Craft Masonry.

would be impossible , he said , under any circumstances , for any VV . M . to have a better set of officers , and he should not cease to sing their praises whenever he had an opportunity . In reply , Bro . Andrews , S . D ., said that they all tried to give satisfaction , and were amply rewarded if they so succeeded . They would try to deserve what was said of them . They were also all particularly sorry that one of the

officers was absent through illness , but hoped that he would be with them at the next meeting . Bro . Steele , Treas ., was deeply gratified to be able to say that not only was the lodge successful as far as ritual was concerned , but that it was also progressing from his point of view , for the money was coming in exceedingly well . Bro . C . Woods , Sec , said the W . M . had referred to him

as "the hard worked Secretary , " and he could say that there was plenty to do , but not too much for him . That ancient philosopher , Seneca , had asked why man laboured when he wanted so little , and it would not be for long that he wanted that little . He could only answer that it would take all the happiness out of life if there was no work to be done . There was nothing he loved more than to be busy . He did not think life was worth anything unless labour was

left . It was a ceaseless pleasure to be continually at work , and he trusted the brethren would take care that he always had plenty to do . The Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a conclusion . The happiness had been greatly added to by the songs and recitations given by Bros . Langdon , D . C . j Caink , P . M . j Andrews , S . D . j Roberts , Lyell , Stwd . j and II . Mitchell .

Warrant Officers' Lodge ( No . 234 ) . — The second meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons ' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Friday , the iGth inst ., when the following brethren were present : Bros . M . A . Mclnerny , W . M . j McKenrie , I . P . M . j Gardiner , S . VV . ; Moloney , J . W . ; Lewis , Treas . j Cheesman , P . M ., Sec . j Pugh , acting S . D . j J . Hitching , J . D . j Harvey , acting

I . G . j Page , D . C . j Hazard , Org . j Scott , Steward ; Young , Tyler ; R . Jennings , P . M . ; Coombs , Sanders , Greene , Watson , S . 'j . Hitching , Williams , Cook , Elliott , T . C Wen , and J . Heywood . Visitors : Bros . P . L . Blackmo : e , VV . M . 1327 ; G . Ho' . dmorth , P . M . 1327 ; R . Gould , 333 ( I . C . ); J . G . Pitt , 757 j VV . E . Bailey , 127 6 j and G . H . Anni , 1344 .

The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Watson was passed to the Second Degree . The ballot was taken for Messrs . Wen and Heywood , and those gentlemen being present were duly initiated into Freemasonry by the VV . VI . Before closing the lodge , the VV . M . announced that a very pleasing duty devolved upon him , namely , to present Bro .

Jennings , P . M ., with a founder's jewel as a token of esteem and regard , in recognition of the kind interest he had taken in the lodge since its consecration , and the assistance given by him in its foundation . The VV . M ., on behalf of the brethren , feelingly remarked that the members of the Warrant Officers' Lodge would always remember with pleasure the kind interest taken by Bro . Jennings , P . M .,

in its welfare , and wished him long life to wear the jewel now presented to him . Bro . Jennings , in acknowledging the compliment paid him , said that whatever he had done for the lodge was a labour of love , and that it would always afford him very great pleasure to give whatever assistance he possibly could in the future . The meeting then terminated , after " Hearty good wishes . "

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

CHINGFORD . Royal Victorian Jubilee Lodge ( No . 21 S 4 ) . —The opening meeting of the iSgo session of the above excellent lodge took place on Thursday , the 22 nd inst ., at the Royal Forest Hotel , under the presidency of Bro . VV . Smith , W . M ., assisted by the following officers :

Bros . G . Westfield , P . M ., P . G . S . B . j C . T . Lewis , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C Jolly , P . M ., Sec ; F . J . Eedle , P . M ., acting J . W . ; A . J . Manning , P . M . ( Hon . ) , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . Barnes , D . C , acting S . W . ; J . W . Joyce , Steward ; S . Carlton , G . F . Penny , VV . H . Catt , VV . Reynolds , and others .

The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . G . Caddy , W . Barratt , B . Lord , and VV . E . Hill , and proved unanimous , and in due course they were initiated . Bros . Volckman , Lamb , and Mollik were then passed . The initiation fee was raised to eight guineas , and then the lodge was closed .

After partaking of dinner , the W . M . gave the ^ usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts , which were heartily responded to . Bro . Manning , in responding to the toast of "The Prov . Grand Oliicers , Present and Past , " said that if either or any of the Prov . Grand Officers had been present , he , or they , would have been delighted at the excellent manner in

which the ceremonies had been worked that night , especially by their esteemed VV . M . There was one thing he must express his regret at—and that was the paucity of officers present , because no VV . M . could do justice either to himself or to the ritual unless he was supported by his officers , and Bro . Philbrick had laid it down as one of the actual qualifications for office that the aspirant for higher office

should have been a constant attendant and worker in the office to which he had been previously appointed . He congratulated the lodge in raising the fee of initiation , not that it would ensure better candidates , but might affect applicants whom they really did not desire as candidates . It was the opinion of the highest authorities , and one in which he entirely agreed , that money alone should not entitle a

candidate , but that his character and conduct should be such that they need not be ashamed to admit him into the bosom of their own families . He would not take up more of their time , but heartily wished the lodge every prosperity . Bro . Westfield could only say "ditto" to the eloquent remarks of Bro . Manning . Bro . Lewis also concurred in the remarks of Bro .

Manning , and was glad to see the lodge going on so flourishingly . The brethren who had filled the offices pro tem . had done their work well , and might look forward by their almost constant attendance to early office . The I . P . M ., Bro . Westfield , then briefly proposed the toast of " The W . M ., " who , in reply , said he had always , since he had been in the chair , done his duty to the best of his ability and for the prosperity of the lodge , and if his

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efforts were to their satisfaction that was all he cared for . He fully endorsed all that had been said by Bro . Manning , and should express himself as to the attendance of the officers when the time arrived . He was pleased to have had the work to do , and felt sure with a combined effort they might make the lodge one of the most prosperous in the

province . The other toasts were "The Initiates , " "The Past Masters , " and "The Officers , " which were severally responded to , and the Tyler's toast concluded the proceedings .

FELTHAM . Lebanon Lodge ( No . 1326 ) . —The first meeting after recess of this very successful lodge was held on Saturday , the 17 th inst ., at the Railway Hotel . Present : Bros . C . W . Baker , VV . M . ; J . A . Wilson , S . VV . ; J . C . Goslin , J . W . ; S . Page , Treas . ; J . VV . Baldwin , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Sec ; S . Wheeler S . D . ; F . Dunstan ,

, J . D . ; A . Robertson , acting I . G . j J . Amey , Org . ; VV . H . Davey , Stwd . ; J . J . Marsh , P . P . G . S . B ., acting I . P . M . ; D . Moss , P . Lodge , P . Bick , G . H . Eaton , J . A . Lineker , R . Sworn , VV . J . Babb , and VV . H . Davey , jun . Visitors : Bros . J . Jones , 59 ; C . Woodrow , J . VV . 170 S ; C . J . Fox , S . W . 1743 ; H . Cooper , W . M . 15 C 7 ; G . Stockwin , S 60 ; J . Osborne , P . M . 1 S 97 , P . P . G . S . B . ;

and John Gilbert , Tyler . The ballot was successful for Mr . R . Solomon for initiation , but he was unavoidably absent . Bro . Lineker was most impressively raised to the Degree of a Master Mason . Votes were duly proposed of £ 2 ios . in the matter of the Pension Fund of Bro . Binckes , also £ 2 2 s . from the lodge , with many individual subscriptions , towards the Woodward

Testimonial . The names of three gentlemen were received for initiation . After a large amount of correspondence and other lodge matters , the lodge was closed , and adjourned to the banquet , which reflected much credit on the host , Bro . Harris .

The usual toasts were given , and a most enjoyable evening spent . Letters apologising for absence were read from the P . G . M ., Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart . ; Bros . R . H . Thrupp , D . P . G . M . ; H . H . Room , P . G . Sec . ; and many others .

HAMPTON COURT . Wolsey Lodge ( No . 1656 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel , when there were present , among others , Bros . R . Drummond , W . M . j E . Dare , P . M ., S . W ., W . M . elect ; H . Sapsworth , P . M ., J . W . ; Featherstone , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas .: W . T . Peat , Sec . ; Grant , S . D . ; Bond , J . D . ;

Spooner , I . G . ; Hunt , D . C ; F . Figg , Org . ; Smith and Rice , Stewards ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . P . G . W ., I . P . M . ; and F . Chandler , P . M ., P . G . P . Bro . Figg was raised to the Third Degree , and a gentleman duly initiated . The accounts were then audited , and

the Treasurer and the lodge are to be congratulated upon the prosperous state of the finances . The proceedings were then adjourned till the second Monday in June , when Bro . E . Dare , S . W ., W . M . elect , will be duly installed into the chair of K . S . Refreshment followed labour , and the W . M . gave a few

toasts . In proposing the toast of " The Officers , " the VV . M . particularly mentioned the kindness and attention that he had received from Bro . Featherstone , Treasurer , and Bro . Peat , Secretary ; the latter he designated as " a model Secretary . "

JERSEY . St . Aubin ' S Lodge ( No . 958 ) . —Theinstallation meeting of this lodge took place at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , on Tuesday , the 20 th inst ., when the following brethren were present : Bros . T . Baudains , P . M ., in the chair ; G . R . Friestwood , S . W . ; H . Becker , J . VV . ; W . H . Chapman , P . M ., Treas . ; H . M . Walden , P . M .,

Sec ; J . Oatley , P . M ., I . G . ; Dr . J . Le Cronier , Dep . P . G . M : ; Dr . Malcolm , P . P . G . Reg . East Yorkshire ; J . VV . Hamling , W . M . 245 ; E . Oldridge , W . M . 1003 ; E . Bree , W . M . 590 ; E . L . Bisson , \ V " M . 491 ; P . G . Hamilton , P . M . 1003 ; F . Vincent , P . M . 1003 ; J . Goldsmith , P . M . 491 ; L . Kelly , P . M . 491 ; W . T . Pugsley , P . M . 245 ; and other brethren .

The lodge having been opened , the minutes of last regular meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . G . R . Friestwood , W . M . elect , was then presented to a Board of 15 Installed Masters , and was duly installed as VV . M . by Bro . Dr . J . Le Cronier ,

D . P . G . M ., who discharged this important duty with his usual ability . The following brethren were then invested as officers for the ensuing year : Bro . J . Ford , S . W . ; C . F . Luke , J . VV . ; VV . H . Chapman , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Baudains , P . M ., Sec ; H . Walden , P . M ., S . D . ; J . Oatley , P . M ., I . G . ; W . Fentiim , Org . ; and G . Rogers ,

P . M ., Tyler . There being no other business , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , when about 50 sat down to a banquet , which was well served and provided by Bro . Rogers . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly jiroposed and honoured . In responding to his toast , the VV . M . remarked that

though he had been more than 14 years a Mason , through military duty and other causes he had not been able to attain the honourable position he held till that evening , but having accepted the chair of VV . M . it should be his first duty to attend to the interests of the lodge . An excellent programme of music was sustained by Bros . Fentiim , Bisson , Adderson , A . Curry , and others , the Tyler's toast bringing a very pleasant evening to a close .

LINCOLN . Ermine Lodge ( No . 2351 ) . —The first regular meeting of this new bdge was held in the County Assembly Rooms , on Tuesday , the 20 th inst ., when there were present Bros . H . E . Cousans , P . M .,-P . P . G . W ., VV . M ., in the chair j the Hon . Victor A . Pelham , S . VV . j E . A . Cousans , S . D . ; A . Trotter , I . D . ; R . C Carline , P . M ., Treas . ; T . M .

Wilkinson , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., acting I . P . M . ; R . Whitton , Stwd . ; and E . Percy Dalton , Sec . Visitors : Bros . R . C . Hallowes , P . M . S 3 ; Reginald A . Stephen , 297 ; and Frederick L . Thornton , 297 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the consecration meeting were read and confirmed . The W . M . then invested Bro . the Hon Victor A . Pelham as S . VV ., and

Provincial Meetings.

Bro . A . 1 rotter , J . D . A number of joining brethren were then balloted for and unanimously elected . The Committee then presented their report re the by-laws of the lodge , and the matter was adjourned until the July meeting . The ballot was then taken for Mr . R . T . Ellison , and he was unanimously accepted . The Secretary announced that

the Provincial Grand Lodge would be held at Sutton Bridge on the 5 th June , and the W . M . asked as many of the brethren as possibly could to attend . The sum of ten guineas was subscribed by the brethren present to purchase a vote in perpetuity in the name of the lodge in the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . The lodge was then closed .

MONKWEARMOUTH . Williamson Lodge ( No . 949 ) . —On Monday , the 19 th inst ., the annual meeting of the above lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , North Bridge-street . The VV . M ., Bro . G . VV . Bain , P . G . Reg ., presided , and was supported by Bros . G . B . Hall , P . M . ; A . Gray , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; Dr . Potts , P . P . G . W . ; R . Hudson , P . G . S . B .

England , Prov . G . Secretary ; M . Douglass , P . P . G . D . ; R . Singleton , P . P . G . D . ; C M . Wake , P . G . S . of W . ; R . Todd , W . M . So ; J . R . Cutter , W . M . 97 ; R . A . Brown , W . M . 2039 ; J . Hudson , P . M . So ; J . R . Smart , P . M . ; J . W . H . Swan , P . M . 94 ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . R . Pattison , P . A . G . S . ; G . Porteous , P . P . G . Org . ; J . G . Kirtley , P . P . G . D . ; F . S . Cowper , S . W . ;

Dr . Liston , J . VV . 2039 ; J . D . Todd , P . P . D . G . D . C ; T . G . Garwick , P . M . 94 ; I * . Mitchinson , P . P . D . G . D . C ; and others . The W . M . elect , Bro . Remigius Blake , S . VV ., was installed as Worshipful Master by Bro . G . W . Bain , Prov . G . Registrar , with much ability . The Worshipful Master afterwards appointed the following officers : Bros . G . W .

Bain , I . P . M . ; L . R . Davis , S . VV . ; J . S . Chatt , J . VV . j J . G . Kirtley , P . M ., Treas . j A . Logan , Secj Thomas Hunter , S . D . j L . R . Simpson , J . D . j G . Porteous , P . M ., D . C ; R . Cooke , I . G . ; C . Bevan , Org . ; and Bolko Smeichen and R . Rogers , Stewards . A Past Master ' s gold medal , of Masonic star design , with a diamond in the bar , and bearing the legend " Palmam qui meruit f srat , " was presented to the retiring W . M ., Bro . G . VV . Bain , by the

newly-installed W . M ., assisted by Bro . J . G . Kirtley , P . M ., Treasurer . Bro . Bain suitably responded , and feelingly alluded to the sudden death of the Tyler , Bro . Brady Swain , to whose widow a vote of [ condolence was passed , as also to the widowof thelate Hro . C . T . I'hubron . Satisfaction was expressed that the vote upon the present proposed change in the rules of the Benevolent Institution had been defeated .

After the annual festival , which was purveyed by the Grand Hotel ( Bro . VV . Jackson's ) , a Masonic exhibition was held in the lodge room , at which a large number of curios , medals , certificates , books , and summonses of the rarest description from the museums and libraries of Bros . VV . J . Hughan , J . Ramsden Riley , and G . VV . Bain were displayed . The lecture room and banqueting hall were most tastefully decorated .

PORTSMOUTH . Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar Lodge ( No . 1903 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 13 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Highbury-street . I here were present Bros . H . VV . Townsend , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., W . M . ; J . G . Livesay , I . P . M . ; E . Austin , S . W ., W . M . elect ; H . G . Giles , J . W . j George

Backler , Treas . j J . R . Willson , P . M ., Secj W . C . Primmer , S . D . ; Rev . H . C Belts , J . D . ; G . Carter , Tyler ; T . Page , P . M . ; Rev . E . Judkins , T . F . Wilton , W . J . Townshend , C . H . Stewart , E . G . Charpentier , J . A . Churcher , G . VV . Peel , J . R . Martyr , G . VV . Nelder , G . Wright , W . Maybour , F . Avery , T . VV . Woods , H . J . Long , P . M . ; G . Rasley , T . B . Steward , and T . J . Cripps . Visitors : Bros . G . S . Lancaster , W . M . 4 S 7 , P . P . G . W . ;

T . VV . Haydon , VV . M . ; A . R . Holbrook , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; VV . A . Hill , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., W . E . Leamy , W . M ., and W . H . Sperring , P . M ., of 342 ; VV . Bates , I . P . M ., and J . D . Antill , S . VV ., of 4 S 7 ; R . Mitchell , P . M . 903 ; J . Doidge , W . M . 142 S ; W . F . Westerman , W . M ., VV . H . Matthews , and E . Godwin , Stwd ., of 177 C ; P . H . Emanuel , W . M ., H . J . Bovce , and

G . \ V . Woodthorpe , of 206 S ; F . Jerome , W . M . KKS ; J . S . Wickens , VV . M ., H . J . Bundy , J . W ., and J . Perowne , of 2074 ; C . IV Hendy , 1069 ; J . P . Ledstone , G 31 ; VV . R . Meeson , 30 S ; Coates , 2153 ; Lipscombe , Down , and H . Burt , J . W ., of 230 ; H . Coleman , i 42 S ; M . Queely , R . Rocco , and others . The lodge was opened , and , after the preliminary

business was concluded , Bro . H . J . Long introduced Bro . Edward Austin to the VV . M ., to receive from his hands the benefit of installation , which ceremony was most ably and impressively performed by Bro . Townsend , to whom was afterwards unanimously accorded a vote of thanks . Bro . Austin appointed and invested the following brethren as officers for the ensuing year : Bros .

II . VV . Townsend , I . P . M . ; Lieutenant H . G . Giles , S . VV . ; W . C . Primmer , J . W . ; Rev . E . Judkins , Chap . ; G . Backler , Treas . ; J . R . Willson , P . M ., Sec ; Rev . II . E . Belts , S . D . ; J . A . Churcher , J . D . ; J . R . Martyr , D . C , ; T . F . Wilton , Org . ; P . H . Goodman , I . G . ; G . W . Peel and F . Avery , Stewards ; and G . Carter , Tyler . After the business of the lodge had been concluded , the

brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , and partook of a most recherche cold banquet , served by Bro . VV . Maybour , whose catering gave entire satisfaction . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and Bro . G . S . Lancaster , VV . M . 4 S 7 , P . P . G . W ., responding for "The P . G . M ., Bro . VV . VV . B . Beach , M . P . ; and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " remarked that as a Provincial Grand Officer of some 3 'ears '

standing he was exceedingly pleased with the very able manner in which the W . M . had been installed by the I . P . M ., Bro . Townsend . He was sure he was only expressing the feelings of members of the lodge and the visitors in offering their congratulations to him upon the admirable manner in which he had performed the duty , and in expressing their regret that he was so soon to leave that neighbourhood for the '' far west . "

Bro . Townsend , who had a very warm reception , said that as Installing Master it fell to his lot to propose the toast of the evening— "The VV . M . " Bro . Austin was an initiate of that lodge , and he had worked his way steadily but surely through the various offices until he had attained the proud position in which he found himself that night . He