Quarterly Court Of The Girls' School.

QUARTERLY COURT OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .

THE Quarterly Court of the Subscribers aud Governors of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls was held last Saturday , at Freemasons' Hall , when there were present Bros . Col . Creaton , Grand Treasurer , in the chair , H . A . Dubois , H . Massey , William Dodd , Henry Lovegrove , A . J . Duff-Filer , A . F . A . Woodford , Frank Richardson , James Terry , F . Binckes , and F . R . W . Hedges

Secretary . Bro . A . J . Duff-Filer , with reference to tho proposal at the last Quarterly Court to authorise the House Committee to expend a sum not exceeding £ 2 , 000 in building a swimming bath afc the School , said it was the opinion of himself , and several other brethren , fchafc £ 1 , 500 would be enough , and fchafc that sum would better meet tbe wishes of the subscribers to the Institution than the

£ 2 , 000 whioh was on the minutes . He , therefore , proposed that £ 1 , 500 be substituted for £ 2 , 000 . Bro . H . A . Dubois seconded the amendment . Colonel Creaton , though always loth to say anything on these money motions , was convinced thafc from £ 1 , 000 to £ 1 , 500 would defray the cost of an excellent bath . There would be a proposal to place the bath on a part of tbe kitchen garden , bufc there was a much nicer spot , 80 feet long and 30 feet wide , near the

lanndry . Bro . Frank Richardson remarked that if the bath were p laced in the kitchen garden ifc would spoil the buildings , and it wonld be a pity to have to pull it down again . The minutes were then altered by substituting £ 1 , 500 for £ 2 , 000 for building a swimraing bath , and as altered were carried . The number of candidates for the April election was declared to be 28 , and the vacancies 21 . The proceedings closed with the usual compliment to the Chairman .

Quarterly Court Of The Boys' School.

QUARTERLY COURT OF THE BOYS' SCHOOL .

rE Quarterly Court of the supporters of the Royal Masonio Institution for Boys was held on Monday , at Freemasons' Hall . There were present Bros . Col . Creaton , Grand Treasurer , in the chair , Don . M . Dewar , James Terry , H . Massey , Samuel H . Parkhouse , Arthur E . Gladwell , A . J . Duff . Filer , C . H . Webb , and F . Binckes

Secretary . The business was merely formal . Vacancies for the next election , to the number of fifteen , were declared . The number of candidates will be sixty-seven . Bro . Binckes read a letter from Bro . C . Godtsohalk , to the effect that Devonshire will present one boy under the John Hnyshe presentation .

Installation Meetings, &C.

INSTALLATION MEETINGS , & c .

LODGE OF UNION , No . 414 . THE annual meeting was held on Tuesday last , afc the Masonic Hall , Reading . There were present Bros . Stephens W . M ., S . Bradley P . M ., R . C . Mount S . W . and W . M . elect , F . J . Ferguson J . W ., Rev . N . T . Garry Chaplain , S . A . Pocock P . M . Treasurer , M . J . Withers Secretary , S . Wheeler S . D ., A . W . Parry J . D ., C . G . Bntler and J . W . Martin Stewards , D . H . Wifcberington I . G ., W . Hemmings Tyler ; P . M . 's Blowers , Hounslow , Morris , Oades , R . Bradley , Yetts ,

C . Smith , Weightman , Moxhay , Baker , Eggington , Cockburn ; also Bros . G . Webb , H . Higgs , Rayner , Sydenham , Sherwood , Donaldson , Moffatfc , Hawkes , Armstrong , Cave . Visitors—Bros . Beale P . M . 1101 , Shanks W . M . 1887 , Durand 84 , Rogers Chaplain 357 . Archdall 771 , Braokspear 1895 , Payne 1328 , Cottebrnue P . G . P ., Nicholson 1566 , Hilton 1409 , Ridley 1101 , Lamb 694 , Barker 1174 , Toomer 351 , 153 ,

Moreland P . P . G . R . Berks and Bucks , 3 . T . Browne P . M . 1101 , F . Binckes Seo . R . M . I . B ., Todd 27 , Maidwell P . M . 27 , Farr 1566 , Faulkner 692 , R . Dowsett S . W . 1101 , W . Ferguson I . P . M . 1101 , E . J . Blackwell W . M . 1101 , Ivey P . M . Seo . 1101 , Cozens 907 , Margrett P . M . 1101 , Morgan Seo . 211 . Lodge was opened , and the minntes of the last regular Lodge read and confirmed . Mr . John William

George , who had been ballotted for afc the last ; meeting , was initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry , the ceremony being effectively conducted by the W . M . After this the Lodge was opened in the second degree , when the W . M . vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Moxhay , who acted as Installing Master , and introd need as his successor Bro . Reginald C . Mount S . W . of the Lodge

and P . M . 1328 , who was elected to fill the Office of W . M . afc the last regular meeting . The ceremony was admirably conducted by Bro . Moxhay , who was complimented by all for tbe ability he displayed . The following were the Officers appointed : —Bros . F . J . Ferguson S . W ., S . Wheeler J . W ., Rev . N . T . Garry Chaplain , S . A . Pocock Treasurer , M . J . Withers Secretary , A . W . Parry S . D ., D . H .

Witheringfcon J . D ., F . Blackwell I . G ., Charles Butler Director of Ceremonies , Hayward ( named as ) Organist , John Martin Steward , Webb and Armstrong Assistant Stewards , Hemmings Tyler . A vote of thanks was then passed to the Installing Master , which having been acknowledged , the W . M . announced ifc was his intenaion to go np as Steward at tho next Festival of the Boys' School .

A proposition for a candidate for initiation was handed in , routine work transacted , and- the Lodgo was then closed in due form . The banquet was served at the Georgo Hotel , and the efforts of Mrs . Ponton , the hostess met , with tho unqualified approval of the numerous assembly that had gathered to do honour to the occasion . On the removal of the cloth the W . M . rose and proposed the first toast , tho

Queen and the Craffc , which was most enthusiastically received . After the National Anthem , the W . M , ""are tho second toast . Since the present M . W . Grand Master had ruled the Craft , 42-1 Lodges had been consecrated , this must represent a considerable increase in the power of the Craffc to carry ont in the true spirit the best interests of the Order . The patriotic song— " God bless the Prince of Wales "

Installation Meetings, &C.

was sung . Tho W . M . next gave the toasfc of tho M . W . IV * . Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; tho R . W . Deputy Grand Master , tho Karl of Lathom ; and the rest of the Grancl Officers , past awl present . Ho referred to the state of health of the Pro Grancl Master , and regretted this necessitated his abstaining From taking so aetivo a part as could be desired . With tho toast he would couple the nam-i

of Bro . Cottebrune , whose eminent qualities as a Preceptor wero gracefully alluded to . After the reply of Bro . Cottebrune , the W . M . proposed tho fourth toast , —tho R . W . Prov . Grand Master , Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart ., M . P . ; the Very Worshipful Deputy Prov . G . M ., the Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg ; and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , pasfc and present ; . Undoubtedly Freemasonry flourishes in

Berks and Bucks ; Sir Daniel had taken an active part in Craffc doings , while the Depnfcy Grand Master and other Prov . G . Officers ably supported him . Bro . Bradley Prov . G . Secretary responded . He regretted the sfcale of health of Sir Daniel Goooh prevented his attending so often as he conld desire , the Deputy G . Master , however , ably supported him . Bro . Bradley then referred to tho advance

of Freemasonry in the Province ; he regretted to learn that a falling off had taken place in the receipts for the Institutions . The Province had been very successful in the past , and had now several deserving oases whose claims would be laid before the members in due course . Bro . Bradley then urged the brethren present to support the Institutions . He spoke of the organisation

in the Province , and urged the brethren to forward to him their proxy papers , in all cases unmarked . Bro . Bradley also announced that the next meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge would be held in Reading . Bro . Stephens proposed the health of the W . M . Ho thought he might not only congratulate the Master , but on this occasion tbe Lodge , inasmuch as Bro . Mount had brought with him

the experience he had gained elsewhere . In reply , Bro . Mount thanked Bro . Stephens for the kind way he had spoken of him . When he became a joining member , nine years ago , he did nofc anticipate this honour ; he bad , however , worked through tbe offices , and would now endeavour to do his duty . He trusted he might have plenty of opportunities of conducting the ritnal , and fchafc his year of office might

be governed by Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . In speaking to the toasfc of tbe Past Masters , the W . M . said thafc no better Master than Bro . Stephens ever presided in a Lodge . What wonder , then , thafc afc the last meeting the members had unanimously voted him a jewel , whioh he would now call on Bro . Moxhay to present . Bro . Moxhay gave a risnmt of tbe many services rendered by Bro . Stephens , and

in doing so made some happy allusions . He stated thafc the amount ; contributed by the brethren bad more than compensated for the outlay on the jewel , and he would therefore hand over the balance , which amounted to nearly £ 4 , to Bro . Stephens , that he might present ifc for any charitable purpose he thought fit . Bro . Stephens replied , and announced his intention of sending

in the amount so gracefully alluded to by Bro . Moxhay fco the National Lifeboat ; Institution , in which ifc was well known he took a deep interest . Afc this stage of the proceedings Bro . Morgan gave a descriptive poem— " The Wreck of the Indian Chief . " To Bro . Garry was entrusted the toast of the Visitors , and Bro . Moreland replied . The other toasts comprised the Installing

Master , the Masonio Charities , the Initiate , the neighbouring Lodges , and the Officers . Bro . Binckes made an earnest ; and vigorous appeal for the Institutions , * he thanked Bro . Bradley for directing attention to the falling off in their receipts during the past year , and urged the brethren to exert themselves not to permit this to bo repeated . He anticipated there wonld be still increased demands

for the benefits of the Institution he had the honour to represent , and stated that ifc was now desirable thafc tbe Preparatory School , to which mention had been made , should bo at once commenced . Other replies having been made , the Tyler gave tbe parting toast . Brother F . H . Cozens carried out the musical arrangements of the evening , and ably acquitted himself . Bros . Toomer , Marshall , and others rendered him great assistance .

ROYAL UNION LODGE , No . 382 .

THE members met at the Chequers Hotel , last Monday , afc halfpast three o ' clock , under the presidency of Bro . C . Russ W . M . There were present ; Pasfc Masters Bros . Fehrenbacb , Weedon , Webb , and Jaquin Prov . G . P ., J . Lonsdale S . W ., W . Coombes P . M . Secretary , E . T . Brown Assistant Secretary , James J . Wilson Organist , Hill Steward ; Visitors—Bros . W . W . Morgan Secretary 211 , C . E . Botley Director of Ceremonies 780 , E . H . Sugg Pasfc Master 492 .

After the minutes of last Lodge meeting had been confirmed , Bros . Taplin , Lambert , Taylor , and Sansom were passed , and Mr . Henry Belch , who was proposed by Bro . Poole , seconded by Bro . Nicholson J . D ., was balloted for and initiated . Bro . Thomas Jamieson Sfc . John's Lodge , No . 216 ( Scottish Constitntion ) was elected a joining member , proposed by Bro- W . C . Hall , seconded by Bro . A . J .

Hanson . The election of Worshipful Master resulted in the selection of Bro . Lonsdale the S . W ., while Bro . Fehrenbach P . M . was elected Treasurer , and Bro . Dnffin Tyler . An Audit Committe was then appointed , and Lodge was closed . Refreshments were liberally served , and thoroughly enjoyed . The customary toasts followed . We are gratified to be able to state thafc the eminent services of Bro .

Coombes , who for many years has officiated as Secretary , are aboufc to receive substantial recognition . The Lodge has voted a sum from its funds , and we are sure the brethren will liberally respond to honour one who has served them so zealously . It is gratifying to know that the Lodgo of Instruction in connection with Royal Union , No . 382 , is making satisfactory progress . At a

late meeting a copy of the Volume of the Sacred Law , with handsome cushion , was presented by Bros . Nicholson and H . E . Tucker ( the Preceptor ) . The brethren have a completely appointed room to meet in , and we recommend thoso Craftsmen who reside in the district to pay a visit to the Chequers Hotel , where ttje Lodge of Instruction meets every Monday ,-at 8 o ' clock .