Reports Of Meetings.

was not their fault if any visitor came short . Indeed , if more happened to be wanted , it could bo had for the asking . The health of the ladies was proposed by Bro . H . G . Walker S . W ., this being responded to by Mrs . Doughty , a relative of the W . M . The lady spoke in a very characteristic manner , and wittily remarked that she hoped the gentlemen were sincere in what they said about her sex .

Bro . W . Mowbray Org . proposed the toast of the Visitors , to which Bro . George Robinson 1459 responded , saying he was delighted to be there among old friends . Bro . Walker proposed the health of Mrs . Rostron , who , in reply , said that upon looking round she judged , from general appearances , that all were satisfied with their day's outing . It had been very enjoyable , and now that they had had their picnic , the ladies might reasonably look forward to the winter ' s dance .

The toast of the Past Masters was proposed by the W . M ., and responded to by Bro . J . W . Atkinson P . M ., who , in eulogising the present Master , said that as the members had been so liberally treated by him and his Officers they naturally looked forward to as equally enjoyable a year with the S . W . who , in the ordinary course of things , would occupy the principal chair next year . He might add that a sentiment had been expressed by Visitors and Brethren that the present had' been the most enjoyable day , which was coupled with the most successful picnic they ever had .

It may be incidentally remarked that the happy consummation reverted to by the various speakers was due to two prominent Brethren of the Lodge , who , with their usual liberality , had endeavoured substantially to make the function a success . Among others not previously mentioned were Bros . J . Chapman J . W ., 0 . Fowles Std ., W . Lindop Std ., O . R . Whittaker I . G ., R . Ackerley , J . T . Beckett , S . O . Eaton , R . R . Caterall , and W . Fitzgerald P . M . The party reached Manchester about 10 p . m .

DUKE OF YORK LODGE , No . 2449 . Picnic to the Dukeries . THE first annual picnic of this Lodgo took place on Wednesday , 13 th inst ., and , as indicated above , it was to the Dukeries , Brother Arthur Sutcliffe Secretary having charge of tbe arrangements , which were carried out in the most satisfactory manner . In the first instance , saloon carriages had been supplied , which conveyed the party from the Central Station , Manchester , to Worksop , which place they reached about 10 . 30 a . m . ; thence

they were driven to the Lion Hotel , where luncheon had been provided . At noon , six waggonettes drew up to the door , and the members of the Lodge , together with their friends , of both sexes , numbering over seventy in the aggregate , seated themselves , and the now classical drive of twenty-five miles was commenced through the estates of Clumber , Thoresby , and Welbeck , described by . the collective name of the " Dukeries , " and owned respectively by the Duke of Newcastle , Earl Manvers , and the Duke of Portland .

As time did not admit of the party visiting any of the mansions in question , and as a general wish was expressed that another visit should be paid to the neighbourhood rendered popular by the story of the predatory Robin Hood and his merry men , we will reserve our description of the many objects of interest to be seen in the various buildings , and also in the historical forest of Sherwood , especially as we have from time to time in these columns indicated the nature of such curiosities .

We may mention , however , that midway on the drive is the village of Edwinstowe , where it is customary to bait the horses . This is a very convenient resting place , and ample provision had been made in a large marquee to supply tho party with refreshments , Bro . R . H . Watham Std . acting as the Sir Galahad of the ladies . Had time allowed we had intended to pay a visit to the old and interesting church here , where are to be found

some curious epitaphs , amongst others one upon some sailors , who , after " braving the boisterous billows of the Biscan shore " ended their lives in a matter-of fact way by being drowned in Thoresby lake . This occurred in the first month of the present century , and the fact is recorded in some whimsical post mortuary lines so prevalent in early days . We believe that the two following ones are also to be found here : —

1 . " Enclosed within this humble bed An Hibernian woman rests her head ; Few friends had she in Britain's isle , I hope that God will on her smile . " 2 . " While here interred the virgins' ashes lie , Their deathless souls retired above the sky , To which calm region of eternal day , The eldest of them kindly showed the way . "

Our enjoyments are generally of a relative kind , and depend mainly upon circumstances and opportunities . Given a fine day , even with disappointments in anticipated sight-seeing , and duty smiles on the inclination which endeavours to make pleasure rational , agreeable , and beneficial ; what therefore this picnic lacked in one respect was fully compensated for in another . The day was exceedingly fine and the company in the best of humour ; fun fiowedfast and furious-ly , and tho unworthy chronicler , although requested to sit in judgment , could hardly discriminate as to which conveyance could be characterised as the jolliest .

The Lion Hotel , at Worksop , was reached about 5 p . m ., and a good dinner having been provided , ample justice was done to the same . Loyal and Masonic toasts were afterwards given , and cordially responded to . The health of the W . M was proposed by Bro . G . Bingham P . M . Bro . John Kinso Worshipful Master responded , saying he was thankful to Bro . Bingham for wishing him long life , which sentiment he heartily

endorsed . This was the first picnic iu connection with the Duke of York Lodge , and judging from the happy faces around him , which testified to the pleasure they had derived from the outing , it would not bo the last . He was pleased to see a large number of members and friends present , and he thanked them for their support on that occasion , hoping at tho same time that they would meet again next year .

Bro . T . H . Stott Chaplain proposed thc health of the ladies , and during an extremely witty speech caused no small amount of laughter and wonderment by pointedly referring to . the representative of the "Fourth Estate , " who is usually content to hide his individuality under the impersonal and authoritative " we . " He added that a report of the day's proceedings would appear in the FBBBMASON ' S CHBONIOLB , wherein would be registered all

Masonic events which took place , whether to their credit or otherwise , and it behoved them to be careful what they said or did . On some occasions , when the toast of the ladies had been proposed , the speakers said they were very sorry that the duty had fallen to their lot . Not so with him , however , he was proud of the honour , as it provided him with the opportunity of proving to his fair friends what " jolly chaps " the members of the Duke of York

Reports Of Meetings.

Lodge were . On the one hand the ladies had afforded them the greatest possible pleasure by their presence , while they , on the other hand , had provided them with refreshments and other enjoyments . He laughingly admitted that he was fond of the ladies , for his mother , wife , and daughter belonged to that order , and he hoped that they would ultimately become ladies . He asked the manly-chested gentlemen present to rise on their feet and drink the toast with the greatest possible enthusiasm .

Bro . J . T . Whittle S . D . responded on behalf of the ladies , saying that he somewhat differed ' from Bro . Stott in one or two things , and thought the reply to so important a toast might have fallen in worthier hands—someone on his right had said the words should have been uttered by a single man . He might add that everything had been done with the object of providing for their especial comfort . This was essentially a ladies' picnic , and on their behalf , and in their name , he must Confess how disappointed he was with Bro . Stott that he had not disclosed any of the secrets of Freemasonry . They

were told that by its tenets they were enjoined to respect all men , to love the Brotherhood , and to honour the Queen . He believed in universal brotherhood , and he also believed that there was also no Society which could offer the same amount of comfort as that afforded by Freemasonry . It had been a great solace to him personally , and in his deepest trouble , and no lady might regret that her male friends were enrolled among its members . If a man thoroughly appreciated its teachings , he would be led fittingly through this life , and prepared for higher duties .

During the proceedings a telegram was received from Bro . T . T , Hardicker P . M . P . P . S . B . regretting his inability to be present with them . The return journey commenced about 8 p . m ., the train reaching Manchester at 10 . 30 . The time , however , was well spent in various amusements , ¦ songs and recitations . being contributed by Bros . Stott , Bingham , R . H . Whatham , Samuel Kew J . D ., and Edward Roberts P . M . 1459 .

Mrs . William Sutcliffe , of Ashton-under-Lyne , took the opportunity of proposing a vote of thanks to her dearly beloved Brethren for having provided the visitors with a picnic which had given a great amount of pleasure . The day had certainly been one of the happiest of her life . Bro . Simon Mamelok P . M . Prov . G . D . responded .

Mr . H . Glover , Manchester , proposed a vote of thanks to the Secretary Bro . Sutcliffe , saying that the pleasant outing had been a surprise to him . The matter seemed to have been taken up so heartily on every hand . The Secretary appeared to have had a very willing band of helpers , who had worked with zest , the result being a great success .

Mr . Newsholme , another visitor , thanked the Brethren on behalf of his wife and himself for a very pleasant trip . This was the first time he had been amongst Freemasons , but he had thoroughly enjoyed himself , and hoped he should have the opportunity of being in their company again . Besides those mentioned above , we noticed that the following were present , viz ., Bros . Arthur Hudson , Thos . W . Lewin , W . Simpson , Geo . Sawyer , R . Hamilton , John Fairbairn , Wm . Greenhalgh , and R . Rudolph .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

WESTBOURNE LODGE , No ., 733 . ON Tuesday , at the Oliver Agms , Westbourne Terrace North , Harrow Road , Bros . E . W . Tucker W . M ., G . Barter S . W ., O . Halston J . W ., R . J . Rogers P . M . Treas . acting Prec , G . Mogford P . M . Sec , J . Knight S . D ., W . T-T . TTandnvsr . T . D .. T . Mneforrl I . G .. G . Meek . W . "Rirtcrwn . v . . T . Wvnmn . n .

The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Meek acting as candidate . By desire of the W . M . Bro . Barter gave the ancient charge , to the satisfaction of every Brother . The Lodge was called off . On resumption Bro . Barter was elected to preside on Tuesday , 9 tu of August , there being no meeting next week .

Bro . Rogers proposed that a vote of thanks be recorded on the minntes , recognising the perfect manner in which the W . M . had occupied the chair for the first time , which was unanimously carried and duly acknowledged .

ROYAL ALFRED LODGE , No . 780 . ON Thursday , 14 th inst ., at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , Bros . S . W . Keene P . P . G . P . Middx . W . M ., O . Jacob S . W ., 0 . Humble J . W ., F . J . Larkman Treas ., J . * 1 I . Gumming Sec , Arthur Williams P . M . acting Preceptor , E . H . Wilcox S . D ., H . 3 . Cousens J . D ., R . H . Worth I . G ., S . J . Parker , F . M . Ridley , R . W . Robinson , H . T . Johnson , A . J . Naughton , and others . '

The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Ridley acting as candidate . Lodge was opened to the third degree , and then resumed to the second , when Bro . Ridley answered the » questions , and the ceremony of raising was rehearsed . It was unanimously agreed that Bro . 0 . Jacob W . M . of the St . Pancras Lodge occupy the chair at the next weekly meeting .

A cordial vote of thanks was ordered to be entered on the minutes by the Secretary to Bro . S . W . Keene , for his extreme kindness in coming amongst them and occupying the chair for the first timo at this Lodge of Instruction .

CHISWICK LODGE , No . 2012 . ON Saturday , 23 rd inst ., at the Windsor Castle Hotel , Hammersmith , Bros . P . Cronin W . M ., J . Powell S . W ., A . Ross J . W ., F . Craggs Treas ., R . Josey Sec . R . Reid S . D ., H . J . Cousens J . D ., H . Wilkins I . G ., Arthur Williams P . M . Preceptor , M . Spiegel P . M ., R . H . Williams P . M ., W . Hellier P . M ., J . H . Gumming P . M ., and others .

The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . R . H . Williams acting as candidate . The 3 rd and 4 th sections were worked by the Brethren , under the direction of Bro . Spiegel P . M . Bro . Powell was elected to occupy the chair to-day ( Saturday ) . This Lodge of Instruction meets every Saturday through the year , and as thc majority of those attending are Past Masters , Brethren can rely on heaving the ceremonies smartly and correctly worked , under the able Preceptorship of Bro . Arthur Williams P . M . 834 and 2090 .

We are extremely sorry to learn that our Pro Grand Master Lord Lathom and family are seriously concerned as to the health of Lady Edith Wilbraham , which , says the " World , " has failed very much just lately .