Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

thanked the brethren for the honour they had done him , and said he would strive his utmost to follow the advice of the W . M . and deserve the respect of the brethren . The W . M . having proposed "The Health of the Visitor , Bro . E . Camillo Stuiko , " Bro . Grassi responded in his behalf . He vvas very much delighted at the opportunity afforded him of witnessing the English ritual of

Freemasonry worked in the Three Degrees . English Freemasonry was held in high estimation in Italy , and although his brother did not understand the English language , he vvas very pleased with the able manner in vvhich the business of the lodge had been carried out , and would ever remember his first admission to an English lodge , and the cordial and kindly manner in vvhich he had been received .

Bros . Cash and Grassi responded to the toast of " The Past Masters . " Bro . Grummant responded to the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary . " The Treasurer , Bro . Cowley , vvas unfortunately prevented by an accident from attending , and he vvas sure he would be much disappointed at not being present at one of the most enjoyable evenings he ( Bro .

Grummant ) had ever spent in the New Cross Lodge , in addition to the pleasure he derived when listening to the ritual . The presence of our brother from Italy forcibly reminded him of the advantage of belonging to our universal brotherhood , vvhich , by the wisdom of its laws and tenets , gathered together the best men of every creed , race , and clime ; taught them to put aside all discordant ideas ; to

work vvith love and harmony , and by so doing to carry out the Divine precepts of the Deity . Freemasonry vvas the cement which bound men of all nations together in a manner vvhich no Statesman or divine had ever been able to do , and wherever a worthy Mason went he would be sure to receive a kindly and hearty welcome from those who vvere banded

together to exercise the noblest sentiments and virtues of the human race . Bro . Fry responded for " The Officers . " During the evening the brother visitor , by permission of Bro . Augustus Harris , delighted the brethren vvith his splendid singing , the W . M ., the initiate , and Bro . Grassi contributed to the harmony , and

" Wi' friendly sang an merry crack I wot they did na weary , " until the Tyler ' s toast reminded them that another pleasant meeting of the New Cross Lodge had come to an end . Warrant Officers' Lodge ( No . 234 . 6 ) . — An emergency meeting of this lodge vvas held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-streeton ' Fridaythe 20 th inst ..

, , when there was a large gathering of members and visitors to support Bro . M . A . Mclnerny , W . M . Amongst those present were Bro . R . Jennings , P . M ., acting S . W . in the absence of Bro . H . Gardiner ; Bros . A . Molony , J . W . ; J . Lewis , Treas . ; J . Hitchings , J . D . ; C . A . Pugh , I . G . ; J . Hazard , Org . ; A . Scott , Stwd . ; Tyler , and others . The lodge vvas opened , and ballot taken for Messrs . W .

H . Smith and Louis de Mortillett , candidates for initiation , which pioved unanimous in each case . The ballot vvas next taken for Bro . Walter Eckstein Bailey , of the Warren Lodge , No . 1276 , and proved unanimous . The W . M . then addressed a few remarks to Bro . Bailey , who made a suitable reply . Bro . J . W . Watson vvas raised to the Third Degree , and Bros . T . C . Wem and J . Hey wood passed tothe

Second Degree . Messrs . Smith and Mortillett were then initiated . The W . M . ' s working of the Three Degrees left nothing to be desired . The Worshipful Master proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . R . Jennings , P . M ., for the very handsome gift of sixteen officers' collars , vvith badges of office suitably inscribed , and referred to the very active part taken by Bro . Jennings in the formation of the lodge ,

and the valuable services rendered since its formation , and hoped that Bro . Jennings would live long enough to see those collars worn out in the service of the lodge . The proposal vvas seconded by Bro . A . Molony , J . VV ., and carried by acclamation . A founder ' s jewel vvas then pie sented to Bro . Jennings , P . M ., and the good wishes of the lodge vvere expressed by the VV . M . Bro . JenningsP . M .

, , replied , thanking the W . M . for the very kind manner in which his services in the past and present had been referred to . He also thanked the lodge for their very great kindness in presenting him vvith such a handsome jewel , and stated that anything that had been done had been a labour of

love to him , and hoped that he might be of further use to the lodge . Bro . W . F . Cheesman , P . M ., Secretary , vvas unable to be present , owing to his absence on temporary duty at Shorncliffe . " Hearty good wishes " having been given from various lodges , the proceedings of the evening terminated , and the lodge was closed .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BATTLE . Abbey Lodge . ( No . 1184 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge vvas held on Thursday , the 19 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall . The Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Sir W . T . Marriott , Q . C , M . P ., had hoped to be present , but vvas compelled to forego his intention in consequence of other engagements , but the

visitors comprised Bros . V . P . Freeman , P . G . P . En < - \ , Prov . G . Sec ; R . Clowes . W . M . 2201 , Prov . S . G . W W . S . Allen , W . M . 40 ; Lieut .-Col . A . M . Brookfield , W . M . 341 ; A . J . Howard , W . M . mo ; G . B . Simpson , W . M . 1141 ; J . P . Slingsby Roberts , W . M . 1466 ; W . Carless , W . M . 1 S 42 ; J . C Buckwell , W . M . 21 S 7 ; J . M . Jenkins , I . P . M . 341 ; Dr . W . G . Holloway , J . D . 1 S 42 ; A .

E . Young , I . G . 1842 ; T . H . Larkin , mo ; Chas . Loud , 709 j and others . 'fhe chair vvas taken by the W . M ., Bro . R . T . Davison , M . D ., who vvas supported by the following officers and brethien , viz .: Bros . W . T . Jordan , I . P . M . ; W . A , 51 S ^ 'S-Vl- ' ' J * * Foster * J * - * * F * We'Is * P . M .,

J . I'lelding , Org . ; J . W . Pepper , S . D . ; D . White , J . D . B . H . Thorpe , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D ., D . C ; T . W . Avis nV , " U r , * Newman * Tyler ; W . Lamborn , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; W . C . Til , Charles Martin , T . J . Walder , F C Ticehurst , J . Chance , C J . Honisett , George Smith Hodson

, James , L . F . St . John , and others . ' The minutes of the last lodge having been read and conhrmed , several communications vvere read from brethren and visitors , who apologised for their inability to attend the meeting . Bro . B . H . Thorpe , D . C , then presented the W . M . elect , Bro . William Augustus Raper , S . W ., to the

Provincial Meetings.

Worshipful Master for the benefit 01 installation , and Bro . Davison , W . M ., very ably and impiessively performed the whole of the ceremony , with the exception of the addresses , which vvere well rendered by Bro . W . T . Jordan , P . M . The occasion vvas pleasingly improved by the musical selections of the Organist , Bro . Fielding , who was ably assisted by Hro . Pepper on the cornet , the trumpet "

fanfare " introducing the proclamations being very effectively given by the latter . The officers invested by the W . M . were Bros . R . T . Davison , M . D ., I . P . M . ; J . B . Foster , S . W . ; J . W . Pepper , J . W . ; H . G . F . Wells , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ( 20 th time ); R . Hughes , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., Sec ; David White , S . D . ; T . W . Avis , J . D . ; VV . T . Jordan , P . M ., D . C ; J . Fielding , Org . ; and W .

Newman , Tyler . Bro . the Very Revd . E . R . Currie , D . D ., Grand Chaplain , P . M ., Prov . G . Chap ., wrote regretting that illhealth prevented his being present to receive his investment as Chaplain of the lodge , an office he has filled for some years , and his investment vvas , therefore , deferred to a future occasion . The investment of the I . G ., Bro . F . W . Hotham , vvas also deferred in consequence of

his unavoidable absence . In the course of the ceremony a telegram vvas received from Bro . Currie , from Buxton , congratulating the W . M . The business of the meeting was then brought to a close vvith the appointment of Bro . ( harles William Duke , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., as representative of the lodge on the Provincial t ^ rand Charities' Committee , an office vvhich he has worthily filled for many years ; and vvith

the hearty congratulations of the visiting brethren . The brethren then adjourned to the Star Hotel , where a very elegant banquet had been provided by Host Holt , who fully sustained the reputation he has acquired since taking the management of this house . The chair was taken by Bro . W . A . Raper , W . M ., who gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts with his characteristic eloquence .

The toasts of his own health , and that of "The I . P . M ., Bro . Davison" ( both of whom are deservedly esteemed in and out of the lodge ) vvere enthusiastically received by the brethren . The worthy Treasurer , Bro . H . G . F . Wells , also received quite an ovation , as , in addition to his length of service as Treasurer of the lodge ( 20 years ) , and his general popularity

among the brethren , he had on the previous day received his first " olive branch , " an interesting event vvhich elicited the hearty congratulations of the brethren . The entire proceedings , from the opening- of the lodge down to and including the Tyler's toast , were an unqualified success , and Bro . Raper is to be congratulated on

commencing his year of office under such happy auspices . We may add that Mr . Charles Kenningham , the wellknown tenor of Canterbury Cathedral , very splendidly sang several choice pieces , and the harmony of the evening was further promoted by some good songs by Bros . Avis , Hughes , and St . John .

CHINGFORD . Chigwell Lodge ( No . 453 ) . —The installation meeting of the above lodge vvas held at the Royal Forest Hotel , on Saturday , the 14 th instant . The minutes having been read and confirmed , Bro . Frederick C . Dixie vvas installed VV . M . for the ensuing year . The officers appointed by the W . M . were Bros . W . T . Christian , S . W . ;

1 ' . A . Renshaw , J . W . ; E . Hobbs , S . D . ; Jas . S . Motion , J . D . ; W . Coxon , I . G . ; and T . A . Motion and Henry S . Homewood , Stewards . The retiring Master , Bro . J . R . Breading , vvas presented vvith the usual Past Master's jewel . The W . M . was installed by his brother , Bro . Alfred J . Dixie , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . After the installation the W . M . passed Bro . H . A . Jager to the Degree of a F . C ,

explaining the working tools in full in a very impressive manner . The installation ceremony vvas rendered in a very able manner . The visitors vvere numerous , including several Grand Officers , Bros . Richard Eve , Past Grand Treas . ; Railing , Prov . G . Sec ; Lucking , Prnv . G . Dir . of Cers . ;

Stone , P . M . of several lodges , and a Past Grand Officer of the District Grand Lodge of India . Bro . Stone , in replying with other brethren for "The Visitors , " gave as his opinion that Freemasonry vvas doing more than Christianity to civilise India , and he gave several instances as supporting his statement . The lodge vvas then closed .

FELTHAM . Lebanon Lodge ( No . 1326 ) . —The election meeting of this prosperous lodge vvas held on Saturday , the 21 st inst ., when there were present Bros . C W . Baker , W . M . ; J . A . Wilson , S . W . ; J . C . Goslin , J . VV . ; S . Page , Treas . ; J . VV . Baldwin , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Sec ; S . Wheeler , S . D . ; F . Dunstan , J . D . ; J , Amey , Org . ;

E . J . Whelan , I . G . ; A . Robertson and vV . H . Davey , sen ., Stewards ; J . J . Marsh , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Laurence , P . M ., P . P . G . D . of C ; and E . A . Smith , P . M . Visitors : Bros . W . J . Purle , 1732 ; J . R . Cordell , W . M . S 13 ; A . White , J . H . Flatten , H . Davey , J . A . Lineker , J . W . Kingston , G . J . Bailey , W . J . Babb , and P . Bick . The minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed .

The ballot vvas unanimous in favour of Messrs . Robert Solomon , G . Roberts , Wm . Wallace Freestone , and Jas . E . Poole , who , being in attendance , vvere duly initiated . The election of W . M . for the ensuing year was unanimous in favour of Bro . A . J . Wilson , S . VV . Bro . S . Page vvas reelected Treasurer , and Bro . J . Gilbert , Tyler . Bros .

Davey , sen ., Amey , and Davey , jun ., were elected as Auditors . Several notices of motion were duly passed , and other Masonic business discussed . The names of two gentlemen vvere received for initiation , and the lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , which vvas ably served under the superintendence of the host , Bro . Harris .

HAMPTON COURT . St . Margaret ' s Lodge ( No . 1872 ) . —On Thursday , the 19 th inst ., the members of this lodge met at their usual meeting place at Surbiton , but as there vvas no work , the proceedings were formal and the brethren very soon were seated in a saloon carriage on the way to Hampton Court , it being the custom of the lodge to have two banquets yearly at the Mitre Hotel . Many of the

members of the lodge are professional men , and duty kept several away from the gathering . One who vvas greatly missed was Bro . Dr . Gibbes , P . M ., and , to the deep regret of all , his absence was owing to illness . Bro . Gibbes is always most indefatigable in promoting the pleasure of the company , not least so in urging the VV . M . on so that the welcome announcement " you may smoke " can be made , while as fugleman in the chorus to Bro . John Hodgkin ' s of " The Barley Mow " he stands unrivalled .

Provincial Meetings.

The gathering around the festive board included Bros . J . H . Crofts , W . M . ; C . M . Hogg , I . P . M . ; S . M . Cooke , S . W . ; John Hodgkin , J . W . ; Reginald Piper , P . M ., Treas . ; W . H . D . Pearse , P . ' M ., Sec ; Stanley Hodgkin , S . D . ; A . R . Owst , Org . ; E . W . Stillwell , P . M . ; J . Startin ; and D . W . Gardiner , all members of the lodge . Visitors : Bros . J . Drewett , P . M . S 89 , 163 S ; W . Drewett , P . M . SS 9 , W . M .

163 S ; B . Colbron , VV . M . SS 9 ; A . Tyson , 355 , P . M . 176 S ; R . Sebastian Hart , P . M . 2146 , Org . 3 ; E . B . Hartley , P . M . 1 S 00 , D . S . G . D . Eastern Division Cape Colony ; VV . H . Hooker , S . VV . 1670 ; E . L . Balcombe , J . D . 2095 ; and VV . F . Manners , 2095 . One of the "Mitre ' s" choicest banquets vvas provided , and Bro . Sadler himself superintended the service in the

room . As musical brethren vvere in the ascendant , the W . M . was very brief in putting the usual toasts before the company , and those who responded followed the good example . The visitor from Africa received a very cordial greeting , and after complimenting the officers of the lodge upon the perfect way in vvhich the opening and closing in all three

Degrees had been performed , he thanked the W . M . for the splendid hospitality of St . Margaret ' s , and gave all present a pressing invitation to give him a call in Natal . The latest addition to the lodge vvas Bro . Owst , and as there had been no banquet since his installation he vvas "toasted" as "The Initiate , " and ths VV . M . expressed the pleasure it was to have enrolled such a gentleman , who

to other qualifications added that of being an accomplished and gifted musician . In proposing " Ihe Officers , " the W . M . thanked his principals and assistants for the readiness they had shown to make themselves perfect in their work , so keeping up the reputation of No . 1 S 72 for correct rendering of the ritual . After the W . M . had been duly complimented and felicitated

upon his year of office , he had to leave for another pressing engagement , and his place vvas taken by the I . P . M ., of whom it vvas asked with a humour peculiar to the brethren of the lodge , " How is Bro . Hogg ? " the reply being " Oh , he ' s all right ; " and so it proved , for the highly-esteemed

I . P . M . kept the ball rolling so merrily that all vvere sorry to hear the Tyler announce that the train went at 11 . 5 . Excellent songs were given during the evening , and the words put into the mouth of the J . VV . at the closing of the lodge vvere re-echoed by all present , and by none more heartilv than the visitors .

HARROW . Citadel Lodge ( No . 1897 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Railway Hotel , Harrow Station , on Saturday , the 2 ist inst ., when Bro . Jas . H . Gaskin—who has had a very prosperous and successful year as Master—installed his successor , Bro . John Hughes , J . W . and VV . M . elect . Bro . J . H . Gaskin ,

VV . M ., vvas supported by Bros . W . Mayne , S . W . ; J . Hughes , J . W . ; John Osborne , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Sec . ; J . W . Hurran , Treas . ; P . Young , D . C ; W . Wright , Prov . Grand Org ., Org . ; C . J . Davison , I . G . ; Horace Banks , Stwd . ; O . J . Von Holtorp , I . P . M . ; T . I . Bird , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; John Weston , P . M ., Prov . G . Purst . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . A . S . Walter , W . M .

1791 ; C Weeden , P . M . S 13 ; R . Reichenheim , 1622 ; H . J . Martin , J . VV . 1622 ; J . H . Pullen , S . D . 1622 ; R . Jarvis , 1549 ; A . Banks , LG . 249 ; G . K . Pugh , S . D . 1625 ; and C Dearing , P . M . 1602 . The lodge being opened , the minutes vvere confirmed and a very satisfactory rtudit report , showing a balance in the hands ofthe Treasurer , was received and adopted . Mr . Fred .

C . Cleaver vvas approved by ballot , and duly initiated into the Order by the VV . M . Bro . John Hughes was presented as W . M . elect , and installed into the chair by Bro . Gaskin , I . P . M . The officers for the year vvere appointed and invested as follows : Bros . W . VVright , Prov . G . Org ., S . W . ; C . J . Davison , J . W . ; William Hurran , Treas ., * John Osborn , P . P . G . S . B ., Sec ; Peter Young , S . D . ; W . VV . Lee , J . D . ; Horace G . Banks , LG . ; I .

Jones , D . C . ; W . J . Ball and VV . H . How , Stwds . , * and Verry , Tyler . The Installing Master , Bro . Gaskin , LP . M ., delivered the usual addresses , and was presented vvith a handsome Past Master ' s jewel as a slight recognition of the valuable services rendered by him to the lodge during the past year . Routine business vvas transacted , and the lodge vvas formally closed . After an excellent repast the usual toast list vvas honoured .

Bro . W . Wright , Prov . G . Org ., S . W ., replying for "The Provincial Grand Officers , " expressed the pleasure it afforded him to respond to that toast for the first time . Referring to his investment at Provincial Grand Lodge on the previous Saturday , he remarked that he vvas particularly gratified at the cordiality with which the Prov . G . Master performed that function , which he regarded not only as a

compliment to himself but also to the lodge . He felt proud to represent the Citadel Lodge in the capacity of Provincial Grand Officer , and , in conjunction vvith the other members of that body , would endeavour to uphold the Prov . Grand Master and the province in every way . Bro . J . Weston , P . M ., Prov . G . Purst ., having also replied ,

Bro . Gaskin , I . P . M ., proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " and remarked that he did so vvith a great deal of pleasure , because Bro . J . Hughes , VV . M ., vvas one of the early initiates of the lodge . As far as the past work vvas concerned , Bro . Hughes had performed the duties of the various offices with satisfaction to himself and credit to the lodge .

Bro . John Hughes , W . M ., having returned thanks , said he must say that it vvas rather unexpected that he was called upon to take the office of W . M . so soon , for he hoped the S . W . would have gone through in the ordinary course . He had , however , willingly taken the office , and only hoped the late S . VV . would at some future time occupy the position of the chair . He trusted that during his year he should be

able to give them all the satisfaction they could demand , and no effort would be wanting on his part to render the ceremonies in a masterly manner , and he hoped to leave the chair 12 months hence with the same regard as had been evinced towards the I . P . M . that evening . " The Initiate " having been honoured , The Worshipful Master gave "The Visitors , " and tendered them a cordial welcome .

Bras . Walters , VV . M . 1791 ; C Dearing , P . M . 1 G 02 ; VV . Weeden , P . M . 813 ; and A . Banks , I . G . 249 ; tendered sincere thanks for the hearty and fraternal welcome and the profuse hospitality they had received , and expressed