Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

the absence through indisposition of the VV . M . The usual toasts followed , and Bros . VV . Hammond and Hopwood responded upon behalf of" The Provincial Grand Officers . " "The Health of the VV . M . was given by the Secretary . Bro . Hiscox having acknowledged the compliment upon behalf of the W . M ., then gave "The Visitor , " which was responded to by Bro . Pinckney . " The Past Masters , " replied to by Bro . Jessett , and " The Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . VVheatley and Eales , terminated

the proceedings . CANNOCK . —Earl Shrewsbury Lodge ( No . 1520 ) . —On the 9 th ult . the members of this lodge assembled at the Local Board Offices to celebrate the annivery of St . John the Evangelist , when Bro . J . L . Gibbons , P . M ., installed Bro . F . Stanley Hooper as W . M . for the year , and invested the officers as follows : Bros . R . Barton ,

I . P . M . ; J . L . Gibson , S . VV . ; J . turner , J . W . ; F . Sharp , S . D . ; B . P . Blockley , J . D . ; J . J . Simpson , I . G . ; T . Evans , Sec . ; J . L . Gibbons , Treas . ; T . H . Cope , D . of C , C . S . ; Rev . C Bullivant , P . P . G . C , Chap . ; J . Morris , Org . ; J . Green and J . J . Robinson , Stwds . ; and E . Coombes , 'Tyler . In addition to the above-named , the following brethren were among those present : Bros . VV .

Ormson , P . M ., Prov . G . S . D . ; D . VV . Munro , G . Blogg , T . M . Heape , J . Smith , S . Adams , Rev . J . Seddon , 52 G ; R . Thomas , 45 G ; J . Craddock , 1039 ; VV . R . Brookes , 739 ; and F . Barnett , 539 . The brethren afterwards sat down to a banquet at the Crown Hotel . The customary toasts were given and responded to , and during the enjoyable proceedings a choice selection of songs . was given .

LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the members of this lodge , was held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult ., when there was an attendance of upwards of 90 brethren . The chair was occupied by Bro . J . L . Shrapncll , VV . M ., who was officially supported by Bros . W . Savage . I . P . M . ; lohn Atkinson , P . M . ; VV . VV . Sandbrook ,

P . M ., M . C ; Joseph Bell , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Burgess , S . VV . ; J . M . ' Bovd , J . W . ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . G . S . D ., Treas . ; Josef Cantor , Sec ; O . W . Saunderson , S . D . ; W . Whittle , J . D . ; J . J . Monk , Org . ; J . Ayr Marples , I . G . ; II . Round , VV . Parker , C . H . Buchanan , and E . H . Allen , Stwds . ; and VV . H . Ball , T y ler . Amongst the numerous members present were Bros . John Cobham , P . M .

241 , 13 S 0 ; VV . Pirrie , E . Graham , I . Jacobs , H . Brooklyn , E . Cruft , VV . 1 . Lawson , Eaton Batty , J . Uramham , J . Buziau , G . Rawlins , Ballard , S . Mattison , T . L . Duncan , J . Frueberg , Galloway , | . L . Goedhart , Ben Hughes , Lewis Hughes , J . lioult , J . 11 . Light , J . B . Macpherson , F . A . Macpherson , J . Rawsthorne , VV . E . Stone , and others . There were about 30 visitors from other lodges , and the

meeting was generally voted as being most successful . 'The lodge was opened , and after the minutes had been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for three candidates , Messrs . Harris , Finebcrg , Briscall , and Dr . Gardner ; which proved unanimously in their favour , and as they were in attendance , they were duly initiated into the Order . Bros . Giannacupolo , Ben Davies , and Lionel Ellis

were subsequently passed to the Degree of F . C , and after the transaction of some other business , the brethren adjourned for refreshments , a very pleasant evening being enjoyed . Songs were given by Bros . Ben Davies , of the Carl Rosa Company , J . B . Macpherson , VV . VV . Hall , VV . Jones , VV . E . Stone , W . Savage , Giannacupolo , and other brethren . . Another of thc numerous " surprises" which seem

peculiar to the Dramatic Lodge took place on this occasion . A committee consisting of the I . P . M ., J . W ., and Secretary had very quietly organised a presentation to thc brother who holds thc keys of the cash box of the lodge , in recognition of his musical abilities , which have more than once been used to some purpose in the lodge . The testimonial took the form of what was called " a handsomely

bound volume of music , " and an address , which in respect to thc unique nature of the " get-up " and contents has probably had no parallel in the history of this or any other lodge in modern times . The text of the curious production conveyed thc information that it was presented as " a humble tribute to the musical genius " of the brother who was thus honoured , and as a testimony to his "

extraordinary talent in that branch of musical art which _ may not unappropriated be termed declamatory singing . " The address further stated " It is but a meagre compliment to you to remark that your vocal efforts are such as have never yet been surpassed if ever equalled , in the originality of their rendering , the daring of their conception , and the boldness of their delivery . To all whose fortune it may

have been to listen to the dramatic story of the fair Imogcne and thc brave Alonzo , as interpreted by your matchless and perfectly unique delivery , these few lines will but serve to convey a faint idea as to what extent not only the members of our lodge , but hundreds of outside individuals are indebted to your astounding versatility . It is not too much to remark

that the lute of Orpheus , the lyre of Apollo , nay , even the very pipes of Pan , must pale before such music , and it is on these considerations that we have decided to present you with this magnificently bound copy of what may justly be termed your ' cheval de bataille , ' merely expressing the hope that you may long be spared to astonish and excite vour music-loving friends with the almost superhuman

effects of your musical genius . We present you with the volume not because you are ever likely to need it , nor as an aid to the pianist whose lot it may be to accompany you , for wc fear that no mere copy , however correct , could approach in its startling minuteness and redundancy of ideas your own ideas of this immortal composition , but as a slight memento of the mingled feelings its performance has

engendered in the breasts of , yours musically "—[ Signed by nearly 70 membcrsj . . The ( . P . M . in making the present , after a few preliminary apologies for inability to do justice to the event , said : When I mention the name of the distinguished brother whom we propose to honour 1 am sure you will accord him that acclammation which is due to those whom we love and esteem . I may mention that we have geniuses in this

lodge , and on different occasions we have shown our appreciation of their talents by making presents to them ; but never have we recognised the musical genius . Being blessed with so many of them in this lodge , it would be an invidious task to select one alone out of the number to honour , did not that one stand prominent and prc-minent in his peculiar forte . To furnish some slight recognition of

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

his extraordinary talent , a strong committee was formed , and I am happy to say that very many of the brethren generously responded , and we decided to present the hero of this toast with a beautifully illuminated address and a handsomely bound volume of music , and with them the love and esteem of the subscribers . The address having been read by the I . P . M ., the

brother whose vocal abilities elicited the surprising and extraordinary outburst of appreciation expressed his thanks in a few brief sentences . He felt proud that any little musical " scena " which he attempted should be thus recognised , and on all occasions he would be pleased to give the same " great musical number" whenever it might be called into

requisition . The Dramatic Lodge was famous for its afterdinner programmes , and if the presence of "Alonzo the Brave and the Fair lmogene" was welcome to the brethren they would frequently play a part in the feast and its subsequent pleasant meetings . The musical drama , he was sure , would never decay so long as this immortal piece had an existence . The proceedings closed with the Tyler ' s toast .

HEBBURN-ON-TYNE . —Perseverance Lodge ( No . 1 G 43 ) . —At the regular meeting of the brethren of the above lodge on the gth ult . at the Masonic Hall , Ellison House , there was a large assembly of members and visitors , it being the annual meeting for the election of VV . M . for the ensuing year . The lodge was duly opened by Bro . Geo . Hardy , W . M . Prov . G . A . D . of C , assisted by Bros . Jas . McCulloch , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . ; S . Chadwick , S . VV . ;

C VV . Newlands , J . W . ; and other officers . After transacting the preliminary business the ballot was taken for the VV . M . for the ensuing year , when Bro . Samuel Chadwick , S . VV ., was declared to be unanimously elected . Bro . McCulloch , P . M ., was then re-elected unanimously as 'Treasurer , and Bro . J . Murray , Tyler . The lodge was then closed in love and concord , and the brethren adjourned to refreshments , where "The Health of the VV . M . Elect " was duly honoured , and an agreeable night spent .

ALDERSHOT . —Army and Navy Lodge ( No . 1971 ) . — 'This lodge met on Wednesday , the lGth ult ., when there were present Bros . General Cook , P . M . ; Capt . Croisdale , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Dr . Barker , Dr . Mullens , Capt . Symonds , Pembcrton , Foster , Bendall , Burns , Colson , 723 , and others . Thc minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed ,

the ballot was then taken for Bro . Captain Griffith , R . A ., as a joining member , which proved unanimous . Bro . Captain Croisdale said he had received communication from each of thc Secretaries of thc Masonic Charitable Institutions inviting the services of brethren as Stewards for their respective Associations , and expressed the gratification and pleasure with which the name of any brother

undertaking that office would be received . There could be no doubt all three of the Institutions were doing a good work , they were admirably managed , and they fully deserved their hearty support . There mi g ht be circumstances in the way of undertaking the duties of Charity Steward , but there was one thing he thought they might all do , and that was to join a Charitable Association ,

through the aid of which , supplemented by a small monthly subscription , they would ultimately become Life Subscribers or Life Governors of these noble Masonic Charities . In fact he was of opinion thc time had now arrived for starting a Charitable Association Fund in connection with their lodge . I le had already carefully considered the subject , and was prepared to submit rules and regulations for the due

administration of such a fund , if they agreed with him that an association of this kind should be established . Bro . Capt . Croisdale then proceeded to give a brief epitome of his scheme , and said he would formally submit it for their approval at their next meeting . It may be mentioned that all thc brethren present expressed their concurrence , and therefore there is no

doubt a Charitable Association in connection with the lodge will be successfully launched on thc lines indicated by Bro . Capt . Croisdale , and we wish it every success . After thc transaction of other formal business the lodge was closed , and thc brethren afterwards spent a pleasant hour together at the social board , discussing in a jovial and hearty manner what is sometimes facetiously called thc Fourth Degree .

SOUTH SHIELDS . —Hadrian Lodge ( No . 1970 ) . —At the last regular meeting of this lodge at thc I'recmasons' Hall , Fowler-street , there was a good attendance . 'The lodge was opened by Bro . VV . Davidson , VV . M ., assisted b y his officers . Mr . Chas . Fairnington , who had been previously balloted for , was initiated by thc W . M ., who also delivered the charge . After transacting other business the lodge was closed in harmony , and the brethren adjourned to refreshments , after which an enjoyable evening was spent .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

PERCY LODGE ( No . 198 ) . —This lodge met at the Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , N ., on the 19 th ult . Present : Bros . A . Ferrer , VV . M . ; Ashton , S . VV . ; Shcppard , J . W . ; A . Ferrer , S . D . ; Parks , J . D . ; Turner , I . G . ; Pearcy , Preceptor ; Galer , Sec . ; Fenner , Woolveridge , Payne , Weeden , Dixie , Recknell , Williams , Cross , and Powell . Lodge was opened in due form with prayer , and the

minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Cross having offered himself as a candidate , the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and Bro . Dixie having offered himself as a candidate , was examined and entrusted . Lodge was opened in the 'Third Degree and thc ceremony of raising rehearsed . Lodge was resumed in the First

Degree , and Bro . Dixie worked the Second Section of the Lecture , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Ashton was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week . Bro . Sheppard , 136 G , was elected a joining member . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed in ancient form and adjourned .

At the meeting on the 26 th ult ., there were present Bros . Liebman , VV . M . ; Gellen , S . VV . ; Cross , J . VV . ; Woolveridge , S . D . ; Payne , J . D . ; Turner , I . G . ; Powell , acting Preceptor ; Galer , Sec ; Ashton , O'Donnell , Weeden , Leber , Hitterich , and Jones . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Ashton having offered himself as a candidate , the ccramony of

Instruction.

initiation was rehearsed . Bro . Powell worked the third section of the Lecture , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Gellen was unanimously elected as VV . M . for the ensuing week . Nothing further having offered for thegood of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed earlier than usual on account of it being the monthly meeting night of the Masonic Association .

WANDSWORTH LODGE ( No . 1044 ) . — 1 he annual festival of this lodge took place at the East Hill Hotel , Alma-road , on Tuesday last . The lodge was opened in due form when the ' re were present Ums . Richards , P . G . S ., P . M . S . P . P . G . S . W . Middx ., VV . M . ; Black , A . D . C 15 G 4 , S . VV . ; Iligerty , J . W ., 1714 , S . D . 1044 , Sec , J . W . ; Carter , P . M . 1014 . Precentor : ll „ ll .-in , l .

P . M . 1044 , Treas . ; Knipler , S . W . 1044 , S . D . ; Ellis , J . D . 1044 , J . D . ; Cowley , I . G . 1044 , I . G . ; Buddy , P . M . ; Morgan , P . M . ; Spooner , P . M . ; Marshall , Bate , Smith , Hum , Lee , G . J . Jones , Harman , Bell , Fuller , Mason , Radclyffe , Cleaver , VV . Ii . Jones , Wynne , Harcourt , Hardiman , Frost , Wyatt , and others . Visitors : Bros . Page , P . M . ; Spooner , Smith , Gooden , Alciatorc , Fagan , Gerholdt . Sorinirett . and manv others .

The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge having been opened in the Second Degree the foiowii ' ig brethren assisted the VV . M . to work the Five Sections of the Second Lecture—First Section , Bro . Knipler ; Second , Bro . Higerty ; 'Third , Bro . Carter ; Fourth , Bro . Black ;

rifth , Bro . Cowley . 'The lodge was then closed in the Second Degree , and Bros . Gooden and Page were elected members of thc lodge . A vote of thanks was passed to the brethren for working the sections , as was also one to the VV . M . for presiding . The VV . M . was then unanimously elected an honorary member , who in the course of his reply , stated that he was agreeably surprised to see the work so

satisfactorily done by the brethren . Thc lodge was then closed in due form until Tuesday next . The brethren then sat down to an excellent supper provided by the host , Bro . Harwell . After the cloth was removed the usual Masonic toasts followed , interspersed with some excellent songs by Bros . Cowley , Barnett , Smith , Frost , Carter , Marshall , and others . The brethren adjourned about midnight , having spent a most enjoyable evening .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 2 . Sth ult . at thc Fountains Abbey Hotel , ill , Praed-strcet , Paddington , VV . There were present Bros . VV . I . Mason , VV . M . ; J . Laurence , S . W . ; C . S . Mote , J . W . ; G . Read , P . M . 511 , Preceptor , Treas . ; D . Dehane , I . P . M . 1543 , Sec ; F . Swain , S . D ; F . Chandler , J . D . ; VV . Middleweck , I . G . ; II .

Purdue , Stwd . ; VV . II . Chalfont , VV . M . 142 s ; Capt . A . Nicols , I . P . M . 1974 ; J . Cruttenden , S . J . Humfress , VV . Death , C II . Wood . C . J . Brown , G . Dickinson , D . Stroud , A . Hardy , II . Robinson , C . R . Wickens , C J . Craig , C . J . Morse , and J . M . Chapman . Visitors : Bros . C . Montier-Williams , 1223 , and Oiven Hill , 755 . 'The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of

thc previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Brown being candidate . Bro . F . Swain , at the request of the VV . M ., then assumed the chair . Bro . Humfress was examined and entrusted , welin the lodge was opened in the Second Degree ,

and the ceremony of passing rehearsed . The VV . M . invested the officers after thc lodge had been resumed to the First Degree . Ilro . Mason then reassumed the chair . Ilro . Read worked thc Fourth Section of thc Lecture , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Laurence was elected VV . M . for February nth . ,

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1 C 14 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at The Cranbourne , Upper St . Martin ' s-lane , W . C , on the 17 th ult ., when there were present Bro . J . | acobs , VV . M . ; Fowles , S . W . ; G . Coleman , J . W . ; l \ A . Dickson , S . D . ; B . Solomons , J . D . ; J . Figgcss , I . G . ; VV . II . Richardson , Preceptor ; G . Reynolds , Sec ; IIyams , Delaruc , Ball , Ford , VV . C Smith , and Mogford .

lhe lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer , and the minutes of thc last meeting read and confirmed . Bro . Delaruc having offered himself as a candidate for initiation the VV . M . rehearsed the ceremony . Bro . 1 Iyams offering himself as a candidate for passing he was duly questioned , answered well and retired . Lodge opened in the Second Decree and the W . M . rehearsed

the ceremony of F . C . Lodge resumed to thc First Degree , and Bro . Fowles was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , and appointed his officers in rotation . Bro . G . Coleman , one of the Auditors , read the report , from which it appears that during thc year 32 meetings had been held , the lodge having a recess of four months , thc number of members attending 3 G 3 , and the number of new

and joining members 20 . The ceremony of initiation had been rehearsed 19 times , passing 13 , raising 10 , and installation 1 ; thc First Lecture , with several of its Sections , had been worked 2 G times , Second Lecture 12 , and thc Third Lecture 10 . The lodge had been called off 12 times . From the books it appeared that after paying all expenses a fair balance remained in hand .

The report was unanimously confirmed . A vote of thanks was recorded on the minutes to Bro . G . Reynolds , the Secretary , for the clear manner in which thc minute book and accounts had been kept . Bro . W . H . Richardson , P . M ., was again elected as Preceptor for the ensuing year , and Bro . G . Reynolds was re-elected Treasurer and Secretary , and both made suitable replies , assuring the members

of the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction they would do all in their power for its benefit . On account of the illness of Bro . Kcdgeley , which the brethren much regretted , his proposition of establishing a Charitable Fund in connection with the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction was postponed until he was able to attend . T he lodge was then closed .

NEW FINSBURY PARK LODGE ( No . 16 95 ) . —At the weekly meeting held at Hornsey Wood Tavern , on Tuesday , the 29 th ult ., there were present Bros . Larchin , VV . M . ; Davies , Preceptor ; Chorley . S . VV . ; Russell , J . W . ; Berry , Sec ; Jennings , S . D . ; Haynes , J . D . ; Bolt , I . G . ; Knights , Hubbard , Eldridge , Shackell , Hall ,

Fenner , A . Goode , Oldis , Moon , and Oxley . 'The lodge was opened in due form , and . the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and the First Section of the Third Lecture was rehearsed by Brc . Fenner . Lodge resumed in Second Degree , and Bro . Moon having offered himself