Reports Of Meetings.

cannot be given to tho Z . for so thoughtfully providing for the pleasure of the Companions . The singing of Miss Edyha Kemp was highly appreciated . Miss Jesse McLaren , a daughter of P . P . " McLaren , played a fantasia on tho violin in splendid form , and those excellent artistes , Comp . James Bayne , Bros . R . Evans , Cecil Barnard and Mr . Hall , who so successfully contributed to the harmony of the evening , felt amply repaid by the genuine praise they received from the M . E . and all present . The Janitor closed a very successful meeting .

NORTH LONDON CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT . THE weekly meeting was held at the Cock Tavern , Highbury Corner , on Monday , 29 th ult ., when Comp . Lardner acted as M . E . Z ., Davison H ., Radclifle J ., G . Gregory S . E ., Bunker S . N ., Walkden P . S ., with Past Principals McDowall , George , Hancock and Edmonds ; Comps . Galloway , j

-ram , . nuuus , cage ana IUCK . The usual formalities having been observed , the ceremony of Exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Galloway acting as candidate . The whole work of the Degree was carried through in an efficient manner , reflecting credit , not only on the Officers concerned , but also on those who act as instructors . Companions desiring improvement and a pleasant hour or two in the work of Arch Masonry are cordially invited to attend the regular meetings .

V * V V MARK MASONRY . — : o : —

KEYSTONE LODGE , No . 3 . A T the regular meeting of this Lodge , held on Tuosday , 23 rd ult ., under the £ \_ presidency of Bro . A . C . Goodinge W . M ., Bro . Deputy Goodinge , father of the Master , was advanced to the Mark degree .

o o o UNION LODGE , No . 124 . THE annual meeting was hold at the Masonic Hall , Park Terraco , Sunderland , under tho presidency of Bro . J . D . Todd P . M ., who presided in the absence of the W . M . Bro . John Scarborough . The W . M . elect Bro . George Washington Bain was presented by Bro . F . Maddison , and was duly installed by Bro . J . D . Todd P . M .

KNIGHTS OF CONSTANTINOPLE . ST . AUBYN Cpuncil of the Masonic Knights of Constantinople held their annual convocation at the Masonic Rooms , Moon Street , Morice Town , on Friday of last week , when S . K . F . M . H . Somerville was elected and installed I . S . for the ensuing year .

Presentation To A Preceptor.

PRESENTATION TO A PRECEPTOR .

THE fine room at the " Rising Sun " Tavern , Globe Road , Mile End , which is the locale of the Israel Lodge of Instruction , was filled to its utmost capacity on Sunday evening , 21 st ult ., the occasion being the presentation of a testimonal to the Preceptor , Bro . W . Richardson . Messrs . Defries and Son , of Hounsditch , the well-known decorators to Her Majesty's Government , had most lavishly decked the room with silk flags and trophies . Festoons of flowers covered the undraped parts ; even the ceiling was a

masterpiece of work , the flowers forming one large and artistic canopy . At the close of the meeting a vote of thanks was accorded Messrs . Defries , for it was understood that the whole of tho decoration was their gift . The programme was also much admired , and the only fault was that the Hon . Secretary had not provided enough , as they were eagerly sought for as an artistic souvenir of the occasion . They wero the work of Bro . W . Yetton , of Globe Road .

At a glance one could see the meeting had been most carefully arranged , the W . M . being Bro . L . Simmons , author of "The three grand principles of the Order , " S . W . Bro . L . A . DaCosta P . M . Preceptor of the Friars Lodge of Instruction ; J . W . Bro . Oxley P . M ., author of tho " Golden Thoughts " ; S . D . Bro . Basil Stewart P . M . Preceptor of the Clarence and Avondale Lodge of Instruction ; J . D . Bro . ' J . J . Hall , author of the "Sun Worshippers and Freemasonry "; and the I . G . Brother M . A . Raimain Chairman of the Testimonial Committee . There were nearl y 100 Brethren present .

The W . M . commenced the proceedings by opening the Lodge and calling upon Bro . G . W . Speth , author of " Folk-lore of Operative Masonry , " to introduce Bro . Sir B . W . Richardson , and to give a short address . Bro . Speth was ' particularly happy in the trite way he accomplished his task , and his reference to the recognition by tho Queen of the great merits of the distinguished doctor called forth hearty applause .

Sir B . W . Richardson met with a most cordial reception . In beautiful language he held his listeners spell-bound while he discoursed upon " Freemasonry : What it was , what it is , and what it will be . " He told how the grand principle was the great force , teaching all God ' s creatures to love one another , fighting the demon of intolerance . The early parts of the address

were devoted to a history of the Craft , and proved most interesting ; and when the distinguished savant resumed his seat it was some minutes before the applause ceased . The W . M ., saying "This being the man whom we delight-to honour , " asked Sir Benjamin to present the testimonial to the Preceptor Bro . William Richardson ; a task he performed with eloquent grace , the words , " Now , my dear namesake , " being most affecting in their reference .

The portly frame and grey head of Bro . Richardson was bent with emotion , and his reply was at times almost inaudible : tears coursed down his cheek , his hands were clasped together in an expression of thanks more eloquent than words . He alluded to the purse of money which had been given him as being of but transitory value , while tho engrossed address was a token of undying love—remarks which were leceived with enthusiasm .

Bro . Joseph C . Blank , author of " Imperial Federation , " proposed a vote of thanks to Sir B . W . Richardson , and paid an interesting and eloquent tribute to the learned doctor , sketching his brilliant career with emphasis and point . He mentioned that twenty-five years ago he had been an interested listener to the lectures Sir Benjamin gave at the Jews Infant Schools ,

Presentation To A Preceptor.

Bro . the Rev . Isidore Myers , B . A ., author of " Gems from the Talmud , " seconded it in a very witty speech , his definition of gout and rheumatism causing roars of laughter ; and he contributed a jn-eat deal to the evening ' s entertainment by the delightful resume he gave of the Jewish character , as sketched by the popular authors .

Tho Brethren greeted Sir B . W . Richardson , upon his rising to respond with round after round of applause , whif h testified how much they appreciated his coming among them ; and the reply he made was very flattering to those present , for he congratulated them upon their coming together in such noble work , disclaiming all idea of social distinction , but impressing upon them how heartily he was with them in their common cause of brotherly love .

Bro . Bromhead said it was an honour to propose Bro . Dr . Howard , Bro Greigson and Bro . Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson as Hon . Members of the Israel Lodge of Instruction , as he was certain no names would appear on the books of the Lodge more worthy the honour . Bro . Ben Da Costa seconded the vote , which was carried with acclamation .

Dr . Howard responded in fitting terms . Several new members were proposed , and Bro . London , in replying , mentioned that undoubtedly Bro . Harris , their Hon . Secretary , believed all Freemasons were very wicked who were not members of the Israel Lodge of Instruction . A vote of thanks to the Hon . Secretary , proposed by Bro . H . Marks P . M

1349 , and seconded by Bro . Speth , closed the proceedings . The presentation consisted of a purse of money and a beautifully engrossed address on vellum , by Mr . Sim Friedlander , of Moor Lane , framed by Messrs . Isaacs and Son , of Cutler Street ; the frame of rich English gold being much admired . — "East London Observer . "

The Old Masonians.

THE OLD MASONIANS .

rPHE members of this Association of "Old Boys held their ninth annual I dinner at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet Street , on Thursday of last week , under the genial and able Chairmanship of Bro . Geo . Everett P . G . Treasuror . Among those present were Bros . A . F . Godson , M . P ., P . G . M . Worcestershire , J . Morrison McLeod P . P . S . G . W . Derbyshire and Sec . R . M . I . B ., J .

Strachan P . P . S . G . W . Northumberland , J . J . Thomas , W . H . Bailey P . P . G , Reg . P . G . W . Staffs ., C . Woods S . W . 2345 , H . Bowler , R . H . Williams ; Messrs R . Barnes , R . S . Chandler , F . Dyer , J . S . Francis , J . H . Hewitt , C . P . O'Doherty , W . J . Packer , F . L . Scurr , J . Seagrave , S . J . Simpson , C . H , Uwins , A . S . West and G . C Willett .

After a recherche repast the Chairman proposed the usual Loyal toasts , which were duly honoured . Bro . Everett , in proposing success to the " Old Masonians " pointed out that the objects of the association should appeal to tho hearts of all members

of the Craft . Not only did they meet together for social purposes , but they made a point of giving mutual assistance , especially to anyone in special need , and generally in promoting the welfare of ex-scholars of the Royal Masonio Institution for Boys . This was a noble work , was being well done , and he was gratified to notice the gradual progress that was being made .

Mr . R . S . Chandler Treasurer of the Society thanked their President for the interest he had taken , and for kindly advice and words of encouragement , He then gave an outline of the work that had been done in the past year . He pointed out that their financial position was sound , and expressed a hope that when their objects became well known they should receive the support of tho Craft at large . Mr . O'Doherty Secretary also responded .

Bro . H . Bowler proposed tho Past Presidents and Vice Presidents , and , in reply , Bro . Godson P . G . M . Worcestershire , said it was his good fortune to make his first speech after his recent elevation by the M . W . G . M ., to the Old Masonians . He was proud because he had been one of the hardest workers in the founding of this Association . The possibilities of good work before them was very great , and no one was more anxious than himself to see this brought to a successful issue .

Bro . Strachan congratulated the members on adopting the principles that made Freemasonry good and great . Mr . F . L . Scurr proposed the prosperity of the R . M . LB ., and Bro . J . Morrison McLeod replied , referring to the changes in the curriculum of the school , and to its success in mechanical , technical , and general education . He looked for even greater advances in the future .

Mr . W . J . Packer proposed the Visitors , and Bros . J . J . Thomas and W . H . Bailey responded . Mr . Dyer proposed the Officers , and Bro . Williams , in response , pointed out that still the Officers had much uphill work before them .

Mr . Uwins , in proposing the Chairman , our President , said that in spite of the excellent chairmen of the past , he had no hesitation in saying that Bro . Everett had entered into their feelings , and made himself as one of them , in a way that no other had done . His eminence in the Craft , and his very genial conduct that evening were things never to be forgotten .

Bro . G . Everett responded , and a very successful evening was concluded , the pleasure of which had been enhanced by capital singing . Among those who sent letters of regret , bxpressing their inability to be present at the meeting , were Bros . Lord Leigh , Sir Augustus Harris , J . Leach Barrett . James Terry , H . Pritchard , Richard Eve , George Kenning , Rev . H . Hebb , H . Vassar-Smith , J . P ., & c

Next Week.

NEXT WEEK .

Further particulars as to place ol meeting of the undermentioned Lodges are given in the Freemasons' Calendar and Pocket Book ( published by Grand Lodge , tor the benefit ol the Charity Fund ) .

16 Royal Alpha , Hotel Metropole 72 Royal Jubilee , Anderton ' s 188 Joppa , Freemasons Tavern 256 Unions , Freemasons' -hall 1319 Asaph , Freemasons ' -ball 1924 Wickharn , Brocklcy 1996 Priory , Acton 2098 Harlesclen , Harlesdcn 2242 Tyssen Amherst , Hackney 53 Royal Sussex , Bath 61 Probity , Halifax

85 Faithful , Harlesden 89 Unanimity , Dukinfield 107 Philanthropic , Lynn 113 Unanimity , Preston 119 Sun , Square and Compasses , Whitehaven 135 Perpetual Friendship , Bridcwater

154 Unanimity , Wakefield 156 Harmony , Plymouth 199 Peace and Harmony , Dover 25 i Loyal , Barnstaple 264 Nelson of the Nile , Batley 270 Royal Lodge of Faith and Friendship . Berkeley

302 Hope , Bradford 307 Prince Frederick , Hebden Bdg . 328 St . John , Torquay 331 Phcenix of Honour and Prudence , Truro 338 Vitruvian , Ross