Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . Fowke , Prov . G . D . C , gave "Bro . F . Woolley , thc Installing Master and I . P . M . " " The Healths of the Past Masters " were proposed by Bro . F . Taylor , S . D ., and Bros . J . Mottram and T . E . Fowke responded .

Bro . Thorne , Tudor Lodge , proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and the toast was acknowledged by Bro . F . Woolley , I . P . M . Bro . Nutt gave " The Officers , " for whom the Wardens —Bros . T . Rigby and VV . D . Batkin—responded . Messrs . John and James Follows enlivened the proceedings by song , and Mr . J . J ackson ably presided at the piano .

DRIFFIELD . —Sykes's Lodge ( No . 1040 ) . —The brethren of this lodge met at Masonic Hall , on the 21 st ult ., for the purpose of installing the W . M . elect , Bro . John Baines , the ceremony being performed by the Dep . " Prov . G . M ., Bro . John Pearson Bell , M . D ., Past G . S . D . of England . The following officers were then invested : Bros . James Bordass , I . P . M . ; S . Chadwick . P . M ., S . W . ; lames Elgey , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., J . W . ; W . H . Porritt ,

P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Lecture Master ; J . W . Robinson , Chaplain ; J . Elgey , Treasurer and Almoner ; J . S . Wilson , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Secretary ; Overend , Asst . Secretary ; Henry Watson , S . D . ; A . VV . Stanley , J . D . ; W . D . Titterton , D . C . ; John Tate , Organist ; George Seller , I . G . ; T . W . Potter , S . Stwd . ; John Holtby , J . Stwd . ; and G . H . Potts , Tyler . The installation banquet was afterwards held at the Bell Hotel .

NEWNHAM-ON-SEVERN . —Royal Forest of Dean Lodge ( No . 1067 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 20 th ult ., at the Town Hall , when therewere present Bros . ( . Shaw Carleton , W . M . ; J . S . Bradstock , S . W . ; W . C * Heam , P . AL , acting J . W . ; S . W . Woods , Treas . ; M . F . Carter , Sec . ; VV . G . Roberts , S . D . ; Thos . Cadle , P . M ., I . G . ; John Shiles , Steward ; Job

Webb , Tyler ; Russell Jas . Kerr , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . Gloucester ; G . W . Keeling , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Gloucester ; A . Parker , I . P . M . ; S . W . Hadingham , W . A . Hurle , G . H . R . Holden , and Peter Buchanan . The lodge was opened in due form , and Bro . G . H . R . Holden was raised to the Degree of M . M ., the ceremony being performed by the W . M ., who also initiated Mr . Peter

Buchanan into thc mysteries of the Order , the charge being delivered by Bro . W . C . Hearn , P . M . A petition to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution was signed b y the W . M . and Wardens , applying for an annuity for the widow of a late member . Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting-room , where a pleasant evening was spent .

RAMSGATE . —Lewises Lodge ( No . 1209 ) . — At the regular meeting of this lodge , held on Wednesday , the 21 st ult ., at the Royal Hotel , Bro . A . H . Hale , S . W ., was installed S . W ., was installed W . M . for the ensuing year by Bro . C . Wacher , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., VV . M . 2099 . There was a large number of the Past Officers and brethren present . After the installation , Bro . E . L . Elgar , I . P . M .

120 9 , and Sec . 429 , was presented with a P . M . ' s jewel by Bro . T . H . G . Snowden , P . M ., . G . J . W ,, - for his services for the past year . Afterwards an excellent banquet was partaken of by the brethren . The repast was provided by Bro . Roach , S . S . 429 , proprietor of the hotel . During the evening some excellent singing was rendered under the direction of Bro . A . G . Collins , Org .

SEACOMBE . —Warren Lodge ( No . 1276 ) . — The brethren of this energetic and flourishing lodge held their regular meeting in their new rooms at the Seacombe Hotel , on Tuesday , the 20 th ult . Bro . E . G . Mason , I . P . M ., in the unavoidable absence of the VV . M ., presided . There were also present Bros . T . B . Hughes , S . VV . ; R . Luke , I . W . ; R . Fay , S . D . ; VV . Worth , Secretary : T .

Lawton , Asst . Treas . ; H . Matthews , P . M ., D . C , P . P . G . S . ; Wm . Cloves , Stwd . ; and D . B . Risk , I . G . There was a goodly muster of the brethren , and a very distinguished and influential array of visiting brethren , amongst the latter being Bros . T . Marwood , P . G . S . W . of Cheshire , and Hugh Williams , P . P . G . D . C . West Lancashire . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of

the previous meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was then taken for Messrs . F . N . Baildon and W . Vowles , which proving unanimous , these gentlemen were regularly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry by the acting W . M ., Bro . Mason , whose rendering of this beautifully sublime and solemn ceremony was so impressive as to deeply affect not only the candidates but

every brother present . 1 he Wardens and other oflicers surpassed themselves in their efforts to adequately support the working of the W . M . A resolution was moved by Bro . E . G . Mason , I . P . M ., from the chair , and seconded by Bro . W . VV . Mellor , and supported by several brethren" That a Committee be , and is hereby , appointed , consisting of the following members of the lodge : Bros . Risk ,

Luke , Mason , and Mellor , with power to administer the Renewal and Depreciation Fund of the lodge , and with instructions to purchase therefrom , one new emblematical chair each for the VV . M ., S . W ., and J . W ,, together with the renewal of such of the regalia of the lodge as may appear to be worn out . " This resolution , on being put , was carried , not only unanimously , but with enthusiasm ;

as was also a subsequent motion , appointing Bro . N . Beamish—the oldest member of the Iodge—and Bro . H . Matthews , P . M ., D . C , P . P . G . S ., as members of this Committee , _ in addition to those previously appointed . It transpired in the course of thc discussion on these resolutions that this movement in the direction of beautifying and adorning the lodge was one that had been growing ,

deepening , widening , and gathering strength for some time , and as an illustration of the extent to which this feeling had permeated the lodge , it was mentioned as an interesting fact , that at the previous meeting several of the youngest members had presented , as a memento of their initiation into the Craft , a picture representing our M . W .

G . M . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , in full Masonic costume—a valuable work of art , which it was hoped might long adorn thc walls of the Warren Lodge , and bear its testimony to the affection and love of herchiidren . Nothing further appearing for the good of Freemasonry in general , or this lodge in particular , " Hearty good wishes " were

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

offered by the visiting brethren , and the Iodge was closed in due form . The brethren afterwards adjourned to an excellent repast . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were ably given , and cordially responded to . Several eloquent speeches were made , in the course of which the brethren were congratulated on the noble proportions of the magnificent room in which this lodge now assembles , and its

eminent adaptability for Masonic purposes . Bro . T . Marwood , P . G . S . W ., speaking in reply to the toastof "Our Rulers , SupremeandSubordinate , " expressed the great pleasure he had derived from his visit to the Warren Lodge , and passed a high encomium upon its working , and also the many evidences he had noticed of a true Masonic feeling pervading its members . Bro . Hugh Williams , P . P . G . D . C West Lancashire ,

responding also , reminded the brethren that he was one of the founders of thc lodge , and still retained an abiding interest in its welfare , contrasted its present position with its past history , and gave some very interesting particulars of its early days . Some capital songs and recitations were given by the members of the lodge , and a most enjoyable and long to be remembered meeting was brought to a close with the Tyler ' s toast .

RUGELEY . —St . Augustine's Lodge ( No . 1941 ) . —On Tuesday , the 20 th ult ., the anniversary of this lodge was held at the Shrewsbury Arms Hotel . Bro . C W . Watkins was duly installed VVorshipful Master for the ensuing year by , the Installing Master , Bro . G . Buttery ,

I . P . M . At five o ' clock the members of the lodge sat down to a banquet , the menu for which contained all the delicacies of the season . The usual Masonic toasts were p roposed by the W . M . and the I . P . M . Bro . Chas . Gee proposed " The Visitors . " Bro . Cope proposed "The Immediate Past Master and Installing Master . "

Bro . Ormson proposed " lhe Masonic Chanties . A p leasant evening was afterwards spent . During the evening a Past Master ' s jewel , subscribed for by the members of the lodge , was presented to Bro . Buttery , I . P . M ., who feelingly returned thanks . The following is a list of officers for the ensuingyear : Bros . C . W . Watkins , W . M . ; G . Buttery , I . P . M . ; Chas . Gee , S . W . ; George Gee ,

J . W . ; Rev . R . M . Grier , Chap . ; 1 hos . James , 1 reas . ; H . T . Gilbert , Sec . ; VVm . Foggo , S . D . ; C Browell , l . D . * , W . Ormson , P . M ., D . C , and Charity Steward * , M . H . Davenport , Org . ; J . H . Beard , Asst . Org . ; W . Stanford , I . G . ; Watson Foggo , Sen . Stwd . ; R . Pipe , Stwd . ; C Salmon , Stwd . ; J . Robinson , Almoner ; and Thos . Turner , Tyler .

PORTSMOUTH . —St . Clair Lodge ( No . 2074 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 19 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Commercial-road , Landport . After the usual business of the lodge , the ceremony of installing Bro . J . Brickwood , P . M ., took placein the presence of several Present and Past Prov . Officers , including the Prov . G . M ., Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., a large number of Installed Masters , and brethren of the St . Clair

and other lodges in the district . The installation ceremony was admirably performed by Bro . Capt . St . Clair , the first W . M . of the lodge , who "before leaving the chair presented the lodge with a magnificent banner bearing suitable devices and emblems . The newly-installed W . M . having taken his seat , proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : Bros . W . H . G . St . Clair , I . P . M . ; W . Dart , S . W . ; C V . Birch , J . VV . ; H . Kimber , Treas . ;

S . Hyams , Sec . ; H . F . Woodrow , S . D . ; Charles Wickens , J . D . ; Wm . Gunnell , D . of C . j D . D . Dale , Org . ; J . S . Gurden and Edward Boorman , Stwds . ; Wm . Holloway , I . G . ; and T . Bryan , Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremony a handsome founder ' s jewel and a P . M . ' s jewel were presented to Bro . Capt . St . Clair , who was warmly thanked for the deep interest he had manifested in the prosperity of the lodge during the lirst year of its

existence . The formal lodge business having been transacted the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where an elaborate banquet was served in such a manner as to reflect the highest credit upon Bro . Pearce , the Steward of the Freemasons' Club . The whole of the magnificent plate adorning the sumptuous table was lent hy Bros . H . M . Emanuel and Son .

The W . M . was immediately supported by the following brethren : Bros . VV . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Prov . G . M . ; Edgar Goble , Prov . G . Sec . ; Rev . E . K . Kendall , Prov . G . Chap . Cornwall ; E . Nayler , P . G . Stwd . ; W . Gunnell , P . G . S . of W . ; J . Jackson , P . G . Stwd . j J . Westaway , P . G . Std . Br . ; Rev . G . H . De Fraine , P . P . G . Chap . ; G . R . Strick , P . P . G . P . ; J . Gieve , P . G . D . C ; G . L . Stobbs , P . G . Stwd . ; R . Barnes , P . P . G . D . C ; H .

Croucher , P . P . G . S . W . ; and others . The loyal and formal toasts having been duly honoured , the VV . M . proposed "The Very Worshipful the P . G . M ., Bro . W . VV . B . Beach , M . P ., " whom he warmly eulogised for his devotion to the best interests of Freemasonry , not only in the province in which he ruled , but throughout the United Kingdom . Bro . Beach was , he observed , so thoroughly capable of discharging any and every duty

devolving upon him as a Mason that he was as much at home in presiding in Grand Lodge as in performing the minor functions , to to speak , of his exalted office . The Provincial Grand Master , who , on rising to respond , was loudly applauded , said it always afforded him extreme pleasure to meet the brethren in all parts of the province , but it was with peculiar pleasure that he attended there that evening , seeing that though it was only a vear ago he

attended to consecrate the St . Clair Lodge , it now numbered 184 members . He was really astounded at the progress which the lodge had made , and hoped he might fairly regard that progress as an indication of the general progress of Freemasonry throughout England , and , indeed , throughout the entire world . It was extremely gratifying to know that the Order was flourishing , and was extending itself with such rapid strides throughout the whole of the civilised

globe , seeing that it was the means of accomplishing so vast an amount of good . They were , in fact , approaching nearer to the time for the fulfilment of the real Masonic sentiment— " All the world a lodge , and every man a brother . " He should rejoice heartily to see the time anivc , for it would , indeed , be the millennium . Nobody would be able to go to war , for all would be so thoroughly imbued with feelings of brotherly love that it would be impossible

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

to fight . The world might then be disarmed , and let them think for a moment what a great reduction there would be in our national expenditure . He congratulated the St . Clair Lodge on having in the first W . M ., after whom the lodge was named , a brother who had acquitted himself in all respects so admirably , and who had that afternoon carried out the beautiful ceremony of installing his successor with such force and effect . He might also warmly

congratulate the brethren on having in Bro . Brickwood a W . M . who would unquestionably prove a worthy successor to Captain St . Clair , and who would carry out both in the letter and in the spirit the highest principles of Freemasonry . He was very glad to observe that great care and caution had been exercised in that lodge in receiving new members . There was much more need for the exercise of caution in this respect now than at any period of the history of the

Order . In the old days they were rather more lax in admitting members , because there was less desire on the part of people to join the Order , but there were now so many persons pressing for admission that it was absolutely necessary to exercise due discrimination , so that only those might be received who would be calculated to do honour to the Craft . He referred to the many years he had been connected with the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of

Wight , and with Freemasonry generally , and if he had been the means of rendering any assistance in promulgating the grand principles of the Order he was amply repaid by the knowledge that he had secured the goodwill and support of the brethren . The W . M . next gave "The Deputy Prov . Grand Master and Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , " to which the Prov . Grand Secretary responded . The latter , in the

course of his remarks , referred to the publication of the calendar for the province , in the compilation of which he had been materially assisted by the Rev . A . A . Headley , vicar of Portchester . _ The cost had been £ 23 , and if each of the 42 lodges in the province would take two dozen copies the whole expense would be cleared . He trusted the lodges would see the desirability of supporting the movement for the issue of a calendar , and subscribe

accordingly . He made a strong appeal to the brethren on behalf of the Masonic Charities , and urged upon them the importance of strictly following the advice " of the Prov . Grand Master to be extremely careful as to whom they received into their Order . He reminded them that Charity was not the principal object in view when Freemasonry was originally introduced into England , but the meeting of the brethren in brotherly harmony soon led to the adoption of

Charity as one of their objects , until the Order had now developed into one great and glorious Charity . Bro . G . F . Lancaster , P . P . G . D ., responded for "The Past Provincial Officers . " Capt . St . Clair , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " who would , he felt sure , bring all the experience he had previously acquired as W . M . of another lodge to bear in the discharge of his duties during his present year

ot othce , and would in every respect prove himself worthy of the confidence which the brethren had reposed in him . The W . M ., in responding , referred to the prosperous condition of the lodge in possessing no fewer than 84 members during the first year of its working . He assured the brethren that he accepted the office with a due sense of the responsibility which rested upon him , and he trusted that

at the end of the year they would have no cause to regret having placed him in the chair . The Provincial Grand Master proposed " The Installing Master , " to which Bro . Capt . St . Clair responded in true Masonic form . Other formal toasts followed .

The enjoyment of a most successful gathering was considerably enhanced by the efforts of tour vocalists from London—specially engaged for the occasion—namely , Miss J essie Royd ( soprano ) , Miss Jeanie Rosse ( contralto ) , Bro . John Probert ( tenor ) , and Stanley Smith ( bass ) , the accompanist being Bro . G . D . Lovegrove , Org . 257 , who conducted the whole of the musical arrangements .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

ST . LUKE'S LODGE ( No . 144 ) . —Thc annual meeting of this old lodge was held on Friday , the 23 rd ult ., at Bro . Pope ' s , thc White Hart , King ' s . road , Chelsea , on which occasion a large number of eminent brethren attended for the usual custom of working the Fifteen Sections . Uros . VV . Stuart , P . M . 141 , 179 , VV . M . ; A . Carlstrom , S . VV . ; P . Coghlan , VV . M . 144 , J . VV . ; and I . March . Sec .

The Sections were worked as follows : First Lecture : ist Section—Hro . Coghlan ; ind—liro . Alexander ; 3 rd—Bro . Ruffle ; 4 th—Hro . Coop ; 5 th—Uro . Whiting ; Oth—Bro . W . C . Smith ; and 7 th—liro . Woods . Second Lecture : 1 st Section—Bro , Watts ; 2 nd—liro . Corbey ; 3 rd—Hro . Carlstrom ; 4 th—Bro . Cleghorn ; and jth—Bro . Dairy . Third Lecture : est Section—Bro . Markland ; 2 nd -liro . Whiting : and 3 rd—Bro . Woods .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . : 6 i . ») .-The usual weekly meeting of this lodge of instruction was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , W ., on the 13 H 1 ult ., when there were present Bros , VV . Hancock , W . M . j !• * . C . Keeble , S . VV . ; H . J . Pellatt , J . W . ; . ] . Rayner , S . D . ; R . J . Harnell , | . D . ; C . Lambert , I . G . ; * VV . C . Smith , Preceptor ; G . Reynolds , Treas . and Sec ; T . E . Weeks , Tyler ; J . E . Elliott , J . VV . Tacon , W . Fowles , W . Culverhouse , H . G . Marsden , S . R . Bunt , C . Grassi , J . S . Henry , L . B . Serg

, and J . T . Worthy . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and conlirmed . Lodge opened in the Second Degree . Hro . VV . C . Smith , worked the 1 st Seciion of the Second Lecture . liro . C . Grassi ollering himself as a candidate to be raised to the Third Degree , he was duly ijuestioned , entrusted , and retired . Lodnc opened in tlie Third Degree . Thc W . M . rehearsed the Degree of M . M . with the traditional history . Bro . VV . Fowles worked the 3 rd Section of the Tnird Lcctwc . Lodge resumed to

the l- ' irst Degree . On rising for the lirst time , the following brethren were unanimously elected joining members of this lodge of instruction : Hro . VV . Culverhouse , 87 , proposed by Hro . G . Reynolds , and seconded by liro . VV . C . Smith ; Hro . Louis B . Serg , 509 , proposed hy Hro . J . S . Henry , and seconded by Bro . G . Reynolds ; and Bro . !• * . C . Elliott , 1772 , proposed by Hro . II . J . Pellatt , and seconded by Bro . VV . C . Smith . On rising for thc second time , Bro . W . C . Smith proposed that Urn . F . C . Keeble , J . W ., be W . M . for the next meeting , 29 * h April—seconded by the J . W ., and carried

unanimously . I'he W . M . elect was pleased to appoint his oflicers in rotation . On rising for thc third time , Bro . VV . C . Smith , Preceptor , proposed that a vote of thai . ks be recorded on thc minutes nf this Iodise of instruction to liro . W . Hancock , W . M ., for the very able anil elllcient manner in whicli hc had carried out tlie duties of lhe chair for the lirst time in this lodge of instruction . He trusted th ; it the VV . M . would attend the lodge of instruction as often as possible , and he would do all in his power to assist him . He was most careful and attentive in his working—seconded b y the J . W ., carried unanimously . The VV . M ., in reply , thanked the brethren most heartily for their kind vote , which he much appreciated . It was the lirst time hc had ever worked the Third