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that the higher powers in both had noticed thesame andgiven Bro . Shackles the provincial rank to which he was well entitled , and so conferred honour not only upon theii brother but also upon the lodge and chapter to which he belonged . Bro . Shackles , who in his reply spoke with great feeling ( the presentation having been an entire surprise to him ) , said that language failed him to express himself , but from his heart he tendered them his thanks for the handsome

jewel which the members had thought fit to present to him in so unexpected a manner . He assured them that he should not only value the gift for its intrinsic worth , but more especially as a reminder that he had with what to him had been a labour of love won the esteem and regard of the members of his Iodge . He had at all times been onl y too glad to render any service to the lodge , and could look back upon the past five years with great pleasure .

Had the members been satisfied with his humble efforts in thc working and attention to the Order he would have been more than repaid without the token of their esteem which had just been placed upon his breast . In a feeble manner however he sincerely thanked them one and all , and would be proud to wear in lodge and always prize the gift as a momenta of their good feeling and of the great pleasure he had at all times experienced in the Alexandra Lodge .

"Hearty good wishes" were expressed by the visiting brethren , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . It is a most pleasurable fact to record that of late this rising young lodge has made considerable progress . The success has doubtless arisen from the unanimity and good fellowship which has prevailed amongst its members and the efficiency which has been shown in working by thc officers

Subsequently between 30 and 40 of the brethren adjourned to the Alexandra Hotel and sat down to a banquet , which was well catered for , admirably served , and reflected great credit on Bro . J . Burdell , ofthe De La Pole Lodge . On the conclusion of the banquet the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were proposed by the W . AL and duly honoured by the brethren . The toast of "The R . W . Prov . G . AL of North and East

Yorkshire , the Rt . Hon the harl of Zetland ; the VV . Dep . P . G . AL . W . Bro . John P . Bell , M . D ., . I . P ., and the Prov . Grand Oflicers , " was responded to by Bro . VV . Haberland , who paid a graceful tribute to the worthy doctor , who had carried out the work of his office with the greatest ability . Bro . Shackles said the brethren would know the object he had in rising , which was to propose " The Health of the W . AL and his Newly-Appointed Officers , " a toast which

was always drank with great cordiality . He felt surethat nothing would be wanting on the part of the appointed officers to assist the W . AL in the performance of his duties , and as to the VV . M . himself they knew him too well to doubt him . He ( Bro . Shackles ) would ask the brethren to join with him in wishing health , prosperity , and success to the VV . M . during his year ot office . The toast was well received .

The Worshipful Alaster briefly responded and thanked the brethren for their kind wishes . He could not but feel that he laboured under a disadvantage , following as he did so able a worker , but whilst he felt it would be useless trying to eclipse Bro . Shackles he should still try his best , though he was aware it would prove far short of what his predecessor had accomplished . Bro . Alilner , P . AL , in an able speech proposed " The

Retiring VV . AI . and his Officers , " paying Bro . Shackles a well deserved compliment regarding his working during the past two years . He had . done his work well and worthily , and not spared himself , and thc LP . AL must be convinced by the applause which greeted the announcement of the toast how highly he was esteemed by them all . Bro . Shackles , P . AL , in responding said he had loved thc work , and trusted he should always take an interest in all

connected with Alasonry . He was more than repaid by the brethren ' s satisfaction with his humble efforts . It was his ( Bro . Shackles ' s ) intention to take one of the Stewardships this year , but which he up to the present had not quite decided . Whatever was the final decision however he trusted when he " touched their pockets" that lie would be well supported by the brethren and so be able to take up a sum worthy of the lodge .

Bro . Shackles ' s remarks were loudly applauded by the brethren . To the toast of "The Past Alasters and Founders of the Lodge " the only two founders present , Bros . B . L . Wells , P . AL , and Vise responded . VV . Bro . Tesseyman , P . P . G . Supt . of Works , proposed "The Alasonic Charities" in a very eloquent speech , and said Alasons need not be ashamed so long as they did the

same amount of good as at present . At thc same time it was only fair to hope and expect that they would continue to improve . He coupled with the toast the name of the " sturdy beggar , " Bro . Sissons , P . AI . Bvo . Sissons in responding savlthat Freemasonry did not consist in the pleasures of the festive board but in doing good acts . Alasonry was established for the purpose of assisting those who could not assist themselves . He ( Bro .

Sissons ) had had a lengthened experience in Masonry , and very many years ago obtained the name of the " Sturdy Beggar" by his appeals on behalf of distressed Alasons and those they left , but he himself knew nothing so pleasant as to assist in helping the helpless . To-day any of u . s might be on the path of prosperity and yet to morrow be in adversity . He should never lorget what was written in the ground work of Freemasonry , viz ., thc volume of thc Sacred

Law , and to practice thc precepts that are taught within the lodge , more especially charity , so that the world might know that a Alason is one to whom the burdened heart might pour forth its sorrows , to whom the distressed might prefer their suit , whose hand was guided by justice and heart expanded by benevolence . Whatever might be given in

charity Alasons might rest assured would be returned by T . G . A . O . T . U . tenfold . The remarks of Bro . Sissons were listened to by the brethren with wrapt attention . Bros . King , Haigh , Forder , Bennett , and A . P . Wilson responded to the toast of " The Visitors . " The Tyler ' s toast concluded thc proceedings , which were of a most enjoyable character .

HAMPTON . —Hemming Lodge ( No . 1512 ) . — This lodge held a meeting at the Lion Hotel on Thursday , 18 th inst . Among those in attendance were Bros . Hiscox , W . AL ; Aloody , S . VV . ; Davey , J . W . ; E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . B . Aliddx ., P . AL , Treas . ; VV . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Aliddx ., P . AL , Sec ; Jessett , P . AL acting S . D . ; Jackson , I . G . ; Spearing , M . C ; T . C . Walls ,

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P . P . G . S . B . 'Aliddx ., il . P . M . ,- T . VV . Ockenden , P . P . G . S Aliddx ., P . M . ; and Gilbert , P . G . T . Tyler . Visitor Bro . Owens , P . AL Thc minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Nicholas Contopaulos was most ably passed to the Second Degree by thc VV . M . Several communications from absent members having

been read the lodge was duly closed and the brethren partook of refreshment . Upon the removal of the cloth a few toasts were given . VV . Bro . W . Hammond , responded on behalf of " The Provincial Grand Officers . " " The Health of the W . AL" followed .

Bro . Hiscox having replied , then gave the toast of " The Past Alasters . " Bro . Walls having responded , the " Health of the Treasurer and Secretary" came next in order . VV . Bros . Hopwood and Hammond having replied , the toast of " The Officers , " coupled with thc names of Bros . Jessell and Spearing , brought the proceedings to a close .

LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . —An emergency meeting of the members of the above lodge was held at the Alasonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , on Friday , the 12 th inst ., when there was an attendance of no fewer than eighty brethren , many of whom are connected with the Carl Rosa Company , at present fulfilling a month ' s engagement at thc Royal Court Theatre in this

city . The chair of honour was occupied by Bro . VV . Savage , W . AL , and he was supported by Bros . J . Atkinson , I . P . AI . ; W . ' W . Sandbrook , P . M .. AI . C ; J . Belt , P . AL , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . L . Shrapnell , S . W . ; R . Burgess , J . VV . ; J . B . MacKenzie , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Al . Boyd , Sec . ; C VV . Sanderson , S . D . ; Dr . Whittle , J . D . ; J . O . Alarples , l . G .: J . Alonk , Org . ; Josef Cantor , Asst . Org . ; H .

Round , S . S . ; VV . Addis , J . b . ; C . Buchanan , A . S . ; and VV . H . Ball , Tyler , there were about thirty visitors present and the whole of the proceedings passed off with the greatest enthusiasm . Alessrs . Athcston , Delbridge , Ben Davies , and William Walton were initiated , and Bros . VV . Alorgan and J . Cruft were raised to the degree of Alaster Masons .

An excellent banquet was provided b y Bro . Woodhouse , the hall steward , whose catering invariably gives satisfaction ; and during the evening two choice orchestral pieces , a grand selection from " II Travatore" and "The Poet and Peasant" overture , by Suppe , were played with remarkably fine effect by a number of instrumentalists hailing from the Rosa Opera Company , of the Prince of Wales ' s Theatre , viz ., Bros . John Pew ( conductor of the

Rcsaists ) , Vandenberg , Buziau , Rawhngs , Poki . is , Cruft , Lawson , Ncubert , Blamphin , and Cantor . Other items of musical and histrionic interest were given by Bros . Ben Davies ( one of the most promising tenors ever attached to the Carl Rosa lyric combination ) , Bros . Edgar Wilson , John Hodgson , Org . 1350 ; Ellis Brammall , jun ., and Josef Cantor . The meeting was one of the most successful and enjoyable held in connection with the Dramatic Lodge for a long time .

HEBBURN-ON-TYNE . —Perseverance Lodge ( No . 1 G 43 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held onVVednesday week , at the Alasonic Hall . when there was a numerous attendance of brethren . The lodge was opened by Bro . Wm . Bewick , W . AL , assisted by Bros . J . Brodie , S . W . ; J . Chadwick , J . W . j and the other officers . Dr . Norman having been balloted for and approved , was duly

initiated by Bro . Geo . Hardy , P . AL , D . of C , and Bros . Revil and VVood were raised to the Sublime Degree of AI . AL by Bro . Jas . AlcCulloch , P . AL , P . P . G . J . W . The election of a VV . M . for the ensuing year then took jilace , when Bro . Geo . Hardy was unanimously elected . Bro . J .

AlcCulloch , P . P . G . J . W ., was also unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . R . Alurray , Tyler . Among the visiting brethren present were Bros . J . AIcNamara , W . AL 97 ; Geo . Lawson , P . AL 240 ; and others . The lodge having been closed the brethren adjourned to refreshment and a harmonious evening was spent .

URMSTON . —Urmston Lodge ( No . 1730 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place at the Lord Nelson Hotel on the 15 th inst ., when the following brethren were present : Bros . J . B . Seel , W . AL ; Dr . Thos . Fiddcs , S . VV . ; A . H . Sansom , J . W . ; Rev . E . Harwood Cooke , P . AL , P . G . C , Chap . ; VV . Goodacre , P . AL , P . P . G . P . Cheshire , Sec ; E . L . Littler , S . D . ; John Slyman ,

I . G . ; J . Kirk , Tyler ; A . E . Corcoran , J . R . England , P . AI . ; T . L . Browne , G . 1 ' . Tate , VV . Hill , J . Ridchalgh , AI . Wheeler , and C Rqyland . visitors : Bros . VV . Bowden , P . AL 1213 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Andrew , P . AL 1213 ; A . Hassall , VV . M . 1213 ; H . Galloway , P . AL , P . P . G . Reg . E . Lane . ; j . Dewhurst , VV . M . 1387 ; Rev . j . R . Gibson , Chap . 15 SS ; J . E . Boden , W . AL 15 SS ; andR . R . Lisenden ,

S . D . 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge was opened , and after the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed the W . M . elect ( Bro . Dr . Fiddes ) was installed W . AL for theensuing year and saluted in the usual manner by the brethren . Bro . Dr . Fiddes then appointed his officers , and they were invested by Bro . Goodacre as follows : Bros . A . H .

Sansom , S . VV . ; E . L . Littler , J . VV . ; Rev . E . II . Cooke , Chap . ; T . R . Higginson , Treas . ; VV . Goodacre , P . AL , Sec . ( invested by Bro . Seel ) ; P . Heaton , S . D . ( by proxy , being absent through the death of his wife ) ; J . Slyman , J . D . ; Dobson , D . of C . ; VV . Cole ( b y proxy ) , C Rowland , T . L . Browne , Gittins , and VV . Hill , Stwds . ; and J . Kirk , Tyler .

The Installing Alaster delivered the three addresses . It is scarcely necessary to say that the entire ceremony was jierformed in a masterly manner by Bro . Goodacre , and left nothing to be desired . After " Hearty good wishes " had been expressed by thc visitors the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . A capital dinner was provided for the brethren , the menu including two or three choice dishes rarely seen at this early

period of the year . When the banquet was finished the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were proposed and responded to , that of . " The V . W . D . P . G . M ., the Right Hon . F ' redk . Stanley , ALP ., and Present and Past Prov . Grand Oflicers" being replied to by Bro . Rev . E . Harwood Cooke , P . AL , P . G . Chap ., who after acknowledging the compliment , proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " and in doing so remarked that he ( the W . AL ) was like good old wine , the longer kept the better liked . Bro . Cooke went

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on to say that he felt sure the W . AL would satisfactorily perform the duties allotted to him with credit to' himself and the lodge , and would also be well able to propose the various toasts and make good speeches , as he ( Bro . Cooke ) well remembered the humourous manner in which the W . AL responded to the toast of his health after taking his three Degrees . Bro . Cooke continuing , said there was one

thing that weighed upon his mind and caused a vein of serious thought to run through his apparent merry mood , which was the critical condition of one of their members whom they all highly esteemed , viz . Bro . Greatorex , who was at the point of death , and there was no probability of his ever been with them again . In asking thc brethren to sympathise with him over their brother ' s affliction he trusted

that if it pleased the G . A . O . T . U . to take him from this earthly dwelling that he might afterwards dwell in that heavenly abode where harmony , peace , and love reigned , and where he might drink of the fullest blessing throughout the endless ages of eternity . In reverting to the toast he had risen to propose , Bro . Cooke said he would ask the brethren to join with him in drinking " The Health of the

W . M . " The invitation of the reverend brother was promptly responded to by the brethren . Bro . E . L . Littler , S . W ., sang " Here ' s to his health in a song . " Bro . Dr . Fiddes in reply said he thanked Bro . Cooke very much for the kind way in which he had spoken of him , anel

expressed a hope that he should deserve thc high opinion that had been formed of him . The VV . AI . further said that Bro . Cooke had very feelingly alluded to thc dangerous condition of Bro . Greatorex , and he ( Bro . Fiddes ) regretted to have to allude to another misfortune which had fallen to one of their brethren who was absent from them that day , viz ., Bro . Heatonwho had recently lost his wife . The

, W . AI . concluding said he was sure all the brethren would sympathise with Bro . Heaton in his affliction , and thanked them all for so cordially responding to the toast . In proposing" The Health of the I . P . M ., Bro . J . B . Seel , " the Worshipful Alaster said he thought no VV . AI . had been more popular in thc Urmston Lodge than Bro . Seel , and no one had done his work better .

Bro . Seel in reply said that when twelve months since he was placed in the chair of K . S . he made up his mind he would do all he could to benefit the lodge , and although there had not been a great deal of work during his year he lelt that in retiring from office he retained the kindly feelings of every officer of the lodge . Bro . Seel concluded by hoping the VV . AI . might have a prosperous vear . and that

they should all be brethren in heart as well as in name . The l . P . AL , Bro . Seel , in proposing " Thc Health of the Installing Master , Bro . Wm . Goodacre , P . M ., " said he felt great pleasure in so doing , inasmuch as he above them all was most indebted to him for performing the ceremony , because it generally fell to the lot of the retiring W . M . to install bis successor . The brethren were well

aware how ably Bro . Goodacre performed any ceremony that he undertook , and to-day ' s performance had been no exception . He thanked him as he was sure the brethren did also for performing his duties so well , and asked them all to drink his health . The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm , after which Bro . Goodacre returned thanks , and in doing so remarked that this was the fifth or sixth occasion that he had risen to reply to that toast .

.,. ? , . 9 "" 'ay , P . P . G . Reg . East Lane , in proposing lhe Healths of the P . Ms ., " said that although be was not a member of the Urmston Lodge he always took a great interest in its welfare , and it was a great pleasure for him to be amongst them . In speaking of them individually Bro . Galloway mentioned thc names of Bros . Goodacre , Barber , Cooke , and Seel , and said they were all good and true men and jolly good fellows , whom it was a pleasure to meet anywhere , and he wished them every success .

Bro . J . R . England replied . There were several other toasts proposed and resjionded to , the intervals between being enlivened with songs from Bros . J . Andrew , E . L . Littler , R . R . Lisenden , & c , and an enjoyable evening terminated at 11 o ' clock .

NOTTINGHAM . —Carnarvon Lodge ( No . 1909 ) . —The monthly meetingof this young and prosperous lodge was held at the Alasonic Hall on Alonday , the 15 th inst . The meeting was made special to commemorate the opening of a new organ which had recently been placed in the hall for the use of the lodge , the cost of the same having been defrayed for b y the brethren in the province . A large

P . !!! . ,. y Present on the occasion , including Bros . R . C . X 'i ! , ' } Y , ' : ' J' 7 ; P ' P . l-P . M . ; A . Phelps , S . VV . ; C . VV . Warriner , J . W . ; W . Senior , Chap . ; J . Hall , P . M ., Sec . ; VV . Runge , S . D . ; R . H . Beverley , J . D . ; LP . w ! ,,, ? ' I . ' - Lawence , Org . ; J . Davis , P . AL , D . C ; W-J- Massey and C . A . Bolton , Stwds . ; J . Marx , P . AL , P . G . Stwd . ; !• .. Goldschmidt , and H . Sims .

Among the brethren present who had accepted thc kind hospitality of thfc lodge and its members were the following : » D ' r . ' i » r , lma i ' , - ' - « 4 ; R- Fitzburgh , P . M . 411 , P . P . G J VV ; A Lawson , P . AI . 47 , P . G . P . ; VV . Wright , 1434 , P . G . O . ; VV . J . Gardner , W . AL 1 794 . P . G . Stivd . G . Chapman VV . AI . 47 ; J . T . McCraith , VV . M . 1434 ; ] . Tophs , I . P . M . 47 ; G . IG . Bonser , I . P . M . 1 S 52 ; M . H

Humphries , P . AL 50 G ; VV . Hickling , W . M . 411 ; VV . J . Rogcrson , S . D . 1435 ; A . H . Bonser , Org . 1852 ; H . Alyers , 1180 ; H . Campion , 1031 ; H . R . Bickley , 340 ; J . Pearse , 74 ; W . Hirsch , 1405 ; T . S . Dobson , 47 ; E Schilling , ,, y ; K . VV Kidd , ii ; VV . Hodgson , 47 ; G . Richards , 1435 ; H . Walker , 1434 ; J . L . Bullock , J . D . [ 794 J H . Blandy , 411 ; G . Baxter . J 7 : VV . Knlk „ .,

L S . Taylor 47 ; G . Simpson , 1794 ; E . Smith , 1435 ; X . ? l , ^\ v & u'S " ' ' ™ , ' £ , kaen ' ' 7345 VV . Burrows , 1 794 ; VV . Wharton 47 ; I . Ridge , 1405 ; and W . Press , 47 . Alter reading and confirmation of the minutes Bro . H . Sims was raised to thc Sublime Degree by the W . AL , thc LP . AL giving the charge and lecture . The ceremony was most ably and impressively |> erforrocd , thc anthems and service arranged by Bro . R . C . Wills , VV . M .. beinir carefnllv

rendered by Bros H . Myers , IL Campion , H . R . Bickley , and J . learce , the choral part adding much to the effect and solemnity of the occasion . After some routine business the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , the remainder of the evenin" beinir pleasantly spent in a true Alasonic spirit under the presidency of the W . AL , the musical part of the p rogramme being well earned out by Bros . Pearce , VV . Press , Myers Campion , Bickley , and VV . Lawrence . J *