in proposing "The VV . M ., " said the brethren were to be congratulated on having such a brother as their head , and he wished him a happy and
prosperous year of office . Thc W . M ., in acknowledging the hearty way in which the brethren had received the toast , said he should endeavour to do his duty , and he should lake the good advice given him in lodge to hand over the Maslersliip unsullied to his successor . It was very kind of the brethren tu elect him to that honourable position . He could assure them th . 'il when the time came when he should vacate lhe chair he
would be received by the Past >¦ asters with the same cordiality that they had received other Masters among their ranks . The W . M . next gave " Success to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " and said he had had the privilege oi visiting the Institution at Croydon , and the pleasure it
gave him would last as long as he lived . He knew a little about alms-houses and their inmates , but he never saw any people in benevolent institutions more happy and comfortable than the aged people at Croydon . Any brother would have enjoyed himself there as much as he had . 'The Institution was in want of funds , and he asked every brother who
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving- of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a 1 spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ! I
AGE OF SUN , SQUARE , AND COMPASSES LODGE , No . 119 , WHITEHAVEN . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I have all along deprecated entering into any discussion with Bro . R . W . Moore , either in the local
papers or the Freemason , for reasons that must be obvious to all who have read Bro . Moore ' s letters in the Cumberland Racquet and the Freemason , which primarily partake of a personal character , rash assertions , insinuations , and mis-statements , which I cannot
allow to pass unnoticed , more especially those in your issue of the 11 th inst . ist . I have never made an attack on the Grand Lodge of England nor the Past Masters of Lodge No . 119 . 2 nd . 1 am not responsible for creating this
discussion . 3 rd . It is absolutel y untrue that I objected to the members of Lodge No . 119 wearing a centenary jewel ; in fact , I was not aware that lodge possessed a warrant till the close of the meeting , held at Keswick on the
15 th October last . Nor am I in any way responsible for the report of said meeting that appeared in the local press . I pass over the rest of Bro . Moore ' s charges in silence , and respectfully decline further correspondence . — Yours fraternally ,
. Q GEORGE J . McKAY . January 10 . J
SUN , SQUARE , AND COMPASSES LODGE , No . 119 , WHITEHAVEN . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The Permanent Committee of this lodge will be obliged by your publishing in the next issue of the Freemason the following copy of a letter which hasbeen received from Grand Lodge . —Yours fraternally ,
THOS . ALLINSON , I . P . M . 119 , IN THE CHAIR , [ COPY . ]
United Grand Lodge of England , Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , London , W . C . 13 th January , 1 S 90 . Sir and Brother ,
With reference to your letter of the 13 th November , requesting information as to the actual antiquity of Lodge No . 119 , Whitehaven , respecting which a serious question has recently been raised . In the first place , I have to refer you to the centenary warrant , granted to the lodge by the M . W . Grand Master
in the year 18 S 5 , wherein you will find the actual history of the lodge and its date of formation ; and , in the second place , I have to inform you that having , in consequence of the controversy which has arisen , cirefully reviewed all the facts of the case , and having consulted the records of the Grand Lodge , and the old minute book of vour iodge , no
doubt whatever remains in my mind as to the fact that , as recorded in the centenary warrant , the present lodge is the same that was established in the year 176 S , and that the old lodge was not erased and the warrant handed to a new lodge in the year 1 S 07 , as alleged .
1 am returning your minute book to-day . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , ( Signed ) SHADWELL CLERKE , Col ., G . S . 'The W . Master , Sun , Square , and Compasses Lodge , No . liy , Whitehaven .
1 With this emphatic declaration from the Grand Secretary , the correspondence is closed . — -ED . FM . ' \
A LODGE PRESENTATION . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Your leaderette of this day ' s date on " A lodge presentation , " deserves my prompt recognition , for there is nothing so gratifying to anyone actuated by a
sincere desire to serve the Cratt , as to find himself so well understood , that the essence of his communication with that object , is deemed of sufficient importance by the Editor of the Freemason , to merit special notice . As you so very ably put it , the point may be said to lie rather in the acquiescence given by silence , when a
harmless" but nevertheless clear breach of discipline is committed , than in the magnitude of the offence . This is very often the " loose screw" on which lawbreakers work , and by which , ( if successful ) , they succeed . Then the precedent comes up when wanted lor future occasions , and if some conscientious brother
who has the nerve to protest , does so , he linds himsell as unpopular as men usually are , who cannot endorse the sins of their elders . But I say Past Masters should never sin b y silence , though such may be pardoned in junior ( I mean young ) Masons . I find that on thc occasion referred to , a Past Master did protest againsl
the terms of the presentation , but as I understand the case , although he had personally warned the offender ; of their informal proceedings , he was told that the } had " hi gh authority" for the course pursued , ane should persist in it . ¦ I am glad to state , however , tha the protest led to calm reflection ( though not withou much unseemly altercation ) and at the next regula
Correspondence.
meeting , when it appears the " presentation" was left out of the minutes , that portion was modified and added in a new form . Whether the latter is quite satisfactory ( , for I know such rarely are ) , I am unable to say ; but in any case tbe " testimonialized " brother , feven if he has been ignorantlv an aider and abbetter
of the inform ;!) proceedings ) , cannot so regard his position . Why should he have been thus dragged through the mire , by any section of a lodge , whether composed of old or young members ? 1 am assured that some of the oldest Past Masters of the lodge would have gladly subscribed under proper
conditions , and yet , notwithstanding their names were used effectively in order to obtain subscriptions , they were never asked , nor was the least intimation conveyed to them of the proposed testimonial until the legality of the proceedings had been questioned . I could sav a good deal , perhaps make a sermon , on
this fulfilment of my predictions ( in mind ) when penning the letter to which you refer , Bro . Editor . But I refrain ; firstly out of consideration for and your valuable space ; and secondly out of consideration for myself : —every man to his profession . After thanking you for the prominence given to a
failing ( in itself creditable ) by which " harmless or apparently trivial matters may , with good motives , be sanctioned in lodges , but which are in the highest Degree antagonistic to their prosperity , I may , in justice to the worthy brother who at the moment
occupied the chair , state that he had only just previously been installed , when at the close of the lodge meeting this matter was brought forward . His exceptional position may therefore well be understood . —Yours truly and fraternally ,
,. WEST YORKSHIRE . January 17 II 1
LODGE MUSIC . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I should be very glad if some of my brother Organists would kindly inform me what service is used
at their lodges during the musical portions of tbe ceremonies . I have by me Dr . Baker ' s Service , and Dr . Spark's " Liber Musicus . " I am anxious to know if there are any others in use , and where they can be obtained . Any information will be very acceptable to —Yours fraternally , A COUNTRY ORGANIST .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft flDasonrp .
METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .
Temperance Lodge ( No . 169 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 16 th inst ., at the VVhite Swan Hotel , High-street , Deptford , the following being the officers for the ensuing year : Bros . John Davies , W . M . ; G . L . Moore , P . M ., S . W . ; Walter . Sanderson , P . M ., J . W . ; G . Bolton , P . M ., Treas . ; G . F . Neeld , P . M ., Sec ; J . Johnson , S . D . ; T . J . Wallis ,
' P . M ., J . D . ; G . Brown , P . M ., D . C . J G . Dale , P . M ., Stwd . ; and A . Goddard , P . M ., Tyler ; nearly 100 brethren being present . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Vivian Hosking was raised . A Board of Installed Masters was formed , consisting of 25 , and Bro . John Davies was duly installed into the
chair by the outgoing W . M ., Bro . Robert Jackson , who gave the addresses in a most able manner , eliciting considerable applause . After " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed . The brethren adjourned to a sumptuous banquet , after which the W . M . gave the usual loyal and grand toasts . The W . M ., in responding to the toast of his health ,
expressed his extreme satisfaction at being placed in the dignified and honourable position of Master for the 106 th year of the lodge s existence , and pledged himself to promote the welfare and harmony of the lodge as far as lay in his power , trusting he would leave ¦ the chair with the unanimous good wishes of the brethren . 1 He thanked the I . P . M . for his kindness in upholding the
dignity of the P . M . 's by installing him as his successor in 1 so admirable a manner as to elicit such commendation from j so large an assembly , not only of Past Masters of the lodge , but of many eminent brethren who had passed the chair in their own lodges , and as he had kindly rendered j him that service , he was now enabled to tell the brethren 1 that was the moment he had been looking forward to since
he sat at the immediate right of the then W . M ., Bro . Monk , and was the proudest event in his Masonic career , and it afforded him much gratification at being the channel of presenting him , on behalf of the lodge , with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , and hoped he would long continue to wear it as a mark of the appreciation of the brethren for his services during the year , and for the able manner in
which he had carried out his duties as ruler of the old 'Temperance Lodge . Bro . Jackson , I . P . M ., who replied in somewhat emotional but deeply grateful terms , concluded by recommending the brethren to support Bro . Davies in his Stewardship for the R . M . B . I ., and send him up with a list worthy of the lodge
he would represent . In giving the toast of "The Visitors , " theW . M . complimented the lodge on having so numerous an assembly of eminent Masons and workers , amongst whom were Bros . G . Read , W . II . Chalfont , H . Dehane , Milbourne , W . Martin , A . Williams ^ E . Austin , II . i . Gilbert , R . Josey , Rawley Cross , R . Gore , james Sims , L . Cox , G . VV . Higginson , F . Woodward , H . Cotton , J . Cruttenden , W .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Hillier , T . Jobson , F . Craggs , the brothers Kifford , and many others , coupling with the toast the names of Bros . Read , Dehane , Sims , Williams , Martin , and Gilbert , all of whom replied . The toast of "The Charities" was responded to , in the absence of Bro . Terry ( who was unavoidably prevented from being present ) , by Bro . G . Read , who , in the course
of a speech full of useful information regarding the Schools and the coining R . M . B . I . Festival , appealed to the brethren for their support , resulting in upwards of j ( , 50 being there and then placed on the W . M . 's list . The other toasts that followed were " 'The P . M . ' s" and "The Officers , " the Tyler's toast concluding a most agreeable evening , which was enlivened by a musical programme
of exceptional merit . Lodge of Sincerity ( No . 174 ) . —The 122 nd anniversary meeting of this comfortable lodge was held on Wednesday , at the Guildhall 'Tavern , under thc presidency of the VV . M ., Bro . William James Higgs . There were 53 brethren present . The Past Masters were Bros . Charles LaceyTreas . ; C . H . Webb , Sec . ; A . Haig-Brown , Jas .
, j . Fraser , George Jones , E . J . Moore , VV . C . Ba . low , Jno . Bulmer , J . Newton , Wm . Wells ; and the Visitors were Bros . Herbert Davies , 1793 ; W . G . Wishaw , 1716 ; J . 'Talbot Barnes , 21 S 4 and 226 ( S . C . ); J . W . O . M . Knight , P . M . 95 ; Milner J utsum , P . M . 95 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 , and 192 S ; F . S . Ballard , H . M . 555 ; J . W . Gomm , 1679 ; VV . T . Abnett , 19 S 1 ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ;
VV . Hirsts , 199 6 j Chas . Mansfield , 21 , P . G . Stwd . ; K H . Cheescwright , 907 ; Orlton Cooper , S . D . 211 ; S . Morley , W . M . 1853 ; A . H . Robinson , 1010 ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B . ; I . Oxley , W . M . 1306 ; J . VV . Mann Grey , S 3 ; J . Pracy , 1 GG 2 ; Jas . R . Large , P .. vl . and Treas . 1607 ; Hy . Parkin , 1319 , Chas . Chilley , 2005 ; and Jas . Budd , 101 . After the report of the Audit Committee , which was as usual
highly favourable , had been received and adopted , the VV . Master worked the opening part of the ceremony of installation , Bro . Henry Magee , J . W ., being the W . M . elect . At the Board of Masters Bro . George Jones , P . M ., presided , and performed the ceremony of installation . After the new W . M . had been saluted by the Board and heartily congratulated on the high distinction to which he had attained , the
remainder of the ritual was gone through , and the following brethren were invested as officers for the year : Bros . W . J . Higgs , I . P . M . j H . Jay , S . VV . ; T . A . Starnes , J . W . ; Chas . Lacey , P . M ., Treas . ; C . H . Webb , P . M ., Sec . j W . Phillips , S . D . ; W . Butcher , J . D . ; W . G . Norman , I . G . j Wm . Harvey , D . C . ; J . J . Whiting , Stwd . ; and lames Very , Tyler . Bro . George Jones delivered the
address to thc W . M ., Bro . A . Haig-Brown thc address to the Warden , and Bro . John Newton the address tothe other brethren . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented tothe I . P . M ., Bro . Higgs , after which the brethren unanimously voted 10 guineas to the W . M . ' s Steward ' s list for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , in addition to 10 guineas previously voted . 'This was supplemented , as will
be seen below , by a further sum of 20 guineas given by Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., one of the visitors . After the closing of the lodge the brethren adjourned to a beautiful banquet , served under the care of Bro . John Marcham , superintendent of the Guildhall Tavern . 'The customary toasts followed . After the toast of "The Oueen and the Craft " had been
given and honoured , The W . M . proposed "The M . W . G . M . ; " and said that he had never had the privilege of hearing his Royal Highness perform his Masonic duties but he was quite sure that when he did so he did it with the same enthusiasm as he did his other duties . The VV . M ., in proposing " The Pro G . M ., the Deputy
G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said there were two Grand Officers present . Bro . Frank Richardson was one , and wherever Freemasonry was known under the English Constitution the name of Frank Richardson was always drunk with enthusiasm . He would not allude to Bro . 'Terry at present , but he was there . He might be wrong in alluding to Bro . 'Terry as a visitor at that
lodge , but he was present , and he had always been received as a member by the brethren of the lodge . Bro . Frank Richardson , in responding , said he was sure Bro . Terry would join with him in saying that they considered it a very great honour indeed that their names should be coupled with the names of the Earl of Carnarvon and the Earl of Lathom . The Pro Grand Master was known
in the country as one of the finished orators . His lordship had been the means of bringing about a unity of Masonic feeling in Australia , in place of the condition of things existing when he ( Bro . Richardson ) was there , which was no less than in Melbourne and Sydney , of different jurisdictions working heart and soul against each other , ' 1 he Earl of Lathom was one of the most polished Masons of
England , one of the besc Masons they had , who could do his work well when he presided in Provincial Grand Lodge . Among the Grand Officers were hard-working men , and he did not know that there was such a hard worked man as Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , the Grand Secretary , who began his work at 10 o'clock in the morning , and did not leave off till 10 or 11 at night . Masons were fortunate enough tohave
the example of other Grand Officers , some of whom , perhaps , were bora to greatness , but some achieved greatness , and others had greatness thrust upon them . In whatever position they were , however , they did their duty to the utmost of their ability . Uro . Higgs , I . P . M ., in proposing "The VV . M ., " said the brethren were to be congratulated on having such a brother as their head , and he wished him a happy and
prosperous year of office . Thc W . M ., in acknowledging the hearty way in which the brethren had received the toast , said he should endeavour to do his duty , and he should lake the good advice given him in lodge to hand over the Maslersliip unsullied to his successor . It was very kind of the brethren tu elect him to that honourable position . He could assure them th . 'il when the time came when he should vacate lhe chair he
would be received by the Past >¦ asters with the same cordiality that they had received other Masters among their ranks . The W . M . next gave " Success to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " and said he had had the privilege oi visiting the Institution at Croydon , and the pleasure it
gave him would last as long as he lived . He knew a little about alms-houses and their inmates , but he never saw any people in benevolent institutions more happy and comfortable than the aged people at Croydon . Any brother would have enjoyed himself there as much as he had . 'The Institution was in want of funds , and he asked every brother who