Provincial Meetings.

G . Thompson , P . M . and Treas . ; A . J . Bodman , P . M . ; R . G . Howson , P . M .: W . J . Marshall , P . M . ; Y . D . Gass ; S . H . Cliff , S . D . 1221 ; W . J . Kaye , B . A ., P . M . 1522 ; J . M . Pratt , and others . The minutes having been read and confirmed , Mr . John Wood was duly initiated by the W . M ., Bro . R . H . Walters ,

the ceremony being impressively rendered . Bro . A . B . Booty proposed that the annual Masonic ball be held in February , which was carried . " Hearty good wishes " were then expressed , and the lodge was closed . After supper , in the banqueting room , the Masonic toasts were given , interspersed with songs and recitations , concluding an harmonious evening with the Tyler's toast .

LEEDS . Prudence Lodge ( No . 2069 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge passed off very successfully on Saturday , the 12 th inst . The lodge was opened in the presence of Bro . H . Smith , Dep . Prov . G . M ., and a large assemblage of Provincial Officers , Past Masters , and brethren , by Bro . T . Atkinson , W . M . The minutes of the last regular

meeting having been duly confirmed , the W . M . elect , Bro . Robert Abbott , ( late of 917 ) was presented for installation by the Dep . Prov . G . M ., and duly installed into the chair of K . S ., the ceremony being performed in sections by the W . M ., Bro . T . Atkinson , Dr . Smythe , P . M ., P . G . Chap . England , Prov . S . G . W . ; C . L . Alason , P . AI ., P . Prov . G . Treas . ; C . Middleton , P . M . ; and F . G . Dimery , P . AI .

The newly appointed officers were then invested by the W . M . as follows : Bros . Arthur Butterworth , S . W . ; B . S . Bailey , J . W . ; Rev . W . Wilkinson , Chap . ; Edward Ellis , Sec ; B . Abbott , S . D . ; J . Thornton Jones , J . D . ; Tudor Trevor , P . M ., Prov . G . D . of C , D . of C ; J . Buckley , I . G . ; Lewis Howarth , Or £ . ; J . C . Kirk and R . Jones , Stewards ; J . H . Newton , Tyler ; Tom Atkinson , l . P . M . The formal business of the lodge having been

completed , and a candidate for initiation proposed , a handsome Past Master's jewel , the gift of the lodge , was presented to the retiring VV . M ., Bro . Tom Atkinson , in recognition of the ability and courtesy displayed by him during his year of office . The lodge having been closed , the brethren sat down to a substantial repast , presided over by the newly appointed W . M ., after . which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and a pleasant evening was spent .

THORNE . St . Nicholas Lodge ( No . 2259 ) . —This lodge was held on Wednesday , the 9 th inst ., at the Peace Hall . Present : Bros . J . Constable , P . M ., W . M . ; G . Kenyon , S . W . ; W . Martin , J . W . ; A . L . Peace , P . M ., Treas . ; W . P . Robotham , Sec ; Rev . J . J . Littlewood , Chap . ; A . Goodhind , S . D . ; Y . Barber , J . D . ; P . Livingstone

and B . Maskill , Stwds . ; F . Pine , Tyler ; R . N . Bownyee , G . Eland , and others . Visitors : Bros . Alark Scott , 566 , P . P . J . G . W . ; W . Chamberlain , P . M ., R . N . Bownyee , W . M ., and C . Fox , S . VV ., of 14 S 2 ; and R . Dayson , P . M ., W . Robinson , S . D ., and W . Boulton , I . G ., of 45 S . The lodge having been opened , the W . M . introduced Bro . Scott , who eave a most interesting , instructive , and eloquent

lecture on "The Architect and Ruler of the Universe , " which was listened to with the utmost attention . The lecturer received a hearty and unanimous vote of thanks , proposed by the W . M ., seconded by Bro . Peace , and supported by the Chaplain . Ihe brethren afterwards adjourned to the Club Room , where a very pleasant hour was spent .

YORK . Eboracum Lodge ( No . i 6 u ) . —The 17 th annual installation of the W . M . of this lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , St . Saviourgate , on Monday , the 14 th inst . Since the last installation the lodge room and the various ante-rooms have been further embellished , and the building is now one of the most complete in the province for

Masonic purposes . At the last regular meeting , held in October , Bro . John Henry | Shonksmith , S . W ., was unanimously elected as W . M . for the ensuing year , and a large number of Past Masters , officers , and brethren assembled at his installation . Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., P . G . S . B . England , who was assisted by Bro . George Lamb , P . M ., Prov . J . G . D ., conducted the ceremony .

Amongst the visitors present were Bros . E . W . Purnell , W . M . 23 G ; M . Rooke , P . M . 236 ; J . Loam , S . W . G 30 ; E . D . Shaw , J . W . C 30 ; M . Myers , So ; T . H . Lindberg , 2328 ; C . E . L . Wright , 232 S , P . P . G . S . ; R . Hodgson , 566 ; T . Moyser , 1991 ; W . Hornsey , 6 G 0 ; D . Young , J . W . 1991 ; F . Atkinson , 1513 j T . N . Latham , S . W . 1991 ; J . P . Gill , 1991 ; W . N . Simpson , 236 ; and others . Apologies for non-attendance , and tendering " Hearty

good wishes , were read from Bros , the Hon . Orde-Powlett , D . P . G . M . ; J . G . Butcher , M . P . ; F . Lockwood , M . P . ; Sir Frederick Milner , ALP ., P . P . G . W . ; G . Ayre , P . M . ; J . E . Jones , H . Longford , P . M . ; F . Smith , P . M . ; Sir j . Terry , J . B . Parkin , P . M . ; \ . S . Cumberland , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; W . J . Hughan , P . M ., P . G . D . England ; and others .

After the opening of the lodge , and the transaction of the ordinary ' . business , Bro . Shonksmith was presented for installation , which was efficiently carried out by the Installing Master and his assistant , the various addresses being impressively given . On the termination of the ceremony , the following were invested with their collars as officers by the W . M . : Bros . W . Storey , I . P . M . ; J . L . Spetch ,

S . W . ; W . Sharp , J . W . ; Rev . R . P . T . Tennent , Chap . ; G . Balmford , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Treas . ; J . Kay , Sec . ; F . W . Halliwell , S . D . ; J . Smith , J . D , ; A . T . B . Turner , P . M ., D . C . ; A . Archer , I . G . ; VV . S . Child , P . P . G . O ., Org . ; F . H . Vaughan and J . T . Chambers , Stewards ; T . Dunlop , Tyler ; G . Lamb , P . M ., Prov . J . G . D ., Preceptor ; and T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W .,

P . G . S . B . England , Librarian . The financial statement , showing the lodge to be in a very prosperous position , was presented by Bro . J . Blenkin , P . AI ., who was also elected as Charity Representative nn the Provincial Board . The incidental music was effectively given l > y the lodge quartette , consisting of Bros . Wilson , Bean , Sykes , and Kilvington , conducted by Bro . Child , who presided at the organ .

'The lodge having been closed , the brethren and visitors adjourned to the Royal Station Hotel , where the annual banquet , served in excellent style , was partaken of by a large assembly . The W . M . presided , and in addition to the visitors who had attended the ceremony the following were also present : Bros , the Very Rev . the Dean of York , Past Grand Chap . England ; J . Todd , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ;

Provincial Meetings.

M . C . Peck , Past G . Std . Br ., Prov . G . Sec . ; S . Crummack and J . Biscomb , of 236 ; W . Hall , 1416 ; G , Manton , W . M ., D . Young , S . W ., and W . Latham , j . W ., of 1991 ; A . Jones , J . W . 236 ; C Palliser , P . M . 1337 ; and others . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Queen and the Craft" and "The M . W . Grand Master , the Pro Grand Alaster , the Deputy Grand Alaster , and the rest of the

Grand Officers , Present and Past , to which latter Bro . the Dean of York responded , and remarked that Masonry was one of the few things that went on peaceably amidst the irritations of the world . Amongst several reasons given in favour of Freemasonry , the Dean said they were not a religious body , but they struck the right key-note common to all and in accordance with goodfellowship . He also referred to the value of the Charities , and acknowledged

the valuable support given by the Prince of Wales and the late lamented Duke of Clarence . He proposed " The Prov . Grand Alaster , the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " to which Bro . Peck replied . Bro . T . B . Whytehead proposed " The Health of the Worshipful Master of Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 , and Prosperity to the Lodge , " and spoke of the rapid strides

made by the Eboracum and Alasonry generally in York during the last few years . He also touched upon the valuable records and curios in the possession of the York lodges . The W . A 1 . suitably replied , and proposed "The Installing Officers , " which was acknowledged by Bros . Whytehead and Lamb . "The l . P . M . and Past Masters " was proposed by Bro .

J . Kay , Sec , and acknowledged by the W . M . " The Visitors" was proposed by Bro . Spetch , and replied to by Bro . J . Todd , who remarked that York Masons might congratulate themselves on having in No . 236 and No . 1 G 11 such a collection of books and documents as no other lodge could excel . " The Officers of the Lodge " was proposed by Bro , Chapman , and acknowledged by Bro . VV . Sharp .

" The Masonic Charities " was proposed by Bro . John Blenkin , Charity Steward of the Eboracum Lodge . He urged the need of supporting their Charities , and remarked that in connection with a certain charity associated with journalism , one gentleman had recently given £ 1000 , and another £ 500 . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the list . During the evening the following programme of music was given by the quartette , under the direction of Bro .

Child , who presided at the piano : ( a ) solo ( A ) quartet ( c ) chorus , " Worthy Masons all" ( Traditional ); quartet , " God Bless the Prince of Wales " ( arr . Bro . W . S . Child ) , Bros . Bean , Wilson , Kilvington , and Sykes ; ( a ) solo ( b ) quartet ( c ) chorus , "Prosper the Art" ( Traditional ); quartet , "Installation Song" ( Bro . W . S . Child ); duet , " Excelsior . ( Balfe ) , Bros . C Wilson and Debenham ; song ,

"Oh ! Oh ! Hear the Wild Wind Blow" ( Mattei ) , Bro . W . Sykes ; quartet , " Hail ! Smiling Morn " ( Spofforth ); ( a ) solo ( b ) quartet ( c ) chorus , "Join all in Harmony " ( Bro . Howell ); quartet , " On the Banks of Allan Water , " ( Cantor ); quartet , "As the Moments Roll" ( Webbe ) . Recitations were also given by Bros . Humphrey , Horner , and Poqk .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Fidelity Chapter ( No . 3 ) . —This chapter met at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on the 4 th inst . Among those present were Comps . J . Heming , P . Z ., Treas ., acting M . E . Z . ; H . Pearce , P . Z ., acting H . ; H . ] . Lardner , P . Z ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Steward , acting J . ; W . J . Collens , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N .. S . E . ; Samuel Cochrane , 1 st A . S . ; Capt . Walls , 2 nd A . S . ; Nash , C . Pratt , and others .

The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , the election of Principals and officers for the ensuing year then took place as follows : Comps . Birch , M . E . Z . ; Radcliffe . H . ; Stevens , ] . ; W . J . Collens , S . E . ; Larcombe , S . N . ; J . Heming , P . Z ., Treas . ; Samuel Cochrane , P . S . ; Capt . Walls , 1 st A . S . ; Mapleton , 2 nd A . S . ; H . J . Lardner , D . C ; Hart , Steward ; and Goddard , Janitor . A Past Principal ' s jewel was voted to

Comp . Capt . VV . Williams , M . E . Z ., for his services during the past year . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted , and a copy ordered to be forwarded to every member . A sum of five guineas was voted to an old distressed member of the chapter . Apologies for nonattendance were received from Comps . Capt . W . Williams ,

M . E . Z . ; Birch , H . ; Radcliffe , J . ; Stevens , S . N . ; Larcombe , P . S . ; and others . The chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , a few toasts were given ; but , it being an off-night , and there being no guests present , the proceedings were brought to an early termination .

Ebury Chapter ( No . 1348 ) . —The installation meeting of this flourishing chapter was held at Freemasons ' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C , on Tuesday , the 15 th inst . There were present Comps . F . Whiting , M . E . Z . ; F . Kedge , H . ; J . Weeks , J . ; P . Parsons , P . Z ., S . E . and Treas . ; j . Warren , P . Z ., S . N . ; J . T . Davies , P . S . ; Walter Davies , 1 st A . S . ; S . Wright , 2 nd A . S . ; J . Potter , Janitor ; W . Wills , J . Evans , VV . J . Alford , H . R . Hobbs ,

C . H . Crabb , and C H . Stone , S . E . 1901 . The minutes of the previous convocation were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Bro . C . Crabb , 749 , which proving unanimous in his favour , he was exalted in a very impressive manner , the lectures being very ably rendered . The report of the Auditors was received and adopted . The election of officers was next proceeded with as follows : Comps . F . Kedge . AI . E . Z . ; J . Weeks , H . ; VV . Davies ,

J . ; Peter Parsons , P . Z ., b . E . and I reas . ; J . T . Davies , S . N . ; S . Wright , P . S . ; II . R . Hobbs , 1 st A . S . ; and W . Wills , 2 nd A . S . C < Knp . J . Putter was unanimously elected Janitor . 'The M . E . Z . was inducted into the chair , Comp . j . Warren installed Comp . Weeks into the chair of II ., and Comp . W . Davies was inducted into the chair of

J . 'Ihe new M . E . Z . invested his officers as elected in a very able manner . Several letters of apology were read by the S . E . for unavoidable absence ; he also read a letter from Supreme Grand Chapter granting a dispensation for Comp . Kedge to take the position of M . E . Z . under exceptional circumstances .

Royal Arch.

The business of the convocation ended , the companions adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern to banquet , which was much enjoyed . The M . E . Z . gave the usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts in most appropriate terms , and which were loyall y received The M . E . Z ., in proposing the toast of '' The Pro G . Z . and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said

they were deserving of the best thanks of the companions for their admirable services rendered to Royal Arch Masonry . Comp . Whiting , I . P . Z ., next gave the toast of " The M . E . Z . " in terms of high eulogiums , remarking he had filled the various offices in the chapter in a most exemplary manner , and he was confident he would as ably perform the

duties of the First chair . It afforded a great satisfaction to the whole of the companions in his holding that honourable position . The toast was drunk most cordially . In reply , the AI . E . Z . most heartily thanked Comp . Whiting for such kind and flattering remarks , and also for such a cordial greeting from the companions . Comp . had hesied for the

Whiting prop great things coming year but he ( the M . E . Z . ) could not promise such . However , he would undertake to maintain the dignity and prestige of the Ebury Chapter . In giving such satisfaction thus far to the companions he was doubly delighted , and highly appreciated such a cordial reception . The toast of "The Exaltee" was next given by the

M . E . Z ., who remarked that as he was so regular and punctual in his attendance in his lodge , and had paid such attention and being so impressed by the beautiful ceremony he had gone through , he was confident he would make a worthy companion of the Ebury Chapter . The Exaltee most suitably replied . The toast of "The Visitors" was given in terms of

hearty welcome , which was most appropriately responded to by Comp . Stone . The toast of " The Past Principals " was submitted with great praise by the AI . E . Z ., who stated that that evening Comp . Whiting had performed the ceremony of exaltation very ably ; Comp . Warren had also installed the H . and performed . other duties in the same perfect manner ; and Comp . Parsons was always most ready and competent to

perform whatever was required of him . Comp . Whiting replied , and said he was deeply gratified to hear such words fall from the M . E . Z . He had conducted the business of the chapter for two years , and was delighted he had given such satisfaction . He trusted the M . E . Z . would have a successful year ot office . Comp . Warren highly appreciated the honour done him

and remarked he was very much imbued with Royal Arch Masonry , and trusted the companions who had been elected to the various offices that evening would kindly attend the chapter at the Prince Regent , Dulwich-road , on Thursday evenings , without which attendance he was sure the companions could not thoroughly perform their duties . The M . E . Z . next gave , in most complimentary terms , the

toast of "The H . andJ ., " remarkingofComp . Weeksthathe had known him for many years in the mother Iodge , where he had carried out his duties in a most able manner . He had performed his duties during the past year as J ., and was confident the companions had done the right thing in electing him as H . Of Comp Davies he could not speak with such knowledge , but he was sure that from the esteem

shown him by the rest of the companions present , and also from the fact of his having been so recently elected M . E . Z , of the Selwyn Chapter , No . 1901 , he would carry out his duties of J . in a most competent manner . The toast was most cordially received . In reply , Comps . Weeks and Davies most heartily thanked the companions for the hearty reception , and each pledged

himself to carry out the duties devolving upon him to the best of his ability , ever endeavouring to maintain the prestige of the chapter , and emulate those Past Principals who had so ably filled the chair . The next toast given by the M . E . Z ., in excellent terms , was that of "The Officers of the Chapter , " giving that measure of just praise that each had fully earned by the

performance of his respective duties that evening . He congratulated himself upon having such an array of capable officers . Comp . P . Parsons , P . Z ., S . E ., replied that he was grateful for such kind expressions , and it was his delight to do all he possibly could for the chapter . There was one thing he much regrettedthat now he was the only founder

, of the chapter present , through force of circumstances , he was most anxious to see the chapter at the present tun ' . nourishing as of old . It had passed through many v ' £ ' ' tudes , but those had given place to better times , and he congratulated the chapter thereon . , Pnmn . Saml . Wrinht . P . S .. most snitablv renlied , and

said he would emulate his predecessor to the utmost , which was certainly a very hard matter , but , nevertheless , his ambition led him to do it , and he should succeed . The Janitor ' s toast closed a most successful meeting-The evening was enlivened by some capital harmony from Comps . Alford , Davies , and Stone , Comp . J . Evans ably presiding at the piano .

Selwyn Chapter ( No . 1901 ) . —An emergency meeting of this newly-constituted and most promising chapter was held at the Montpelier Hotel , Choumcrt-roaa , Peckham , on Thursday , the 3 rd instant , when there were present Comps . W . Davies , M . E . Z . ; Edwin Gauntlctt , H . ; John Lightfoot , J . ; W . H . Hook , P . Z ., Treas . ; C H . Stone . S . E .: I . Evans . S . N . ; H . R . Hobbs , I - \> ccnl

W . R . Alford , 1 st A . S . ; T . Bowler , janitor ; R . J . Vi y i P . Z . 1329 , P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; T . Grummant , P . ^; " Treas . 1275 ; L . E . Eagle , H . Hayward , E . Eagle , . )•¦" Burkmar , and Dr . W . Thomas . J The chapter having been opened , the by-laws as approv by the G . S . E . were read . The M . E . Z . invested C-omPHobbs with the collar of P . S . A ballot was taken for or ™ - Dr . W . Thomas , J . E . Burkmar , J . H . Stevenson , 1- ' Gav . 1 . S . Pointon . E . Earrle . I . FramDton , W . Bee " ' '

A . Oliver , H . Hayward , L . E . Eagle , and C A . . Ada . ™ candidates for exaltation , which proved unanimous , Bros . Dr . VV . I nomas , J . E . Burkmar , L . ! - •] ' ^' ' ller . Hayward , and E . Eagle being in attendance , were ^ wards exalted in a very impressive manner . A M' r 0 f taken for the A . D . C , which proved unanimous in tav ^ Comp . Thomas , who was afterwards invested . A P llor ) l tion was handed in for exaltation at the next c ° nv' ° , vho and a letter of apology was read from Comp . l ' > was unavoidably absent through stress of k usiness ' : „ was The business of the chapter ended , the convocau"