Masonic Banquet At Maritzburg, Natal.

no mere compliment to him to express his full conviction t a , he would worthily fill thc high office to which be had been elected . He was a man who had a high character for honour and integrity , not only among the fraternity , but also with all who had been connected with him cither in business or as private friends . In responding to the toast of "The Installing Master , " W . Bro . FINNIMORE spoke With great pleasure of the progress which the Skelmersdale

Lodge had made ; ada'luling to the geneial progress of . Masonry in Natal , h -Id out hopes that before very long a rangements might be made for the establishment of a District Grand Lodge for Natal—a suggestion which evidently met with general approval on the part of the brethren present . " The Health of ) 3 ro . Wiltshier , " who will shortly open

a lodge at Grcytown , was also cordially drunk-, and the services which he ha-1 rendered to the Skelmersdale Loelge warmly acknowledged . Bro . Major TKRRV replied in well-chosen language to the toast of "'The Sister Lodges , " and expressed bis certainty that each lodge in Natal , would be willing and glad at all times to render assistance to any sister lodge which might require it . Bros . Sc _ i . i . KS and Colonel STEWARD reponded for " The Visiting Brethren , " the latter congtulatating the lodge upon the admirable music which had been given by Bros . Fra .-er , Schofield , and others , ancl had added so much to the pleasure of the evening . The toast of "Masonic Benevolent Institutions" was cl - !_ -ntly proposed by Bro . Archdeacon COI . LEV , and was responded to by VV . Bro . FINNEMORE , as Chairman of the

Nat . ii Masonic Benevolent Association , who pointed out the practical good which that institution had already worked . He was followed b y W . Bro . Dui . CKEN , Hon . Sec , whu also congratulated the brethren on the practical good they were doing . At the conclusion of thc proceedings a collection was made , amounting to over £ ' ,, for the benefit of thc Masonic Benevolent Fund .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

C-traft iHasottro . WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — The election meeting of this lodge was held on the 15 th ult ., at the Ne . v Market Hotel , ' King-street , ICC . the lodge ; was op ; ned by the W . M ., Bro . J . Howes , supported by thc following officer .- ; and brethren : Bros . VV . Pennefather , P . M ., S . W . ; T . Butt , acting J . W . ; II . J . I . arclner , as S . I ) . ; R . Greenwood , J . D . ; Stephens , I . G . ; Mallett , Sec . : " W . C . Smith , Mackay , Cooke , Reiiaut ,

Walter , W . 11 . Milton , M . ) . C . Milton , Wilkinson , King , Silvey , \ V . Butt . C . S , ; Egbert Roberts , Org . ; and others . 'The Secretary read the minutes of the last regular meeting and that of the lodge of emergency . 'The Secretary submitted the minute : ; , which were received , and unanimously confirmed . 'The lodge was then opened in the F . C . Degree , and Bro . Wilkinson received thc merit and retired . The lodge was then prepared by the W . Master for the

Ma-ter Mason ' s Degree , and Bro . Wilkinson returned ; the \ V . . Master , in an able ancl impressive manner , administered to him the Master Mason ' s Degree . 'The W . Master resumed his lodge , and ballot was taken for the following gentlemen : Messrs . Gaskin and Benson , which proved unanimous . 'Those gentlemen not having arrived , the W .. M . proceeded to the election of W .. M . and Treasurer , the result of which was Bro . Pennefather , S . W .,

being unanimously elected W . M ., and Bro . J . Howes , P . M ., re-elected Treasurer . Bro . Smyth was elected Tyler . The loelge elected as the Audit Committee Bros . Lardner , King , and Stephens . Mr . Gaskin , having arrived , was duly initiated . The brethren for passing not being present , the Benevolent Committee asked that their amended report should stand over until the next regular lodge meeting , which was agreed to . Several

discussions ensued , after which the W . M . received the congratulations of the brethren . 'The lodge was then closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall to partake of a substantial repast , served in Bro . T . Butt's excellent style . 'The W . M . proposed "The Oueen and Craft , " which was heartily responded to by the brethren , the " National Anthem " being- sung by Bro . Roberts . The next toast

was that of " 'The G . M . " The W . M . then gave the toast of " The Pro G . M ., Deputy G . M ., and Grand Lodge Officers , Present and Past . " 'The toast was responded to with song and sentiment . Bro . Mallet , P . M ., Sec , was then entru-ted with the gavel , and , on rising , remarked the pleasure he felt at the honour of having to propose the next toast , that of "'The W . M ., " who , none could deny , bad discharged the duties as the head of the lodge , for

the time he : had occupied the chair , 111 a manner deserving the highest commendations . His excellent working was well-known to be of the best school ; he bad , by his amiable , sociable , and straightforward conduct , set a noble example , which might be followed by other VV . M . ' s with credit . It was no Mattery to say he had done as well as could be done . He had listened to the cries of the distressed , and had hastened to succour them with substantial success :

heiv . is at the call of the members whenever he was required ; lie had l . i . ide them happy , with few exceptions , in the lodge , and contented at refreshment ; he never lost the opportunity of ' suppressing the slightest signs of dissension bv proper Masonic admonition ; he had deserved well of the brethren , ami lie ( Bro . Mallett ) trusted they would till bumpers a ml join in drinking the health of the retiring VV . M . The toast was enthusiastically received , and an excellent

"fire ensued , 'i he W . M . observed as Bro . . Mallett could say so much , he had better try his hand at a song , which was complied with . 'The W . M . thanked the brethren for the handsome manner the toast of himself had been received by them . He assured them he felt very pleased to think and see he had given so much satisfaction , and also , as a proof of the same for electing him as their Treasurer : he

would ratherjhey had not clone so ; but as it was the desire of _ tlie majority , he felt he could not do otherwise than submit to their fiat . He hoped they would not be extravagant , for that he would not counsel , and he would strive to discharge the duties as their 'Treasurer to the best of his ability . It was not the first time he had held such office , he , therefore , knew something of its working . 'The worthy

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

brother resumed his seat midst general marks of approval . The W . M . rose and said he had hoped to have had a P . M . of the lodge on his last night to reply to their toast , but found again he had none to support him ; he , therefore , thought ' the best thing for him to r \ o was to leave it out until they did attend , so that they mi ; ht have the lion ur of replying . He must say that during his year of ollice he had scarcely seen them ; he would , therefore , propi se

the toast of "The Initiate . " They had but one , but he v . as quite satisfied by that brother's conduct and behaviour during his initiation to warrant his saying that he would make a good brother—he congratulated him . He now called on the brethren to rise and drink to the initiate . 'The toast was well received . The initiate replied to the toast . The W . M . rose , as he said , with unusual pleasure to propose "The Health of the Visitor . " They had on that occasion

but one visitor , but he was none the less welcome . Bro . Jennings , I . P . M . of the Royal Albert Lodge , had passed the various offices with honour to himself and satisfaction to the lodge until be became its W . M . 'To make good VV . M . 's brethren ought to be able to do all the work of the lodge with ease prior to going into the VV . M . ' s chair . He had been told Bro . Jennings had so excelled , and earned for himself a unanimous vote of thanks , conveyed to him in

open lodge , the same to be recorded on the minutes . I hat was the sort of example to follow . He could say a good deal more on the subject , but must defer it until some other time , he would , therefore , call on them to drink to the visitor , which was cordially done . Bro . Jennings , who on rising to respond was received with approbation by the brethren , tendered his thanks for the kind manner the toast of the visitor had been received by them . It was always a

ideasure to be received well and hear nice things , but thc W . M . had illustrated his abilities a little too much ; but knowing it was intended kindly he would say no more on that point , but must say that he felt he had discharged his duty to the Royal Albert Lodge to the best of his ability , and had also given satisfaction to his brethren , ancl felt sure his successor , Bro . T . Butt , who had invited him amongst them that evening , would at the end of his year

of ollice give ecpial satisfaction . It was the first time he had visited the mother lodge , and must express the pleasure he felt at the able manner the working was done . He quite expected it . Being a member of three lodges of instruction , and knowing the element at work to make them perfect , he should have been greatly disappointed at any result different to what he had seen . Their Preceptor , Bro . Pennefather , also an old P . M ., bad been

unanimously elected their VV . M . for the ensuing year—it did credit to their selection ; he felt sure the members of the lodge would support him well during his Mastership . He was sure the West Smithfield Lodge would sooner enlater be a very successful lodge . He conjured the brethren to work together ancl make it so . He hoped be should have the honour of an invite during Bro . Peimefather ' s year of office ; he was glad to see the class of gentlemen

who were being invited among' them—good men made good Freemasons . 'Too much care cannot be observed in their selection , for . 1 bad Mason only brings discredit on the Craft , ancl gives the outer world the opportunity of throwing stones . 'Thanking them again for the kind and brotherly reception he had received from them he wished them success for the coming year . The W . M . next proposed "'The Officers of the Lodge . " Bro . Pennefather ,

addressing the W . M ., said , as S . W . he thanked thc VV . M . on his own behalf for the officers' toast , also the brethren for electing him to preside over them for the ensiling year ; he would do his best to carry on those duties entrusted to him with fervency and zeal . lie would do his best to further the interests of the lodge , and to preserve its harmony to the best of his ability , and he courted the aid of the brethren to assist him , for , as generally accepted ,

unity was strength . 'There was sure to be something- occur at times to cause discord in every institution where an assemblage of men congregated together to discuss subjects ; there would always be one or more found to differ , and although difference of opinion ought not to affect brotherly love , it , nevertheless , did at times , ancl should it occur in their lodge it was then he should require the aid of his brethren to suppress it . lie trusted no

opportunity would arise in the lodge during his year of oihee to disturb its harmony , but he liked to mention these little tilings that thc brethren might do all in their power to prevent discord , and assist him in ruling- and governing the lodge . He quite agreed with Bro . Jennings that the West Smithfield Lodge had a bright future before it ; he could at the present moment produce VV . M . 's for many lodges from among members of the lodge who had as yet had no

opportunity of receiving office , and some of luein not yet two years in Freemasonry , this the inevitable result of attending lodges of instruction regularly ; he knew many of his brethren who would rather neglect their comfort than their instruction , and concluded by again thanking the VV . M . for the officers' toast . Bro . Mallett next replied , thanking the VV . M . and the brethren for the courtesy lie had received from them during the past year . Bro . Lankier next

responded , promising , if apper . i . ted to oltnv , to assi-t the VV . M . in carrying - out thedulie- ; of the lodge to the best of his ability . Bro . G . S . Stephens also replied , and observed that little had been h ft him to say by the other officers , but he could say one thing , h endorsed all that they had said , and should he again have the honour of receiving appointment he should do his utmost for the interest of the lodge and the sociablcncss of ( lie brothers . Bro . E . Roberts

Organist , tl . anked the W . M ., ancl said : i again appointed lo ollice he should do his best to please I ' u-in . li . o . W . Butt . C . S ., also returned thanks , and la . peel the VV . M . would not forget him when appointing his officers . " 'The Health of the Lay Members" was next drank , . " . nd responded to by Bros . Kcnant , Greenwood , King , Silver , and W . C . Smith , placing their services at the disposal of the W . M . for any small consideration . Bro . J . Butt , W . M .

1 J 07 , also member of the lodge , anil acting J . W ' ., in answer to the toast of "' 'The Host , " said he congratulated the VV . M . on the termination of his year ol * ollice ; he coulil tell him he had given great satisfaction to them all , and trusted Bro . Pci ' inefutlicT , their W . M . elect , would be equally successful , lie thanked the W . M . forthe kind reference to himself and Mrs . Butt . 'They would always

try and make tlieni happy and comfortable . lie thanked the brethren for the courtesy shown him , anel trusted to merit a continuance of the same , and hoped to see the lodge placed on a sound footing during : the coming year . 'The W . M . next proposed the Tyler ' s toast , and after a chit chat among themselves the brethren dispersed after an enjoyable : evening .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

FARRINGDON WITHOUT LODGE ( No . 1745 ) . — 'This representative lodge met in good numbers at th ; Viaduct Hotel , Holborn , " on Monday , the 2 _ th ult . Among those in attendance were Bros . T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . Middx ., W . M . ; H . J . Lardner , S . W . ; M . Samuel , J . W . ; C . Jacques , I . P . M . ; VV . H . Jackson , jun ., P . M . and Sec ; " VV . Williams , I . G . ; Hart ' fHon . Org . ); and

Parkinson , 'Tyler . 'The minutes of the installation meeting having been read and confirmed , the report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . Thc ballot was then taken upon behalf of Bro . Falck , Prosperity Lodge , as a joining member , and it proved to be unanimous . . Several communications having been read , the lodge was closed in ancient form , and thc brethren separated . 'There was no banquet .

GATESHEAD . —Lodge of Industry ( No . 4 8 ) . — The usual monthly gathering of this ancient and healthy lodge was held at the rooms , No . 31 , Denmark-street , 011 Monday , the 2 ( ith ult ., when there was a good muster of members and visitors . 'The lodge was opened shortly after 7 p . m . by the W . M .. Bro . John Wood , assisted bv tin following officers : Bros . Robt Whitfield , I . P . M .: J . G .

Smith , S . W . ; E . Liddell , J . W . ; W . B . Elsdon , 'Treas . ; E . VV . Middle-mast , Sec ; C . B . Ford , as S . D . ; R . W . Sisson , as J . D . ; Michael Corb . tt , as LG . ; R . Ferry , Org . ; A . Rhagg , S . S . ; W . M . Pybus , J . S . ; Joshua Curry , Tyler . Amongst the brethren present were Bros . B . P . Orel , P . M . ; ' M . Corhett , P . M . ; J . G . Benson , Win . Towers , | as . T . Hedley , VV . Brown , M . J . Whcatley ,

Robt . 'Tate , VV . Dalrymple . 'The list of visitors included Bros , R . Robson , W . M . 1274 ; T . S . Robson , 1274 ; J . Duckitt , W . M . 4 S 1 ; Jos . Cook , P . M . 4 S 1 : John Usher , I . P . M . 4 S 1 ; C . B . Ford , J . W . S 41 ; Thomas Prentice , S . W . 4 S 1 ; C . A . Bushel ! , S . W . 1427 ; R . Willis , 040 ; E : A . Gibson , 424 ; Whitmore York . I _ 1 ; S . M . Harris , J . W . 40 . ; W . F . Poad , J . W . 424 ; H .

Simpson , 5 6 ; | . T . Taylor , P . M . 1076 ; R . W . Cummins , J . W . tfiTf ' ; R " . Smaile , P . M . 541 ; T . Dinning , S . 4 S 1 ; and others . 'The minutes of the previous lodge were confirmee ! , after which thc ballot was taken for Mr . 'Thos . Wilson , proposed at last meeting - for initiation , and he was duly elected . The lodge was then opened in Ihe Second Degree , when Bros . VV . 'Towers and j . G . Benson were examined , and having

received the tc _ of merit , retired for preparation . The lodge was afterwards opened in the 'Third Degree , when Bros . 'Towers and Benson were re-admitted , and raised as M . M . ' s by the W . M ., who also explained thc working tools and 'Tracing Board . 'The lodge was reduced to the First Degree , when after some routine matters i \ -ere disposed of , ami the visitors had given " Hearty good wishes "

to the VV . M ., the lodge was closed at S . 45 p . m . 'The brethren re-assembled in the refreshment room , and enjoyed themselves for the . remainder of the evening in listening to the usual . Masonic toasts , and a musical entertainment . In giving the toast of "The Officers , " the VV . M . alluded in feeling terms to the loss the lodge would

sustain through the removal of Bro . Jas . Macintyre to the South , where he is seeking his fortune anew on the London press . Bro . Macintyre responded in a neat and modest speech , and referred to the many happy hours he had spent amongst the brethren of old 4 S . He hoped he should never cease his connection with his mother lodge .

GARSTON . — -Lodge of Harmony ( No . 220 ) . — The annual installation meeting of the members of this suburban loelge was held at the Wellington Hotel , which is within an easy distance of Liverpool , on Wednesday , the 2 t > th ult ., where and when a very select and thoroughly representative gathering - of the Craft took place under the presidency of the retiring W . M ., Bro . 'Thomas F . Hill .

The W . M . elect , Bro . Henry Hatch , S . W ., was presented by Bro . John W . Baker , P . M ., and Bro . Samuel Tickle , P . M ., and the ceremony was worthily performed by the retiring VV . M . After the usual honours the following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . 'Thomas F . Hill , I . P . M . ; E . RutclifTe , S . W . ; Edgar IIuniphi . es , J . W . ; Wm . Vines , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , 'Treasurer ( by proxy ); James Carter , Secretary ( by proxy ); 'Thomas Jones , S . D . ; '

William Oliver , J . D . ; P . E . Rothwell , LG .: John R . Wood , Organist ; and Joseph Williams and G . Clampit , Stewards . Bro . James Robinson was re-elected 'Tyler . Bro . Hill , I . P . M ., was presented with . 1 tasteful I ^ ast Master ' s jewel on behalf of the brethren by the W . M . 'The members and guests afterwards sat down to dinner , which was well served by the host , Bro . James Wood , and a very enjoyable evening was spent .

BERKHAMPSTEAD . —Berkhampslead Lodge ( No . 30 . 1 ) . ' —The usual bi-monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the King's Arms Hotel , on Wednesday , the 21 st ult ., Bro . J . T . Rowe , W . M .. in the chair . 'The lodge added three new members to the roll , Bro . Maddiver , I . P . M ., G . J . ., initiating them in first-rate Masonic style , the worthy VV . M . kindly vacating his chair for the

occasion . Bro . I'oun .-liier was passed by the VV . M . ma manner lcaviig nothing to be desired . 'Tlie ceremonies were much •. nUEd to by some choice and very appropriate music , which we think ought to be more cultivated in provincial lodges than it is at the present time . 'The banquet was we ' ll served , and with short speeches ami Some 1 Nr . lie ill singing the brethren brought a most onjovable meet ::: ; •to . 1 : 1 early close .

HAMPTON COURT . —Bur < l _ tt Ledge ( No . I ¦ i-. i . A r . iceiiii '" - was held on Saturday , the 24 th ult ., at the Vi ' . iv llotil . ' Present : Bros . Sindall , W . M . ; Gordon , S . W .: Kentish , J . W . ; Shaboe , Chap , and I . P . M . ; Bus ., Treas .: Pearse , Sec . ; Sanders , S . D . ; Maple , D . C ; Southwell . P . M .: Phythian , P . M . ; Keilv , P . M . ; Kirke ,

Hubbard , Roberts , Ward , Tarr . Masvv . i , Smith , Griffiths , and 'Tat ' ersall . Visitors : Bro ::. IIopwood , Gardiner , Cumberland , Griffiths , Blake , Muddock , Sykes , and Gibson . In the temporary unavoidable absence of the W . M ., Bro , Sindall , the lodge was opened by Bro . Southwell , P . M ., who duly rai-ed Bros . Griffiths and T . iUcrsal ! to the Sublime Degree of Master ?> lasons . 'The W . M . having now

arrived too ! : the'chair and duly initiated Messrs . Wilson and Rogers into Freemasonry . A cordial vote of congratulation was then passed to the P . G . M ., Sir F . Burdett , Bart ., oil his recent accession lo the title , & c , and after some other business the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet provided by Bro . Sadler , after which the usual toasts were given , and a pleasant evening passed .