Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

HALLIFORD . —Acacia Lodge ( No . 1309 ) . — The installation meeting of this well es'ablished loelge was held at the Ship Hotel , on Tuesday , August 27 th . Bro . J . George , W . M ., raised Bros . J . Proffitt and F . G . Luke . Bro . C . G . Rushworth , P . G . P . Middlx ., P . M ., Sec , initiated Mr . J- E . Faith . Bio . F . Walters , P . P . G . D . Middlx ., P . M ,, installed Bro . C . G . C . Starr , P . M . 871 , as W . M . The

officers are Bros . R . P . Te-bb , S . W . ; J . Scott , J . W . ; F . Walters , P . P . G . D . Middlx ., P . M ., Treas ., ( the father of the lodge and first VV . M . ); C . G . Rushworth , P . G . R . Middlx ., P . M . and Honorary Secretary , he paying up in full all his subscriptions ; J . Davis , S . D . ; C . C . Smiles , J . D . ; J Sutcliff , I . G . ; W . Y . Leaving , P . M ., Tyler . All the ceremonies were admirably rendered . The I . P . M ., Bro . J

George , having declined to accept a Past Masters' jewel , the amount voted was spent by him in purchasing a Life Governorship of the Male Annuity Fund , in the name of he Secretary of the lodge for the time being . The Stewards representing this lodge at the forthcoming charity festivals are Bro . Charles Horsley , P . P . G . R . Middlx ., P . M ., & c , Benevolent ; J . Sutcliffe , Girls ; and J . Proffitt , Boys .

Notice of motion was given by the Treasurer , Bro . F . Walters , P . P . G . D . Middlesex , to vote some surplus funds into the Masonic Charities . He also exerted himself to get the several Stewards for the charities , being well seconded by the estimable Secretary , Bro . C . G . Rushworth , P . G . R . Middlesex . Banquet followed . The visitors were Bros . E . C . Taylor , P . M . 1 r ; R . Jennings , J . W . 907 ; G . Musgrave , 1507 , anel others .

NORTH - WOOLWICH . —Henley Lodge ( No . 1472 ) . —The first meeting of thc above lodge , after the summer recess , took place on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at Bro . West ' s House , the Three Crowns , and although there were not many assembled , yet the event will long be remembered as one of the most solemn and awe inspiring that could possibly occur in the lifetime of any one

present , for in the midst of that" refreshment that comes after labour , " news was brought of the terrible accident on the river , almost as it were within hearing , anel that , at that very moment , some five or six hundred fellow creatures , men , women , and children , were lying in their cold and silent rivet graves . The lodge was opened by Bro . West , P . M ., in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Manning , the

W . M ., who had received a severe injury while travelling on a railroad in France , and Bros . Dudley , Gowers , and Rudd were , with due formalities , raised to the Sublime Degree . There being no further work , the lodge was closed with solemn prayer , and the brethren sat down to one of Bro . West ' s elegant little dinners , and " all went merry as a marriage bell . " The adjournment was hardly

made to the social board , before the news was brought of the terrible catastrophe above mentioned , and Bro . Past Master Ives , who filled the chair , supported by Bros . Past Masters W . Graham and West , gave the first few toasts , which were drunk in solemn silence , and in putting them our worthy brother spoke of the desolation that even now , and would , e ' er to-morrow ' s morn , reign over many a household , anel as it was impossible under the

circumstances to pass a few social hours in harmony , he asked them to separate and close the proceedings at once . To this the whole of the brethren immediately acquiesced , and departed sad and sorrowful from the lodge . Among the officers anil visitors present were Bros . J . Plume , J . W . ; D . W . Vance , S . D . ; E . J . Lloyd , J . D . ; F . Eleler , I . G . ; P . M ., Page , Tyler ; W . Brown , 1076 ; W . E . Hassell , 13 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason . )

LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1 C 09 ) . —The ordinary meeting of the members attached to this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , on the afternoon of Tuesday , the 27 th ult . Bro . Walter J . Chapman , VV . M ., opened the lodge , the other brethren present including Bros . Joseph Bell , I . I ' . M . ; B . B . Marson , P . G . S . B ., P . M .. D . C . ; L . Courtenay , S . W . ; J . McKenzie ,

| . W . ; A . Woolrech , Treasurer ; John Atkinson , Secretary ; F . Wilkinson , J . D . ; F . Emery , I . G . ; J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., and R . Burgess , Organists ; J . Pyer , S . S . ; VV . Savage , jun . J . S . ; W . Lowndes ; K . Brough ; H . Leslie ; Avann j Reay ; VV . Williams , Gough , Duncanson , Penny , Mattisou , Ballard , Brown , G . W . Anson , Weston , J . Hill , W . Hildyarel , Squire , Cooke , & c . After Bros . W . Gleams

and Gough had been passed to the degree of F . C , thc biethren proceceled to the election of W . AI . for thc ensuing year , and Bro . Lindo Courtenay was unanimously chosen to fill that position . Bro . Courtenay acknowledged thc honour whicli had thus been conferred upon him , and assured the brethren that he woulel spare no efforts to secute the continued prosperity of thc Dramatic Loelge .

Bro . A . Woohich was unanimously re-elected Treasurer for the third time , and Bros . J . Ball , Lowndes , Chapman , Reay , Dr . Pilts , anti K . Wilkinson , senr ., were electcel members of the committee of the Fund of Benevolence , which has enjoyed much prosperity since its formation . The sum of three guineas was voted in charity , and

twelve guineas for thc purchase of a P . M . ' s jewel , for the retiring VV . M . The brethren afterwards adjourned from labour to refreshment , after which the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and a pleasant evening was greatly enhanced by the vocal efforts of Bros . Hill , Williams , Anson , Brough , Cooke , Weston , Gilfillan , and others .

RHYL . —Caradoc Lodge ( No . 1674 ) . —On Monday , the 2 nd inst ., the first installation meeting of this lodge took place in the Town Hall , at 4 p . m ., when there were a large number of visitors and brethren present . The ordinary business of the lodge being finished , Bro . J .

Salmon , W . M ., was , ( a second time ) , duly installed by Bro . W . H . Spaull , P . G . Sec , N . Wales and Shropshire , assisted by Bro . J . I ' . Piatt , P . P . G . W . Cheshire . Afterwards the following ofiicers were invested for thc ensuing year Bros . W . II . Foulkes , S . W . j J . Rhydwen Jones , J . W . ;

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Rev . W . Ll . Nicholas , Chaplain ; W . T . Girdlestone , Treas . ; W . Hackforth , Sec . ; K . McEwen , S . D . ; T . Coxhead , J . D . ; E . W . Kcatinge , I . G .: F . Wrigley , Org . ; H . A . Steer , S . ; J . Baylis . Tyler . At 6 p . m . a banquet took place in the Bclvoir Hotel . Besides the officers mentioned , with the members , the-re were many visitors present ; amongst

them Bros . J . P . Piatt , P . P . J . G . W . Cheshire ; W . H . Spaull , P . G . Sec ; H . G . Guiiter , W . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Warwick , shire ; R . C . Edwards , W . M . ; H . W . Swindells , S . W . 721 ; E . Smith , W . M . 133 6 ; J . C . Owens , J . W . ; T . Davies , J . W . 71 * 5 ; and others . The lodge was eleclared to be in a prosperous state . Ihe W . M . made a present of his likeness to the lodge .

Cleopatra's Needle.

CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE .

Thc stout timber staging erected to aid in the elevation of Cleopatra ' s Needle is found to answer well . It shows no indications of weakness , and admirably fulfils the function of steadying and guiding the important operations for which it serves as the scaffolding . All progress now made is in the liftintr of the moneilith , and in the

simultaneous building up of the supports on which it is to rest . After every hoist of about 4 m ., which 11 kes about ten minutes , the hydraulic jacks rcejuire starting afresh . Their place , while they are being shifted , is taken by the timber packing inserted for thc purpose on the opposite side of the slot in which the girder moves . The space before filled by the hydraulic jack is then deftly packed to

secure the progress maele . Meanwhile the supporis for the obelisk are still lising from the giound . The completion of the socle and lower plinth , and the petlestal proper is now being rapidly built up . To the total height , 8 ft . s in ., of the other three supports it will add 10 ft . 5 m . It is to taper from 10 ft . square below to 9 ft . 3111 . above . The three lowest courses are cased in Cornish granite , the

centres being filled up with brickwork and Poitland cement ; but the two upper courses will be built wholly of granite . The centre is picrceel by a tubular cavity—tlrain pipes in fact—ir which will be depositee ! , among other things , a hollow bronze cast of Mr . Waynman Dixon ' s model of Cleopatra ' s Needle-, which will contain papers of the ordinary character , and a bronze circular plate about a

foot in diameter . In the four quartenngs are engraven representations of the obelisk as it lay in the sand at Alexandria , with the standing Neeelle by its side-, the obelisk , encased in its iron cylinder , being rolled down the beach into thc sea ; the obelisk ship " Cleopatra " under full sail at sea ; the process ot erection on the Thames Embankment , the obelisk being inclined at an angle of 45 deg .

An inscription at the top runs : — " Brought away from Alexandria September 21 st , 1877 ; " another to the left is , "The removal from Egypt planned and carried out by John Dixon , CE . ; " to the right is one , " The cost of removal borne by Erasmus Wilson , F . R . S ., F . R . G . S . ; " in the centre the legend is : — " Reached the Thames January 20 th , 1878 ; " and below , " Erection finally complete * , 1878 . "

The following appears tn the Asiatic Journal for 1820 : — " This celebrateel monument of antiquity may be shortly expcctcel to arrive from Alexandria , a present from the Pasha of Egypt to his Majesty George IV . It is , we understand , to be set up in Waterloo-place , opposite to Carlton House , where it will for ages , we heipe , serve to keep

alive the recollection of the exploits of our naval and military heroes in that country . The weight of the column is about 200 tons ; the eliameter at the pedestal seven feet . We understand that we are indebted to the influence of Mr . S . Briggs , British Resident at Grand Cairo , with the Pasha of Egypt for this magnificent monument . "

Reminiscence Of A Good Time.

REMINISCENCE OF A GOOD TIME .

Human life is so short and the bright rays of the sun are so often obscured by the clouds of adversity anel trouble , that when we really enjoy a " good time " it casts its radiance over a long period , and thankful we should be that our nature is so constituted as to forget the troubles and tribulations through which we have passed anel remember

bnly the bright and pleasant thoughts , the pleasures we have enjoyed . It is with such gratifying feeling we reflect on the pleasant day enjoyed with Empire Chapter , No . 170 , R . A . M ., on the occasion of their grand excursion up the Hudson . The day , though somewhat clouefy , was really fine and just suited for a water excursion . A big saloon steamer ,

the General Seelgwick , made the several landings on the East River , while the different barges were stationed along the Noith River to receive thc multitude of pleasure seekers . Promptly according to the programme announced in the Dispatch , the flotilla fell into line and steameel up the Hudson River . Thc steam yacht Crawford Maxwell ,

owned by Empire Chapter , lay at the foot of 152 nd street with the Grand L . H . A . of the S . T . M . ' s in command , and as honored guest of the chapter . When the party came opposite the yacht the flags were dipped in honour of the L . I .. A ., andthe tiny gun of the yacht fired a salute , while all the excursionists sang" Hail to the Chief , " " The March to Victory , " & c .

The yacht then took position in the Vine , and when com - munication was established between the yacht and the barges , the several aids to the L . H . A . were posted , so as to prevent too great a rush , as everybody was exceedingly anxious to sec this celebrated and venerable old functionary ( his photograph had not then becn published in the Dispatch ) , but owing to the strict orders given and

of course obeyed , none but the aids were admitted to the august presence of his Royal Highness . Your reporter , therefore , can only refer your many readers to the striking likeness published in last Sunday ' s Dispatch for a correct idea of how the great unknown L . H . A . looks . On the grounds everybody sought to press as much fun into as small a space of time as she or he possibly could .

Reminiscence Of A Good Time.

The race between our jovial and honoured D . G . M ., General Roome , and M . W . John W . Simons , on a carousel , ended in a complete defeat of Uncle John , thc vigorous general beating him by two lengths . Taking a hint from an article in a recent issue of the Dispatch , to the effect that too much attention is usually paid to thc dances anel not enough to the elders and those

who do not dance , the committee had hired a piano and engaged Professor Koch , who presided over it with signal ability . Comp . Brinks , with his quartette , contributed largely to the musical programme , as did also the Manhattan Glee Club , a singing society from the west side of the city , and composed of young gentlemen of leisure . Some very fine singing was also rendered by Captain L . D .

Decker , of the General Sedgwick , who , by the way , is not only a fine singer and a good captain , but a born gentleman ; everybody spoke very highly of his attention to his duty and his solicitude for the comfort of his charge . His songs , " There are Faces We Never Forget , " was received with great applause ; " Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep , " " Roses Underneath the Snow , " by the Quartette and the

Manhattan Glee Club , elicited rounds of applause . A little room was set aside for whist players , where R . W . Greg Satterlee was very conspicuous ; others in the room adjoining choose the ancient Greek game of Parlour Matches . In fact everybody had but to choose and find something to amuse and please . The refreshment and lunch counter was presided over

by Companion Southern , with a grace and dignity surprising in one so yonng ; the grace no doubt is natural , ami ihe dignity acquired by long practice . The superb music for the dancers was under thc direction of that excellent gentleman and boon companion , Tom Deverell , and it is certain that every one was more than

delighted . We think without being certain , that even the venerable Bro . Simons was tempted into the Lancers , or did he n crely lead the band ? When Empire Chapter has another excursion , or any gathering of whatever desription , please count us in . —Neio York Dispatch .

Bow BELLS . —For some time past this famous peal of bells , one of the finest in the city of London , has been unelergoing examination in the public interest , and before long the familiar chimes which ciptivated or consoled a Whittington , and have since charmed many more frorp , time immemorial , will ring out as before . The Church of

St . Mary-le-Bow , which , if not originally a Roman temple , as generally believed , was one of the earliest churches built by our Norman conquerors , has been destroyed more than once by storm and fire . It was at one time garrisoned and besieged , and was afterwards the scene of an assassination . It was first mentioned as a Christian

church in the reign of William the Conqueror . Stow says it was the first in the City built on arches of stone , and that it was , therefore , called St . Mary de Arcubus , or the Bow , although he elsewhere says , but with less apparent probability , that it took its name from certain stone arches supporting a lantern on the top of thc tower . By the way , thc Court of Arches was formerly held in this church ; and

derived its name from that circumstance . During the reign of William Rufus , the roof of the church was blown off by the wind , and four of the rafters were driven into the ground with such violence that , although they were each 2 fift . long , little more than 4 ft . of their length was visible , the ground in the neighbourhood being then a mere fen . About 100 years

afterthis event a tumult of a serious nature occurred in the City , which led to the assault upon the church before alluded to . The ringleader was William Fitz Osbert , surnamed Longbeard , who was almost worshipped by the lower orders on account of his exertions as a professed advocate of the poor against the oppressions of thc lich . An attempt being made to seize him , he took refuge in Bow steeple ,

together with various followers , and , being well provided with ammunition and provisions , was able for a long time to defy thc authorities . In order to drive him out , the steeple was fired . This had the desired effect ; the rioters were made prisoners , and , alter a hasty trial , were hanged at the Elms in Smithfielel , at that time thc usual place of

execution . It appeared that Fitz Osbert did not lose his reputation among the people with his life , for it is said that after his death vast numbers of persons resorteel to Smithfield , expecting that miracles would be performed , and that they carried away as holy relics pieces ef . the eatth on which his blotd had fallen .

A very descriptive account ofthe terrible disaster on the Thames appears in the Daily Chronicle of Thursday , from the pen of Bro . Henry Reed , of 57 , Oxfordst ., London , who we heartily congratulate on his happy escape from so fearful a death as drowning . Want of space preclueles us from reprinting his letter . One of the new lodges for which a Warrant

has been granted is inteneled to perpetuate the memory of the late King of Hanover . The meetings will be held at the Town Hall , Hounslow , during the summer months . The principal officers designate are Bros . H . A . Dubois , P . P . G . D ., P . M ., P . Z ., W . M . ; Henry Lovegrove , S . W . ; George Clatk , J . W . Part 9 , of " The Rosicrucian and Masonic

Record" contains a Portrait ar . d Biographical sketch of the late Sir Fredk . M . Williams , Bart ., M . P . Deputy Grand Master of Cornwall . The Liverpool Autumn Exhibition of Pictures : — The private view of the works of art forming this

collection took place on Saturelay last , at the Walker Art Gallery , Liverpool , and was attended by about 1 G 00 ladies and gentlemen . ) The season has opened most auspiciously . Up to Monday , 6 94 season tickets had becn sold , as compared with 4 6 9 last year , and 75 pictures , realising £ i ° 33 1 is . 6 d . disposed of , as against 58 last year , which realised _ T 802 ,