Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft imasonrg . LODGE OF ANTIQUITY ( No . 2 ) . —The monthly meeting of this "Time Immemorial Lodge" took place on Wednesdayat Freemasons' Hall , when , before a numerous assemblage of the lodge and of visitors , Bro . Batley , W . M ., conferred the Sublime Degree of a M . M . on Bco . Fagart , senior . After some normal business , the brethren adjourned to the social circle , where a most

agreeable evening was spent , thc aesthetic arrangements of the gathering ill every department of taste , menu , or hospitality being much admired and appreciated , thanks to the care of the excellent Steward of the lodge , Bro . J . Sampson Pierce , P . G . D . and P . M . All the ofiicers of the lodge were present , and after a pleasant . reunion the brethren separated until June , according to the invariable custom of

" Old Antiquity , " at an early hour . Bro . R . Gresley-Hall , 4 , and Bro . Major Anderson , H . M . Soth Regiment , returned thanks for "The Visitors . " Bro . Major Anderson , who has just returned f . rom _ the Transvaal , mentioned in bis speech a very interesting incident which recently took place in the war between the English Government and the Boers as a proof of the

universality and advantages of Freemasonry . He stated that an English wounded officer , seeing a combatant Boer near him , made the signal of distress , which was instantly answered by the Boer , who , amid a heavy fire , came to his rescue , and carried the wounded officer into a place of

safety . Bro . Major Anderson ' s speech was much applauded . . . We think it right to add that the Lodge of Antiquity has sent up a Steward to each of the Charities this year , and that the Steward for the Boys' School Festival is Bro . Batley , VV . M .

NEW CROSS LODGE ( No . 1559 ) . —On Friday evening , the lyth inst ., an emergency meeting of this lodge vvas held in thc lodge-room of the Ship Hotel , Greenwich . There was a fair attendance , the W . M ., Bro . Cowley , being supported by Bros . T . Grummant , S . W . ; Hiram Henton , l . W . ; E . H . Thiellay , P . M ., Treas . ; James Moss , Sec ; Rev . J . VV . A . Sturdee , J . D . ; G . P . Berlin ., I . G . ; VV . ler

Scurr , D . C . ; Carlo Grassi , W . S . ; A . B . Church , Ty ; Ernest E . Smith , I . P . M . ; VV . Simmons , P M . ; F . VV . Cash , J . D . Graham , Charles Westall , and H . Wilde . The following visitors were also present : Bros . D . Rose , P . M . 7 . ; H . Vickerv , G . P . Collar , S . VV . 1 G 22 ; T . O . Harding , ] . XV . S 59 ; R . J . Wishart , S . D . 17 S 9 ; C . F . M . Mundy , 1261 ; and J . Mayhew , 1400 . The lodge was opened , and Bro . C . Westal ! was passed

to the Degree of Fellow Craft , and Bro . Wild was then raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., the ceremony being worked in a manner highly creditable to 1559 . Bro . the Rev . J . VV . A . Sturdee then invited the brethren to assist him in the ceremony of laying the last stone of the Church forthe . Ueaf and Dumb , at Deptford , of whicli he is vicar designate . All Masonic business being ended , the

lodge was closed in due form . I , banquet was served in the Crown-room to which the brethren adjourned . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been honoured , Bro . Ernest Smith , P . M ., gave "The Health of the VV . M ., Bro . Cowley , " who he stated had worked with him ( Bro . Smith ) through the various offices which led to the chair of K . S ., and had discharged

the duties of each minor position with the same thoroughness he was now discharging that of the chief of their lodge . Bro . Cowley replied , thanking the brethren for the cordial reception of his health , and assuring them , that he should continue to do his best to please them while he remained VV . M . of the New Cross Lodge . To the toast of " The Past Masters " Bro . Ernest Smith

replied . He informed the brethren he was gradually merging into a patriarch , although it was not so many years since he was installed in their lodge . Since there had been no more steps for him to take and he had passed the chair , he had a feeling that he was growing old in Masonry , more especially when he saw around him children . of his , and those lie had initiated , already decorated with the

collars of office . He assured the brethren that the interest he had taken in the lodge when in the chair would not be relaxed now that he had gone over to the minority , i . e ., joined the Past Masters . To the toast of " The Visitors , " Bro . Tom Harding , [ . VV . S 59 , replied in a humorous speech , in which he claimed not to be considered a stranger , but an old friend ,

inasmuch as , although this was his first visit to them , he was in the habit of associating with so many members of the New Cross Lodge in a club of instruction to which he had the honour of being Preceptor . Bro . Charles Mundy also replied . Some high class music was provided at intervals by Bro . Westall ( piano ) , W . Scurr , flute , and Hivman Henton ( oboe ) , Bro . Grassi lending material vocal assistance .

LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE LODGE ( No . 19 G 2 ) . —The first regular meeting of th ' s lodge was held on the 19 th inst ., at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street . The following brethren were present : Bros . Neville Greene , VV . M . ; A . McDowall , S . VV . ; G . C . Mathams , J . W . ; VV . McDougall , Treas .,- W . C . Claridge , P . M . 1 GS 5 , Sec ; C . Brown , S . D . : A . Haig Brown , J . D . ; A . H . Sandle ,

l . G . ; VV . I . Tasman , M . C . ; L . V . Walker , and L . M . Williams , . Stwds . ; J . Lackland , Tyler ; M . L . Levey , P . M . ; I . D . McAlpin , F . Bell , H . F . Bing , VV . M . 1597 ; C . G . Brown , and XV . Tyrrel . Visitors : Bros . VV . H . Lee , P . M . 97 . 5 ' 5 : * 4 ; H . F . Newberry , 21 S ; F . J . Chambers , 15 S 9 ; and C . Hawkcsley , S . VV . 119 G . The lodge was opened in the customary manner and the minutes of the consecrating meeting read and confirmed ,

after whicli the ballot was taken for Messrs . Jas . C . Tilt , John Geen , Robt . Hy . Tay ton , George _ Gregory , and Ed . Woodley Smith , which proved unanimous in their favour . The ballot was then taken for Bros . _ . VV . Fraser , 1670 , and II . H . Nuding , 1924 , and having bien pronounced in their favour , they were duly elected joining members . The VV . M . then duly initiated the five candidates , and the lodge was closed in peace and harm . ny .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

After partaking of supper , the usual toasts were proposed ancl responded to , including that of " The Initiates , " who suitably responded . GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE .-Lodge of Industry ( No . 4 S ) . —The regular monthly meetingof this progressive lodge was held on Monday , the 22 nd inst ., at the Industry Masonic Hall , West-street . There was a

goodly muster of members and brethren present . The proceedings commenced shortly afterseven p . m ., when the VV . M ., Bro . J . G . Smith , assumed the chair , and was supported by his officers , viz ., Bros . J . Wood , I . P . M . ; J . Moult , S . W . ; A . Simpson , as J . VV . ; M . Corbitt , P . M ., Treas . ; D . Sinclair . P . M ., M . C ; A . Rhagg , Sec ; E . W . Shewbrooks , S . D . ; W . F . Cannon , J . D . ; VV . Dalrymple , I . G .: VV . Brown , S . S . ; R . Ferry , Organist ;

and I . Curry , Tyler . There were also present Bros . R . Whitfield , P . M . ; M . H . Dodds , P . M . ; J . T . Corking , J . Atkinson , VV . Whitfield , M . Fardulli , R . Brason , XV . Garbutt , T . Shephard , W . F . Brown , T . Thompson , G . G . Davidson , J . Davison , C . Green , J . A . Dixon , T . Tucker , W . Richardson , Jos . Cook , P . M . 4 S 1 ; J . Usher , P . M . 4 S 1 ; C . B . Ford , S . W . 4 S 1 ; T . Dinning , J . D . 4 S 1 ; M . Watson 4 S 1 ; Shaptoe Robson , 4 S 1 ; W . Mayer ,

, 1643 ; J . Braithwaite , P . M . 1427 ; J . T . Taylor , P . M . 1 G 7 6 ; J . Page , P . M . 40 G ; H . S . Bird , S . W . 1 GG 4 , and others . The ballot was taken for the candidates , who were all elected . The Rev . Thos . Metcalfe , Messrs . J . F . Corbitt and John Todd , being in attendance , were initiated by Bro . M . Corbitt , P . M . ; and the J . VV . explained the working

tools . The lodge was afterwards raised , when tiros . 1 nos . Thompson and M . Fardulli were made M . M . ' s by the VV . M ., who explained the tracing board and the working tools . The lodge was duly closed after a proposition for initiation , and the brethren retired to the refreshment room , where the remaining time was occupied in harmony .

An emergency meeting of this lodge was also held on Tuesday , the 23 rd inst ., to pass eligible candidates . The lodge was opened by Bro . John Wood , I . P . M ., in the absence of the W . M ., and he was supported by Bros . Robt . Whitfield , P . M ., as I . P . M . ; M . Corbitt , P . M . Treas . ; David Sinclair , P . M ., M . C . as Sec . ; C . B . Ford , as S . W . ; R . XV . Sisson , as J . W . ; A . Simpson , as S . D . ; XV . F . Cannon , as J . D . ; Win . Dalrymple , I . G . ; VV .

Brown , S . S . ; R . Ferry , Org . ; J . Curry , fyler ; Jos . Cook , P . M . 4 S 1 ; VV . Garbutt , T . Thompson , W . F . Brown , VV . Whitfield , VV . Richardson , and others . Bros . VV . Stafford and T . Shepherd were passed to the Second Degree by Bro . Wood , acting W . M ., who also explained the interesting tracing board in a satisfactory manner . The working tools were given by Bro . Ford , S . W . The lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to thc refreshment board and spent a happy evening .

MANCHESTER . —Caledonian Lodge ( No . 204 ) . —The regular meeting was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , on Wednesday , the 10 th inst . Present : Bros . Win . Bagnall , VV . M . ; Thos . Shorrocks , S . W . ; Henry Paulden , J . VV . ; John Roberts , P . M . Treas ., P . G . A . D . C ; Duckworth , Sec ; Thos . Sawers , S . D . ; Cliffe , I . D .: lohn Roger Lever , P . M ., Org . ; Samuel Lawton ,

l . G . ; I . Sly , Tyler ; R . Timperley , P . M ., P . G . D . ; Thos . Faiirie , P . M . ; R . A . Eldershaw , P . M ., D . of C ; G . T . Mullock , P . M . ; J . C . Hind , P . M . ; R . L . Spencer , - Apostalo , Taylor , B . Battye , S . Bramwell , J . Mountain , P . M . ; | . Alli .-on , \ V . Ashworth , and T . Guest . Visitors : Bros . ft . P . Robberds , P . P . G . Org . ; J . Kershaw , P . M , 300 , P . G . D . C ; and R . R . Lisenden , J . O . 317 (

Freemason ) . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . There being no other business , the W . M . delivered the traditional history and explanation of the third tracing board to two brethren who were raised on a previous occasion . Some discussion took place as to the advisability of

organising thc usual summer pic nic , when it was eventually decided to have one in July , and a committee appointed to make arrangements for it . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed hy the visitors , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . The brethren afterwards sat down to a supper , which being concluded , thc usual toasts were honoured , and the

VV . M . proposed a special toast , which was "The Healths of Bros . R . Timperley , P . M ., P . G . D ., and John Roberts , P . M ., P . G . A . D . cf C , " whom he said had been recently honoured with provincial rank . Bro . Bagnall said he felt very proud , as he was sure every member of the Caledonian Lodge was , of the distinction which had been conferred upon two of their brethren , the more so as these honours were totally unexpected by thc lodge , as they were

by the recipients . He telt sure , that no one better deserved them than Bros . Timperley and and Roberts , and no two brethren appreciated the honour more , and in wishing them long life and happiness he called upon the members to drink their health . The invitation was very heartily responded to , and the two brethren returned thanks , shortly after which this pleasant gathering broke up .

STAFFORD . —Staffordshire Knot Lodge ( No . 72 G ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 17 th inst ., at the North-Western Hotel . Present : Bros . James Senior , W . M . ; T . Wood , P . P . G . R ., I . P . M . ; John Baker , S . W . ; John Mottram , J . VV . ; Rev . E . C . Perry , M . A ., Chap . ; F . WooUey , Sec . ; E . J . Mousley , S . D . ; J . Wooldridge , J . D . ; T . E . Fowke , P . M ., D . C ;

T . Rigby , l . G . ; W . D . Batkin , II . 1 horn , and W . Brown , Stwds . ; R . Tomlinson , Tyler ; J . Bodenham , P . M . ; R . Heath , J . Bervon , F . Espley , A . F . Whittome , A . C Podmore , ll . Newton , and VV . P . Duncalfe . Visitors : Bros . T . J . Barnett , P . M . 52 G , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; J . L . White , 157 . *) ; and T . Evans , 1520 . The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed , and Messrs . Parton and Belcher , two candidates

for Freemasonry , were then admitted into the lodge and duly initiated by the VV . M . ; the charge being delivered by Bro . Mottram , J . W ., in an impressive manner . On the the proposition of Bro . Wood , I . P . M ., the sum of ten guineas was voted from the funds of the lodge to be placed on Bro . Storer ' s list as Steward for the Boys ' School . " Hearty good wishes" having been expressed , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refresh-

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

ment , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to ; the W . M ., Bro . Senior , being complimented all round upon the excellent manner in which he had performed his first ceremony . HEATON NORRIS . — Egerton Lodge No . 1030 ) . —The installation meeting was held and St . John's Festival celebrated on Monday , the 1 = ; th inst .. at the Geonre

Hotel . The following brethren were present : Bros . G . L . Vaughan , VV . M . ; J . B . Hamond , S . W . ; VV . Pemberton , J . VV . ; Thos . Meadows , P . M ., Treas . ; Walter H . Vaughan , Sec ; VV . Hope , S . D . ; Kenneth MacLean , J . D . ; J .. L . Vaughan , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . E . Lane . ; A . E . Ferns , I . P . M . ; A . H . Boucher , S . Kershaw , lames VV . Abbott , P . M ., D . of C ; VV . Meadows , P . M . ; Wm . A .

Vaughan , Jas . Cookson , E . G . Lingard , G . Baker , VV . Hartley , R . Basnett Preston , E . Harden , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; and J . Meadows , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Geo . Mellon , V . W . D . P . G . M . ; Wm . Gauldthorp , P . P . G . Org . ; Samuel Bednall , 1055 ; Thos . Hassall , W . M . 1213 ; J . VV . P . Salmon , P . M . 163 , P . P . G . D . of C ; VVilliam BoothW . M . 104 ; John Marshall

, , W . M . 323 ; Richard , Barlow , S . W . 1147 ; Thos . Elliott , P . M . 1147 ; Wm . Brandon , P . M . 1219 ; Jas . Wright , P . M . 1459 ; Carl Got , P . M . 645 ; Richard Wright , W . M . 993 ; W . H . Bibby , P . M . 993 ; Col ., Wilkinson , P . M . 104 , P . P . S . G . D . Cheshire ; J . M . Hamilton , J . D . 277 ; and R . R . Lisenden , J . D . 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge was duly opened in the usual mannerafter

, which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . In the Second Degree the VV . M . elect , Bro . J . B . Hamond was presented to the Installing Master , Bro . Geo . L . Vaughan , and the customary formalities having been observed , he was conducted with all due rite and ceremony into the chair of K . S ., and on the re-admission of all M . M . ' s proclaimed and saluted in the Three

Degrees . Bro . A . E . Ferns , P . M . then invested and addressed the following brethren as officers lor the ensuing year : Bros . Geo . L . Vaughan , I . P . M . ; A . Pemberton , S . VV . ; VVilliam Hope , J . W . ; E . G . Lingard , Freas . ; Walter H . Vaughan , Sec ; Kenneth McLean , S . D . : Saml . Kershaw , J . D . ; Jas . VV . Abbott , P . M ., D . of C . ; Harper H . Boucher , l . G . ; and Joseph Meadows , Tvler .

1 he three addresses were ably delivered by Bro . Walter H . Vaughan , and , in fact , the whole of the work was executed in a masterly manner , reflecting thc highest credit on the lodge , which is fortunate in possessing such efficient officers . The ceremony being finished , and " Hearty good wishes " expressed by the vistors , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony .

xne oreenren anerwaras partoou ot an excellent banquet , which was prepared for them by the host , Bro . Willoughby , in a manner rarely if at all equalled by any hotel proprietor in the provinces . When the repast was concluded , the VV . M . proposed the usual leading toasts , which were responded to with the usual Masonic spontaniety . In proposing "The Health of the V . W . Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . George Mellon , " Bro . A . E . Ferns . P . M ..

said the fact of the V . W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master having been amongst them would , he considered , be a redletter day in the history of the lodge , and he ( Bro . Ferns ) very much regretted , as he was sure all the brethren did , that on account of indisposition the V . VV . D . G . M . had been compelled to leave them , as it was the first time he had honoured them with his presence . They had with

them five Provincial Officers , two out of the number , Bros . Vaughan and Harden , being members of their own lodge , and they were exceedingly pleased to see them . Without further preface Bro . Ferns said he would ask the brethren to drink "The Healths of the V . VV . D . G . M . and the Present and Absent Prov . Grand Officers . " The toast was well received and heartily drankafter

, which Bro . J . L . Vaughan , P . P . G . R ., responded . The I . P . M ., Bro . G . L . Vaughan , proposed "The Health of the VV . M . " and said it was a very pleasing duty to propose what he considered was the toast of the evening . He felt sure Bro . Hamond had Masonry at heart and would do all he could to conduct the affairs of the lodge in as efficient a manner as they had hitherto been conducted .

It had given him ( Bro . Vaughan ) , very great pleasure to instal Bro . Hamond into the chair of K . S . that day , and he trusted the newly invested ofiicers would do ( as he should ) all in their power to support their new VV . M ., whose health he now asked them all to drink . The VV . M ., in reply , thanked Bro . Vaughan for his kind remarks , and the brethren for so cordiallv resnondinir to thc

toast . The VV . M . went on to say . that Bro . Vaughan had referred to the able assistance he had received from his officers during his presidency , and he ( Bro . Hamond ) , trusted he should ahvays receive similar support . The VV . M ., in proposing " The Health of the I . P . M ., " who had that day so ably installed him in his present position , spoke of the arduous work which had fallen to Iiro .

Vaughan's lot during thc past year , there being on one occasion four hours' work to go through . At the same time , no matter how heavy or varied his duties had been , Bro . Vaughan was always equal to the occasion , and had performed his work to the satisfaction of them all . In so ably fulfilling the office of Installing Master that day hc ( the W . M . ) had great pleasure in quoting the remarks concerning it which had fallen from the lips of the V . W . D . P .

G . M ., who said " the work was well done , and he had seldom seen it done better . " In conclusion , the VV . M . said he had very great pleasure in presenting Bro . Vaughan with a Past Master's gold jewel , as a testimony of the respect and esteem in whicli he was held by them all ; and called upon the brethren to rise and drink his health , which was accordingly done ; after which Brc . Vaughan returned thanks .

Several other toasts were proposed and responded to , and after a most enjoyable evening , the brethren separated . BATTLE . —Abbey Lodge ( No . 1184 ) . —The members of this lodge met on Thursday , the iSth inst ., at the Masonic Hall . Bro . J . B . Sargent ,. W . M ., presided , and there were present : Bros . Lambourne , P . M ., P-PG . P . ; B . II . Thorpe , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . ; Charles W .

Duke , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., S . W . ; H . G . F . Wells , P . M ., Hon . Treas . as J . VV . ; C . R . Chandler , P . M . Prov . G . P . Sec ; Henry Kimm , as S . D . ( Freemason ); T . Walder , as J . D . ; James F . Richardson , l . G . ; VVilliam C . Till , J . A . Middlemas , Charles , Martin , Charles Armstrong , B . Culwick , and Jesson , Tyler . Visitor : Major de B . Cooper , W . M . 1840 . The lodge was opened in due form and the