Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Cratt Ofcasonr ^ . METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .

Old King ' s Arms Lodge ( No . 28 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 23 rd inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , Bro . E . F . Debenham , W . M ., being in the chair , supported by Bros . Barrat , S . W .: VV . P ice , J . W . ; D . Crombie , P . M ., Sec . ; F . Clark , S . D . ; C . Carrell , J . D . ; T . Rose , I . G . ; and various other brethren , members of the lodge , and visitors .

I he lodge having been opened , and the minutes ot the last meeting read and confirmed , Bro . A . W . Daniell was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . by the W . M . Bro . E . Money , P . M ., brought forward a motion , of which he had previously given notice , to appoint the W . M . and Bro . Newland , P . M ., as fresh trustees of the invested benevolent fund of the lodge , and that a further sum of £ So out

of the benevolent funds in the hands of the Treasurer should be likewise invested . This motion being seconded , and put to the vote , was unanimously carried . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a binquet at Freemasons ' Tavern , under the presidency of the W . M ., when a pleasant evening was spent .

Belgrave Lodge ( No . 749 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Flt-etstreet , on Wednesday , the nth inst ., when there was a good attendance . The members present included Bros . E . Triggs , VV . M . ; E . E . Austin , S . W . ; W . D . T . Turnpenny , J . W . ; P . Parsons , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Garrod , P . M ., P . G . P ., Sec ; J . H . Brand . S . D . ; J . Mahon ,

I . G . ; J W . Hobhs , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Graves , Org . ; W . C . Hall , P . M . ; H . VV . L . Hobbs , P . M . ; I ' . Weeks , P . M . ; A . F . Leech , P . M . ; W . Groves , P . M ; J . Coltart , P . M . ; H . W . Greenwood , P . M . ; G . S . Elliott , P . M ., W . Titley , P . M . ; F . Kedge , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors : Bro .-. E . Reed , 2021 ; A . Watts , A . D . C . 1571 ; J . I . Thomas , P . M . 753 ; I . F . Perrins , iSvg ; I . Stephens ,

P . M . 1425 ; ] . Shepherd , S . W . 140 ; T . Sheppard , 1702 ; G . White , J . W . 975 ; G . Wet ^ re , P . M . S 60 ; G . Harper , VV . M . 2163 ; J . Wells , P . M . 1612 ; J . Everett , 2209 ; VV . Johnston , 153 s ; J . Hart , S . W . 193 ; J . T . Dormer , W . M . 1571 ; VV . H . Jordan , 140 ; W . Price , j , W , 20 ; F . D . Bowles , 1299 ; J- ferry , P . G . S . B . ; E . Storr , P . M . 16 7 ; C . Michel , 177 ; H . T . Culliford , 1563 ; J . D . Loverd ,

1169 ; W . H . Mantell , 1391 ; J . : ewell , 65 ; W . W . Lee , S . W . 23 S 1 ; and others . Lodge was "pened , and the minutes confirmed . There was a full agenda of work , the three Degrees being each down for working , and this heavy programme having been disposed of , the principal'business of the evening was proceeded with . Bro . P . Parsons , P . M ., Trpas ., assumed the

chair , and proceeded to install Bro . E . E . Austin as the W . M , for the ensuing year . The following officers were then invested : Bros . VV . D . T . Turnpenny , S . W . ; J . H . Brand , J . W . ; P . Parsons , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Garrod , P . M .. Sec ; J . Mahun , S . D . ; F . Kedge . P . M ., J . D . ; R . VV . Benns , I . G . ; J . W . Hobbs , P . M ., D . C ; C . Doresa , A . D . C . ; W . Graves , Org . ; J . VV . Jones and J .

C . Scudamore , Stwds . ; and S . Homewood , Tyler . The Installing Master then delivered the usual addresses , at the conclusion of which the W . M . presented Bro . E . Triggs , I . P . M ., with a handsome Past Master's jewel . Relief was unanimously voted to a distressed brother , and the sum of five guineas was also voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , to he placed on the list of the Steward

representing the lodge . Other business was transacted , and the lodge was closed . Ample justice was done to an excellent banquet , served under the management of Bro . Clemow , and the customary toast list was then proceeded with . Bro . J . Terry P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., replying for " 1 he Grand Ufficers , " said that no two better brethren

had ever been appointed to preside over the business of Grand Lodge t ^ an the two brethren they honourtd by drinking as the Pro Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master . Each had rendered important service in his province , and when Lord Lathom presided over the Festival the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys his province sent up £ 6400 . Bro . E . Triggs , l . P . M ., proposed " The Worshi p ful Master , " and said the brethren felt sure that in electing

Bro . Austin to the honourable position of Worshipful Master they had elected one who would do ample justice to the lodge during the coming year . The Worshipful Master was a Mason at heart , and they had had an exemplification of the way in which he would conduct their meetings . He was proud to know he was the means of introducing Bro . Austin into the lodge , and also that they were now side by side in their various positions .

Bro . E . E . Austin , VV . M ., returned hearty thanks for the very warm manner in which the l . P . M . proposed the toast , and also for the hearty manner in which it was received . He blushed to receivesuch kindntssafter the way his merits had been magnified , but he thanked them most heartily . He begged to assure them that at the end of his year he should endeavour to deserve their congratulations no less th in now .

Ihe Worshipful Master then gave "The Immediate Past Master , " and said that Bro . 'Triggs , I . P . M ., had assured him that he had had a happy year of office , and that his only regret was that it had come to an end . The efficient manner in which the l . P . M . had discharged his duties was well-known to all , and he retired with the esteem and thanks of all the members .

Bro . E . Triggs , I . P . M ., thanked them all for the very hearty proposition and reception of the toast , and also for the unanimous manner in which the Past Master ' s jewel was v « t « -d to him . He felt proud to be associated witn the lodge , for he regarded it as one of thise whose name was known far and wide , He hoped to live for many years to wear the jewel , and as long as his health lasted he hoped to be connected with the lodge .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

"The Installing Master , Bro . P . Parsons , P . M . and Treas ., " was then given by the W . M ., who said he was sure it would be received with acclamation . The manner in which Bro . Parsons , P . M ., performed the ceremony of installation had impressed him , as it must have impressed them all . He felt great pleasure in being installed by the senior P . M ., and he was glad to know that Bro . Parsons ,

P . M . and Treas ., was not only happy in the ritual , but also in the state of his finances . Bro . P . Parsons , P . M ., Treas ., in response , said he rose to return sincere thanks for the cordial manner in which this double toast had been given . As far as the Installing Master was concerned , he had had great pleasure in installing the W . M . in the presence of 14 or more Past

Masters , and he vouched that the installation had been conducted in due form . A man when rehearsing these ceremonies fancied he could perform them satisfactory , but when he came before a numerous assembly he was put in the background . He had done his best that night and was sure the brethren would be satisfied with that . The W . M . expressed a desire to be installed by the father of

the lodge and the others immediately gave way . As far as the Treasurer was concerned he should be happy to take charge of all money paid to him . He was glad to say they were in such a position as to give a hearty good welcome to all , and so long as he was elected to the office he should endeavour to see they did not exceed the proper limits .

Bro . J . Stephens , P . M . 1425 , acknowledged the toast of " The Visitors , " and said that as he did not aspire to respond he had signed his name as a P . M ., rather than as the W . M . of another lodge . He complimented the W . M . on the very admirable manner in which he was installed into the chair , and he had never seen the officers invested in a more perfect manner . He thanked Bro . Elliott for inviting

him . That brother was a member of the Belgrave Chapter , and he ( Bro . Stephens ) was in the First Principal ' s chair , and he invited the lodge to join with the chapter by the members coming amongst them . Those who were eligible they were only too willing to welcome from the mother lodge . Other brethren replied , and Bro . las . Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I ., in response to "The

Masonic Charities , " strongly appealed to the brethren to support the Institution he represented at the forthcoming Jubilee Festival . Bro . Groves , P . M ., replied for " The Past Masters , " and " The Officets " having been given , the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . VV . Graves , Org ., assisted by Bros . W . Price , R . Mantell , and G . Vigay .

Merchant Navy Lodge ( No . 7 S 1 ) . —A regular meeting of this lodge took place at the Silver Tavern , Burdctt-road , on Wednesday , the nth inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Passfield , W . M , supported by Bros . J . Pringle , P . M . ; S . W . Timson , P . M . ; F . Robinson , P . M . ; and others . The following officers were in attendance : Bros . Gooch , S . W . ; Turnff , J . W . ; Daniell , P . M .,

Treas . ; C . Breden , P . M ., Sec . ; Lancett , S . D . ( protein . ); Bebrouth , J . D . ( pro tern . ) ; Seage , LG . ; J . Grout , Org . ; and Ellingford , Tyler . Among the members , of whom about 50 were present , were Bros . Morrow , Ferguson , Patrick , Huett , sen .. Huett , jun ., Odling , Wilson . Bull , Bell , and many others . Visitors : Bros . E . Clement , P . M . 1 S 16 ; Parsons , 1 S 16 ; J . Bennett , 1765 ; W . Mountford , 1716 ;

M . Bleick , 2374 ; Nightingale , and Jones . The lodge was opened , and the minutes were read and confirmed . Bro . Knight , of this lodge , and Bro . Parsons , 1 S 16 , were passed , and Mr . Langham , who had been already proposed and approved , was initiated . Further business having been transacted the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment , after

which the usual loyal toasts were proposed and accepted with the wonted Masonic enthusiasm . Other toasts followed , with songs and recitations interspersed between the speeches , and a very pleasant evening was spent until the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close . Bros . Bennett , Burges , Jones , and Turriff contributed to the harmony of the evening .

Corinthian Lodge ( No . 1382 ) . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the ' iSth inst ., at the George Hotel , Cubitt Town , under the presidency of Bro . W . J . Millington , P . M ., in place of Bro . R . J . Pitt , VV . M ., who was absent through illness . He was supported by the officers of the lodge and Bros . McLeod , P . M . ; Morrison , P . M . ; Parrett , Davis , Evans , Latta ,

and about 50 members and visitors were also present . Lodge being duly opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bros . Davis and Evans were raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., after which Bro . Latta was passed to the Degree of F . C . Great regret being expressed at the absence of the VV . M ., the Secretary was instructed to write conveying the earnest wishes of the brethren for his speedy recovery . On the motion of Bro . McLeod , seconded by Bro .

Parrett , it was unanimously agreed that a jewel should be presented to the Secretary in recognition of his services to the lodge . Both brethren spoke in complimentary terms of the zeal and ability displayed by Bro . A . H . Oakley and his invariable courtesy to the brethren . A vote of condolence with the widow of a deceased brother was passed , and the lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to refreshment , when a very pleasant evening was SDent .

Imperial Lodge ( No . 1694 ) . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held at 24 , Victoria-street , Westminster , S . W ., on Monday , the 16 th inst ., when Bro . H . H . Hyde Clarke was installed as W . M . The lodge was formally opened by Bro . W . Hicks , VV . M ., assisted by Bros . H . H . Hyde Clarke , S . W . ; C . W . Stephenson , J . W . ; C . H . Reid Todd , P . M ., Treas . ; ] . N . Frye , P . M ., Sec ; R . J . C . Davis , S . D . ; R . Bradley , J . D . ; W . Davis , P . M . ; W . F . Woods , P . M . ; R . M . Daniel , P . M . ; R .

Cumberland , P . M . ; H . Comins , C . Tuckey , and many lay members . Visitors : Bros . Hugh D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal ; G . H . Gunton , 858 ; T . J . Cannon , l . P . M . 2021 ; E . Owen , W . M . 2033 ; T . Walkley , P . M . 2233 ; F . Stone , 1494 ; A . W . Orwin , W . M . 1091 . The report of the Audit Committee , showing the finances to be in a good condition , was received and adopted . Ballot was declared unanimous in favour of Mr . F . C . Davison as a candidate for initiation , and for Bros . W . G . Smart , 145 , and C . Howard , S 58 , as joining members . Mr .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

F . C . Davison , being in attendance , was impressively initiated by the W . M . The chair was then taken by Bro . R . Todd , P . M ., Treas ., who proceeded to install Bro . H . H . Hyde Clarke , the W . M . elect . Previous ' to this ceremony , a dispensation from the M . W . G . M . was read , allowing Bro . Hyde Clarke to be installed , he being at the present time W . M . of the Old Westminsters' Lodge . After the

installation the following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . C . Stephenson , S . W . ; R . J . C . Davis , J . W .,- •C . H . Reid Todd , P . M ., Treas . ; ] . N . Frye , P . M ., Sec ; R . Bradley , S . D . ; Watkins , J . D . ; and Langton , LG . The Installing Master concluded his duties by effectively rendering the customary addresses . Letters of regret for non-attendance were read from Bros . Lord Euston , Colonel

Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; Hyde Clarke , P . G . M . Colombia ; Howard H . Room . Herman Dirs Mertens , P . M . ; F . J . Pearse , P . M . ; Dr . Curnovv , P . M . ; H . J . Sibley , and others . The W . M . presented Bro . Hicks , I . P . M ., with a Past Master ' s jewel , and said the prophecy made a year ago that the lodge would be ruled by an excellent Master had been fulfilled . The pleasure of

the presentation was enhanced by the fact that the l . P . M . was a very old and valued friend , and also by the fact that Bro . Hicks had done more work during the past year than any preceding Master , and had ruled with tact and discretion when such gifts were eminently necessary . The l . P . M . briefly acknowledged the kind gift , and the lodge was closed . After banquet , the usual toasts received a cordial recogniti m .

Bro . H . D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal , returned sincere thanks for " The Grand Officers , " and also for the opportunity and pleasure afforded him of being present . In every society in the world some must take the lead , and Masonry was no exception to that rule ; but putting aside the Grand Officers—who would have responded better than he were they present—he would sav it crave him peculiar

pleasure and gratification to attend for the first time in that lodge , but he trusted not for the last . He felt himself to be close in the neighbourhood of that dear old school in which he and some of the members around the table were brought up . He could scarcely say the W . M . and he were pupils together—the same remark applied to the l . P . M . and others . Of course , he was a model boy at school , was

always led into mischief and never led others , and always did his best to raise the moral standard of the boysat Westminster . Regarding the lodge , nothing pleased the Grand Officers more than going to a working lodge and seeing that the landmarks of the Order were not departed from . He thanked the brethren for the kind reception accorded them , and assured them of the great satisfaction it had

been to see a member of the Old Westminsters' Lodge installed as W . M . Bro . W . Hicks , I . P . M ., then rose and said he had the task of proposing what he thought , even in the presence of the initiate , was the toast of the evening , because the occasion and the principal object of their meeting was to perform the installation ceremony , which thev had done in installing

Bro . Hyde Clarke into the chair . It had often occurred to him that there was a little too much of the mutual admiration society on these occasions , but in proposing " The Health of the Worshipful Master" he could speak of Bro . Hyde Clarke ' s virtues and say what an excellent fellow he was from an acquaintance of over 25 years . From the time they were at the dear old school together to the present time he

had known him to be an excellent fellow and an excellent Mason , and the two were synonymous . He was speaking from his heart in wishing the W . M . every happiness and prosperity duiing his year , and he could offer him no better wish than that his term of office would be as pleasant as his own had been . Bro . H . H . Hyde Clarke , W . M ., in replysaid he had

, first of all to thank his dear old friend and schoolfellow , the l . P . M ., for the kindly manner in which he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the cordiality with which it had been received . Some reference had been made to the Old Westminsters' Lodge , of which he was the present W . M ., of which the l . P . M . was S . W ., and of which many brethren present were members . Proud as he was of the Old

Westminsters' Lodge , they must not think he had ever forgotten his mother lodge . To attain the chair in his mother lodge was a thing he had long looked forward to , although it had not been his fortune to be Master in it first . He had looked forward to it with anxiety , and he thanked them for electing him . He wished to be installed that evening in his Master Mason ' s apron with which he was invested in the lodgeand

, although he had a better one , he had asked Bro . George Kenning to make it look respectable for the occasion . He was as proud that night as he could be , the more especially as he was not only Master of this lodge , but also W . M . of a lodge which prided itself on its working . The diffidence he felt in becoming Master was that he was afraid he should not equal the working of his predecessors . He should do

his best , of that they might be confident , and he knew he should be supported by the Past Masters and brethren . He could only again thank them for the kind manner in which they had received his health . The Worshipful Master , in giving "The I . P . M ., " said that speaking on behalf of the lodge he could not say enough of Bro . Hicks , I . P . M ., but he asked all present to

cordially drink the toast . Bro . W . Hicks , l . P . M . said he had a difficult task to perform in thanking them for the kind proposition and reception of the toast . When he looked back upon the excellent Past Masters who had done their work so well , he congratulated himself upon having done his best duiing the past year and in having earned their satisfaction . He had initiated nine candidates into Freemasonry and worked the

whole of the Degrees . The officers had all rendered him great assistance , and no Master could possibly have had better officers . He thanked them for the beautiful jewel which would recall the many happy hours he had spent as W . M . of the Imperial Lodge . Bros . Owen , VV . M . 2033 ; Wakley , P . M . 2233 ; and others responded for " The Visitors . " Other toasts were given before a very pleasant evening concluded with the Tyler ' s toast .

Lodge La France ( No . 2060 ) . —This lodge had quite a gala day at the Cafe-Royal on Monday , the 16 th inst ., on the occasion of the installation of Bro . A . Sauve as W . M . The ceremony was performed by Bro . E . St . Clair , P . M ., the first initiate of the lodge , of whom the brethren are justly proud as a good and thorough worker and a thorough Mason . He acquitted himself of his duties in a most masterly manner , and one of the attractions of the