Grand Masonic Conversazione In Liverpool.

ji r ] collection of works of art , literary and scientific exhibits , curios , & c , displayed in two apartments of the neW hall ; oil paintings , water colours , cartoons , and engravings of a very select and superior order were esperiallv conspicuous ; amongst those who contributed being Bros . Dr . j . Kellett Smith , S . Mattison , and E . Grindley , n . Newton ( per Bro . Dr . Bailey ) , Bros . Philip Eberle , uavies

Richard Washington , Dr . bailey , K . A . , Hump hreys , and R . Martin , Messrs . Agnevv and Sons ( per Mr . F . Williams ) , Bro . J . B . Mackenzie , and others . The artists whose works had prominent places in the Masonic n-allcry were Daniels , Pollantine , Prout , Burnett , J . B . |> vne , Cook , Alma Tadema , J . VV . Oakes , A . R . A ., Sorti , Horler , F . Paton , I . Cooke , Hardy , Bingley , Haynes Williams , B . VV . Leader , A . R . A ., Deschamps , C . R .

Leslie , R . A ., John Burr , T . Creswick , Dargelas , R . A ., R . Ansdell , R . A ., H . E . Hime Candletti , McWhirter , K * . M . Speaking , and J . Wilson Mackenzie . _ The place of honour amongst the other art exhibits was properly given to Messrs . Elkington and Co ., of Churchstreet , whose artistic taste is knovyn and recognised all over the world . Chief amongst their contributions to the

attractions of the Masonic soiree vvas the Communion plate of the See of Liverpool , which we regret we cannot find space to describe ; the same firm also exhibited reproductions of the celebrated Milton and Pilgrim shields , illustrative of " Paradise Lost" and "The Pilgrim's Progress ; " a Pompeian toilette , rose-water table , bronzes , vases , and shields , reproduced from the art treasures of the Emperor

of Russia and from the Vienna , Berlin , Louvre , and South Kensington Museums ; a collection of cloisonne enamels of ancient and modern Japanese and Chinese manufacture , with some specimens of Elkington production . The contributions of Davenport ( Limited ) , of Canning-place and Lord-street , per Bro . T . Mawdesley , also formed a most valuable and attractive portion of the art treasures , and

were universally admired by the numerous guests Iastmght . The fame of the old firm has been largely built on the artistic quality of its productions , and the magnificent display of their own manufacture of china , as well as specimens from the Royal factories of Sevres , Vienna , Dresden , and Worcester , amply maintained the long-established reputation of Davenport ( Limited ) . Other art , literary , and scientific

exhibits were contributed by Bro . E . King-Ellison , Bro . Vernon , Bro . Hems FwtVv , Bro . A . BvickneU , Capt . j . B . Roose , Bro . Carter , Mr . Kidson , and Bro . G . G . Walmsley . A most interesting section of the evening ' s entertainment was an exhibition of microscopes , with living and other scientific specimens , kindly sent by Messrs . J . M . Williams , I . Wall , J . Vicars , A . T . Smith , jun ., Dr .

M'Clelland , and Dr . Hicks . In one of the smaller rooms of the building Bro . A . Bucknall showed the Swan light in connection with incandescent lamps and other illuminating appliances of interest . The plants with which the hall was very much brightened and beautified were lent by Bro . R . H . Exton , the statuary by Bro . J . E . Jackson , P . P . G . S . of VV ., and the cases for the art and other exhibits by Bro .

H . Firth . The light , fitted up by Bro . Bucknall in the main corridor and in the basement , also added greatly to the beauty of the fairy-like interior . The two-part concert vvas of the best class , and the programme brought forward a Masonic male-voiced choir about twenty strong , which could hardly be excelled for tone , vigour , and artistic colouring in its rendition of standard

pieces . The lady artistes who assisted on this occasion were Madame Laura Smart , Mrs . j . Skeaf , Mrs . C . Lancaster , and Miss Annetta Hallwood , and the choir comprised Mr . S . Kirkham , Bros . J . P . Bryan , VV . Lewis , Josef Cantor , Eaton Batty , R . N . Hobart , A . Child , David Williams , VV . H . Quayle , W . E . Stone , D . Keith , O . J . Rowlands , D . J Davies , J . T . Jones , H . J . Nicholls , and James A . Muir . Bro . Joseph Queen conducted with admirable tact ; Bro . J . Skeaf , played a pianoforte solo with much brilliancy ; and the onerous duties of accompanist

were most satisfactorily performed by Bros . Josef Cantor and J . Skeaf . The various solo numbers given by the ladies were loudly applauded ; and the brethren who contributed songs during the evening—Bros . Eaton Batty , VV . E . Stone , J . T . Jones , R . N . Hobart , D . Williams , andT . Foulkesadded most materially to the excellence of a musical programme of the hi g hest order .

The most amusing of the miscellaneous features of the unique programme vvas a highly characteristic lecture on "The Modern Antiquities of Liverpool , " delivered by Bro . Major H . J . Nicholls , which excited much laughter and elicited great applause . The thoroughly original oration vvas illustrated by a comical collection of " Living Waxwork Au Tomati . " The special oration , written and

delivered by Bro . Nicholls , was exceedingly funny , and the " goke" vvas greatly enjoyed by all who had the privilege of seeing the extraordinary waxwork groups . By special request , Mr . Ellis Brammall gave a new version of his celebrated sketch "The Showman" in character , and the realism of his clever impersonation was largely secured by the presence of a small band in proDer

travelling-caravan rig , under the direction of Bro . H . Round . Another item which caused genuine amusement vvas a performance of Romberg ' s " Toy Symphony , " Bro . Skeaf being at the piano . Bro . J . Queen was the conductor , and the executants were chiefly brethren who had figured so favourable in the concert programme . During the evening and up to an early hour in the

morning dancing was carried on with spirit in the grand lodge room , and after the entertainments , in the chapter room . Bro . H . M . Molyneaux , with his well-known tact and courtesy , kindly undertook and admirably performed the duties of Master of Ceremonies . Excellent music vvas provided by a strong quadrille band under the direction of Bro . J . VV . Collison . Bro . Capper ( Gait and Capper ) ,

Lord-street , vvas entrusted with the important task of furnishing light refreshments and supper for the large company , and the excellence of the catering in each department vvas the theme of general commendation . i * he arrangements throughout the evening , barring an occasional rush and crush , were of the most satisfactory kind , reflecting the greatest credit on the members of the Various committees . Bro . Henrv A . Tobias was an excel-•— _ W ....... » .. W \ .. J . *~> u . .. VIII , ... IUUUM itaa an w .

vwilent chairman of the general committee ; and unstinted Praise is due to Bros . H . H . Smith and R . Foote for the Untiring zeal and great ability they displayed as honorary pcretaries . Amongst others who gave special assistance (" connection with the sonde preliminaries were Bros . R . Washington , Dr . J . K . Smith , J . T . Callow , J . VV . Ballard , {> ¦ Mattison , Major Nicholls , J . P . Bryan , R . A . Davies , g-. I ' nth , R . Martin , J . Skeaf , J . Cantor , J . Queen , Dr . Ba » ey , J . Houlding , J . Beesley , J . C . McGuire , John

Grand Masonic Conversazione In Liverpool.

Ballard , W . S . Vines , G . Broadbridge and others . The distinctive rosettes worn by the members of the various committees were supplied by Bro . George Kenning .

Annual Soiree Of The Affability Lodge, No. 317, Manchester.

ANNUAL SOIREE OF THE AFFABILITY LODGE , No . 317 , MANCHESTER .

This event came off on the evening of the ordinary meeting night of the lodge . After the business had been concluded and the lodge closed , the brethren proceeded to the banquet room , which had been improvised for the occasion into a ball room . Shortly after S . 30 the ladies began to

arrive , and at nine o ' clock dancing commenced , and continued until 11 o'clock , when the party adjourned to supper , which had been prepared meanwhile in the spacious lodge room , and we consider it only just to commend the ability displayed by Bro . Phillips in superintending the laying of the table , and to Mrs . Phillips for her superintendence of the culinary department ; suffice it to say , that the supper

gave , as all repasts do in this building , the utmost satisfaction . Only one toast vvas proposed , viz ., "The W . M ., " the remainder of dances to be executed within a limited time forbidding further speechmaking . At 12 . 30 dancing vvas resumed and kept up until 3 o ' clock a . m ., shortly after which the company returned home , having spent a very enjoyable and social evening .

Amongst those present were Bro . Wilson , W . M . ; Mrs , and Miss Wilson ; Bro . J . VV . Edwards , J . W . ; Bro . W . Nicholl , P . M ., Treas . ; Bro . Daniel Donbavand , P . M . ; Bro . R . R . Lisenden , S . D ., and Mrs . Lisenden ; Bro . J . G . Elderton , J . D ., and Mrs . Eldcrton ; Bro . John Bladon , P . M ., D . of C . ; Bro . J . Garside , I . G . ; Bro . VV . B , Akerman , Stwd ., and Mrs . Akerman ; Bro . G . C .

Friihling , Org . ; Mrs . and Miss Bradshaw ; Bro . Edward and Mrs . Smith ; Bro . J . and Mrs . Pearson ; Bro . H . R . G . Bayley , Affability Chapter ; Bro . Eveleigh , 1055 , and Miss Eveleigh ; Bro . B . Taylor , 204 , and Mrs . Taylor ; Bro . Alison , 204 , and Mrs . Alison ; Bro . Marsland , 158 S ; Bro . Hothersall , ion , and Mrs . Schofield ; Bro . Vultchoff , and J . L . Hine , P . P . G . S . W ., and Mrs . Higginbotham .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

(( Draft jSasonrg * TEMPERANCE IN THE EAST LODGE ( No . 89 S ) . —The above good old lodge met on Wednesday last , at the Assembly Rooms , Newby-place , Poplar , Is . Bro . G . Gravely , VV . M ., vvas capitally supported by Bros . Pulsford , S . W . ; Sidders , J . W . ; Waller , P . M ., Treas . ; Dr . C . W . Smith , P . M ., Sec ; Butcher , S . D . ; Geeves , J . E . ; Byford , l . G . ; C . Chapman , P . M . ; T . S . Finch , P . M . ; C . Scrutton , P . M . ; H . Rogers , P . M . ; F . NevvaU ,

P . M . ; W . Shayes , P . M ., Sic . ; and many brethren . Amongst the good array of visiting brethren we noticed Bros . J . J . Berry , P . M . 554 ; J . Hughes , W . M . JSI 6 ; W . J . VV . R . Hammond , 127 S ; T . Kennett , VV . M . 1716 ; G . H . Stephens , S . W . 1623 ( Freemason ); and many others . The ceremonial working comprised the admission into the order of Mr . Wm . Adcock , an emergency meeting a

few days previously having served for the initiation of Bro . Bridges ( who was also present . ) Bro . S . Godwin , 673 , was admitted a member , and Bro . Wood being in attendance vvas raised to the Degree of M . M . The charity of the lodge vvas invoked , and as usual , most successfully , on behalf of distress , and the lodge and Benevolent Funds were largely drawn upon .

Masonic business satisfactorily at an end a plain but excellent cold supper vvas enjoyed by most of the brethren ' , and at its conclusion the toast list received all becoming attention . Some capital singing greatly enhanced the pleasures of the meeting , and Bro . Sherwin again being most able in accompanying , Bro . Bridges gave a capital rendering and all went pleasantly till in due time our old friend , Bro . Stewart , gave the Tyler ' s toast and the meeting terminated .

MONTEFIORE LODGE ( No . 1017 ) . —This lodge met on VVednesday , the 31 st ult ., under the presidency of Bro . John Syer , VV . M . After the usual business of the lodge had been performed , the Worshipful Master said he would call on Bro . S . V . Abraham , I . P . M ., to propose a resolution which , he vvas sure , would meet with the hearty sympathy of all present , namely , that an address be presented to Sir Moses Montefiore . He understood that

there had been a meeting , at which the terms of theaddress had been agreed on , and he felt convinced that it would be approved by the brethren . Bro . S . V . Abraham : Worshipful Sir , most cordially do I respond to the invitation you have given to me to move a resolution of this nature . _ I do so because I believe it to be in accordance with the views not only of every member of the lodge , but every brother in the Craft . I am very

thankful for the kind observations you have made as to any resolution 1 may propose to the lodge , and the attention that may be given to it ; but permit me to say most unhesitatingly on this occasion I do not claim any attention for this resolution , from the fact of my introducing it to your notice . With regard to its being drawn up at a meeting that took place , permit me to say this , more especially as regards the brethren who are Past Masters and officers of

the lodge , that it vvas not a meeting of an official character . Some of the brethren asked me how far it would be advisable to move a resolution of this nature , and 1 invited them to my house to consider the question , and together we have framed somefew words in the shape of the resolution , which I vvill now introduce to your notice . What I have to move is that the following address be presented to Sir Moses Montefiore . I feel somewhat at a loss to know what to sav

on the present occasion , for every phrase in the English language has been laid under contribution to express the unanimous feelings that one and all entertain towards our revered Bro . Sir Moses Montefiore . But I feel a degree of confidence that this address will meet with your approbation . I would particularly like it to be understood thatin presenting ourselves to our venerable brother , we do not do so with any desire to push our individual selves forward , either as individuals or as a body of Masons , but vvc do so for these

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

two reasons ; that it is an expression of our feeling towards one who so well merits it , and we think this lodge especially is bound to take some notice of the auspicious occasion of his entering on his 100 th year . Let me assure you that when we were seeking for a name for our lodge ( and those founders of the lodge who are present will bear me out ) many names were suggested by which this lodrrc should be

designated . We asked our venerable Bro . Sir Moses Montefiore whether he would permit us to associate his name with our future lod ge which we then had in contemplation . He cheerfully agreed to it feeiing I believe a great degree of interest in Masonry , and also actuated by that benevolent spirit which at all times causes him to accede to any wish which is properl y expressed . I venture

to think that his name has shed lustre in this lodge and it has added to our importance . What we do here to-day vvc do as Masons , while outside the lodge the name of Montefiore being associated with it , bas been of vast importance to us in the lodge , and has added to its prestige . All honour is due to one who has done so much to alleviate the sufferings of mankind , and although he has not taken

that part in Masonry which many here do , I mean in working Masonry , I venture to think his life and deeds have been true acts of Masonry . It would be impossible to say more than has been said . We all have our feelings and that is a desire to express our cordial congratulations to our venerable brother and to wish that every blessing that can be bestowed on him will be bestowed on

him . I will now read the words I am about to propose as a resolution to be passed by the lodge , and although what we say here is Masonic , still I am bound to read these words to you , and it is your privilege to hear them ; at the same time I think this resolution should be kept as free from the public gaze as possible until after the day it is presented . The following

is the proposed address : "The Montefiore Lodge , No . 1017 . Bro . John Syer , W . M . The tongue of good report having ever been heard in favour of their revered Bro . Sir Moses Montefiore , Bart ., the Worshipful Master , officers , and brethren in open lodge assembled , tender to him their fraternal and cordial congratulations on the occasion of his entering on

his hundredth year . In his truly Masonic life , passed as a citizen of the world in alleviating distress and pouring the healing balm of consolation into the bosom of the afflicted , he has set a worthy example of prudence , fortitude , and justice ; while his benevolence and charity have been universally spread over the earth ' s surface . They earnestly pray that the Great Architect of the Universe may

preserve his faculties , and that the rays of heaven may continue to shed their benign influence over him ; they fervently hope that Divine Providence may guard and protect him from trouble and danger ; and that He who regulates the steps of man vvill give him strength and bless him with peace . Signed on behalf of the Montefiore Lodge , " S Cheshvan , 5 G 44 . "

With these words we venture to approach our venerable brother , and ask his acceptance of our cordial congratulations not given in a formal manner , but given I believe in such a way as will be most acceptable to him—true , hearty , and genuine . I ask your unanimous sanction to it , and that it be engrossed on ve / Ium . As there will be certain formalities to be gone through in presenting the address

I would suggest , with the sanction of the VV . M ., that we cannot do better than leave the matter in the hands of our Treasurer , who vvill see it engrossed and properly arranged , and he vvill also , if agreeable to the lodge , undertake to see it presented personally . Bro . Samuelson seconded the resolution , and said he was in possession of correspondence which would Drove what a

good man Sir Moses Montefiore vvas . Bro . Lewis Jacobs , Treas : Being almost the only founder of the lodge in the room besides my friend , Bro . S . V . Abraham , I . P . M ., I had hoped it would have fallen to my lot to second this resolution , but I will do all I can to see

that it is carried out in a proper manner , and if agreeable to the lodge will undertake its presentation . Bro . Abraham wished to add that accompanying the address , which would be in album form , there would be a list of the names of all the members of the Montefiore Lodge . The brethren shortly afterwards closed the lodge .

LEWIS LODGE ( No . 1185 . )—This being the installation and annual meeting of this well conducted lodge there was more than ordinary interest manifested in the gathering at the King ' s Arms Hotel , Wood Green , on the 27 tn ult . The meeting was numerously attended , there being present some 12 Past Masters , besides many visitors . Amongst the Past Masters wc noticed Bros . T . Robinson .

3 ; VV . G . Hallows , S 61 ; VV . Folliott , 137 ; T . C . Taylor , 554 ; T . Franklin , 1662 ; T . Hallows , 1662 ; F . J . Tinley , 1792 ; E . . Lancaster , 12 S 7 ; Durrant , 11 S 5 ; Lloyd , 11 S 5 ; 1 . Burdett , 1460 ; A . N . Thomas , 137 ; H . M . Hobbs , 1790 ; G . H . Humphreys , l . G . 173 ; and A . H . Fisher , and 1 4 S 9 ; many other brethren . The lodge vvas opened according to the ancient landmarks , when the ordinary business minutes were read and

confirmed , much to the financial satisfaction of the members of the lodge and the visiting brethren present . A ballot then took place for two joining members , the Messrs . Stafford Hill and Charles Lait , who were unanimously elected , and they were right properly introduced and initiated into the mysteries of the Royal Craft by the outgoing VV . M ., whose working vvas hailed with much

approva , being the eighteenth during his term of office . After which the W . M ., Bro . T . Harrison , proceeded to install his successor , the S . W ., Bro . ) . R . Tollis , as W . M ., which ceremony vvas done in a clear , lucid , and highly satisfactory manner , all present joining in complimenting the Installing Master on his working . The ceremony was simply splendidly done and freed from Lord Dundrcarvism's .

ine charges were a masterpiece of well pronounced oratory . After the induction into the chair of K . S . of the W . M . elect , and the usual customary salutations had been given , the W . M . proceeded to invest his officers , the ceremony being most , carefully and judiciously carried out . To the various chairs and offices the following were <> l « -. tf-r 1 . Rms .

Powell , S . W . ; Shipway , J . W . ; Durrant , P . M ., Treas . ; Lloyd , P . M ., Sec . ; the Rev . Dr . Morris , Chap . ; Hildretb , S . D .- Field , J . D . ; Sayer , D . C ; Knight , W . S . ; Chatterton , Org . ; Goodfellow , l . G . ; and Church , Tyler . At the close of the installation of officers there followed a pleasingceremonial . the presentation of a jewel to theoutgoinr * W . M . The jewel vvas unique of its kind , as the name of the lodge denotes , and i n a few well chosen and practical remarks the W . M . expressed a desire and hope that