Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

a most praiseworthy manner by Bro . J . Wardley , J . D . The lecture on the first tracing board was afterwards given in a most eloquent and impressive manner by Bro . F . 'Thomas , ing to the toast , and remarked that the Shakespeare Lodge possessed amongst its members men of culture , sobriety , and right living , and so long as such was the case he would , with the assistance of his officers , do his utmost to keep up

the prestige the lodge had enjoyed and further the interests of Freemasonry . Bro . Chas . E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . ( who had recently been appointed Prov . Grand Deacon ) , proposed a timehonoured toast in this lodge , viz ., "The Memory of the Immortal Shakespeare , " which the brethren drank in silence .

Other toasts were proposed , including that of " The Visitors , " proposed by Bro . Frank Hollins , P . M ., and , after a pleasant evening's enjoyment , the brethren separated . During the intervals between the toasts some capital songs were sung by Bros . Frank Hollins , Ditchfield , and others , who were most ably accompanied by Bro . J . C . Whittington , P . P . G . Org ., and Bro . R . R . Lisenden performed his imitations on the English concertina .

BATTLE . —Abbey Lodge ( No . 1184 ) . — The usual monthly gathering of this lodge was held on Thursday the 17 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall . The W . M ., Bro . Charles W . Duke , P . P . G . J . D ., P . M . 40 , 11 S 4 , presiding supported by his officers and brethren : Bros . VV . D . Womersley , S . VV . ; VV . Lamborn , P . P . G . P ., as J . W . ; Robert Hughes , as Sec . ; II . G . F . Wells , 'Treas . ; the

Very Rev . E . R . Currie , Chap , as S . D . ; James Richardson , J . D . ; J . Fielding , Org . ; C . VVilliam Till , I . G . ; Jesson , Tyler ; B . H . Thorpe . P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . ; J . B . Sargent , I . P . M . ; Charles Martin , C Armstrong , Watder , VV . E . Skinner , Jordan , R . Davison , M . D . ; H . Foster , Henry Kimm , 40 ( F ' reemason ) . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the

previous meeting read and confirmed . The election of VV . M . then took place , when Bro . D . Womersley , S . VV . was elected , and returned hearty thanks for the honour . Bro . G . H . F . Wells , was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . J . Jesson , Tyler . The W . M ., Bro . Duke then proceeded to

confer the Degree of F . C . upon Bro . Rushell Davison , M . D ., and Bro . Henry Foster , wbich was worked in a very careful manner , a candidate was proposed for initiation and after some formal business was next disposed of lodge was closed , and a very pleasant hour was spent over some light refreshment .

ALDERSHOT . —Aldershot Camp Lodge ( No . 1331 ) . —This lodge met at the Masonic Hall on the 9 th inst . Bro . Adams , VV . M ., presided , supported by Bros . Robertson , S . VV . ; Barlow , J . VV . ; Capt . Croisdale , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., as Treas . ; Major Douglas , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., as Sec ; Todd , S . D . ; Sexton , J . D . ; Adnett , Org . ; Norton , D . C ; Campbell , I . C ; Hill , Tvler ; Lewis ,

P . M . ; Hall , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Clisham , P . Sl . ; Fletcher , P . M . ; Cole , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Russell , Moore , Alkey , and many others . The lodge having been opened in form and thc minutes read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . Newton , Howell , and Ridgemen , who were candidates for initiation , which proved unanimous , and being present they were

duly initiated by the VV . M . in his usual efficient and impressive manner , the working tools being explained by the J . VV . and the charge given oy the S . VV . After other routine business , Bro . Major Douglas intimated that as he was about to leave the station he was obliged to tender for acceptance his resignation of the Secretaryshi p of the lodge , an announcement which was received with universal regret .

Bro . Clisham , P . M ., expressed in a few well-chosen words how much one and all regretted to learn Bro . Major Douglas was about to leave the locality . 'They had been highly privileged as a lodge in having had for so long a period the services of such an esteemed and valued brother , who had always taken an active and lively interest in the Masonic affairs of the various lodges and chapters to which he

belonged , and he concluded by proposingthat a vote of thanks be accorded to him , and inscribed on the minutes , expressive of their deep gratitude to Bro . Major Douglas for the valuable services he had rendered , and tor the strenuous efforts with which he had at all times endeavoured to promote the welfare of the Craft , as well as the individual happiness of the members with whom he had been associated .

Bro . Capt . Croisdale , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., supported the proposition , and expressed a hope that although Iiro . Major Douglas was about to remove from the immediate locality he would not cease to continue to manifest thc same warm interest in the success of the lodges in Aldershot with which hc had been so long and so closely allied and attached . These sentiments were fully reciprocated by the brethren present , and carried in a most hearty and unanimous manner .

It may be mentioned that Bro . Douglas' connection with Freemasonry has been a peculiarly active one , and extends over many years . He has ever been distinguished for the genial way 111 which he has laboured to enhance the reputation and the usefulness of our time-honoured institution . It

is understood that he is about to remove to Shirley , near Southampton , and therefore the Province of Hants and the Isle of Wight , of which he is a P . P . G . S . B ., will not al . ogethcr lose the services of our worthy and zealous brother . There being no other business the lodge was closed .

WIGAN . —Lindsay Lodge ( No . 1335 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of the above lodge was held on Wednesday , the 2 nd inst . 'There were present Bros . I . D . Murray , VV . M . ; J . E . Barlow , I . P . M . ; L . R . Rowbottom , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . ; C L . Campbell , P . M . ; C . E . Beazer , P . M . ; H . T . Byrom , S . W . ; A . H . Crossby , J . W . ; VV . Johnson , Sec ; R . B . SeddonS . D . ; William

, Wall , J . D . ; J . Marsden , I . C ; Hy . Bouchier , S . S . ; Allan Riddleswortb , and others . Visitors : Bros . J . M Ashurst , W . M . 17 S ; Win . Dean , J . W . 17 S ; T . Milner , r . M . 17 S ; R . Leyland , 17 S ; C Makinson , 178 ; li . Bcilby , W . M . 897 ; Edwin Jackson , J . VV . S 97 ; John Jackson , 8 97 ; and John C . Robinson , P . M . ' 249 brcemasou

( ) . The brethren met at 0 p . m ., and after partaking of a substantial banquet adjourned to the lodge room . After the lodge had been opened by the VV . M . and the minutes ? .. 9 P reviou . s meeting had been read and confirmed . Ihe W . M . proceeded to initiate Mr . Wm . Rigby , which ceremony he performed in a most impressive and faultless

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

manner , being ably assisted by the other officers . After Bro . Rowbotham , P . P . G . J . W ., had called attention to the very satisfactory report of the VVest Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution and the fact of the two lodges in Wigan having subscribed the sum of £ 25 ios ., last year , the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had bcen proposed and responded to Bro . Campbell , P . M . proposed "The Health of the

VV . M . " in a very flattering speech , and referred to the very able manner he had performed the ceremony of initiation for the first time , ancl announced to the brethren that the VV . M . had been appointed Standard Bearer in the Grand Lodgeof Mark Masters . Bro . Murray responded in suitable terms . After "The Healths of the P . M . ' s ; " "Visitors ;" " Newly-Initiated and Officers " had been proposed , the brethren separated after spending a very pleasant evening .

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE . —Walker Lodge ( No . 1342 ) . —The regular meeting of this successful and prosperous lodge was held on Wednesday evening , the 9 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Grainger-street West , when a very large number of the members and visiting brethren ( over 50 ) were present . The VV . M ., Bro . William Smith , Prov . G . Supt . of Works , occupied the chair . 'The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . The

ballot was taken for Mr . George Brown , Mr . J . W . Robson , and Mr . Francis Graham , and they were declared elected . Bro . Alderson Barker , P . M ., Treas ., asked the W . M . to grant him a favour by allowing him to give the First Degree as two of the candidates were intimate friends of his own . This was granted by the VV . M . Bro . Barker also gave the working tools , by special permission from the VV . M . Bro . John Taylor Schollar was afterwards passed to the Third

Degree in a most solemn and efficient manner . The usual routine business having been completed , the brethren adjourned to the festive board , which was presided over by the W . M ., the S . W . being in the vice-chair . The loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and amongst them were that of " The New Initiates , " given by the VV . M ., and ably responded to by the Apprentices . The VV . M . also proposed "TheHealth of the Visitors-, "

which was responded to by Bros . J . D . Gillespie , P . M . 431 ; George Turnbull , VV . M . 991 ; George H . Dexter , 48 ; VV . T . Clarke , 315 and 1 S 29 . The meeting was of a most enjoyable character , as several of the brethren contributed to the harmony of the evening , which was brought to a pleasant conclusion by the usual toast given by the Tyler . Amongst those present were Bros . William Smith , P . M .,

P . G . S . of VV ., VV . M . ; VVilliam Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., I . P . M . ; John Donald Annan , P . M ., D . of Cers . ; Alderson Barker , P . M ., Treas . ; Joseph Cook , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . ; John Spearman , P . M . 4 S 1 , Prov . G . J . VV . ; Thos . Anderson , Prov . G . Treas . ; R . VV . Cummins , VV . M . 167 O ; Henry Usher , I . P . M . 541 ; H . S . Bird , VV . M . 1 OG 4 ; Dixon Cowie , S . VV . ; Arthur Munroe , acting J . VV . ; ' Joseph Purvis , Sec . ; Henry Spittle , S . D . ;

I . P . Bennett , j . D . ; James Harle , I . C ; Jethro Wm . Mathews , S . S . ; Michael James Barkas , J . S . ; Joshua Curry , P . P . G . Tyler Northumberland , and P . G . Tyler Durham , Tyler ; Skillings , McDonald , Henry Harman , John MacKay , John Taylor Schollar , John Hobson , John Weston , William Varty . Joseph Holland Baker , John

Brown , P . S . W . ; John W . Robson , I-rank Graham , Sims , T . Grieve , 431 ; J . Patterson , 48 ; Thos . Graham , 48 ; Thomas ' Ihompson , J . S . 48 ; John T . Dore , 541 ; Wm . Rayner , 40 ( 1 ; John S . Clarke , 240 ; Wm . F . Carman , S . D . 4 S 1 ; Wm . Mathieson , 4 S 1 ; C . H . M . Robson , 24 ; Jas . Sedcole , J . W . 1119 ; John W . Ramsey , 1119 ; J . A . G . Ross , S . S . 4 S 1 ; Thos . Dinning , J . W . 4 S 1 ; and others .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . —The usual weekly meeting of this lodge was held as the Bedford Head Hotel , Maiden-lane , Covent Garden , on the 17 th inst . Present : Bros . Ralph , VV . M . ; R . Head , S . VV . ; G . Howard , J . W . ; J . J acobs , S . D . ; Brand , J . VV . ; G . Reynolds , Sec ; J . G . Richardson , Preceptor ; and VV . H . Gulliford , P . M . 'The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of

the last meeting were read and confirmed . Brto . Richardson , Preceptor , worked the First Section of this lecture . Bro . J acobs offering himself a candidate for initiation , the VV . M . rehearsed the ceremony . Lodge was then called off and afterwards resumed . Lodge was then opened in the

Second Degree , and Bro . Richardson , Preceptor , worked the First Section of this lecture . Lodge was then resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Richardson proposed that Bro . R . Head be W . M . for the ensuing week . The VV . M . elect was pleased to appoint his officers in rotation . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

PANMURE CHAPTER ( No . 720 ) . —The nineteenth installation meeting of this chapter was held at the Horns Tavern , Kennington , on Whit Monday . The holiday interfered to some extent with the customary attendance on such occasions , and apologies for enforced absence were numerous . Amongst those present were Ex . Comps . B . R . Bryant , M . E . ' L . elect ; J . S . Terry , J . j James Stevens , P . ' / .., S . E . ; T . Poore , M . S . Larlham ; Comps . J . VV .

Watts , IT . Baldwin , J . D . Arnold , Harrison , and others ; and the following visitors : Ex . Comps . A . C . Bradley , M . E . Z . 121 G ; B . Lyon , M . E . Z . 1329 ; W . Halsey , P . Z . 507 ; H . Bickerstaff , P . Z . 13 ; and K . J . Voisey , H . 1329 ; and Comps . James Duckett and H . Forbes , of 1329 . The chapter having been opened Ex . Comp . Jas . Stevens proceeded to install thc Principals elect , viz .: Comps . Bryant , as / .. ; J . S . Terry , as H . ; and J . VV . Watts ,

as J . The ceremonies were very impressively rendered throughout . The newly-installed Principals immediately commenced work , and , the usual ballot having becn found clear , exalted into Royal Arch Masonry Bro . W . II . Beckley , 507 . The admirable manner in which the exaltation ceremony was conducted and the Principals' addresses given was the subject of much subsequent laudation from the visitors . On the termination of the business of exaltation a notice of motion by the M . E . Z . was unanimously carried ,

Royal Arch.

to the effect that in recognition of the earnest services to the chapter as founder and Scribe E . for 14 years of Ex . Comp . James Stevens , P . Z ., a Past Scribe's jewel be presented to him ; and that honorary membership of the chapter should also be conferred on him . The M . E . Z . stated that in full assurance of thc unanimity with which the motion would be carried , he had had the jewel prepared by Bro .

George Kenning , and would at once make the presentation in open chapter . A very handsome specimen of Bro . Kenning's manufacture was then placed amongst the numerous tokens of Masonic honours worn by our Ex . Comp . Stevens , who briefly but forcibly expressed his grateful sense of the further honour conferred on him by the members of the

chapter . The design of the jewel is such as to denote the occupation of the three Principals' chairs ; the Past Principal ' s emblem is surmounted by cross pens , and the inscription sets forth the nature of the services rendered . Made of solid gold and exquisitely finished , it was much admired by the companions , who warmly congratulated thc fortunate recipient . The officers for the ensuing year were

then invested ; Comp . T . Poore , the newly-elected Scribe E ., at once entering upon the duties of the office which Comp . Stevens had vacated , and Comp . Baldwin being invested as N . The report of the Audit Committee with a balance sheet , which was of a favourable character , was received and adopted . Candidates for exaltation and joining were proposed , and after the reception of two resignations

with regret , the chapter was closed and the companions adjourned to banquet . This was well prepared and served by Bro . Buxton , the new host of thc Horns Tavern , and gave great satisfaction . After the cloth was cleared the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and those of " The

M . E . Z ., " "The Exaltee , " " The Visitors , " and " The P . Z . " met with appropriate responses . The social gathering was enlivener" by the vocal efforts of Comps . Voisey , Halsey , Baldwin , Beckley , and Bickerstaff , and recitations by Comps . Stevens and Forbes ; and well before the midnight hour the companions separated much pleased with the successful issue of their nineteenth anniversary .

MARYPORT . —Nicholson Chapter ( No . 371 ) . — The annual convocation for installing the officers of this chapter was held on Wednesday , the iGth inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall . There was a good muster of members and visitors . Comp . VV . Armstrong , M . E . Z ., P . P . G . D . C , occupied the chair , and was supported by Comps . A . Walters , P . G . 2 nd Asst . S ., H . ; J . H . Banks , P . G . Steward ,

J . ; J . Nicholson , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . ; P . de E . Collin , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N . ; Thos . Mandle , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Col . F . R . Sewell , P . G . Keg . ; J . Gardiner , P . Z . 327 ; H . Bewes , P . Z . 327 ; J . Barr , P . *_ . ng , P . P . G . J . ; E . Tyson , P . z ! 119 , P . P . G . D . C ; J . Wilson , J . R . Raven , G . W . Thompson , ] . Smith , J . R . Banks , E . G . Mitchell , H . Peacock , J . VV . Robinson , VV . Bradley , J . Dodd , C . Gowan . E .

Sutherst , and others . After the minutes were read and confirmed the following were exalted : Bros . L . F . B . Dykes , P . M . 1002 , D . P . G . M . ; James Black , P . M . 1002 ; James Dickinson , 371 ; and Joseph Cuthbertson , 371 . M . E . Comps . Barr and Tyson with their customary ability discharged the duties of installing the Principals and investing the officers as follows :

Comps . A . Walters , / .. ; . J . R . Banks , H . ; F . R . Sewell , J . ; E . G . Mitchell , S . E . ; L . F . B . Dykes , S . N . ; G . W . Thompson , P . S . ; P . de IC . Collin , Treas . ; J . Smith , Org . ; and j . Messenger , Janitor . Comp . Col . F . R . SeweU presented a full set of silk banners , painted by Mrs . Sewell , expressly for the Nicholson Chapter , which looked exceedingly well , and received well-merited praise . The chapter

banner , as a token of esteem , was personally presented to the veteran of nearly half a century ( Comp . I . Nicholson ) , and afterwards presented by him to the chapter amidst a hearty round of applause . A vote of thanks was accorded to M . E . Comp . Sewell and Mrs . Sewell for their handsome gift . A vote of thanks was also passed to M . E . Comns .

Barr and Tyson for their able assistance on the occasion . The sum of five guineas was voted to M . E . Comp . Geo . J . McKay , P . G . S . E ., for the Boys' School . The chapter was then closed in form , and the companions adjourned to a banquet provided by mine host and hostess of the Senhousc Arms .

UXBRIDGE . —Royal Union Chapter ( No . 382 ) . —On Saturday , the 19 th inst ., a convocation of the above chapter was held at the Chequers Hotel . M . E . Comp . James Batting , Z ., occupied thc First Principal ' s chair . E . Comp . VV . A . Dawson , H . thc Second Principal ' s chair ; and Comp . A . VV . Duret , J ., occupied theJThird Principal's chair . Amongst the Comps . in attendance were A . A .

Richards , P . Z . and Treas . ; S . G . Foxall , P . Z . ; T . H . Edmunds , P . Z . ; and A . C . Spaull , P . S . and F . Croest . _ After the reading and confirmation of the minutes thc first business was the election of the three Principals , and E . Comp . Wm . A . Dawson was unanimously elected to the First Principal ' s chair . E . Comp . A . VV . Duret to the Second chair , and Comp . A . C Spaull to the Third chair ; who in suitable terms several

ly thanked the companions for the honour conferred upon them . P . Z . Comp . John Palmer was unanimously elected S . E . Comps . C . Spaull , S . N . ; F . Croest , P . S . of P . Z . ; and Comp . A . A . Richards , was unanimously elected Treasurer . The three Principals were then severally installed and invested in a very able manner , the First Principal by P . Z .

Comp . A . A . Richards , thc Second Principal by thc M . E . Z . VV . A . Dawson , and the Third Principal by E . Comp . A . VV . Duret . The M . E . Z . then in graceful terms presented to thc I . P . Z . Comp . James Batting , a very handsome P . Z . 's jewel which had been unanimously voted to him by the companions at tlieir last convocation as a mark of their

esteem and in recognition and appreciation of his conduct in the chair for the past year and which was acknowledged by pomp . Batting in suitable terms . Subsequently attention was called to thc death of P . Z . and S . E . Shervill , one of the oldest companions of the chapter , whicli was much regretted by all , and ordered to

be recorded on thc minutes . The chapter was then closed , after which thc companions adjouncd to an excellent banquet to which full justice was done , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given and received , a very pleasant evening was brought to a termination . SOUTHEND-ON-SEA . —Priory Chapter ( No . 1000 ) . —The installation meeting of this chapter took p lace