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P . M ., P . P . G . R . Oxon , P . P . G . J . D . East Lane . As this event had been notified to the whole of the members , it had the desirable effect of bringing a large muster of the brethren of the lodge , as well as other lodges in the province ; and Brc . Thomas was listened to with the utmost attention during the whole of this lengthy and interesting lecture , and afterwards in open lodge the thanks of the brethren were awarded to Bro . 'Thomas , who suitably responded . The lodge was then closed in form .

WOOLWICH . —Nelson Lodge ( No . 700 ) . —The usual quarterly meeting of the above lodge took place on Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall . Bro . O . Beaver , W . M ., was in the chair , supported by the following Past Masters , ofiicers , visitors , and others : Bros . _ .. B . Hobson , I . P . M . ; A . Woodley , P . M . ; J . Warren , P . M . ; J . Wilkins , P . M . ; J . II . Roberts , S . VV . ; T . Ovenden , I \ V T I ..,.. PM Trc-is .: C . Norman , P . M ., bee ;

VV . Bidgccd , Org . ; C . Sweeting , S . D . ; VV . Ross , J . D . ; H . Mason , VV . M . 913 ; VV . Farr , P . M ., P . G . S . Br . Essex ; T . Holleyman , W . M . 1536 ; *• ** Lee , *; , 3- , VV . Harris , P . M . S 71 ; G . Chambers , 13 * , *• Wagg , i 0 . E . Palmer , 913 ; J . Purnell , i 53 < i ; C . J . Carter , 1472 * and C . Jolly , S . D , 1472 , 9 > 3 . &<* ( Freemason ) . The usual formalities being over Messrs . Marchant , G . Taylor , H . J . Palmer , and H . Lane were after full approval 1 ajiut j ii . 1 , 1 aiiiitijanu »»• ¦ - »—••— Lt A Hickson then passed

initiated into Freemasonry . Bro . was , and Brcs . J . Marchant and Low were raised . I he two hrst Degrees were admirably worked by the VV . M ., who then had to retire , and Bro . E . B . Hobson , I . P . M ., worked the Third Degree in his usual excellent way . 1 he election tor VV . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler for the ensuing 12 months , commencing in August next , then took place , and Bro . RobertsSVVwas unanimously elected to the office of

, .., VV . M . ; Bro . Butt as Treasurer ; and Bro . Lackland as Tyler . It was then finally resolved that the banquet should be held at the New Falcon Hotel , Bro . H"bbard s , at Gravesend , and Bros . C . Bedo , VVest , and Naylor were elected from the body of the lodge to serve on the Audit and Banquet Committees . It was also unanimously resolved that a Past Master ' s Jewel , of the value of 10 guineas ,

should be presented to Bro . G . Beaver , the retiring VV . M ., as a mark of esteem and as some small recognition of the excellent manner in which he had carried out the duties of VV . M . during his term of office . Some appeals for charity having bcen granted the lodge was closed , and the brethren partook of an elegantly served supper , and on reassembling round the social board drank tbe usual loyal and Masonic toasts , and passed a few hours in harmony and social

conversation . DERBY . —Arboretum Lodge ( No . 731 ) . —The ordinary meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Gower-street , on Wednesday , the 9 th inst . Lodge being opened at seven p . m . by the following Qui- " -- . Past Masters , and brethren : Bros . C . Webster , S . W . ; J . Copestick , J . VV . ; Rev . Thos . Orrell , Chap . ; W . WhittakerP . M . Treas . ; VV . Cooper , P . M ., Sec . ; Edgar

, , Home , S . D . ; A .. Woodiwiss , jun . ; J . D . J . Chadwick , D . ofC ; J . Maxey , I . G . ; J . Walker , and } . I aylor , Stewards ; E . Holden , Tyler ; G . T . Wright , P . M . ; T . R . Gee , P . M . ; J . C . Merry , P . M . ; R . Bennett , P . M . ; J . Brown , P . M . ; J . Taylor , P . M . ; T . h . Veomans , A . Tyler , T . Jordan , H . Goodall , I * , bale , F . Ball , VV . Knight , VV . Humber , andT . Day . The following visiting brethren also honoured the lodge with tlieir presence : 02

Bros . B . Cooper , P . M . 7 S 7 ; VV . L . Ball , I . P . M . S ; R . Slater , S 02 ; G . T . Smith , S 02 ; VV . I-. Sanders , J . D . 1 S 52 ; VV . Miller , Mother Kilwinning ; VV . N . Murrow , Stanhope Lodge ; and C . D . Hart , SAV . 10 S 5 . The minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . A letter was read from Bro . J . W . Brigg , Org ., who was engaged at Glossop , Mr . VV . Forman , who was elected at the last regular meetingwas then introduced

, and duly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry in ancient and solemn form by the VV . M . in z most impressive manner ; the charge being ably giver , by the J . VV . The Treasurer ' s report having been read , and the same being satisfactory was adopted and ordered to be printed . Notice of motion was given by W . Bro . 1 . Brown , P . M ., to raise the joining fee ; also by VV . Bro . G . T . Wright of a grant from the lodge funds

towards the list of Bro . Ball , P . M . 802 , Steward for the Boys' School festival in June . Grand Lodge certificates were pre-cr . ted to Bros . J . Walker , and S . 1 aylor . Ihe W . M . ther . rose to make the usual enquiries . A candidate for initiation was proposed , and sundry bills passed for payment , and after receiving the " Hearty good wishes of the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed with prayer in perfect harmony and brotherly love .

The brethren then adjourned to the lower room , where a capital supper was prepared . The W . M . presided but had to leave for Leicester before the toast list was proceeded with , and his place was filled by the oldest Past Master present , Bro . G . T . Wright , P . P . G . J . W . 'The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given , Bro . Webster , S . VV ., proposed " The Health of the VV . M ., " and in doing so , stated that he was sure the ceremony that

had been performed that evening would convince the brethren present that they had a very efficient Master , and one who was likely to reflect credit upon his lodge . "The Health of the Past Masters" was then given by the J . VV ., who coupled the names of Bro . T . R . Gee and the presiding Master with the toast . In response Bro . Gee expressed his gratification at the manner in which the work had been done , and thc

pleasure he ! . ad in being present on that occasion . Bro . VVright referred to his long career in Masonry , and informed the brethren that although he had had 30 years ' experience of Masonic working hc still found a pleasure in attending their meetings , and the most happy moments of his life were those spent in the Arboretum Lodge . Bro . Whittaker , P . M ., proposed the toast of "The Health of the Visitors , " and in doing so took occasion to

remind the brethren of the sister lodges in thc town who were present that the VV . M . and brethren ofthe Arboretum Lodge were always exceedingly p leased to have their attendance , and that visiting amongst the lodges was in all respects to be commended , and in this direction he was quite sure he should be corroborated , when he stated that the brethren of

the Arboretum Lodge were most punctual in the discharge oi this portion of their duties to the sister lodges . With regard to the brethren from a distance he could assure them that they were likewise welcome , and he hoped that the treatment they had received had not been such as would prevent their coming again , but if unfortunately their

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reception had not been what might have been expected he hoped they would give them another chance of convincing them how very heartily they appreciated their presence and support . Bro . Sanders , J . D . 1 S 52 , who first responded , expressed the pleasurp he had in being present , and hoped that he should be permitted to visit them on some future occasion ,

he had been extremely pleased with the ceremony and his reception was such as would induce him to take the earliest opportunity of repeating his visit . Bro . Murrow , Stanhope Lodge , said that he had been delighted with the reception he had met with , and the able manner in which the work of the evening had been done , and he most certainly should be glad to repeat his visit as

early as possible . Bros . Smith , Slater and Miller also responded . Bro . J . Brown , P . M ., then gave "The Health of the new Initiate " and in doing so made a very telling speech on the benefits to be derived by a close observation of the beautiful principles that lay beneath the surface of the ritual in Freemasonry advising the newly initiated brother

to make what he had heard that evening tlie foundation of a new and interesting study , which he trusted would be a great benefit to him , and he hoped that he would never see cause to think that he had done wrong in joining a Masonic body . He advised him to consult the brethren in any case of difficulty and he was quite sure the VV . M ., P . M . ' s and brethren of the lodge would be willing and anxious to

afford him any assistance in their power . Bro . Forman'in responding said that he was very mucb struck with the ceremony in which he had taken part . He recognised fully the beautiful principles that had been enunciated although of course much that he had seen , and heard , could not now be understood by him , but one thing

he did say , that the ceremony of the evening would never be forgotten by him , and he hoped in years to come that his Masonic conduct would be such as to merit the approbation of the brethren and that occasion might never arise , to make them think that they had admitted one who was in any way unworthy of the trust they had reposed in him . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a very pleasant meeting .

SUNDERLAND . — Williamson Lodge ( No . 949 ) . —On Whit-Monday afternoon the regular meeting of the above lodge was held in St . Stephen ' s bchool-room , Monkwearmouth , for the purpose of . installing the VV . M . for the ensuing year . The lodge was duly opened by Bro . George Porteous , W . M ., and there was a large muster of Past Masters and brethren , including several provincial

officers . Among those present were Bros . R . Hudson , P . M . 949 , P . G . S . ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Egglestone , jun ., P . M . ; VV . Liddell , P . P . J . D . 940 ; M . Douglas , P . M . ; J . Nelson , S . VV . ; J . Nicholson , J . Deans , S . D . ; Smith , So ; Dr . Potts , P . P . J . D . ; J . Hudson , W . M . ; M . Frampton , P . M . ; G . Wandless , P . M . ; Rainbow , J . VV . 94 ; C . McNamara , W . M . ; VV . Beattie , P . M . ; H . Uonkinson , P . M . ; J . J . Clay , P . M ., P . P . S . of VV . ; T . Sharp , P . M . ;

R . Singleton , hon . sec ; J . G . Naisbet , I . G . ; J . Barnes , Birch , G . Watson , 97 ; J . H . Morton , P . M . ; T . Binks , S . VV . ; G . Wilson , l . G . 240 ; J . Probert , P . M . 424 ; H . Goldey , VV . M . ; Witter , P . M . ; Hickman , S . VV . ; J . Sedcole , J . VV . 11 ig ; J . Murphy , VV . M . ; F . Maddison , P . M . ; J . Dobson , 13 S 9 ; J . Coulson , P . M . ; F . L . Pearson , VV . Rose , 1970 . After the initiation of a candidate , Bro . Chas . Cobham ,

S . W ., was presented to the W . M ., Bro . G . Porteous , by whom he was installed in the chair of K . S . in a very able and impressive manner , and after the newly - installed VV . M . had been saluted and proclaimed according to ancient custom , be appointed the following officers : Bros . G . Porteous , I . P . M . ; J . G . Kirtley , S . VV . ; J . Hewson , J . VV . ; H . Horner , S . D . ; G . VV . Ernngton , J . D . ; T . Simpson ,

I . G . ; B . Swain , S . S . ; H . E . Crisp , J . _ . ; K . bhadtorth , P . M ., Treas . ; A . T . Munro , P . M ., D . of C ; J . Barlow , Sec ; and T . L . VVelburn , T y ler . l'he VV . M ., in investing Bro . Swain , presented him with a silver jewel , as a token of his appreciation of the manner in which he had come out of the S . W . ' s chair and re-accepted the ollice of Senior Steward of the lodge .

The newly-installed W . M . then received the congratulations of the representatives of ten lodges , and prior to closing the lodge Bro . A . T . Munro , P . M ., notified to the brethren that Bro . R . Hudson , P . G . Sec , and one of the founders of the lodge 20 years ago , had deputed him to ask the lodge to accept a framed photograph of Bro . Hudson , who was VV . M . of the lodge in 1 S 70 . This announcement was most cordially received by the

assembled brethren , and the VV . M ., Bro . C . Cobham , gratefully received it on behalf of the lodge , and spoke in fitting terms of the great kindness received from Bro . Hudson . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren afterwards adjourned to the Royal Hotel , where a banquet had been spread , the chair being occupied by Bro . C . Cobham , the VV . M ., who was supported on the right by Bro . R . Hudson , P . G . Sec , and Bro . G . B . Hall , P . M ., and on the left by Bro . G . Porteous , I . P . M ., P . G . O ., and Bro . VV . Liddell ,

P . P . G . D . Bro . R . Hudson , P . G . Sec , responded for the officers of the province , and expressed great satisfaction at the continued prosperity of 949 . He referred to the consecration in May , 1863 , and although many then present had since joined the ^ reat majori ty , he was glad to see some of the founders still amongst them , more particularly Bro .

VV . Liddell , P . M ., who had been untiring in his devotion to the interests of the lodge . He would have pleasure in reporting tothe P . G . M . on thc excellent working of the lodge during Bro . Porteous' year of otlice , and has Bro . Porteous had becn honoured with P . G . Oflice , he was sure the Marquess of Londonderry would be delighted to hear that he had made such a fitting termination of his office by

installing his successor in an able and impressive manner . Referring to the present P . G . Officers , Bro . Hudson expressed great satisfaction with the able and energetic manner in which they were supporting him as P . O . Secretary , and it was due to Bro . Porteous to state that in a recent case which threatened to prove a scandal to the Craft , he , by a well-timed suggestion , enabled the contending

parties to come to terms , and peace and goodwill once more reigned within the lodge . Bro . Hudson mentioned that at the consecration of No- 949 , twenty years ago , he had thc honour of receiving the appointment of Senior Steward , and he strongly exhorted his younger brethren to be diligent in the discharge of whatever duties fell to their lot , and with patience and perseverance they could not fail to reap their reward—may pass higher honours than had fallen to his unworthy self .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

A very handsome Past Master ' s gold jewel was presented to Bro . Geo . Porteous , on behalf of the Jod " -e , by Bro . VV . Liddell , P . M . The jewel bears the following inscription : "Presented to Bro . Geo . Porteous , P . M . and P . G . O ., by the brethren of the Williamson Lodge , No . 949 , Monkwearmouth , as a token of their esteem , and in appreciation of his services as W . M . during the last two

years . 14 th May , 1 SS 3 . " Some clever songs were contributed by Bros . VV . Beattie , Porteous , Hickman , Birch , Henderson , and Thobron , with a good recitation by Bro . Geo . Hudson . The menu card , which was a compilation of the new W . M . ' s , was a remarkable production , lt was , in fact , quite a little book , and

with a very handsome heraldic Masonic frontispiece , the chief of the design being a " cherubim proper , " with the Masonic ( page 4 ) motto , " Audi vide tace . " The menu consisted chiei ' iy of French puns and illustrations from Shakespeare , many of the well-known quotations being very aptly used to illustrate wines , dishes , and toasts .

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA . —Priory Lodge ( No . 1000 ) . —The last meeting of the session was held at thc Middleton Hotel , on Thursday , the 17 th inst . There were present Bros . W . D . Merrjtt , W . M . ; VV . G . Brighten , P . M . 72 , & c , S . W . ; Dr . F . Dorrell Grayson , J . VV . ; A . Lucking , P . M . and P . Z ., Prov . G . D . C , Sec . ; G . R . Dawson , S . D . ; J . F . Harrington , P . M . 1 G 0 , P . P . G . P .,

J * V ; . *_ A lo > ' W * M * lS , 7 . l-G-5 J . C . Johnstone , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., M . C . ; E . E . Phillips , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . D . Org . ; A . W . Martin , Tyler ; T . F . Barrett , Prov . G . Reg ., I . P . M .: G . F . Jones , P . M . P . P . G . W . ; 1 . VV . Harris , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . ; G . Berry , P . M . ; J . M . Farr , I . P . M . 1 S 07 , Prov . G . S . B . ; G . J . Glasscock , P . M . 1 S 17 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . A . Withers , j . Girling , H . A . Hotblack ,

W . Waterhouse , L . Warren , jun ., H . Luker , VV . B . Kinsey , C . F . Woosnam , and E . F . Wood . Visitors Bros . VV . Girling , P . M . 232 , 4 S 6 , 11 C 0 , P . D . G . D . Bengal ; Col . the Hon . O . G . Lambart , W . M . 1460 ; T . Kin" -, P . M . 1 G 0 , P . P . G . P . ; VV . Bridgeland , J . VV . 933 ; 1 . Taylor , 276 ; C . Spalding , J . D . and W . Cox , 1 S 17 ; VV . E . Fullard , SS ; and T . VV . Eastgate , S . VV . 1 , 6 ? .

I hc ballot having proved unanimous in his favour , Mr . Wm . Lloyd Wise was duly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of the Order ; the charge to the candidate was given by Bro . F . D . Grayson , J . W . ; andthe explanation of the hrst tracing board was rendered by Bro . J . C . Johnstone , P . M ., D . of C . A joining member having been proposed , and " Hearty good wishes" expressed by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed .

MANCHESTER . —Shakespeare Lodge ( No . ioog ) . —The installation of Bro . George Hunt took place in the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , on Monday , May 7 th . Present : Bro . J . L . Hine , VV . M ., P . P . G . S . W . ; George Hunt , S . W . ; George Carter , J . W . ; Chas . E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . ; Samuel Statham , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Sec ; Jos . Radford , S . D . ; C . b . AllottJ . D . ; T . ] .

, Hooper , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., D . of C . ; G . Enticknap , Org . ; J . Rome , S . S . ; R . L . Mestayer , P . M . ; Frank A . Huet , P . M . ; R . Hartley , P . M . ; F . Kilbourne , P . M . ; Frank Hollins , P . M . ; G . VV . Wilson , P . M . ; VV . D . Milnes , E . Fryd , J . Holden , C . Goldsmith , J . McAllister , Wm . Brooks , and Henry Ditchfield . Visitors : C . F . Matier , P . J . G . W . Greece ; J . C . Whittington , P . M . 999 , P . P . G .,

Org . ; 7 . H . Brown , J . D . 249 , 1763 ; A . Baynton , Sec . 1213 ; Daniei Edwards , VV . M . 1993 ; W . Bretnall , 1330 ; Robt . White , W . M . 1052 ; and K . R . Lisenden , S . D . 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge was opened at five o'clock , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . By desire of the W . M ., who was to have installed Bro . Hunt , that duty was imposed upon Bro . Matierand kindlundertaken b

, y y our learned and experienced brother . After Bro . C . L . Mestayer , P . M ., had presented the W . M . elect to thc Installing Master , and the usual preliminaries had been gone through , he was with all due rite and ceremony inducted into the chair of K . S ., proclaimed and saluted . Bro . C . F . Matier delivered the customary address to the newly-installed Master . The following brethren were

appointed orficers for the ensuing twelve months , and invested by Bro . T . J . Hooper , P . P . G . T ., viz ., Bros . Geo . Carter , SAV . ; J . Radford , J . W . ; C . E . Austen , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Godbert , Sec ; C . S . Allott , S . D . ; G . Enticknap , J . D . ; T . J . Hooper , P . P . G . T ., D . of C . ; J . Rome , I . G . ; J . Halden , S . S . ; and VV . Brooke , j . S . Bro . Hooper gave the addresses to the Wardens and brethren

, and concluded the ceremony . After " Hearty good wishes '' had been expressed by the visiting brethren the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . The brethren afterwards partook of supper , whicli when finished thc usual loyal toasts were honoured . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Health of thc I . P . M . and the Past Masters of the Lodge , " whicli was

heartily drunk . Bro . J . L . Hine replied on his own behalf , and Bro . T . J . Hooper , P . M ., for the Past Masters . At this stage , the Worshipful Master said he was sure he should be excused in introducing a new toast , which was " The Health of Bro . K . L . Mestayer , P . M ., " who would probably before their next meeting be on his way to

Australia . Bro . Hunt informed the brethren that Bro . Mestayer had received an appointment out in that distant part of the globe , and , while deeply regretting his enforced absence from their midst , he thought the present a good opportunity for asking the brethren to cordially drink his health , and wish him a safe voyage , health , wealth , and prosperity in his new abode .

'The VV . M . s invitation was very warmly responded to , and when the enthusiasm had subsided , Bro . Mestayer rose and said that bis heart was too full to say much to them in thc way of thanks ; but he assured them he should take with him a remembrance of this token of their esteem , and also of the many pleasant hours he had passed with his associates of the Shakespeare Lodge , and whenever the first Monday in thc month came round

he should never fail to think of them . Bro . J . L . Hine , P . P . G . S . W ., proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Master" in eulogistic terms , remarking that no member of the lodge more deserved the honourable position of being its Master , and none more qualified to fill that position , than Bro . Hunt . Bro . Mine ' s remarks were highly approved of by the brethren , who heartily drank the health of their new W . M . The Worshipful Master in reply thanked Bro . Hine for his kind remarks , and the brethren for so cordially respond-