Provincial Meetings.

The most unusual number of candidates were duly 'Cited viz . : Bros . Wood , Cook , Roberts , Brown , and r moldby . Bro . Louth , a veteran brother , impressively e- the exhortation , and Bro . Middleton the charge . ' After the lodge , the W . M . invited all Che brethren to an . banquet , when the usual Masonic toasts were duly nd enthusiastically honoured .

KELVEDON . Easterford Lodge ( No . 2342 ) . —The first dallation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the ist inst- ' and was ' n every way a great success . There a large attendance of the members , and many visitors W epted t f , e invitation of the brethren to be present .

The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . the Rev . Thomas Lloyd , P . P . G . Chap . Staff ., and some routine business having been transacted , Bro . Lloyd proceeded to ¦ tall as his successor Bro . J . H . Salter , performing the ceremony * _ manner to call forth the encomiums of all nresent . The officers for the year were appointed and

invested as under : Bros . J . L . Ogier , S . W . ; R . L . Curzon , 1 vw ¦ Rev . Thomas Lloyd , P . M ., P . P . G . Chap . Staff ., 1 P . M . and Chap . ; E . T . G . Darell , P . M . 1591 , Treas . ; vi \ V . Meade , P . M . 1977 , Prov . G . S . B ., Sec . ; C . T . Thorn , S . D . j J . W . Moss , J . D . ; G . A . Eustace , P . M . 607 . Sec . 1977 , P . P . G . S . B ., D . of C . J R . Galpin , Org . ;

\ V . Siggers , I . G . ; A . Livermore , atanley 1 . King , G . r . Beaumont , and H . T . King , Stwds . ; and J . Inifer , Tyler . Bro . Rev . Thos . Lloyd was re-elected to represent the lodge on the Essex Provincial Charity Committee . Between 40 and 50 brethren afterwards dined at the Angel Hotel , a splendid repast being served by Messrs . Wright and Son .

After dinner the usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured . In giving "The Health of the Provincial Grand Master , " the VV . M . said all the members of the Easterford Lodge recollected with pleasure the recent visit his lordship paid to the lodge . The W . Master next gave the toast of "TheD . P . G . M .

and Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , " remarking that they felt under a deep obligation to Bro . Philbrick for his eminent services to the lodge at its consecration 12 months ago , and they much regretted his inability to be present at the meeting that day . Bro . the Rev . Thomas Lloyd , I . P . M ., gave "The

Worshipful Master of the Easterford Lodge , " predicting a prosperous year under the Mastership of Bro . Salter , who possessed all the qualifications needful for so important a post . The Worshipful Master , in acknowledgment , said there was no chance of his being able to carry out the duties of

the chair in the able manner that Bro . Lloyd had done , but seeing they had elected him to the position he would do his best , which was all that could be expected of any man . The VVorshipful Master then proposed " The Health of the I . P . M ., " remarking that he had felt very proud to hear the praises of Bro . Lloyd sounded wherever his Masonic

work was known . Personally he had considered it a great privilege to have been an officer under their I . P . M ., who he greatly admired , and whose example he should endeavour to emulate . It was a great comfort that he should have Bro . Lloyd on his left hand during the coming year to give him the help he should sorely need .

The toast having been most heartily received , Bro . the Rev . Thomas Lloyd returned thanks . He said he was very proud of the position the Easterford Lodge had taken during the short time it had been in existence . They had no fewer than 32 subscribing members on the books and others in prospect ; they were all working with oneheartand

one soul , and they were determined that the Easterford Lodge should be second to none in the Province of Essex . It was with some anxiety that he undertook the office of Installing Master , but he felt that the work ought to be done by a member of the lodge , and he trusted that it would be a long time before they had to go outside their own members to

"nd an Installing Master . . At a later period of the evening the I . P . M ., in responding for "The Charities , " said as their Charity Representative , he should shortly be round with the hat on behalf of one / R ° » oi the great Charities of the Order . One brother ( Bro . MacCoIIa ) had started his list with two guineas , and he trusted other members would follow suit , so that the

, < * , . Lodge was well represented , ^ be Visitors " was proposed in a happy speech by Bro . ! ,, ' * Curzon , J . W ., and acknowledged by Bros , the Rev . i *„ i * Raffles , Prov . G . Chap . j J . J . C . Turner , Prov . 5 . C . W . ; Jos . Sadler , P . P . G . Treas . ; R . Smith , W . M . ¦ ¦ " 77 * . and L . J . Watts , Mayor of Colchester . Uurmg the evening several brethren contributed to the narmony of the meeting by some excellent songs .

PLUMSTEAD . Pattison Lodge ( No . 913 ) . — The above l'owertul lodge held its monthly meeting on the 2 nd inst . MV ™ * ' Hall , Mount Pleasant , Bro . A . Penfold , nf ' n , ' \ V , , ' . * G-D ., presiding , inthe unavoidable absence 0 , en A } 1 " ? r ° * Co 1 * E * Hu « hes * M * P * The lod £ e was I enea , and the minutes of the previous meeting having , S "f "Fraed , Bro . T . E . Quick , 1738 , was unanimously Kev 1 M " u member * Bros - Witts , Freeman , and the closed HorsIey were raised , and then the lodge was

ne ;„ .- ! f lendid muster of the brethren of the lodge and of the pouring lod ges took place , among them being Bros . KM 0 W ' p P M ri' P-PJ-G . W ., Treas ., H . J . Butter , Masn ' n D » *? . * ' R * J * Cook P M -. P P-G- Stwd ., H . I Cn' i - $ - PaIm « , P . M ., E . Denton , P . M ., P . P . W R „\ -J * ' * , Ban * y > P - - > C . Jolly , P . M . ( Hon . ) , ^ BusbridgeS . W ., Wf Sanders , J . XV ., XV . C . Taylor ,

CollinsT ' nr n ^ c * - l * U' * Ur * 'K- Bl * yceson . I-G ., J . I . S M * D V , * Somers and Capt . J- Murphy , Stwds ., Wren i T ** C * Wai *<* en , Tyler , C . Scantlebury , W . '' *¦ Cr - fL ' -I *?" ' * Morris > W - - elect 1789 , W . Fenn , W . n * u S > H * , G- Baker , VV . Davidson , J . Farrier Mitchlw T ns ° - Lieut . Swiss , G . Roberts , W . Lock , J . W . a , * r ?* ylor * G * H * Letton . W . M . 615 , W . Leaver ,

W . Y 07 'J '_ rV : iaylor > B - Hammond , A . D . Capon , A mold ff- iT * t ? , * G * Hager , J . Tucker , T . J . Nell , T H °° ton a ' „^^ W- Fi-anklfng , J . Messent , L . Mills , J . K » ' G W *§• „ L , « -e * vood , all of the lodge ; G . Grant , Haley , ; o B"ffe I ry-1076 j A . Hoeftman , 1076 ; W . C . Smith , i 00 " ° . * J ; WalIdin *?> 7 ° o ; W . Regor , 720 j R . After h * * and A * Llld * -vorth , S 71 . Enfold < M , 1 £ l ° yed an elegantly-served dinner , Bro . gave the usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts , as

Provincial Meetings.

also that of " Earl Amherst , Grand Master of the Province of Kent , " which were , as they always are , most loyally responded to . Bro . Palmer then proposed the toast of " Bro . Eastes , D . P . G . M ., and the rest of the Prov . G . Officers , Present and Past . " He said all those who had been in the habit of meeting their P . G . M . and D . P . G . M . knew the great and

unceasing interest they took in all things Masonic , not only in the province , but at all big meetings where Masonic work had to be done . It was only the other day when the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , opened a new wing at the Girls' School . There was Bro . Eastes , and they all knew what their own P . G . M . did for the Charities . With regard to the other officers of the province , he thought

they were very fairly chosen , and if they looked through the Blue Book of the province , published by Bro . Warne , they would at least see that the Pattison Lodge had not much to complain about . It was fairly well represented or he should not that night have been called upon to propose the toast , which he should couple with the names of Bros . Cook and Butler .

Bro . Cook said he felt much indebted to Bro . Palmer for coupling his name with the toast , lt had been said that the Pattison Lodge had no cause to be jealous . No , it had not j the Pattison Lodge was not a jealous lodge . They were bound together in one bond of goodfellowship , and were neither jealous among themselves or of any other lodge . The position of a P . G . Officer was at least a labour

of love j although the one he filled was not a very high one , yet he trusted it would lead in due course to to higher honours . It was an office that caused the holder to receive a number of invitations . He accepted one a little while ago , and should strongly advise anyone who might receive such an one to go , because on that occasion he received such kindly courtesy

and such a hearty welcome that would lead him to accept another . He thanked them kindly for their reception of the toast , and felt it a great honour to have to respond to it . Bro . Butler said it was scarcely necessary for him to say anything after Bro . Cook , but as his name had been coupled with the toast , he felt it impossible to let it pass by in silence .

It was a toast they were constantly drinking , and always in a most pleasant and hearty manner . So far as the duties and constitutions of Prov . Grand Lodge were concerned , it was to the uninitiated a sealed book , and although they might not know the working , they might take his word for it that whatever was done was necessary to promote their interests and to maintain the legality of their

proceedings . It was a most necessary institution , and it was quite right that they should remember it , and acknowledge it wherever and whenever they met . He thanked them , and trusted for many years to come the toast would always receive the cordial reception it had that night . He then proposed the toast of "The W . M . presiding , " and congratulated the brethren upon the splendid working of

Bro . Penfold that evening . He was especially pleased , because the Past Masters were generally considered to be " an effete and worn-out race of ' old fogies , ' " and " it must have been queer old times when they were in the chair . " WelHhat night they had had an opportunity of seeing what one of their "old fogies" could do , and he asked them to drink Bro . Penfold ' s health in bumpers .

Bro . Penfold , who was received with cheers , said he regretted the absence of Bro . Hughes , the W . M ., who was away for a short holiday , but who before he went asked him ( Bro . Penfold ) to do the duty on that occasion . It was now sixteen years ago since he occupied the chair of that lodge as its VV . M . Those days were pleasant days , and fostered the spirit of emulation that had made

the lodge so famous for its good working—a spirit that continued down to the present time . What they , the " old fogies , " most delighted in was to see strongly cemented together the unity and good feeling that now and ever had made their lodge such a pleasant one . Some of the Past Masters were getting on towards the "sear and yellow " leaf stage , but so long as he or they were spared they would

always do their best for the interests of the lodge and the comfort of the members . He would hot take up their time , but would only say that he trusted their W . M . would enjoy himself , and on his behalf he cordially thanked them . Bro . Coupland responded for "The Past Masters , " and Bros . Grant , Haley , Hoeftman , and Wakeley for " The Visitors . "

Bros . Busbndge and Sanders replied for "The Officers , " and several other personal toasts followed . The harmony was excellent , nor was the Charity-box forgotten , for on a special appeal by Bro . Butter for a brother ( not a member of the lodge ) who is bed-ridden , the sum of £ 7 15 s . was realised , two brethren giving a half-sovereign each as a thank offering on recovering from severe illnesses —and " So mote it be . "

WITH 1 NGTON . Architect Lodge ( No . 1375 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , the 3 rd instant , in the Town Flail . The following- brethren were present : Bros . Henry Nail , W . M . j John J . Tiller , | I . P . M . ; M . D . Fryer , S . W . ; C . H . Beever , J . W . ; J . G . Bromley , Sec . ; A . Pickford , l . G . ; VV . Moult , Org . j W . C Flint , C

Rawle , and T . IT . Holland , Stewards ; D . Murray , P . M . ; W . T . Hesketh , P . M . ; John Bradshaw , P . M . ; T . Dodd , John Coupland , Wm . Foster , J . Foot , J . A . Carse , S . Hargreaves , P . M . 755 ; R . R . Kirkham , and J . B . Kirk , Tyler , Visitors : Bros . J . Gibson Thomson , 245 ( LC ); J . Beadmore , J . W . 852 ; J . Howarth , 13 SS ; J . H . Dalglish , P . M .,

bee . 1147 j J . Nodal , late 1375 j and W . Goodacre , P . G . S . B . England , Prov . G . Sec . The lodge having been opened , Abraham Redfearn was initiated by Bro . Nail , VV . M ., who afterwards passed Bro . John Kort , and Bro . Wm . Foster was raised by Bro . 1 . 1 . Tiller , I . P . M .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Kennington Chapter ( No . 1381 ) . —This prosperous transpontine chapter met at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park , on the 2 nd inst . Among those present were Comps . W . W . Westley , M . E . Z . ; H . Salter , H . ; W . A . Dowling , J . ; H . Higgins , P . A . G . S . Middx ., S . E . ; Austin , S . N . j G . Everett , P . Z ., Treas . j Sims , P . S . j Smith , ist A . S . ; Davis , 2 nd A . S . ; G . Gardner , l . P . Z . j Capt . T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . P . G . P . Soj . ; C H . Kohler , P . Z . j H . J . Lardner , P . Z ., P . P . G . Std . Br . j E . Ayling ,

Royal Arch.

P . Z . ; and others . Among the visitors were Comps . Hartley , P . Z . 1326 , P . A . G . S . Middx . ; Collick , P . Z . 946 , - Taylor , P . Z . 1 G 24 ; and Making , 22 S . Comp . J . Terry , P . Z ., P . G . Std . Br ., & c ( hon . member ) , was also present . The minutes of the previous convocation having been duly read and confirmed , the report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . The ballot was taken on behalf

of Bro . J . T . Parratt , 13 S 1 , but he did not attend . Comps . Salter was installed as M . E . Z ., Dowling as H ., and Austin as J ., by Comp . H . J . Lardner , assisted by Comp . J . Terry , the ceremonies being performed in a most admirable manner . The following investitures then took place : Comps . Higgins , S . E . j Sims , S . N . ; G . Everett , P . Z ., Treas . j Smith , P . S . j Davis , ist A . S . j Dennis , 2 nd A . S . j

Reinardt , Janitor . A vote of thanks was passed to the Installing Officers , Comps . Terry and Lardner , which they duly acknowledged . A Past Principal ' s jewel having been presented to Comp . Westley , the chapter was closed , and the companions adjourned to the banquet , which was > erved by Comp . Buxton in a manner that left but little to be desired . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts

followed . Comp . J . Terry responded on behalf of " The Grand Officers " in a happy speech . In the course of his remarks he alluded to the great honour that had fallen upon Comp . G . Everett , who had been elected unopposed to the distinguished position of Grand Treasurer of England . It stood high on the roll of Grand Officers , and he felt confident that Comp . Everett was in every respect worthy of the honour .

Comp . Hartley , in responding to the toast of "Ihe Visitors , " spoke in high terms of the working that he had witnessed that day . He had attended many installation meetings in the Royal Arch , but he had never seen the ceremonies better performed than they had been that day . Comps . Westley and Walls having acknowledged the toast of "The Past Principals , " "The Health of the

Treasurer and S . E . " followed . Comp . G . Everett , in the course of a humorous speech , said that he felt quite overpowered by the encomiums and flattering remarks that had fallen from the lips of Comps . Terry , the M . E . Z ., Walls , and other speakers . During his long career in various Degrees of Freemasonry he had striven to do his duty . As Treasurer he was occasionally

compelled to be somewhat firm , but it was done from the best of motives . It was his pride to put every lodge and chapter in which he was Treasurer in a sound financial position . A great deal had been said about his coming investiture as Grand Treasurer . He could only say that when it had become an accomplished fact it would be his

duty to show the Craft at large how much he appreciated the honour . Comp . Higgins having said a few words , " The Health of the Officers" terminated the proceedings . Bro . Burn , Org . 13 S 1 , assisted by Bro . Graves , Mr . Wright , and others , provided an excellent programme of instrumental and vocal music .

LEICESTER .. Chapter Of Fortitude ( No . 279 ) . —The installation meeting of this chapter was held at Freemasons ' Hall , on Friday , the 3 rd inst . The chapter was opened , and Comps . Thos . Coltman , F . C . A ., was duly installed in the First Principal ' s chair j S . Knight , H . j and R . Michie , J . The ceremony was most ably and impressively

performed by Comp . Robt . Brewin , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . Devon . The following were present : Comps . Wm . Kelly , P . Z ., G . Superintendent j R . Brewin , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . Devon ,- S . S . Partridge , P . Z ., P . G . S . B . England j J . T . Thorpe , P . Z . j Geo . Toller , P . G . Std . Br . ; John Harrison , P . Z . j ancl the following members of the chapter : Comps . j . Herbert Marshall , P . Z . 1007 j VV . J . Curtis , H . Goodacre

Marriott , VV . T . Coltman , Rev . J . VV . Willson , Rev . Frank Tibbits , W . H . Chamberlin , C . W . Potter , H . Howe , and Thos . S . H . Ashwell . Visitors : Comps . Thos . Thorburn , P . Z . 537 , P . G . H . Cheshire j A . G . Boswell , Z . 1339 ; Rev . H . J . Mason , P . Z . 1146 ; Thos . Corcoran , J . elect 1007 ,-R . L . Gibson , Z . elect 1007 j B . H . Smith , Z . 1560 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Lowenstein , H . elect 1007 ; W . H .

Goodwin , Z . elect 1130 , P . G . S . B . j Rev . Faithfull , T . A Wykes , Org . 1560 j and VV . Maurice Williams , 1007 . After the reading of the minutes , the M . E . Z . invested the oflicers elected for the ensuing year as under : Comps . T . Worthington , P . Z ., Scribe E . j J . G . Bower , Scribe N . j W . W . Vincent , Treas . j J . B . Waring , P . S . j T . Charlesworth , ist A . S . j F . S . Preston , 2 nd A . S . j Rev . C . Henton

Wood , M . A ., P . Z ., Prov . G . Scribe E ., D . of Cj A . Laurence , Org . j Walter D . Grant , Stwd . j and J . Tauser , Janitor . The Treasurer ' s accounts were received and passed , and showed a balance in hand . Four brethren were balloted for and duly elected , Grand Chapter certificates were delivered to several companions , and before the chapter was closed six nominations of candidates were made .

After the close of the chapter , the companions partook of dinner , which was excellently served in the dining-room of the hall . The table , in arch form , was very prettily decorated , and during the repast a string quintet played a choice selection of music .

After the usual toasts , the M . E . Z . proposed "H . R . H . the Prince pf , Wales , M . E . G . Z ., and the Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter , " and it was responded to by Comp . S . S . Partridge , P . G . S . B . The M . E . Z . then proposed " Comp . W . Kelly , Grand Supt ., and the officers of Prov . Grand Chapter . " Comp . W . Kelly responded in a short and feeling speech .

Comp . J . I . 1 'horp , P . P . G . J ., proposed "The Three Principals and continued Success of the Chapter , " alludin " - to its long career , over 50 years , and its success during that period , and its proud position of having three such Royal Arch Masons on its roll as Comps . VV . Kelly , Grand Superintendent of the province- S . S . Partridge , and G . Toller . He saw , too , every indication of its success in the future and

believed that with a First Principal who took so great an interest in the chapter and a body of active members its prospects were for a future as bright as its past . Comp . T . Coltman , Z ., responded , thanking the chapter for the honour that they had done him , and which he esteemed so much , and promising on his part to do all that

lay within his power to promote the prosperity of the chapter and the happiness of its members . Comp . S . Knight , H ., also returned thanks for the toast , and gave assurance of his intention to do his utmost to promote the welfare of the chapter , which now numbered ioo members .