Reports Of Meetings.

REPORTS OF MEETINGS .

—; o : — CEAET : METEOPOLITAN .

GRAND MASTER'S LODGE , No . 1 . THE ladies' banquet took place at the Hotel Cecil , on Wednesday , 15 th ult ., Sir Forest Fulton , Q . C . and Lady Fulton , Alderman Sir J . G . Dimsdale and Lady Dimsdale , Sir J . B . Monckton , Mr . Sheriff-elect Rogers and Mrs . Rogers , Mr . and Mrs . H . H . Crawford , Colonel Cowan , and Dr . Gooding and Mrs . Gooding being amongst those present , says the " City Press . "

SKELMERSDALE LODGE , No . 1658 . AN emergency meeting of this prosperous Lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on the 23 rd ult ., Bro . Henry Baldy Biickeridge W . M . in the chair . There were present Bros . Robert Rowlands I . P . M ., Past Masters James

Hill Treasurer , W . H . Boys , Stewart Bygrave , Humphrey Cohen ; S . F . Mackway S . W ., E . D . Side J . W ., W . Cr ' oxson S . D ., R . Gabell J . D ., J . Emery I . G ., James Farmer Steward , T . H . Rawlings D . C , Frank Swinford P . G . O . Middlesex Organist , B . Cohen , J . Pickering , J . W . . Sandoll , and several others .

The Lodge was opened up , and Bros . R . S . Buckeridge , J . Gibbs , and R . H . Rees were duly raised to the third degree , the W . M ., who is a splendid worker , performing the ceremony in a beautiful and impressive manner . The Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and Messrs . Smyth , Briggs ,

Sisman , and Evans were regularly initiated into Freemasonry , according to ancient custom . The W . M ., ably assisted by his Past Masters and Officers , took the four candidates together , and conducted the ceremony , including the delivery of the charge , in such a manner as would do credit to any Lodge .

The Lodge being closed the Brethren adjourned to the dining hall , where a very nice cold collation was in waiting . The Loyal and Masonic toasts being duly honoured , the I . P . M . proposed the health of the W . M ., and in a few well chosen words remarked that the Skelmersdale Lodge was to be congratulated in possessing a W . M . who was not only a perfect worker , but had the true spirit of Masonry at heart and was at the same time a most genial host .

The W . M . warmly and feelingly thanked the Brethren for their uniform kindness to him , and said that whatever was best for the Skelmersdale Lodge they might rely he would cheerfully , and to the best of his skill and ability do . In proposing the Initiates , the W . M . said the earnestness and intelligence the new members had displayed that evening augured well for the future of the Lodge .

The toast was enthusiastically drunk , and , in response , the Initiates thanked the Brethren for their expressions of brotherly feeling , and trusted they would never have cause to regret having received them into the Craft . The Visitors were next toasted , and , in reply , thanked the W . M . for his kind remarks , Bro . P . M . White remarking that the work was thoroughly well done , and was a credit to the Craft . The Lodge had well maintained its high reputation for unbounded hospitality .

The Past Masters and Officers were next honoured . The W . M . heartily and sincerely thanked the Past Masters for their regular attendance and staunch support , and , in giving the Officers a few words of well-deserved praise , stated that if Worshipful Masters would but adhere to the Constitutions and promote by merit , and not by seniority , they would ( like himself ) be blessed by having Officers who not only thoroughly understood their duties , but came to perform them .

Some capital songs and recitations were rendered during the evening , accompanied by the clever Organist Bro . Frank Swinford , and , the Tyler ' s toast being given , the Brethren separated at eleven o ' clock , having spent a most t ) leasant and enjoyable evening .

ROBERT BURNS LODGE , No . 25 . AT the Frascati , Oxford Street , W ., on Tuesday , 28 th ult ., Bro . C . T . W . Drake W . M ., R . H . Nicholls S . W ., H . T . Kobelt J . W ., M . McVey S . D ., H . Roberts J . D ., A . E . Frith I . G ., J . M . Sillitoe acting Sec , E . C . Mulvey P . M . Preceptor , Wynman , Thom P . M ., Casely P . M ., Saunion P . M ., Godfrey , Day , Scarlett , C . G . Ridgway , L . Genese , and W . Truman .

INSTEUCTION

The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . M . McVey candidate . The Lodge was called off and on . Bro . Saunion answered questions , was entrusted , and eventually passed . The Ledge resumed to the first degree . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded tho W . M . for occupying the chair for the first timn .

It was proposed by Preceptor Mulvey , and seconded by Bro . Nicholls that P . M . T . Casely be appointed Secretary , Bro . Sillitoe being desirous of relinquishing the position of acting Secretary . Carried unanimously . It was proposed by Preceptor Mulvey , and seconded by Bro . R . H .

Nicholls , that the best thanks of the Lodge be accorded to Bro . J . M . Sillitoe , lor the able manner in which he had discharged the duties of acting Secretary . This was carried with acclamation , both the proposer and seconder eulogising the work of the retiring Assistant Secretary , who suitably replied .

The S . W . was unanimously elected W . M . for next week , and was pleased to appoint his Officers in rotation .

WESTBOURNE LODGE , No . 733 . AT the Oliver Aims , Westbourne Terrace North , Hanow Road , on Tuesday , Bro . G . D . Mcgfoid W . M . -was assisted by T . W . Mogford S . W ., H . Crookes J . W ., W . Busby S . D ., Summers J . D ., J . Wynman I . G ., H . Dehane P . M . Preceptor , R . Rogers P . M . Treas . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Summcis candidate , after which the charge was given in a most impressive and perfect manner . The time having too far advanced for extra work , Bro . H . Crookes was elected W . M . for next meeting , when we hope he will have a gocd attendance .

Reports Of Meetings.

HARROW LODGE , No . 1310 . ON Friday , 24 th ult ., at Bro . Roberts ' s , Waterloo Arms , 50 High Street Marylebone , W ., Bro . M . McVey W . M ., Williams S . W ., Eardley J . W . ' Edw . Lewis S . D ., Wynman J . D ., Jones I . G ., G . Wood P . M . Preceptor , J . ' Mason P . M . Sec , Dingley , Roberts , Mulvey P . M ., Weston W . M . of the Mother Lodge , and several others .

The W . M . rehearsed the ceremony of initiation , Bro . Mulvey P . M . candidate . The weather being very warm , the Brethren were late in attendance , and the time would not allow W . M . McVey to show his ability in working other ceremonies , but we hope to see him in the chair on a future occasion . The little work which was done was rehearsed in a most faultless manner , the candidate ( who is a very progressive one ) being most attentive and well instructed by Bro . E . Lewis , who acted as S . D . Bro . Williams was unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting .

PEOVINCIAL

HUMBER LODGE , No . 57 . ABOUT seventy members of the Lodge journeyed from Hull , on 8 th ult ., passing through Sheffield to Baslow , for Chats worth . The party , under the guidance of Bro . Thomas Morrell W . M . left Hull at an early hour , arrived at Sheffield about 10 o ' clock and , after breakfasting at the WharncHfie Hotel , drove by way of Fox House and Froggatt Edge to Baslow . After visiting Chatsworth House the party dined at the Devonshire Arms , Baslow , and got back to Sheffield at 7-30 , returning to Hull by the 8 ' 13 train .

SUN , SQUARE AND COMPASSES LODGE , No . 119 . THE installation meeting was held on Monday , 6 th ult ., at the Freemasons' Hall , College Street , Whitehaven . The Lodge was opened by the acting W . M . Bro . J . Barr , when Bro . Telfer was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason . The Lodge was

resumed to the second degree , when the W . M . Bro . Chapman Prov . G . Reg . presented Bro . Maxwell S . W . to the Installing Master Bro . Barr P . P . S . G . W . to receive at his hands the benefits of installation , which ceremony he very impressively rendered , being assisted by Bros . W . C . Johns P . M . P . P . G . St . Br T . Allinson P . M . P . P . G . Purst ., and G . Starkey P . M . P . P . J . G . D .

Hearty gocd wishes having been given for the newly-installed W . M . ' s success by the visiting Brethren present , the Lodge was closed in due form and harmony . The Brethren adjourned to the Grand Hotel , where an excellent banquet was prepared by Bro . Schweitzer . Numerous letters of regret at absence were received , induing one from Bro . Col . Sewell Deputy Grand Master of the Province .

HARMONY LODGE , No . 220 . ON Wednesday 22 nd ult ., the members held their annual meeting at the Garston Hotel , Garston , when there was a large gathering . Bro . G . W . Hughes was installed W . M . by Bro . G . W . Lofthouse , and the Officers were invested . During the evening Bro . Lofthouse was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel as a mark of esteem from the Brethren .

PERSEVERANCE LODGE , No . 371 . THE annual installation was held on Tuesday , 14 th ult ., in the Masonic Hall , Eaglesfield Street , Maryport , under tho presidency of Bro . G . W . Turuey W . M . The report of the Audit . Committee was submitted and was of a very satisfactory nature ; it was received and adopted . The routine

business having been completed the chair was vacated by the W . M ., and was occupied by Bro . G . W . Kenworthy P . M . P . P . S . G . W . as Installing Officer . Bro . Rev . T . W . Melrose S . W . was presented by Bro . G . W . Turney W . M . A Board of Installed Masters was opened and the ceremony of installation was proceeded with and efficiently performed .

The addresses to the Master , Wardens and Brethren were delivered by Bro . J . Clifton Thompson , whose performance of the beautiful ceremony was precise , and the delivery of the various parts of the ritual impressive . All Masonic business being ended , a , nd the Lodge closed , the Brethren adjourned to the banquet , where they paid adequate honour to the splendid repast .

LODGE OF FAITH , No . 581 . THE old saying has it that " nothing is pleasant which is not spiced with variety , " and the annual pic-nic in connection with the above Lodge , which took place on Wednesday , 22 nd ult ., was particularly happy in this respect . Bro . Joseph Lever Worshipful Master may therefore congratulate himself upon this fact .

_ The ancient city of Chester was the place selected , and a very excellent outing was the result . Upon arrival at the Northgate Station a pleasant walk through some of the principal old and historical streets brought the party to the palatial Grosvenor Hotel , where a very enjoyable lunch was

partaken of . The " Florida" steam launch had been specially chartered , and this left the Groves Pier at 12-30 , for a trip on the river Dee , the destination being Eaton Hall , a residence of the Duke of Westminster . The services of a peripatetic harpist bad been engaged , who played and sang some popular tunes .

As this was the day . of the Chester Regatta , an early return wa s made from the Hall , the " Florida " being moored in a convenient place so as to enable the party to watch a portion of the sports . Although heavy rain had fallen while the visitors were at the Hotel , yet the weather afterwards cleared up , the day being all the pleasanter for this shower , which had threatened to mar the delights of the pic-nic .

Chester ana its vicinage were earnestly en fete , and although we have seen the ancient city under many aspects , on no previous occasion have we been presented with such a brilliant spectacle as that afforded by the myriads of gaily-adorned boats , steamers , and holiday-dressed pleasure seekers . From one of tho embankments a volunteer band played some very excellent m \ isie , which reached us in the distance in a sort of pathetic strain . Shortly after G p . m . tho party sat down to a recherche dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel , and , having plenty of time at their disposal , were not