Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

he had a pleasant and important duty to perform . Having taken the gavel into his possession , they were aware it was for the purpose of proposing the toast of the evening . He had the honour of being an older Mason than their VV . M ., and could remember the initiation of that brother , but scarcely thought it was an event which would play such an important part in the history of their lodge . From the

day of ihe initiation of Bro . Marks , W . M ., they dated a marked increase in their rate of progress , and the Friars Lodge now promised to be one of the most influential lodges in London . If they ever attained that proud position it would be mainly attributable to the brother whose health he now had the honour to propose . From the manner in which he had performed his duties in the past , there could

be no doubt that he would carry out the duties of his high position to the credit of their lodge , and the satisfaction of its members . He asked them to drink the health of their W . M ., and wish him a successful and prosperous year of office . Bro . H . Marks , W . M ., returned sincere thanks for the kind expressions used by the I . P . M . in proposing the toast , and for the hearty manner in which they had received it .

He felt very proud to occupy the position which he had been years fighting for , anil which he had attained by working and stiiving hard . He had , however , simply done his duty and he trusted there were many in the lodge who would in time occupy the chair with the same feelings of gratification as he had experienced . He intended to work in the future as he had done in the past , to the best of his ability , and trusted that , assisted by theirsupport , he should carry out the duties of his office to a successful

. Bro . Sadd , I . P . M ., on behalf of "The Past Masters , " responded for the hearty reception accorded those brethren . The P . M . ' s were , unfortunately , not very numerous , but those who still survived were always ready and willing to do their utmost for the benefit of the lodge . He hatl become sincerely fond of Freemasonry and hoped for many

years to be associated with the Friars Lodge . "The Initiates " having been given and duly responded to by Bros . Jacobs , Cox , and Barnett , the Worshipful Master proposed " The Visitors , " offering- them a hearty welcome and expressing the pleasure their company had afforded the members of the lodge . Bro . 1 . Da Silva , P . M . 20 *; , responded , and thanked the

VV . M . and brethren for the hearty manner in which his health and that of the other visitors had been given and received . He had been placed in an invidious position by being called upon to respond , as the W . M . of his own lodge was present ; but it was his duty to express the gratification of the visiting brethren at the hearty reception accorded them . The working in the lodge by theW . M .

and I . P . M . had especially afforded them pleasure , for it was a long time since he had heard the ceremony of installation rendered in so excellent a manner as the I . P . M . had performed it that evening . The manner in which the VV . Master had carried out the initiation ceremony was an earnest of the way in which he would carry out his duties during the forthcoming year . He congratulated the VV . M .

on reaching his present high position , and again tendered the thanks of the visitors for the kind welcome extended to them . Bros . D . Moss , P . M . 1275 ; G . Gardner , I . P . M . 2012 ; and Stewart , W . M . 1278 , also responded . ' * The Officers" having been given and ably responded to by Bro . Shoesmith , S . VV ., and others , the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .

NEW CROSS LODGE ( No . 1559 . )—The regular meeting of this lodge took place at the Ship Hotef , Greenwich , on the 7 th instant , when there were present Bros . Carlo Grassi , W . M . ; F . W . Cash , S . W . ; T . Faulkner , acting as J . W . ; E . H . Thiellay , P . M ., Treas * . ; E . E . Smith , P . M ., Sec . ; Rev . J . W . A . Sturdee , P . M ., Chap . ; H . Wild , S . D . ; North , I . G . ; VV . Cowley , P . M .,

D . C , T . Grummant , P . M ., W . S . ; J . Fry , A . W . S . ; J Rowe , Tyler ; G . P . Bertini , I . P . M . ; J . Lucas , H . W . P . Makeham , W . Avenell , T . Cobles , [ . Metham , Cecil Howard , G . Mounter , and others . Visitors : Bros . G . Reynolds , J . W . 1614 , Sec . 2191 ; and J . Pratt . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Ballots then

took place for the following gentlemen : Messrs . Alberto Bruno , G . Sciarretta , and Angelico Cogliati , and proving unanimous , the latter gentleman , who was the only one present , was informed of the same , and he was afterwards initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry , the W . M . performing the ceremony in a most satisfactory manner . Bro . F . Cobles having- answered the usual questions

leading to the Second Degree , the lodge was opened in that Degree , and Bro . Cobles was passed to the Degree of F . C . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Criterion , Piccadilly , for refreshment . Upon the brethren arriving at the Criterion , they were conducted to the Prince ' s Room , where an excellent

banquet was served under the personal superintendence of Bro . G . P . Bertini . The brethren having done justice to the good things placed before them , the Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . J . W . A . Sturdee , said grace . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been proposed and heartily responded to , Bro . G . P . Bertini took the gavel in his hand to propose "The Health of the

W . M ., " and said it was his privilege and a great pleasure to do so , and he felt sure he was representing the feelings of all the brethren present when he said that their W . M . was most enthusiastic in his work , and would make them a good Master . They all appreciated him much . He was a good Mason , and had the welfare of the New Cross Lodge at heart . To say too much was like carrying

coals to Newcastle . He asked the brethren to diink the health of the W . M . in bumpers . The W . M ., in replying , said he thanked them all most heartily for the kind manner in which his health had been drunk . It was most gratifying to liim , and would cheer him in his work . He hoped that during his year of office the New Cross Lodge would be prosperous , as he felt sure that

the brethren would assist him . His part of the work of the lodge should be done to the best of his ability . He would endeavour to increase his knowledge by attending lodges of instruction as often as possible , and he hoped his officers would do the same . He thanked them all very mneh . The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Initiates , " said it was one of those toasts which all brethren at lodge

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

were pleased to drink and receive . Initiates gave life to a lodge , and it was with great pleasure he proposed the toast . Easter holidajs had no doubt prevented the other two from being present , but he hoped they would have the pleasure of seeing them at their next meeting . The initiate present was one of his oldest friends . The New Cross Lodge had welcomed him , and he felt sure he would become a good

member and do his duty as a Mason . The Initiate , in replying , said he felt that to be accepted amongst them was a great honour , and would do his best to become a good Mason . He would not only try to prove himself worthy of all that had been said of bim , but would also try to become a useful member of the lodge . The Worshipful Master , in proposing "The Health of

the I . P . M ., " said it was a pleasant toast , and one he knew was always well received . Their I . P . M . was excellent in Masonry , and knew well how to carry out his duties . His heart was in the lodge , and he ( the W . M . ) was very thankful to have him beside him during his year of office . He would assist him as other I . P . M . ' s had assis ' ed the W . M . 's , who had every one done their duty to the lodge . He would

ask them to drink the health of their I . P . M . in bumpers , and wish him health , strength , and prosperity , and long to be amongst them . The I . P . M ., in reply , said he scarcely could find words to express his thanks for the kind expressions which had fallen from the lips of their W . M ., and to the brethren for drinking his health so heartily . The W . M . had said some very

nice things about him ; but he could assure them he would do his best , not only to assist the W . M ., butfor the New Cross Lodge in general . He was endeavouring to follow the shining lights on his left . In a small lodge like that it was a great thing to see so many P . M . ' s with them . They always attended regularly , and whatever duties were assigned to them , they performed them with pleasure , and

he felt assured to the satisfaction of all . ln time he hoped it would come to his turn to fall into the ranks of P . M . 's , and he trusted he would be spared to see the number increase , and he thanked them all again for their good wishes . The Worshipful Master , in proposing "The Health of the Visitors , " said , although they had only two that

evening , they gave them a very hearty welcome , and trusted they had enjoyed their visit . Easter holidays had , no doubt , prevented others attending who had been invited , for , as a rule , they had the pleasure of entertaining a good number . Bro . G . Reynolds all the brethren present knew well as the Secretary of the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction , and he attended well to the duties of Freemasonry ,

and was earnest in his work . It was Bro . Pratt ' s first visit ; but they hoped to see him on future occasions , and would receive him with all the heartiness possible . Bro . G . Reynolds , in reply , said that he felt like one of the family , and quite appreciated their hearty greetings . Since he had had the pleasure of knowing Bro . Bertini , who had brought him amongst them , he had met with great

kindness from the brethren of the New Cross Lodge , and was always made welcome . That night he felt particularly cheery , for the room was so warm and comfortable , and he could see by their beaming faces they appreciated all the arrangements made for their comfort . He wished the W . Master a happy year of office , with health and strength , and the New Cross Lodge every success .

Bro . Pratt thanked the brethren for the hearty reception accorded him . It was his first visit , and he hoped it would not be his last by many . He had spent a very pleasant and happy evening . 'Ihe VVorshipful Master , in proposing "The Health of the Past Masters , " said that Bro . E . H . Thiellay , their Treasurer , was the parent of the lodge , and would always

guide them . He should look upon him as his papa during his year of office , and follow his good advice . Bro . E . E . Smith , Secretary , he should always remember with pleasure , for he initiated him into the mysteries of Freemasonry . He attended well to his duties . As to Bro . W . Cowley , all he could say of him was that he ( the W . M . ) wished he could work as well , and also do as much for the benefit of the

New Cross Lodge . In the Rev . J . W . A . Sturdee , their kind Chaplain , he felt that the New Cross Lodge had had a great honour conferred upon it by his acceptance of the collar . With these few observations , he would ask the brethren to drink the health of all the Past Masters , not forgetting Bros . T . Grummant and Hiram Henton . The Past Masters generally , in replying , said they

appreciated all the kind words which had fallen from the lips of the W . M ., and assured him that during his year of office he could rely upon their assistance and help in any way he desired . Thetoastof "The Officers" was very ably responded to by Bro . F . W . Cash , S . W ., who assured the W . M . that all the officers vvould endeavour to do their several duties

satisfactorily , and would attend lodges of instruction very frequently . Bro . T . Grummant , P . M ., proposed before parting that a vote of thanks begiven to Bro . G . P . Bertini for all his attention during the evening , and for the excellent dinner he had provided . He was sure all had enjoyed themselves . This was seconded by Bro . W . Cowley , P . M .

Bro . G . P . Bertini , in reply , said it afforded him much pleasure to hear that the brethren were satisfied with his arrangements and the dinner . The Tyler ' s toast brought this pleasant meeting to a close , to which Bros . G . P . Bertini , Rev . J . W . A . Sturdee , Carlo Grassi , W . M ., Fry , and Mackway , with others had

added much to the enjoyment by songs and recitations . Bro . Mackway presided at the piano . In the report of the last meeting ( installation ) of this lodge the name of Bro . J . L . Calsi , Organist to the Bank of England Lodge , No . 263 , and to H . R . H . the Duchess of Cambridge , was accidentally omitted . He assisted with music , & c .

SELWYN LODGE ( No . 1901 ) . —This flourishing lodge held its regular meeting on the 21 st inst ., the occasion being the installation of Bro . L . E . Eagle , who had been unanimously elected W . M . at the previous meeting . The brethren assembled in the spacious Masonic Hall at the East Dulwich Hotel , when the following officers were present : Bros . R . E . Anderson , W . M .: A . Powles , I . P . M . ;

L . ii . Eagle , S . VV . ; J . M . Wimble , J . W . ; E . Eagle , Treas . ; A . J . Bellis , P . M . Sec ; W . H . Hook , P . M ., D . C . ; E . Gauntlett , S . D . ; W . Rowan , J . D . ; W . Davies , l . G . * W . Wills , A . D . C ; B . Morgan , Org . ; J . Lightfoot , A . Briant , and H . R . Hobbs , Stewards ; J . H . Stevenson , Asst . Sec . ; T . Bowler , lyler ; and the following members of the lodge : Bros . W . R . Burnett , P . M . ; T .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Hoare , J . B . Jones , S . F . Hitchcock , T . M . Stamp , H . Sweeting , F . Wint , H . S . Campbell , F . E . Pow , T . Gay , D . Bear , P . M . 1155 ; VV . F . Flower , A . Campbell , VV . Griggs , VV . Lea , H . J . Andrews , G . C May , G . Prendergast , C . W . Colwill , F . Smith , J . Gantby , S . George , H . Lea , A . Fraser , and J . Goldman . The lodge having been duly opened , the minutes of the

meeting held on the 17 th ult . were read and confirmed . Bro . Stamp was passed to the Degree of F . C , and Bro . Wint was raised to the Degree of M . M ., the ceremonies in each case being admirably rendered by the W . M ., Bro . Anderson . Bro . Anderson then proceeded to instal his successor , Bro . L . E . Eagle , as W . M ., which he did in such a manner as to meet with the hearty congratulations

of the brethren . The newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . R . E . Anderson , I . P . M , ; j , M . Wimble , S . W . ; E . Gauntlett , J . W . ; E . Eagle , Treas . ; A . J . Bellis , P . M ., Sec . ; W . H . Hook , P . M ., D . C ; W . Rowan , S . D . ; W . Davies , J . D . ; W . Wills , I . G . ; J . Lightfoot , A . D . C ; A . Briant , H . R . Hobbs , and J . H . Stevenson , Stewards ; B . Morgan , Org . ; T . Gay , Asst .

Secretary ; and T , Bowler , lyler . The addresses to the VV . M ., Officers , and brethren were then delivered by the Installing Master in a very impressive manner . The balance-sheet was then presented to the lodge , and adopted unanimously , showing that the lodge was in an excellent financial position . Leuers of regret on account of inability to attend were

read from Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Capt . C . W . Selwyn , M . P . ; J . Richards Kelly , M . P . ; and others . The W . M . then handed to Bro . E . Eagle the sum of £ 10 ios ., the balance received from the Ball Committee , to be placed on his list as Steward for the Boys ' School .

ihe routine business of the lodge being * concluded , and the W . M . having been heartily congiatulated by the visitors present , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where an excellent repast was provided by the proprietor of the East Dulwich Hotel , Bro . D . Bear .

At the conclusion of the banquet the Worshipful Master proposed " Ihe Health of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen , " coupling with it the Craft , and reminded the brethren that her Majesty had reigned over her vast dominions for the long peiiod of 50 years , loved by all her subjects , and loving them most devotedly in return ; and he ventured to add that her health was never more

enthusiastically received than it would be by the brethren assembled in the room that evening . The toast having been drunk with acclamation , the Worshipful Master then proposed "The Health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and said that it was always well received by members of the Craft , as H . R . H . worked very hard , and took the greatest interest in its

welfare . The next toast was that of "The R . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the R . W . the Deputy Grand Martter , the Earl of Lathom , and the rest ot the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " the W . M . stating that the Grand Officers had rendered great service at all times in assisting the M . W . G . M . in carrying out the numerous

duties in connection with Grand Lodge , which services he felt quite sure were thoroughly appreciated by the brethren . Bro . Binckes , Past G . Steward , in responding * for thc Grand Officers , assured the brethren that to him it was always a most difficult task to respond on their behalf , as he felt that as a Grand Officer he was neither " fish , flesh ,

nor fowl , " his position being only that of a P . G . Steward ; but , however humble a representative he might be of that lodge , he could assure the brethren that the Grand Officers were alwayf pleased to know that their toast was honoured by the brethren of all Masonic lodges , and he thanked the members of the Selwyn Lodge for the manner in which they had received it .

The next toast was that of "The W . M ., " which was proposed by the I . P . M ., Bro . Anderson , who said that he deemed it a great honour to have had the oppoitunity of installing into the chair of K . S . so worthy a brother as his successor , Bro . L . E . Eagle . He had had an opportunity of watching Bro . Eagle's career in the Selwyn Lodge from the time ot his initiation , and he felt sure that from the

manner in which he had performed the duties in the various positions he had held in the lodge , he would carry out those of W . M . in the same efficient manner , and he ( Bro . Anderson ) hoped he might be spared to congratulate him on the termination of his year of office .

The VVorshipful Master thanked Bro . Anderson for the very cordial manner in which he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the kind way in which they had received it . He said that he hoped to have a successful year of office , and was sure that he should be fully supported by the officers and brethren .

I he next toast—that of " The Visitors "—was then proposed by the Worshipful Master , and responded to by Bros . N . D . Livesay , W . M . 706 ; W . E . Dilley , W . M . 147 ; T . Tremere , P . M . 1929 ; S . R . Speight , P . M . and Sec . 147 ; and others , who all expressed their p leasure with the work in the lodge , and the hospitality extended to them by the members of the Selwyn Lodge . The Worshipful Master then said he had to propose wha '

he considered to be the toast of the evening—that of ' ilw Installing Master , Bro . R . E . Anderson , I . P . M . "—with which he coupled the names of the Past Masters . Bro . Anderson had set an example to all W . M . ' sby the manner in which he had carried out the duties of the chair during his year of office , and had completed that evening by installing him ( Bro . Eagle ) in the chair in such anadmiraoe

manner , and he concluded by pinning on Bro . Anderson s breast the handsome jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ) presented by the brethren as a mark of appreciation for services tendered . Referring to the P . M . ' s , he ten sure that they would render him the same assistance during his year of office as they had done to his predecessors . The Installing Master and Past Masters having responded . .. „„ _

The Worshipful Master proposed the toast of 1 " Masonic Charities , " which was replied to by Bro . * \\_ 7 Binckes , Secretary to the Boys' School , in a somewna * . lengthy speech , in which he referred to the manner * which the Selwyn Lodge during its few years of existen had been instrumental in assisting the Masonic t -- ™ ti , ef a Steward having represented the lodge at one or the ~ „ of the Chanties from the year 1883 . He was glad to un > that this year the Charity of which he had the honelur being Secretary would have a Steward from the aei 1