Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

P . M . 1536 ; W . J . Burgess , S . VV . 1472 ; VV . Waring . P . M . Lion and Lamb Lodge ; T . Hosgood , J . VV . 13 ; J . A . Elder , J . VV . 1472 ; T . Holleyman , j . W . 153 G ; VV . Rees , I . G . 9 * 13 ; R . Turrell , 913 ; W . Canty , 9 i 3 ; H . J . Ansell , 1305 ; J . A . Mason , 17 S 9 ; G . H . Letton , 913 ; T . Hayward , 913 ; VV . A . Watkins , I . G . 153 6 ; W . Mackincott , 554 ; C . JoIly , gi 3 , 13 , 1076 , 153 6 ( Freemason ); and others . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having

been duly honoured , Bro . Warren , I . P . M ., rose to propose "The Health of the VV . M . " He said the W . M . had intrusted him with the gavel for a short time , and they all knew for what purpose he rose ; it was to propose "The Health of the VV . M . " It was a toast that gave him a very great of pleasure to propose , knowing that the W . M . had throughout his several junior offices followed in the footsteps of his predecessors , up to the proud position he now

occupied , zealously , carefully , and with a full desire to do honour to thc trust reposed in him . The interest he had always taken in the welfare of the lodge was such as would of itself commend him , and now that the result of that interest and work had culminated in his occupying the chair of K . S ., he felt that he was only expressing the thoughts of every one of the brethren when the said that no one had more deserved it than he had . Their VV . M . was a thorough

good Mason , and carried out the true spirit of Masonry tothe letter , and under his guidance the Nelson Lodge would lose nothing from the high position it occupied among the lodges of the district . He felt sure that that time twelve months they would come to this conclusion , that Bro . Wilkins bad done bis duty well , and fully maintained the honour and prestige of thc lodge of which he had that day been installed as VV . M . Bro . Wilkins , in response , said they

had heard the very handsome terms in which the I . P . M . had proposed his health . He could only thank both him for his kindness , and them for the cordial manner in which they had responded to it . The I . P . M . had been kind enough to say , that through the offices which he had held in the lodge he had followed in the footsteps of his predecessors . He trusted he had , ever since he first was placed in office five years ago , tried to imitate the good example shown him

by the Master and oflicers ivho had preceded him , and they might depend upon it that hc would continue , during his year of oflice , to imitate them . If he should fail , and it was only human to fail , it would not be through any fault of his own . He was exceedingly pleased to see among them that night Bro . Past Master Ward , who five years ago gave him his first step as I . G . He then told them and him , that he would do his best to please them , and prove

himself worthy of the trust reposed in him , and now that he had arrived at the position of VV . M ., he was proud to hear them say , that that promise had not been broken . He thanked them for the toast . The next toast was that of " The Visiting Brethren , " and after Bro . Brown had briefly responded on behalf ofthe Union Waterloo , No . 13 , and Bro . Burgess for the Henley I-odge , No . 1472 , Bro . Holleyman , on behalf of the United Military Lodge , No . 1 S 3 G , said

he always felt a great deal of pleasure in visiting the Nelson Eodge , because the lodge to which he had the honour to belong sprung from it , and it was always spoken of in his lodge with reverence and respect . He wished it many vears of success and prosperity . Bro . Picken , P . M . 1536 , said he could not let the occasion pass without congratulating the W . M . of such a distinguished lodge as the Nelson at having arrived at the position he now occupied , more especially as

he had the honour of . taking him round his mother lodge , as a Craftsman , at Devonport many years ago . That was at a time when they were employed together in H . M . service as Royal Engineers , and when he saw Bro . P . M . Ward place Bro . Wilkins in oflice , five years ago , in the Nelson , he said to himself , "'The time will come when Bro . Wilkins will be the Master and an honour to the lodge . " As there were other visitors to speak , he would only say that he felt proud

of being present to see such a good Mason installed into the chair of the Nelson Lodge , and so good a Mason instal him . Bro . Hayes , P . M . 913 , as an old Mason , said it was to him a pride and a pleasure to find , year after year , that such good Masons came to the chair of the Nelson Lodge . For many years he hail seen the Masters of the lodge follow one another , each and all excellent in every respect . The work was done well and the ritual admirably rendered ,

and he had thought to himself , will this splendid service continue ? That day he had seen the beautiful ceremony of installation performed in a manner which had never been surpassed ; a manner that was not onl y a credit , but a pattern to any lodge , either in or out of the district , and now , he felt sure , such was thc good example shown b y the Masters and Past Masters of the Nelson I . odge , that it must succeed , and ever be as it was now—a credit to the

Craft and an honour to the district . Bro . Wrigglesworth made an amusing speech , in which he paid a high compliment to the lodge for the excellence of its " Fourth Degree , " and kept the table in a roar by his keen and voluble witticisms . The toast of " The Past Masters " followed , and after Bro . Warren had replied , Bro . Crawford , P . M ., said he had seen twenty W . M . ' s installed in that lodge . It was the only lodge he had ever belonged to , and in it he

had spent some of the most p leasant hours of his life . He sincerely trusted that it would continue in the future as it had in the past—a brotherly and united lodge , and work together harmoniously , and support the VV . M . in the arduous duties that he had that day undertaken . Bro . Dawson , P . M ., could not let this occasion pass without saying a few words , especially as he had the pleasure , some fourteen or fifteen years ago , when he was in the chair of the lodge , of

raising their esteemed VV . M . to the Degree of Master Mason . If it had not been for that fact he should not have spoken to the toast . With the working of the lodge he was pleased , and felt sure that under the guidance of their VV . M . the high standard of the Nelson Lodge would Tt , ' 7 1 susta ; i " ed , and they would have nothing to fear , lhe Nelson Lodge was jealous of its prestige as a good working lodge . What he meant bv iealousv was . that

there was a spirit of emulation in it that would not allow it to become second to any in the district . He trusted they would all work together with but one end in view , and that was the prosperity of the Nelson Lodge . Bro . Ward , P . M ., said it was some considerable time since he had been with them , and became especially to do honour to the VV . M ., who , a * he said , had received , some five years ago , the first steo

at his hands . He had had bad health ; but , as a military man , had been sent to a good station . It afforded him much gratification to think that Bro . Wilkins had received the first step at his hands , and he wished him every success , i he toast of "The Officers " followed , to which Bro . Hobson responded . "The Masonic Press " was coupled with the name of our representative , who responded , and then

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

the Tyler ' s toast and " God Save the Queen " concluded a most enjoyable day . LIVERPOOL . —Everton Lodge ( No . 823 ) . — The annual installation meeting of the members of the Everton Lodge , No . S 23 , was held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on Wednesday afternoon , the 21 st inst . The VV . M . ( Bro . T Webster ) opened the lodge in due form ,

the following officers supporting him : Bros . J . Houlding , P . M ., P . G . S . ; H . Ashmore , I . P . M . ; J . Boyle , S . W . ( W . M . elect ); T . H . Carefull , j . W . ; Councillor W . J . Lunt , Treas . ; J . Beesley , Sec ; VV . Brassey , S . D . ; j . King , J . D . ; R . H . Webster , I . G . ; and others . A great number of visitors were present , amongst them being Bros . G . Musker , VV . M . 11 S 2 ; R . Washington , P . M . 1004 ;

H . Trevitt , W . M . 724 ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C ; J . VV . Ballard , P . G . P . W . L , 157 6 ; F . Barnett , P . M . 249 ; " P . M . Larsen , P . M . 594 ; J . Skeaf , P . G . Org . ; J . Pemberton , P . M . 1264 ; R . R . Forshaw , P . M . 1035 ; J . VV . Burgess , P . M , 1325 ; H . Hindle , P . M . 1620 ; C . Birch , VV . M . 203 ; J . R . Bottomley , P . M . 1675 ; R . C Yelland , P . M . 1094 ; Pemberton , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Wks . ; and

others . The lodge having been duly opened , Bros . Houlding , P . M ., P . G . S ., and ' W . Cotterell , P . M ., then presented the W . M . . elect , Bro . Joseph J . Boyle , andhewas afterwards installed in due form by Bro . T . Webster , P . M . Bro . Cotterell , P . M ., concluded the ceremony of installation , the following officers being invested : Bros . Webster , I . P . M . ; T . H .

Carefull , S . W . ; J . Beesley , J . VV . ; VV . J . Lunt , Treas . ( reelected ); VV . " Brassey , Sec . ; J . M . King , S . D . ; R . Webster , J . D . ; J . Galley , I . G .: J . Hunter , S . S . ; G . Hassell , J . S . ; R . G . Gow , A . S . ; VV . Maddox , A . S . ; and Shaw , P . M ., D . C . Bro . Webster was afterwards presented by the W . M . with a costly Past Master's jewel , voted out of the funds of the lodge , and a handsome timepiece and

two ornaments to match for Mrs . Webster , subscribed to by the officers and friends . Bro . Webster suitably acknowledged the gifts . A banquet was subsequently held , the VV . M . presiding , when a long and interesting toast list was gone through . Bro . J . VV . Ballard responded to the toast of "The Right Hon . the Earl of Carnavon , R . W . Pro G . M ., and other Grand Officers , " "The Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M ., R . W . Prov . CM . ; the Hon .

F . A . Stanley , R . W . D . Prov . G . M . ; and the rest of the P . G . Ollicers , Past and Present . " Bro . Broadbridge replied to the toast of "West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , and other Charities . " Bro . Webster Williams and Bro . J . Busfield and others contributed largely to the harmony of the evening , while Bro . J . Skeaf and Bro . Bryan efficiently discharged the duties of accompanists .

LANCASTER . —Duke - of Lancaster Lodge ( No . 1353 ) . —The members of this lodge held their regular meeting in the Masonic Rooms , at the Athenreum , on thc 21 st inst . Piesent : Bros . VV . Barker , VV . M . ; H . Hartley , S . W . ; R . Cicminson , J . W . ; F . C Dale , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . Acton , P . M ., Secretary ; C J . W . Stork , S . D . ; R . Woods , J . D . ; VV . King , I . C ; G . VV . Smelt ,

Organist ; P . Dutton , J . S . ; James Ellershaw , I . P . M . ; R . Wolfenden , P . M . ; A . K . Allinson , Tyler ; and others . The lodge was opened in the First Degree with solemn prayer by the W . M ., Bro . VV . Parker . The minutes of the last " regular meeting and the audit and installation meetings were read and confirmed . Bro . Isaac Brash answered the usual questions , and was passed to the

Degree of F . C . by the VV . M . After other lodge business had been transacted , Bro . F . G . Dale , P . M ., introduced Bro . J . Acton , P . M ., Secretary , to the VV . M ., and the W . M . in very eulogising terms presented to him a beautiful , neat and handsome jewel , with the following inscription on the back : " Presented to Bro . J . Acton , P . M ., by the members

of the Duke of Lancaster Lodge , No . 1353 , as a small token of appreciation for past services as Secretary for upwards of seven years . July 21 st , 1 SS 0 . " After the usual proclamation of the VV . M ., and "Hearty good wishes " from several brethren , the lodge was closed , the choir and brethren singing the closing hymn .

TWICKENHAM . —Royal Hanover Lodge ( No . 1777 ) . —The election meeting of this lodge was held at the Albany Hotel , on Saturday , the 24 th inst ., when there were present Bros . Henry Lovegrove , VV . M . ; G . Clark , S . VV . ; II . Clark , J . W . ; H . A . Dubois , Prov . J . G . W ., I . P . M . ; C . C . Cruikshanks , S . D . ; F . J . Perks , J . D . ; XV . S .

Dunkley , I . C ; T . C VV . VVood , W . S . ; G . J . Dunkley , Org ., J . Daly , Tyler ; R . Thorn , C A , White , F . H . Parker , J . A . Elliott , M . S . Larlham , P . M ., & c ; J . Johnson , R . Johnston , and A . H . St , I . eger . Visitors : Bros . A . Mullord , H . Baldwin , and G , Edwards .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . H . H . Room for initiation and Bro . A . Lister for joining , in both cases being favourable . Mr . Room was admitted , and regularl y initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry . Bro . Green having answered the usual questions , was entrusted , and the lodge having been

opened in the Second Degree , the candidate was duly passed . Bros . Johnson , St . Lcger , and Johnston were examined , and , in due course , raised to the Sublime Degree . The ballot was taken for W . M ., when Bro . Geo . Clark , S . W ., was unanimously elected , and briefly returned thanks . Bro . H . B . Marshall , C . C , who has made himself a name in connection with the Charities , was re-elected

Treasurer , and Bro . J . Daly was re-elected Tyler . Bros . Axford , Cruikshanks , and Perks were appointed to act as the Audit Committee . Bro . H . Lovegrove , W . M ., informed the brethren that the Provincial Grand Lodge would be held at Teddington on the following Saturday , under the presidency of Sir Francis Burdett , who had appointed him ( the

W . M . ) to provincial honours , and their Organist as Provincial Grand Organist . At the close of the proceedings the brethren proceeded to refreshment , which was in Bro . Baylis ' s best style , and gave great satisfaction . The toasts were given in due course , and the proceedings were enlivened by music and recitations .

MASONIC SONGS . —A selection of Masonic Songs , set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . Philpots M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now ready , forming a handsome volume bound in cloth , with gilt edges , 3 s . Sent post free from the office of this paper on receipt of stamps or P . O . O . value 3 s . 2 d . —[ ADVT . ]

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

HAYWARD'S HEATH . — Southdown Lodge ( No . 164 ) . —The usual meeting of this lodge was held at th J Station Hotel , on Friday , the 23 rd inst . In the unavoidable absence of the W . M ., W . Bro . T . J . Pulley , P . G . Stwd ., Prov . G . Sec . Berks and Oxon , took the chair , and was supported by W . Bros . F . W . Adams , C Stwd ., W . M . 223 , S . VV . ; Fred . H . Cozens , P . G . Org ., W . M . 104 ,

J . VV . ; Bros . Pearson , P . M . ; Golding , J . O . ; Paige , S . D . ; and VV . J . Bayliss , Secretary . After the minutes were read and confirmed , Bro . J . T . Freeman was advanced in a most able manner by Bro . Pulley . Apologies were read from the W . M ., W . Bros . C . J . Smith , P . P . G . D . C ; Lord Arthur Hill , W . Hudson , and others . The lodge was closed , and thebrethren joined

the ladies at the annual garden party , which took place in the beautiful grounds adjoining the hotel . Thanks to Bro . Pulley a large marquee was erected , and a quadrille band engaged . There were also present Bros . Williard , Treas . 1 G 4 ; CW . Hudson , W . Hopewell , C . J . Carter , 75 ; j . Legg , P . M . 16 S , Charrington ; Rev . Rose Johnson , Chapter 164 ; and many Craft brethren and ladies , numbering altogether about 100 . At refreshment only one toast was proposed , that of "The Ladies , " which was responded to by Bro . C W . Hudson . The company then

adjourned to the grounds , where dancing was kept up until a late hour . Songs were sung at intervals by Bros . F . A . Cozens , Pulley , and others . Votes of thanks were proposed to the several brethren who had taken so much trouble to make the gathering a success , and the company " went their several ways " highly pleased with the day's amusements , as one and all vied with each other to promote the general happiness .

Literary And Antiquarian Notes.

Literary and Antiquarian Notes .

Two large gold dishes , of great interest to antiquaries , have been temporarily lent to the Science and Art Museum , Dublin , by Mr . Charles Kennedy , of Mullantine . 'The larger one , measuring 2 ft . gin . in diameter , is said to be the wedding present of the Dauphin of France to Mary

Queen of Scots , and to have been given by the latter to Gilbert Kennedy , Earl of Cassillis , a title now held by the Marquis of Ailsa . The smaller dish is 2 ft . in diameter , and contains in the centre a representation of the Adoration of thc Magi in high relief . The larger dish contains in the centre a full-faced portrait in relief .

It was reported some time ago thai the Italian explorers , Chiarini and Cccchi , had not only reached Kafa , but had gone beyond , in the direction of the Victoria Nyanza . This information turns out to have been erroneous . Cecchi has succeeded in forwarding a letter to his compatriots now in Shoa . He is kept a close prisoner by the Oueen of

Ghera , a small country nominally dependent on Shoa . His companion died on Octobers , 1 S 79 , in consequence of the illtreatment to which he had been subjected . Cecchi ' s position is a very precarious one , and it is to be hoped that King Menelik will be able to respond to his appeal for help .

" •lhe Galleries of tlie Palais-Royal , " the Parisian states , "have long been deserted b y thc public ; almost the only people that you see there are the wandering tourists , who are attracted by thc old fame of the galleries . The shopkeepers have already formed a syndicate to decide on some means of attracting the crowds , and now it is stated that a company , with a capital of twelve millions , is to be

formed , the object of which will be to erect in the gardens a vast establishment in thc style of the London Alhambra , only more complete and more luxurious , and perhaps more closely resembling the Folies-Bergeres . In Louis Philippe's time a circus existed in the gardens , and brought profit to its managers . " LOOK TO YOUR DRAINS . —At the Duke of

Portland's sale at Welbeck , on thc 16 th ult ., some hamsandwiches were served amongst other refreshments . About sixty or seventy people who partook of them became seriously ill , and four of them died within a few days . The cause of their death was a mystery , there being none of the ordinary symptoms of poisoning , and no traces of trichina :. At last , however , it was proved that thc meat

had been kept , during the night before the sale , in a room through which ran " a long open drainage-channel , covered by a grating , " connected by a pipe with the " system of sewers " on the estate . This to most minds would have been a sufficientl y strong hint ; but the coroner ' s jury were cautious , ana returned a verdict stating that "there was no positive evidence to show how the meat became contaminated . "

According to the Athenwitm , Mr . Clement L . Wragge is establishing , with the permission of Colonel Bromley Davenport , a meteorological station on the Beacon Stoop , Weaver Hills , the highest point in Staffordshire . According to the / lciir / c-w )' , the promised work on Japan , by Mr . E . J . Reed , M . P ., will be published in the ensuing autumn by Mr . Murray . It is to be carefully and plentifully illustrated .

Mr . George Bancroft , who is ei g ht }* years of age , hopes to complete in October his " History of the United States " begun in 1 S 25 . The Oueen has graciously accepted copies of the special editions of the Oxford Bible for Teachers , which have been printed to commemorate the centenary of Sundayschools .

The triennial meeting of the choirs of Worcester , Hereford , and Gloucester , will be held this year at Gloucester , in the week commencing Sept . G , and the order of oratorios has been fixed—viz ., first day , Mendelssohn's Elijah ; second , Wednesday morning , Mozart's Requiem and Spohr ' s Last Judgment ; evening , Mendelssohn ' s St . Paul ; Thursday , Leonardo Leo's Dixit Dominus ,

Palestnna ' s Stabat Mater , Holmes's Christinas Day , and Beethoven ' s Messa Solcnnis ; Friday , Handel's Messiah . There will be two secular concerts at the Shire Hall on Tuesday and Thursday night . There will be an opening service on Tuesday , with sermon by Lord Alwyne Compton , Dean of Worcester ; and a closing fulljservice on Friday night , with new Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Mr . Lloyd , organist of Gloucester Cathedral , and anthem by Dr . Stainer .