Reports Of Meetings.

MINNEHAHA MINSTREL LODGE , No . 2363 . THE last meeting previous to the vacation was held at the Victoria Hotel , Manchester , on Monday , 25 th ult ., Bro . Sarri Luke W . M .

After the reading and confirmation of minutes , and the reading of an ancient Constitutional Charge , Bro . Charles Beswick was passed to the degree of F . C . by the W . M ' ., assisted by Bro . S . H . Stubbs S . W ., who rendered the charge of this degree , and Bro . F . Todd J . W ., who presented and explained the working tools .

The festive board was afterwards held in the Lodge room , a very pleasant evening being spent . Bro . Purdy Organist proposed the health of the candidate , who responded . That of the visitors was proposed by the W . M ., being responded to by Bro . C . S . Cotton W . M . 2464 , who spoke very highly of the work of the evening , saying he had never seen it done better . From

personal observation he could say that the Officers coming forward were all excellent , and gave promise of some further good work . He congratulated Bro . C . H . Beever P . M . Prov . Grand Registrar upon having been singled out by the Province of West Lancashire for honours of no mean order , and hoped he would live for many years

to enjoy them . T Hru annual pic-nic took place on Monday , 2 nd inst ., the place selected being Ripon , for Studley and Fountains Abbey , of which we gave a copious account in connection with a former visit of the Lodge in 18 95 .

The day was very fine , and expressions of pleasure at the outing were heard on every hand . As usual Bro . Luke had taken a prominent part in the arrangements , being assisted on this occasion by Bro . Ed . Parnell Pic-nic Secretary . A very excellent luncheon and dinner were provided at the Unicorn Hotel , Ripon , and ample arrangements had been made for indoor enjoyment had the weather proved unpropitious .

The return journey was enlivened with numerous songs and sketches , the contributaries being Bros . Luke W . M ., Stubbs S . W ., Todd J . W ., Beever P . M ., & c , Thos . Hamnett P . M ., Ward , Harrop , Beswick , Roberts P . M ., Mr . Greenhalgh , and Miss Harrop .

DUKE OF YORK LODGE , No . 2449 . THE third annual picnic took place on Wednesday , 4 th inst ., the place selected being Chester , several descriptions of which have appeared in these columns . At ah early hour of the morning a goodly number of Brethren , with their wives and friends , assembled at the Central Station , Manchester , and were conveyed to the old cathedral town in saloon carriages .

The Hop Pole Hotel , Foregate Street , had been selected as the hostelry for lunching , and a very substantial meal was there supplied by the host , Bro . James Riley of the Derby Lodge , No . 1055 . This was followed by a sail on the river Dee in special barges , and a visit to Eaton Hall , the lovely home of the Duke of Westminster , the party being ' afterwards driven to Hawarden , a place intimately associated with the life and labours of the late Mr . ; Gladstone . A visit was paid

to the old parish church of St . Deiniol , so called after its founder and patr / on saint . Besides Noble ' s- recumbent' figure of Sir Stephen Glynne ( an owner of Hawarden Castle ) to which family Mrs . Gladstone belonged , there are many very interesting objects for the inspection of visitors . A brass plate on one of the pillars records the melancholy death of one of Mr . Gladstone ' s friends , a guest at the Castle . It is a simple , but eloquent tribute to the memory of a great ecclesiastic ; and is as follows :

Near this place EDWARD WHITE BENSON , Archbishop of Canterbury , fell asleep in Christ , Sunday , nth October 1896 . The drive was resumed and terminated at the Hop Pole Hotel , where an excellent dinner was partaken of .

Bro . Whittle S . W . proposed the health of the W . M . and said in the course of his remarks that their principal Officer had been a generous contributor to the Masonic Charities . Bro . S . Mamelok Worshipful Master P . P . G . J . D . responded in appropriate terms . The health of the Ladies , proposed by Bro . Simpson , was responded to by Bro . Whatham Treasurer .

The return journey to Manchester was enlivened by songs , recitations , & c . * * *

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN .

, UPTON LODGE , No . 1227 . A REGULAR meeting of this popular and ever increasing Lodge ¦ ii was held " on Thursday , at the Great Eastern Hotel , Liverpool Street , E . C ., when Bro . Henry James Rowberry presided , and with praiseworthy punctuality opened the Lodge at half-past four . The preliminary business having been transacted , the ballot . was taken on behalf of Messrs . Thomas Conrad NeillHerbert W . WalkerGeorge

, , William Codd , William Farrier , and Harry Charles Godfrey , which proved unanimous in each case . These gentlemen being in attendance were admitted , and regularly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . Bros . Robert , M . B . Laing and John D . Thomas having proved their proficiency as Craftsmen , were advanced to the degree of Master Mason .

Both the ceremonies were admirabl y performed b y Bro . Rowberry , who was materially , assisted by his Officers , who rendered their part of the ritual in a most perfect manner . This being election night according to " the b ye-laws the Brethren

Metropolitan.

next proceeded to elect a Master and Treasurer for the ensuing year , with the result that Bro . William James Carroll S . W . was elected as Worshipful Master , and Bro . Charles Gieseke was re-elected to the office of Treasurer of the Lodge . Bro . . Thomas Bowler was reappointed Tyler , and . two Brethren were nominated as Auditors .

Upon the Master rising to inquire whether any Brother had aught to propose Bro . E . M . Jeffery P . M . said he had a proposition to make with which he was sure they would all agree . He then drew attention to the fact that Bro . Charles John Free had been Secretary of the Lodge since 1887 , and that during that time he had rendered valuable assistance to the Lodge in general , and to the various Masters in particular . Every member knew his genial disposition

and invariable courtesy , and he therefore suggested that as a mark of their respect and esteem , the sum of five guineas be voted for a special jewel to be presented to Bro . Free , in recognition of his services as Secretary . , Bro . Athol Bray P . M . seconded the proposition , which was supported by Bros . H . Hyde P . M ., E . Hill P . M . and R . Everett , and carried unanimously . Bro . Free briefly acknowledged the compliment .

We understand that the presentation will be made at the annual Festival , which , owing to the alterations now being made at the Great Eastern Hotel , will be held at the Holborn Restaurant in September next .

The Lodge being closed the Brethren adjourned to dinner , - and a pleasant evening followed , the harmony of which was enhanced by Bros . E . C . Holmes , T . G . Gunn , T . Martin , and several others . The following visitors attended the Lodge : Bros . F . W . Kerbey n , T . William 2472 , C . Britton 1413 , W . V . Woodman 1549 , J . T . Starling 100 , F . C . Jacob 1861 . # * *

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

CONFIDENCE LODGE , No . 193 . A RUMOUR had reached us that the Confidence Lodge of Instruction , which holds weekly meetings at the Bunch of Grapes , Lime Street , E . G ., had adjourned for the summer , but when our representative went there oh Wednesday of last week he found the Brethren assembled in full force , despite

the tropical surroundings . Bro . Metcalf Baillie occupied the chair—he is only one remove from doing so in the Mother Lodge—and the manner in which he rehearsed the third degree . shows how hard he must have studied to render the ritual in that perfect manner for which the Confidence Lodge is so celebrated .

He was supported by Bros . Rowland S . W ., Goodchild J . W ., Myers P . M . S . D ., Goovearts J . D ., Cair I . G ., Past Masters Spice , Latham , and Pitt Secretary , and many Brethren whose well-known faces are becoming regular fixtures at these meetings . A section of the lecture in the third degree was

admirably worked by Bro . Pitt , assisted by Bros . Latham and Myers , arid proved very instructive to those present . The Bunch of Grapes is well worth a visit , the instruction is thorough , and Brethren have an opportunity of a social supper or grill at Restaurant charges under the direct superintendence of the courteous host—but he charges too much for his cider .

. PRESENTATION TO BRO . ELVIN . OUR representative was very late in sending in his report of the presentation of a gold mounted walking stick to Bro . Elvin , which took place some little time since at the Confidence Lodge of Instruction , and pressure on our space has also prevented previous notice . The meeting held , that evening was more like a family gathering . The venerable Bro . Pitt by special request occupied the chair and gave an exposition of the working in that perfect form which has endeared him to so many .

Bro . Past Master Davey made the presentation , and in well chosen words full of pathos concluded by saying " This stick will remind you of old friends , may it help to support you in your well-deserved retirement , and every time you use it may you remember that you are grasping a Freemason ' s hand . " Bro . Blvin ' s reply showed how deeply he felt the kind words spoken to him , and how greatly he had the interests of the Brotherhood at heart .

* * * YARBOROUGH LODGE , No . 554 . AN excellent meeting was held on Tuesday , at Bro . R . Butlin ' s , the Citizen , Houndsditch , those present including Bros . H . Aarons W M ., J . George S . W ., J . Mahony J . W ., T . CoweJl P . M . Prec . D . McNish P . M . Sec , J . Henshaw S . D ., J . Andrews I . G ., W . Jackson , R . Butlin , J . Raynold , J . Wynman , & c .

The ceremony of raising was rehearsed , Bro . W . Jackson acting as candidate . The . Lodge was resumed to the first degree , and Bro . T . Cowell worked the seventh section of the lecture . The working of the W . M . was much appreciated . Bro . Cowell proposed that a letter of sympathy and deep regret be sent to the family of the late Bro . George Graveley P . G . P . England , who had died suddenly at his office the previous Friday , Bro . J . George will preside on Tuesday next .

* * » RANELAGH LODGE , No . 834 . AT the Six Bells Hotel , Hammersmith , on Friday , 66 h inst ., Bros . Robert Reid P . M . W . M ., K . M . Ross W . M . of 1686 S . W ., H . Stokes J . W ., Arthur Williams P . M . Preceptor , W . Hinds P . M . Treas ., F . Craggs P . M Sec M . F . Wilkins S . D ., J . H . Gumming P . M . J . D ., J . Stewart I . G ., R H . Williams P . M . P . P . G . J . D . Middx ., H . J . Cousens P . M ., J . Worth P . M . G . T Meek , & o .

Lodge was opened to the second degree and Bro . Cousens was examined and entrusted , after which the Lodge was advanced to the third degree , and a rehearsal of the raising took place . The first section of the lecture was worked by the Preceptor , assisted by the Brethren . Bro , K . M . Ross was elected to act as W . M . at the next meeting .

* * * CITY OF LONDON LODGE , No . 901 . A MEETING was held on Tuesday , at 6 . 30 , at Bro . 0 . Morris ' s , the J \ . King ' s Head , Shoreditch , E ., those present including Bros , A . E ,