Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

at a first view , to accept . The essay was , however , so long that only portions could be read , a fact which prevented a full discussion , for which we must await the issue of the next number of Ars Quatuor Coronatorum , when , doubtless , it will be done full justice to . Bro . Bywater produced for inspection a Craft jewel formerly worn by Robert Professor Driver ht that it

Bro . Burns . thoug was scarcel y sufficiently known what a high literary qualification the lodge required of candidates for full membership , and suggested some public announcement of the fact , in order to prevent disappointment to would-be app licants . The matter was discussed at some length , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment .

SUNDERLAND . —Palatine Lodge ( No . 97 ) . At the last regular meeting of this lodge , Bro . J . G . Marshall in the chair , the brethren appeared in mourning , in regard to the memory of the late Bro . J . J . Clay , P . P . G . D . C , P . P . G . S . of W ., and D . C , one of the oldest P . M . ' s of the lodge . There were over 50 P . M . ' s and brethren in the hall , including Bros . C . M . Wake , I . P . M . I ;

T . M . Watson , P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; G . Lord , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; G . C . Watson . P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . C . Moor , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . R . Pattison , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ; and T . Sharp , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . Among the visitors were Bros . G . W . Bain , W . M . 949 ; VV . A . Priestly , W . M . 20-iO ; J . W . H . Swan , W . M . 94 ; I . J . Wilson , P . M . ; J . ' E . Nelson , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; R . Todd , S . W . So ; M .

Douglas , P . M . So , P . P . G . D . ; A . Gray , P . M . ; VV . Baker , J . W . 949 ; P . Maddison , 1389 ; E . Shields , 1427 ; J . Rigby , 1119 ; J . R . Cutter , S . W . ; E . G . Watson , J . W . ; W . Birch , Sec ; A . Grundy , S . D . ; Redhead , J . D . ; and Render , I . G ., & c , 97 . Bro . J . G . Marshall , W . M ., after other business , referred to the great loss the lodge had sustained in tho death of

Bro . J . J . Clay , one of their oldest P . M . s , who had rendered most valuable service to the lodge as D . C , and their loss , he might truly say , was also a loss to Masonry in general . His able services , as they were aware , had been recognised in the province , the ceremonies of which had been so well directed by him for some years . He proposed the following resolution :

"That in recording the death of Bro . J . J . Clay , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , and D . C , of this lodge , on the i 6 ; h January last , this lodge recognises the great loss sustained by the death of a brother who has for many years past taken an active interest in its welfare , and expresses its deep sympathy with the widow in her . bereavement . " Also resolved , "That a copy of this resolution , with a letter of

condolence , as from the Worshipful Master , Past Masters , oflicers , and brethren , be sent to Mrs . Clay . " Bro . J . C . Moor , P . M ., in seconding the resolution , desired , on behalf of himself and other Past Masters who could speak of their late Bro . Clay with equal fitness , to add to the

observations of the W . M ., as this was a loss to the lodge of more than ordinary moment . During the years he ( Bro . Moor ) , and the Masters who had succeeded him in the chair of the Iodge had been members thereof , Bro . Clay had been one of their most active Past Masters , and all that time their Dir . of Ceremonies . How much

the very able manner in which he — the late lamented and esteemed Bro . Clay — had fulfilled his duties had contributed to the dignity and good order which had characterised the business of their lodge they were all fully aware . His regular attention to , and close interest in , all its details had greatly contributed to the prestige which the Palatine had maintained for years , and ,

without seeking to at all appear as " lecturing " in his remarks , they had learnt how much importance did attach to a high and dignified discharge of the duties of that oflice . In all that he did he was sure their late brother had at heart the welfare of his lodge , and of how great value his aid had been to the chair none but himself and Masters who had had Bro . Clay's help could know . Of

his services lo Masonry at large it was needless to speak . His loss to the lodge and the Craft was one that would be long felt by those present and the brethren in the district . He desired , with deep regret , to second the motion . The resolution was cariied in silence , unanimously . Bro . R . Singleton , P . M ., P . J . G . D ., was appointed D . C and Representative on the Charities Committee of the province , in place of the late Bro . Clay .

Copy of letter sent to Mrs . Clay . "Dear Madam , " 1 am desired by the Worshipful Master , Past Masters , officers , and brethren of the Palatine Lodge of Freemasons to express our deepest sympathy with you in

the irreparable loss you have sustained by the death of your beloved husband , and we unite in praying that the Great Architect of the Universe may grant to you that comfort and consolation which you need in this your sad bereavement .

' I am , dear Madam , on behalf of the lodge , " Yours sincerely , "To Mrs . Clay . " "WM . BIKCH , Secretary . WOOLWICH . —Nelson Lodge ( No . 700 ) . — Ihe usual monthly meeting of the above excellent lodge took place on Wednesday , the 20 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , William-streetBro . James M . MillerW . M . in the

, , , chair , supported by the following Past Masters , officers , andvisitors : Bros . R . J . Naylor , I . P . M . ; E . B . Hobson , Y-M . ; T . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Warren , P . M ., Sec . ; J- H . Roberts , P . M . ; T . Ovenden , P . M . ; VV . Webber , |* W . ; S . Southgate , J . W . ; J . McCollough , S . D . ; G . < . ' , ? - ' > J- - * W . Lawson , I . G . ; W . Bidgood , Org . ; « . lufnell , D . D . C ; G . Nichols , Stwd . ; W . Hewett , ' , ; 957 ; G . Cashfield , S . D . 615 ; J . Bailey , S 29 ; J .

R „ , '> ' 4 ' 4 * J . Wood , 3 S 1 ; A . McQueen , 13 ; ( J . Kovedens , 1536 ; M . Willingale , 615 ; T . Reeve , 1472 ; loll PV * ' " G * K * Cox , 1326 ; D . Tucker , 913 ; C « f th ' 1 ! i ' ^ ' " * a gooclly nutIiber of the brethren firmed R dge havin S been opened and the minutes conbv th VIMM ' Jrowne an' ^ VVest were passed in rare stvle who sa Ou ' a"d h'S ofl * cers > assisted by the Nelson choir , thp J , occasional responses , & c , admirably . As Ma-w * S , , S * of "ie lodge will be held at the New las *> nic Hall . Pi .. " . ¦ -.. ** -. y ...-. t ..-j y 1 . 1 1 . 11 . at icsuiveu ticicu

,, „ event w * H . u * " * ,, * - '* - ' - ' , ¦ " - was . u . -a-. e mc the K , n * i : a banc l uet , and the lodge was then closed , and The " . refresl -ed themselves , honaur-lf" *!; 0 ya ! and GrancJ Lodge toasts having been was cX * u at of " Bro * Mil'er . our esteemed VV . M ., " Bro M-n eattiljr > and in r ^ Ponse , Kcent ' in f l thanked 'he brethren for their cordial 1 "on ot the toast , and trusted they vvould excuse any

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

little shortcomings on his part , for he found it sometimes a difficult task to think of the right word for a moment , but could assure them that all that laid in his power should be used to make himself word perfect in the noble ritual of the several Degrees . However , he had been reminded during theeveningthat the motto of their great prototype , Lord Nelson , was "deeds not words ; " he should ,

therefore , follow his example and conclude by saying that if they continued that kindly and valuable assistance hitherto so heartily rendered him , nothing should be wanting on his part to make them happy , and the lodge a prosperous one . I he I . P . M ., Bro . Naylor , in responding for the toast' of "The Past Masters , " could only say that as in the past

those who had preceded him had done their duty , so would he do his duty to the Nelson Lodge . Bro . Butt , P . M . and Treas ., said that the Past Masters of the Nelson Lodge had always loyally supported the W . M . ' s of the lodge , and would continue to do so . He spoke with pride of his long connection with the lodge , which at no time of its existence , to his knowledge , was

in so prosperous a position as at the present time . Bro . Sanderson and Roberts also responded , the latter thanking the lodge for its hearty support of his Stewardship at the forthcoming festival of the Old People . Bros . Jolly , McQueen , Cashfield , Tucker , and Walker having responded for "The Visitors , " "The Officers " and Tyler ' s toast , concluded the proceedings , after a very pleasant evening .

MARKET HARBOROUGH . — St . Peter ' s Lodge ( No . 1330 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Three Swans Hotel on Friday , the 15 th ult ., when several distinguished visitors were present to witness tbe initiation of Mr . Thomas Keay Tapling ,

M . P . for the Market Harborough division of the county . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . F . K . Smith , P . G . S ., assisted by the following officers : Bros . R . Symington , I . P . M . ; W . B . Ray , P . G . S ., S . W . ; G . Green , J . W . ; P . L . Rawlins , Sec . ; W . Atkins , Treas . ;

A . M . Tindall , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., D . C ; W . Pick , S . D . ; W . E . Latimer , J . D . ; J . S . Staynes , Org . ; W . Bowles , I . G . . and E . Clarke , Tyler . The following members were also present : Bros . J . Wiggin , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Cripps , Hall , and Simpkin ; and the visitors included Bros . S . S . Partridge , P . A . G . D . C . Eng ., D . P . G . M . ; Jessop , Kidney , Kendrick , Costine , Harrison , Starkey , and Perkins .

The ceremony of initiation was performed by the VV . M . assisted by Bros . Tindall , Symington , Wiggins , and Starkey . The lodge being closed , the brethren sat down to a banquet , after which the usual toasts were given , interspersed with songs and recitations . In proposing "The Queen and the Craft , " the W . M .

said it seemed to him most fitting that these should be associated as the first toast at Masonic meetings . The Craft was founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue , and fostered love , and affection , and Charity with all men , and sympathy with all classes , and these vvere all conspicuous virtues by which the Queen had won and held the true loyalty of all her subjects .

" The Prince of Wales and the Officers of Grand Lodge " vvas proposed by Bro . Tindall , and responded to by Bro . S . S . Partridge , P . A . G . D . C . Eng . " The Health of the Initiate " vvas then proposed by the W . M ., who stated that it wasa great gratification to all the members of the lodge that Bro . Tapling had selected it for his initiation into Freemasonry , and that one and all

wished to give him a hearty welcome . He asked them to drink most heartily the health of Bro . Tapling , trusting that he vvould remain for many years a member and pillar of the iodge ; that he might thoroughly succeed in any duty vvhich he might undertake , and prosperity always attend him ; and that he might reap the happiness vvhich vvas always the reward of a useful life spent in the service

of mankind . Bro . Tapling , who was most cordially greeted on rising to respond , said he was much obliged to the brethren for the very kind and hearty manner in which he had been received , and for the welcome vvhich had been given to him . He . had been led to seek initiation into Freemasonry in that lodge by the special and strong ties which united him to the Maiket Harborough district , and should ever

remember with pleasure his admission into the Craft . He hoped that circumstances would permit * j hvm to fulfil his desire of becoming a useful and working member of the ledge , and that he should always endeavour to uphold its reputation and prosperity . In conclusion , he thanked the brethren for his reception , and assured them that it was not ( to him ) the least pleasant part that he was able to speak where politics were not admitted , and where there was no opportunity of any discord .

BURY ST . EDMUNDS . —Abbey Lodge ( No . , 502 ) . —The 13 th anniversary of this lodge was held at the Suffolk Hotel , on the nth ult ., when the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Lord Henniker , with other distinguished Prov . Grand Officers of Suffolk and a large assembly of brethren , were present at the installation of Bro . T . B . Corfield , S . W ., as W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing 12

months . The ceremony of installation was most impressively performed by Bro . Dr . James Hodges , W . M ., assisted by Bro . Rev . E . j . Griffiths , P . M ., P . P . G . C . Bro . T . B , Corfield , who has deservedly earned the high honour the brethren of the lodge have bestowed on him by his zealous vvork as a Mason , is also P . S . of Chapter No . 100 S , and J . D . of Lodge No . 1008 . In addition to the

many ofiices he has filled with efficiency and usefulness to those around him , that of Captain of the Fire Brigade at Bury St . Edmunds should be recorded , vvhich he worked with distinguished success , and on his retirement to reside in London the Firemen of the Brigade presented him vvith a beautifully illuminated testimonial , while the staff of the Alliance Assurance Company ' s Branch Office at Bury St . Edmunds , of which he vvas the Secretary , presented him

with a handsome silver cigarette case and gold pencil and pen case , as tokens of their esteem and affection . Bro . T . B . Corfield will be welcomed by a large circle of brethren in London , where he has been appointed to a responsible position in the Company ' s Offices in Pall Mall , and there is no doubt he will continue his Masonic vvork in London with the same ability and success as at Bury St . Edmunds .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

THORNTON HEATH . —Old England Lodge ( No . I 79 ' >) . —A meeting of the members of this lodge vvas held on Tnursday , 7 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall . Present -. Bros . F . T . Ridpath , P . G . S ., W . M .-, J . Kilvington , S . W . ; R . G . Fleming , J . W . ; G . S . Horsnail , Sec ; H . M . Hobbs , P . J . G . W ., I . P . M . ; S . Clarke , S . D . ; C . Tarry , Stwd . ; E . C . Symmons , I . G . ; W . Lane , Tyler ; W . H . Ranson ,

P . M . ; Stockwell , Buckley , Rayner , Grew , Sherry , Tite , Turpin , Bolton , Dyball , White , Gordon , Horton , Andress , Mortimer , Brittan , Thomas , Griffin , and J . Clarke . Visitors : Bros . F . Cambridge , P . P . G . O . ; Wm . Burn , S . D . S 5 S ; W . G . Goode , S . D . 2096 ; C . Cooke , J . D . 1 S 51 , - W . Sykes , J . W . 1597 ; W . G . Simmons , 115 S ; C . J . Attvvood , 1623 ; and G . Halden , 2096 .

After the lodge had been opened by the W . M ., the minutes of 3 rd January were read and confirmed . Bro . Buckley , by request ot the W . M ., discharged the duties of J . Dl The ballot was taken , and declared in favour of Messrs . Francis Edwd . Brittan and Richd . John Thomas , and , after the ceremony of initiation had been performed , the W . M . delivered the usual address to them . Bro . the

Rev . J . Bennett , M . A ., vvas proposed as a joining member . " Hearty good wishes" having been given to the W . M . by the various visitors , the lodge was closed , after which the brethren re-assembled at the banquet . The toast of " Her Majesty the Queen " vvas proposed by the W . M . in well-chosen and loyal terms , vvhich were heartily received by thebrethren , and the National Anthem

was led by Bro . Kilvington , S . W ., with patriotic zeal , and sung with true and animated feeling by the brethren . Alter the other loyal and Masonic toasts had been duly honoured , Bro Hobbs , I . P . IvL , proposed "The Health of the W . M . * , " and remarked that he did not think that any lodge had the advantage of a W . M . who could have carried out the duties pertaining to his position better than they

had been that evening , ot vvhich they had all been witnesses . Bro . F . T . Ridpath , W . M ., thanked the brethren for the pleasing manner in which the toast had been received , and to Bio . Hobbs for the kind and feeling expressions in us proposition . Bro . Ridpath said he had endeavoured to dischavge the duties of W . M . to the best of his ability , and if to the satisfaction of the brethren , he assured them he was satisfied .

The W . M . then gave the toast of "The I . P . M ., " why had proved himself a worthy , hard-working , and intelligent Mason ; in fact , he could say sincerely very few had done in Masonry what Bro . Hobbs had accomplished in a comparatively short period , and , moreover , had secured many high distinctions in the Craft , and would always be an ornament , not simply conferred on the lodge , but on

Freemasonry generally . ihe W . M . announced that Bro . Hobbs had presented a Charity box tothe lodge , the former one having been destroyed in the late fire , and invited the brethren to specially support it on its introduction that evening . Bro . H . M . Hobbs , in reply , thanked the W . M . and

brethren for the hearty reception of the toast , and stated he vvas initiated in the lodge six years ago , and they were aware that he had not lost any time , and whilst urging them to adequately support the box on that and on other occasions , trusted that no brother who contributed would ever have occasion to seek it assistance .

The toast of " The Initiates vvas proposed by the W . Master , vvho hoped they vvould prove themselves worthy and true Masons , when he vvas sure they vvould become true men . The Initiates suitably replied . The W . M ., in giving the toast of " The Visitors , " stated that it was always received in the most cordial manner in

the Old England Lodge , and those visitors who honoured the lodge with their presence vvere men of good position in Masonry , and they were heartily welcomed , and he added that he was specially pleased to see them that evening , for he sometimes met some of them in other lodges . Bro . Cambridge , P . P . G . O ., thanked the brethren , and said that he always felt pleasure in visiting their lodge , and

was gratified to see the perfection of the vvork done that evening by the W . M . Bros . Sykes , Cooke , Attwood , and Burns also spoke of the excellent work of the VV . M . "The Past Masters '" toast , said the W . M ., vvas one not to be omitted , and be regreited that one Past Master , Bro . Foulsham , the founder and Treasurer of the lodge ,

vvas absent through illness—the first time since he had held office . His pleasant smiles , happy replies , and interesting speeches always could be expected , and the W . Master said he vvas sure that every brother there , with himself , hoped the illness vvould soon pass away . He was sorry that only two P . M . ' s were present , because when present they always received a reception to which they

vvere rightly entitled . Bro . Ranson , P . M ., thanked the brethren on behalf of the P . M . 's , and Bro . Hobbs in particular , as that brother had previously spoken . Bro . Ranson said he and the brethren knew that Bro . Hobbs vvas ever ready to promote any measure for the good of Masonry . He was sorry that Bro . Foulsham , P . M ., vvas not with them on that occasion ,

for his were always instructive speeches , and trusted that he vvould soon be again with them in restored health . The toast of " The Treasurer and Secretary " was proposed by the W . M ., who said that he deplored the absence through illness of liro . Foulsham , their Treasurer , as he was sure his reply to the toast would have been welcomed . The Secretary vvas indefatigable in his duties , and he , as

the VV . M . of the lodge , was highly pleased with so useful an officer . The Secretary sincerely regretted that Bro . Foulsham vvas not present to reply , but he assured the brethren his heart was , although his body was on a bed of sickness . He thanked them for their kind and generous remarks , and observed that , as he was selected to discharge the

secretarial duties of the lodge , he felt it his duty to carry them out to the best of his ability , and to their satisfaction . The next toast— "The Officers " —remarked the W . M . was one of no formal meaning , for the last three years they had each proved themselves to be the right men , well fitted for their position . To any one who occupied the

W . M . ' s chair it was of the greatest necessity that the officers should be men on whom they had absolute dependence , and it vvas equally important to the lodge and to Masonry that they be well selected and qualified . He congratulated the brethren of Old England for tha attention which the officers had given to the lodge tha :