Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

of stability , and worthiness , yet while it was essential that none should be admitted who were not calculated to be not only good members , but good Masons , it was necessary that the strength of the lodge should be kept up by increasing its muster roll , and that could be done by introducing good , upright , and just men , who wished to join the Craft , " with a preconceived notion of its usefulness , " and a

desire to assist in the great good it did in the cause of morality and brotherly love . There had been a cloud in the horizon of their affairs , but he trusted that a new morn would come , and the brighter light of a better day for the Henley Lodge , and for that he should labour with his whole heart . He thanked them cordially for the toast , and resumed his seat amid the congratulations of all present .

The VV . M . then presented the I . P . M . with a very handsome jewel of office , and in so doing , spoke of the admirable manner in which he had carried out the duties of the lodge during the past year , although not so successful as they might have wished , yet was memorable for the excellent example set by the I . P . M ., and the harmony that had characterised all its meetings . He then pinned the jewel

on the breast of Bro . Vance , and in the name of the lodge wished him many years of health and happiness to wear it , and also to work for the success and prosperity of the lodge , and when the inevitable hour arrived that he must leave it in the hands of his children , might they follow in his footsteps , and be as good men , and Masons , as their father had been . Bro . Vance replied in a lengthy , and eloquent ,

speech , and thanked the VV . M . and brethren for their handsome and valuable present . He spoke highly of the invaluable services of Bro . West to him while working up to the position of VV . M ., and also for the performance on the installation evening . The charity box was then passed round , and while it was passing the W . AL recited the passage on charity in the Fourth Section . The collection

realised £ I us ., and Bro . Past Master Graham , who presented the box to the lodge at its formation , made the sum up to two guineas . The toast of " The Initiates " followed , and our newly made brethren returned thanks in good style . "The Past Masters of , and belonging to , the Lodge , " were then honoured , and Bro . Graham , in response , said he felt it a very great honour to be identified with such a toast .

He was present at thc consecration of the lodge as one of thc representatives of the Nelson Lodge , of which he was a Past Alaster , and had since then joined the lodge as a member . He , therefore , felt great pleasure in responding to the toast , and trusted always to sec the lodge as well supported by its Past Masters as at the present moment . When the Past Master ofa lodge came among the brethren

it had the effect of uniting them together by the respect gained by the Past Master , by hard work done for the lodge , and which respect the brethren generally were only too willing to tender and participate in . The presence of the Past Masters had also the effect of instilling a praiseworthy ambition in the minds of the young members , and urged them on to make themselves worthy of some day occupying such a position as the Past Masters held . He

then spoke in high terms of the admirable manner in which the ceremony of installation had been performed that day by Bro . Vance , and concluded by thanking the VV . M ., and brethren lor their hearty reception of the toast . The toast of "The Visitors" followed , and Bros . Taplay , Lambert , Solomons , Beaver , and Kauffman , returned thanks . The toast of "The Officers " came next , and the Tyler's toast concluded a very pleasurable and memorable gathering .

HAMP TON . —Hemming Lodge ( No . 1512 ) . —On thc 17 th ult ., this lodge met for the dispatch of business at the Lion Hotel . Among those in attendance were Bros . T . VV . Ockenden , VV . M . , * T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Aliddx ., S . VV . ; E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., Treas ., acting J . W . ; Jessett , I . P . M . ; VV . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Aliddx ., Sec . ; Hiscox , S . D . ; T . Moody , J . D . ; Tozer , W . S ., acting

LG . ; and Knowles , D . C . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Mr . VV . Spearing was duly initiated into Craft mysteries , at the request of the VV . M ., by Bro . Hammond . The ceremonies of passing Bros . Ransford and Dohoo and raising Bros . Crofts and J ackson , were then admirably performed by the VV . M . Bro . F . Honeywell ,

P . P . G . O . Middx ., who had been elected an honorary member at the previous meeting , was then invested by the W . AI , with the collar of Honorary Organist . Bro . Honeywell having expressed his thanks , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent collation catered for by Bro . Ballard . In consequence of the lateness ofthe hour the after proceedings were necessarily curtailed . Bro . Hammond replied upon behalf of "The Provincial Grand

Officers . " "The Health of the VV . M . " was proposed in terms of well deserved laudation b y the I . P . M . The W . M . having replied , then gave "The Initiate , " who responded . 'The other complimentary toasts followed in quick succession . Bro . Ballard , 132 C , replied for "The Visitors , " Bro . Jessett for " The Past Masters , " and Bros . Hopwood and Walls for "The Officers . " The Tyler having been called upon to discharge his duty , the proceedings terminated .

HAMPTON WICK . —Wolsey Lodge ( No . 1656 ) . —The election meeting of this prosperous provincial lodge was held on the 14 th ult ., at the White Hart Hotel . Among those present we noticed Bros . J . Bond , P . P . G . P . Surrey , VV . M . ; Aston , S . VV . ; J . Hurst , P . G . P . Middx ., J . VV . ; the Rev . F . J . C . de Crespigny , P . P . G . Chap . Middx ., I . P . M . ; A . Nuthall , Treas . ; T . VV . Ockenden ,

W . M . 1512 , Sec . ; T . CVValls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., S . D . Featherstone , J . D . ; R . VV . Forge , VV . M . 1793 , I . C ; J . Piller , D . C . ; Duffell Harrison , acting Tyler . Bro . Aston , Cnpplegate Lodge , was a visitor . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the bye-laws of the lodge were read . The election of W . M . resulted in favour of Bro . AstonS . W .

, Bros . I \ uthallandGilbertwere unanimously elected to the respective offices of Treasurer and Tyler , anda Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro . Bond . Several communications having been read the lod ge was formally closed and the brethren adjourned to a collation . Upon thc removal of the cloth the usual toasts were duly proposed . VV . Bro .

W . Hammond acknowledged the toast of "The Provincial Grand Officers . " " Thc Health of the VV . M . " was given in very kind terms by thc I . P . M ., and briefly responded to by the VV . M ., wha then gave "The Visitor . " Bio . Aston having said a few words in response , "lhe Past Alasters " and " The Officers " brought the proceedings to a conclusion .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

INSTRUCTION . SOUTHERN STAR LODGE ( No . 1158 ) . — The annual dinner of this flourishing lodge of instruction took place at the Crown Hotel , 10 S , Blackfriars-road , on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., when about thirty brethren , under the presidency , of Bro . Preceptor Wise , sat down to a substantial repast served in excellent style by the host , Bro . James Block . The lodge was opened at 7 . 30 and the

minutes of previous meeting confirmed . Thursday the 24 th March , at 7 . 30 , wasappointed for the next working of the Fifteen Sections , and the lodge being closed the brethren entered on the Fourth Degree with a briskness that denoted thorough acquaintance with the working . The cloth being removed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were disposed of , followed by " Success to the Southern Star Lodge of . Instruction , " coupled with the name of the

Secretary Bro . Walter Wood , S . D . 193 , all receiving most hearty and excellent " fire . " In responding Bro . VVood gave a slight sketch of the position of the lodge financially , and proposed as the next toast "Bro . P . M . Wise , the Preceptor , " to whose ; unfailing and punctual attendance , urbane and courteous demeanour , and correct and facile method of instruction , the lodge is indebted for no small measure of its success . Among the brethren

present who have qualified themselves for the chair of K . S ., under Bro . Wise , were Bros . Harris , W . M . 115 S ; Darch , W . AL 72 ; Nott , W . M . 87 ; Bedford Lemcre , W . M . 193 ; Forster , W . M . elect Ivy Lodge ; and several others who are well up on the ladder of promotion . Bro . Wise acknowledged the enthusiastic reception accorded to his name--as a gratifying indication that his labours were appreciated , and expressed bis willingness at the present

time and his hope to be enabled in the future to work to the full extent of his powers on behalf of Masonry . Bro . Wise also called attention to the Charitable Associations , in connection with the Thursday meeting of the lodge of instruction , of which Bro . VVood is also Secretary . No . 1 Association is just wound up , resulting in four Life Governorships and twelve Life Subscriberships to the " Boys' Institution , " andseven LifeGovenorshipsto the "Old People" or a

total value of nearly £ 150 . No . 2 has been in existence nearly twelve months , and five guineas is balloted for every six weeks , and fifteen brethren have joined No . 3 , whose payments commenced on the 24 th ult . This easy means of becoming Life Governors of the several Charities commends itself to a large proportion of the Craft , who , with every wish to display "the predominant characteristic , " do not find it convenient to qualify just when the Stewards

are making appeals for the festivals . The small and frequent subscriptions , with the prospect of a vote in advance of payments , are inducements which should meet with ready acceptance , and preclude the possibility of any future reduction in the magnificent totals yearly presented by Bros . Binckes , Hedges , and Terry . The " Visitors " toast was responded toby Bro . Mann , 1017 , and a most pleasant evening was brought to a close ( after "Our Host , Bro . James

Block , " had been dul y toasted ) , with some excellent songs by Bros . Wise , Darch , Nott , Bertolli , Durndell , Probyn , and others , accompanied by Br 6 . Millard , who also sang several songs in good style . VVe hope tbat the lodge may have a good muster on the 24 th inst ., and gain an accession of strength . The room is comfortable , the furniture and clothing all that can be desired , the working somewhat above the average , and the position is central The lodge is opened punctually at eight every Thursday .

WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — The weekly meeting of this lodge was held at the Cathedral Hotel , St . Paul's Churchyard , on Monday , the 7 th inst ., when the ceremony of initiation was ably rehearsed by Bro . Laurence . Bro . Goodenough , assisted by the brethren ,

worked the First Section of the Lecture , the W . M . the Second , and Bro . Goodenough the Third and Fourth . The Fifteen Sections will be worked at this lodge on Monday , the 28 th inst ., when Bro . G . H . Stephens will preside , assisted by Bros . T . J . Barnes , P . M . 554 and 933 , S . VV ., and VV . H . Myers , P . M . 820 and 1445 , J . W .

FIRST LECTURE , 1 st Section Bro . J . R . Shingfield , I . G . 554 . 2 nd „ „ J . Hanson Thorn , P . M . 554 . 3 rd „ „ Dr . J . Loane , W . S . 1421 . 4 th „ „ I . J . Berry , P . M . 554 . 5 th „ „ W . Hogg , P . M . 1349 .

6 th „ „ C H . Webb , P . M . 1607 . 7 th „ „ I . J . Barnes , P . M . 554 & 933 . SECOND LECTURE . ist Section Bro . E . VV . Walter , VV . M . 544 . 2 nd „ „ J . Andrews , P . M . 1227 . 3 rd , „ VV . Musto , P . M . 1349 . 4 th „ „ W . H . Myers , P . M . S 20 & 1445 . 5 th „ „ VV . Yelton , P . M . 033 .

THIRD LECTURE . ist Section Bro . J . P . Cohen , P . M . 205 . 2 nd „ „ f . J . Maidwell , P . AI . 27 . 3 rd „ „ G . W . Terry , P . M . 554 & 127 S . LIVERPOOL . —Neptune Lodge ( No . 1264 ) . — The annual re-union of the above lodge was recently held at the Leicester Hotel , 126 , Dale-street , Bro . P . B . Gee , Preceptor and P . M ., in the chair , Bro . J . KornP . M . in

, , the vice-chair . Bro . Gee , Preceptor , was ably supported by Bros . Pemberton , P . M ., and Cotter , P . M . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been duly honoured , Bro . Cotter , P . M ., presented Bro . Gee , Preceptor , with a handsome meerschaum pipe with a suitable inscription , as a slight token of the esteem of the brethren , after having presided over the lodge as Preceptor for four years . Bro .

Gee , Preceptor , acknowledged the handsome present in a very feeling manner , and spoke of the many kindnesses he had received from the members . Harmony and toasts followed , including "To all Poor and Distressed Masons , " which brought a very enjoyable evening to a close . A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the host , Bro . C . Fothergill , for having so satisfactorily catered for the brethren .

I 3 ro . the Right Hon . Lord VVolverton has arrived home from Cannes . Nearly every house in Wimpole-street , the Whitehall Review says , is in mourning , for the merry dogstealer has been at his old game . 1 should like to see the ingenious gentleman who induced Bro . Heather Bigg's enormous mastiff to accompany him ; he was no ordinary thief .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

ST . JAMES'S CHAPTER ( No . 2 ) . —At a meeting of this chapter , held at Freemasons' Hall , on Thursday week , Comp . Woodford was installed by Comp . Brodie , P . Z ., M . E . Z . of the chapter , and Comp . Letchworth , H . The investment of the officers and other formal business having been transacted , the companions adjourned to the social circle , which , as ever , was cheerful , harmonious , and agreeable . The companions separated at an early hour .

Among those present we noticed Comps . Lieut .-Colonel Steuart , P . P . ; Wood , Bennock , Sampson Pierce , Lieut .-Col . Creaton , H . Muggeridge , Romieu , Rowlands , Ames , and others . Comp . H . Aluggeridge , after a service of eighteen years , has been succeeded by our zealous brother and companion Sampson Pierce , as Ezra . Comp . Lieut .-Col . Creaton , Grand Treasurer , after re-election , was invested as Treasurer of this distinguished chapter .

JERUSALEM CHAPTER ( No . 185 ) . —This old chapter met at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Oueenstreet , on the 15 th ult . There were present Comps . Mander , M . E . Z . ; T . C . Walls , P . G . D . C . Middx ., H ; Moss , J . ; Harfeld , P . Z ., Tveas . ; Davage , P . Z ., S . E . ; Stewart , S . N . ; Davis , P . S . ; Ellborn , ist Assistant ; P .

Robinson , I . P . Z . ; Holbrook , P . Z . ; Elsam , P . Z . Comp . Koch , P . Z . Lily of Richmond > was among the visitors . The minutes of the previous meeting having ' been read and confirmed , the bye laws were read . The elections to the various offices resulted unanimously in favour of Comps . Walls , M . E . Z . ; Moss , H . ; Davis , J . ; Davage , S . E . j Stewart , S . N . ; Harfeld , Treasurer ; Ellborn , P . S . ;

Parkinson , Janitor . A Past Principal ' s jewel having been unanimously voted to Comp . Mander , the chapter was closed and the companions adjourned to the banquet . After the usual preliminary toasts had received full justice "The Health of the M . E . Z . " was proposed by Comp . Robinson , I . P . Z . In the course of his speech he touched upon the high social and Masonic qualities of Comp .

Mander . His year of office had been an exceedingly prosperous one , and his working had been characterised by great ability . He went on to remark that as onc of the oldest members of the chapter , he could safely say that no first Principal had ever displayed such talent as Comp . Mander had done . In conclusion he hoped that their M . E . Z would be spared many years to wear the jewel which the

companionshad that evening voted him . This toasthavingbeen warmly received , the M . E . Z . made a modest speech in reply . "The M . E . Z . Elect" having been drunk , Ex . Comp . Walls briefly acknowledged the compliment . "The Visitors" followed and was responded to . "The Health of the Past Principals " came next in order and was duly replied to by Comps . Robinson , Holbrook , and Elsam . "The Treasurer and S . E . "and " The Officers " brought the proceedings to a conclusion .

METROPOLITAN CHAPTER ( No . 1507 ) . — The regular convocation of this chapter was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , the 3 rd inst ., when there were present M . E . Comp . VV . J . Ferguson , M . E . Z . ; E . Comp . VV . M . Stiles , II . ; E . Comp . C . W . Hudson , J . ; E . Comp . J . Willing . P . Z ., Treas . ; Comps . H . Stiles , E . ; T . C Edmonds , N . ; VV . Cook , P . S . ; VV .

Slide , A . S . ; Cole , Deller , Johnson , Lillis , Dickey ( 2 ) , Hoare , Child , Clemow ( 3 ) , Humphreys , Gilbert , Dimsdale , Little , Dorton , Dovey , Knight , and others . " Visitors : E . Comp . A . J . Hawkes , J . 315 ; and Comp . G . L . Moore , 169 . 'The chapter was opened by the Principals , and the companions admitted . The minutes of last convocation were read and unanimously confirmed . The ballot was

unanimous in ( favour of Bros . R . Brown , VV . Dorton , and S . Smith for exaltation . Bros . F . Dovey , 1744 , and VV . Dorton , S . D . 1076 , were introduced and regularly exalted into R . A . Masonry , the ceremony being performed by the Principals and officers in the faultless manner so characteristic of this chapter . E . Comp . J . R . Stacey , I . P . Z ., was unfortunately prevented from attending . Bro . R . VV .

Fraser , 1507 , was proposed for exaltation at next convocation . Chapter was closed in ancient form , and adjourned . Banquet followed , served in Comp . Clemow ' s best style . The M . E . Z . proposed the usual toasts , & c , and gave a l-. earty welcome to the visitors , and spoke in high terms of the excellency of his officers , & c . Comps . Cole , Lillis , Johnson , Stiles , Hudson , Moore , and others gave some excellent harmony , & c .

WEST SMITHFIELD CHAPTER ( No 1623 ) . —The installation meeting of the above chapter was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 24 th ult ., Comps . William Stephens , P . Z ., as M . E . Z . j James Stevens , P . Z ., as H . ; and T . VV . Adams , P . Z ., as J . The chapter was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Ballot was then taken for

the following brethren for exaltation : Bros . J . King , 1623 ; R . B . Greenwood , 1623 ; N . McKay , 1623 ; Capt . E . Pettett , 1623 ; A . P . Stevens , 1298 ; G . Allison , 129 S ; T . T . Phillips , 1706 ; C . Patrick , 1227 ; H . Forss , 554 ; Van Raalte , VV . M . 917 ; Gardiner , W . M 749 ; D . Moss , 1275 ; VV . Aynsley , 1677 ; and Comp . C F . Goodenough , P . S . 503 , as joining member . The ballot proved unanimous in each case . Bros .

Van Raalte , King , Greenwood , Gardiner , Phillips , Forss , Patrick , and McKay being present , received the Supreme Degree . The election of M . E . Z . for the ensuing year took place , resulting in the unanimous election of Comp . G . S . Elliott , who was regularly installed as Principal ; Comp . T . VV . Adams , P . Z ., as H . ; and T . Butt , VV . M . 007 , as 1 . The

officers elected and invested were Comps . Mallett , S . E . ; Lardner , S . N . ; Goodenough , P . S . ; King , A . S . ; Van Raalte , A . S . ; and Marsh , Janitor . Comj > . Elliott proposed a vote of thanks and honorary membership to Comp . James Stevens , P . Z ., for having attended and rendered them such able assistance . Comp . Adams , P . Z ., seconded , and the motion was duly confirmed b y the chapter . On the proposition of Comp . J ., seconder ! bv the M . E . P . Z .. Como .

Baldwin was unanimously elected to honorary membership , each of which responded in suitable terms for the honour conferred on them . Ex . Comp . Elliott also proposed that a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to M . E . Comp . Stevens , P . Z ., who had so ably presided that evening , which was seconded and carried unanimously . The M . E . " Comp . acknowledged the same . The business being ended , the chapter was duly closed , and the companions accompanied thc . Principals tq an excellent repast , prepared by Bro .