Reports Of Meetings.

SKELMERSDALE LODGE , No . 1658 . AN emergency meeting was held on Wednesday , 7 th inst ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , under the presidency of Bro . W . Croxson Worshipful Master , who was supported by Bros . R . Gabell ( W . M .-elect ) S . W ., T . J . Rawlings J . W ., W . H . Boys P . M . Sec , James Farmer S . D ., E . S . Rice J . D ., J . B . Thorneloe I . G ., Herbert Townsend acting Organist , J . Whiteman Tyler ; Past Masters Earle D . Side I . P . M ., H . B . Buckridge , R . Rowlands ,

Humphrey Cohens ; with Bros . B . Cohen , J . W . Tratt , F . A . Marlow , W . Edwards , J . H . Danson , W . R . Knapman , S . Morris , G . F . Wetgen , R . D . Godfrey , R . Symons , W . Sandell , L . G . Bell . E . A . Wass , J . Smith , R . H . Alabaster , J . C . Davis , W . Clarkson , E . Smyth , W . R . Hummerston , F . Nilen , Percy Nilen , J . Pickering , W . Biles , C . W . Lubborth , D . Gunfcon , T . Hebble , W . Clarkson , W . J . Perrin , W . Kuiphers , J . R . Papworth , R . S . Buckridge , and several others .

Amongst the Visitors were Bros . W . Foster 619 , A . Harris W . M . 1381 , H . Townsend 2466 , J . Wynman , & e . After the usual formalities the Lodge was opened to the second degree , and Bros . L . G . Bell , J . H . Danson , R . D . Godfrey , and W . R . Kuapman answered the questions and were entrusted . The Lodge was opened in the third degree and those Brethren were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason , and took their seats among the Brethren as such . '

The W . M . resumed the Lodge to the first degree , and Bros . G . F . Wetgen and W . Clarkson were examined and entrusted ; they being afterwards passed to the degree of Fellow Craft . The Lodge was again resumed to the first degree , and Messrs . Walter James Bishop , Fred Oliver Bridge , and Herbert Gibbons were duly initiated into the mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry , by desire of the W . M . Bro . Humphrey Cohen P . M . giving the ancient charge .

The W . M . proposed that a vote of sincere regret be passed on the death of their Treasurer Bro . Hill . It was only a few days before his death' the W . M . had been in communication with Bro . Hill , and he need hardly tell them how it had upset him to hear of that Brother ' s sudden death . The members of the Lodge knew their Treasurer as one of the very best ; and he

was beloved by all who knew him . He felt he need not say more to ensure the unanimity of the Lodge in this matter , and therefore moved that a letter expressing their great regret , and tendering their sincere condolence , be sent to the wife of their old friend , saying how much the members of the Lodge felt for her and her family in their great loss . -.- •.-.

Bro . Side I . P . M . said he was indeed sorry to have to support the proposition , but their departed Brother fully deserved all the honour they could pay him . He had known Bro . Hill for upwards of fifteen years , and he considered bis death a severe loss to the Lodge ; it wouldhave been impossible to find a Brother better suited to the office than he had been . •Bro . Gabell W . M .-elect proposed that a Past Master ' s jewel be presented

to Bro . Croxson W . M ., at the installation meeting , when he would close his year of office . Bro . Rowland , in seconding , said the honour they intended to pay Bro . Croxson was richly deserved . Bro . E . D . Side I . P . M ., in supporting the proposition , said the gift would be only the smallest expression of gratitude they could show to their W . M ., who had proved himself a really perfect worker of the ceremonies of Freemasonry .

The Lodge was now closed , and the Brethren repaired to the banquet room , where an excellent repast was provided , and the customary toast list afterwards given , but , out of respect to the memory of ihe late . Treasurer , the toasts were honoured in silence . ; " ' , ; ' " Bro . Side asked those Brethren who had been initiated by Bro . Croxson during his year to pay him a special compliment . It " was gratifying to see no less than twenty of the members respond to this call , affording proof of Bro . Croxson ' s activity in the chair during'his year . ' ' ' ' "

The Charity box was passed round , and a sum of £ 1 6 s 9 d was collected , which was added to by Bro . W . Biles , so as to make even money , £ 1 10 s ; Bro . Side now proposed the health of the Master , who' in responding said he would have been able to look back upon his year of office as perfection but for the unfortunate circumstance that at the end of it they had lost such an

excellent supporter and worker as their late Treasurer , and ho felt all equally deplored with him the loss the Lodge had sustained . At the same time he sincerely thanked the Officers and Brethren for their very kind support during the year . He had striven to give satisfaction , and by their kind remarks he almost felt he had succeeded in doing so .

The W . M . next proposed the toast of the Initiates , which was warmly received .

In reply , Bro . Bishop said he was pleased he had been initiated into the Craft , and thanked Bro . Croxson for having proposed him as a member of the Lodge . He trusted the Brethren would never have occasion tb regret receiving him , but rather that he might become a credit to the Lodge . Bro . Gibbons thanked the W . M . for his kind remarks . He had been deeply impressed with the initiation ceremony , and felt he should never forget it . Bro . Bridge also responded , in similar terms .

The toast of the Visitors was next submitted by the Master , who tendered the guests a most hearty welcome . ' Bro . Harris replied , tendering the thanks of the guests , and complimenting the Lodge on the work done that day , as also did other of the Visitors . The W . M . now gave the toast of the Past Masters and Secretary . He felt no Master could speak more highly of such Brethren than he was able to do in reference to the members of the Skelmersdale Lodge . The Secretary responded .

Provincial.

Provincial .

LODGE OF INTEGRITY , No . 163 . THE annual meeting and Festival of St . John took place at the Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , on Wednesday , 31 st ult ., Bro . Hy . R . Yates W . M . : •¦ •J The principal business was that of installing Bro . J . H . Studd into the chair of K . S . The ceremony was performed by the W . M ., assisted by Bro . J . Wildgoose P . M . P . P . G . J . D .

We append a list of Officers for 1900 , viz .: Bros . Robt . Race S . W ., H . E . Massie ( W . M . 1459 ) J . W ., T . H . Scholfield P . M . P . PG . R . Treasurer , R . W . Nuttall Secretary , J . M . H . Blarney P . M . P . G . J . D . D . C , John Townend S . D ., F . M . Whittle J . D ., B . Wilmot I . G ., Alfred Eastwood Organist , John Studd

P . M . P . P . G . D . C Charity Representative , F . Simpson , ( Jr . R . Jury , J . W . Scott , G . Challinor , T . R . Jackson , E . B . Beesley and A . D . Pixton Stewards . The Festival of St . John was held in the large dining room of the Hall , a very excellent programme having been provided , which consisted of songs and instrumental pieces .

Provincial.

LODGE OF SYMPATHY , No . 483 . ¦ , i MEETING was held on Wednesday , at the Royal Clarendon Hotel , J \ . Gravesend , when Bro . John N . Willis ( the Mayor of the Borough ) W . M . presided , and was supported by the following Officers : —Bros . W . Spencer Bowen S . W ., Ernest Ingram J . W ., T . T . Hogg Treasurer , A . Ronaldson Secretarv . James Hewison acting S . D ., G . A . Grant acting J . D ., C Percy

Bowen I . G ., and Robert Matthews Organist . The Lodere was opened and the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed . ' The ballot was taken on behalf of Messrs . David Thomas Mulley , Alexander Holland . Charles Fothergill , and Thomas George Letten , as candidates for Freemasonry , and all were approved .

Bro . Willis being engaged to attend another function in the town , then vacated the chair , which was assumed by Bro . R . J . Beamish , who opened the Lodge in the second dogree . Bros . H . J . Simmons , H . T . Davey , and H . Denton proved their proficiency as Craftsmen , and were subsequently raised to the rank of Master Mason . The ceremony was very ably performed by

Bro . Beamish , who was heard at his best . The chair was then taken by Bro . A . J . -Walklin , when Messrs . Holland , Fothergill , and Letten , together with Mr . Vivian Denton , previously balloted for , were admitted , and regularly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of the Order . Bro . Edwin Jones was passed to the second degree .

The last two ceremonies were rendered in a masterly manner by Jtsro . Walklin . Praise must also be accorded to the Officers , who were perfect in their respective duties , thereby ensuring a due effect to the beautiful ritual and a lasting impression upon the candidates . Notice must further be taken of the appropriate music performed by Bro . Matthews , which tended so greatly

to enhance the work in the Lodge , Bro . Walklin proposed that the sum of ten guineas be given from the funds of the Lodge , to be placed on Bro . Hawker's list , as he is going up as a Steward for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , which was seconded

by Bro . Beamish and carried unanimously . One candidate for initiation and one joining member were nominated for acceptance at the next meeting , and there being no further business the meeting adjourned .

ZETLAND LODGE , No . 603 . THE regular meeting was held at the Masonic Hall , Bath Road , Tofts , Cleckheaton , on Tuesday , 13 th inst ., when there were present Bros . H . E . Hodson W . M ., Armitage acting I . P . M ., Dr . S . Halliday Chaplain , Stocks P . M . Prov . G . S . D ., S . Law P . M . P . P . G . W ., Hardill , F . Newsome S . W ., R . W . Warrener J . W ., J . Clough P . M . Treasurer , L . R . Wood Secretary , Chas . F . Forshaw LL . D . ( FREEMASON ' S CHKONICXE ) acting S . D ., A . Heaton J . D ., R .

H . Jackson D . C . I . G ., A . Townend Organist , A . Drake O . G ., and Bros . Powell , Hudson , Birkhead and Hertel . The Lodge was opened and the minutes confirmed , after which a Finance Committee and a House Committee were elected for the ensuing year . The bye-laws of the Lodge were read by the Secretary . The Lodge being closed in peace and harmony the Brethren adjourned

for refreshments and the reot of the evening was spent in a convival manner . The Worshipful Master Bro . Hodgson has the confidence and good-will of all the members , and his able efforts to elevate his Lodge to the front rank in ' the Province of West Yorkshire is meeting with the hearty support of his Brethren , who are determined to assist him in his laudable efforts .

ARCHITECT LODGE , No . 1375 . THE regular meeting was held at the Masonic Hall , Chorlton-cum-Hardy , on Friday , 2 nd instant , Brother John Mann Crone Worshipful Master . Being the penultimate night of the financial year , the election of Officers took place , which resulted in the unanimous selection of Bro . Hugh W . Bloomer S . W . as Worshipful Master , Bro . A . Redfearn as Treasurer ( reelected ) , and Bros . Nail P . M ., Smith , and Lingard ^ as Auditors . The installation of Bro . Bloomer will take place on the 2 nd proximo .

A sumptuous dinner had been arranged for , to which , immediately after Lodge business , the Brethren adjourned , being accompanied thither by ladies and several gentlemen visitors , among the latter being Messrs . K . Ross , Purcell , Morton , and Dent . Loyal and Masonic toasts were submitted aud enthusiastically received .

In proposing the health of the Queen , Bro . Crone W . M . spoke of her as the mother of Masons in England , and the most prominent historical personage of the age , who had endeared herself to all by her domestic virtues , her long and glorious reign , and her ability to conduct the affairs of the state in

such a manner as to gain the universal esteem of her subjects . He added the sympathies of all right-minded individuals must be extended to her at the present time , in the great mental strain she had to bear in the knowledge that she was daily losing brave and noble soldiers , who willingly sacrificed their lives in fighting for herself and country .

Bro . Nail proposed the toast of the Worshipful Master , paying him a very high compliment for the way in which he had carried out whatever he had undertaken , with minute detail . He reverted to the picnic in the summer , and also spoke of the present meeting , both very great successes , for Bro . Crone invariably put forth his best efforts to make everybody comfortable and happy .,

In answer , Bro . Crone said is was always difficult to reply to the toast of one's own health , and especially so when proposed by such a dear and old friend as Bro . Nail , and when received in the manner it had been that night . It had been submitted often during the past twelve months , and apparently with good effect , for he never enjoyed better health than he had done during the time of occupying his present position . He had replied so often to the

toast that he was afraid they would be tired of hearing him . He did not intend to make a speech , and thereby take up their time , as they had provided a programme which he hoped would meet with their approval , and he was sure they would enjoy the after proceedings better than listening to his talk . When he was installed as Worshipful Master he started with the full intention

of trying to do his duty in every particular , and if he had succeeded in but a small degree he had only done his duty , and any credit due to him must be reflected on his Officers , who had willingly complied with every wish which he had expressed . Their devotion to him as SV . M . had been unbounded , and while thanking Bro . Nail for his kind personal allusions , he felt he must also thank those who had so nobly assisted him during his year of office .

Bro . Crone then proposed the health of the W . M .-elect . After thanking him in a special manner for the loyal support which he had accorded to him , he said the old adage , " the king is dead , long live the king , " was recently applied to himself , aud on the present occasion he could apply it with equal fitness to the Brother who had that night been chosen to succeed him iu the chair . Not long ago , within those doors , Bro . Bloomer bad been so elected ,