Masonic Notes And Queries.

Duchess of Cumberland . On this occasion the venerable Master of the Knights Templars , Captain Hannam , was respectabl y conspicuous in bringing the collection of ten n-uincas from his Chapter . The meeting was honoured with the presence of many Grand Stewards ; and the whole was conducted with all that order , harmony , and friendship which the princi p les of the Royal Craft enforce , and by which it is the pride and the wish of every good Mason to regulate his life and actions . "

Ibid , July , 179 S . "A very numerous and respectable body of Brethren attended the Annual Celebration of the Country Stewards ' Feast , on Thursday , the 5 th July , at Canonbury House , Islington , where Bro . Edward Dowling , with his usual attention to the interests of this Society , had the honour to preside . An elegant dinner , many loyal songs and toasts ,

and a liberal collection for the benefit of the Freemasons ' Charity School , peculiarly distinguished this meeting . The day was spentlwith the greatest conviviality and harmony . " From the foregoing extracts it will be seen that the " Country Feast" was merely a summer " outing" of the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge , and was intended to do honour to the Deputy Grand Master , the

Grand Master's " Feast" being held earlier in the year at one of the City Halls , down to the year 1775 , when the present Freemasons' Hall was erected , and dedicated to Masonry . Unfortunately , we have no evidence as to the origin of the "Country Feast , " nor when it was first instituted , but I should imagine it was one of the old customs of the Order , and from the wording of the D . G . M . 's announcement in 1772 was certainly held before that year . H . SADLER .

Reports Of Masonics Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONICS MEETINGS .

Craft fffiasonrg , STRONG MAN LODGE ( No . 45 ) . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 5 th inst ., at the Masons' Hall Tavern , Masons' -avenue , E . C , when there were present Bros . W . H . G . Ball , I . P . M ., as W . M . ; Henry T . Nell , S . W . ; F . W . Driver , P . M ., J . W . ; H . J . Dean , Org . ; H . Follett , P . M ., Treas . ; Jno . N . Heale , Sec . ; R . W .

Hunt , S . D . ; G . G . Symons , P . M ., D . C . ; F . C . Herbert , I . G . ; T . C . Cubbon , Stwd . ; E . Mallett , Tyler ; W . A . S . Humphries , P . M . ; R . Kelsey , E . H . Dove , W . H . Liddall , T . Bolt , C . Carter , S . Wood , A . Mace , J . H . Smethurst , and C . S . Madan . ' . Visitors : Bros . J . Fraser Buckley , 2033 ; R . Wright , P . M . 454 ; C . H . Fisher , J . W . 14 S 7 ; H . S . Carvey , 22 ; Jt J . Hamilton , P . M . 15

R . D . Kirk , 334 ; and W . D . Ross , 12 . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were then read and confirmed , after which Bro . C . S . Madan was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason according to ancient custom . The ballot was then taken for W . M . for the ensuing year , and was unanimously in favour of Bro . Henry T . Nell ( the eldest son of Bro . W . T . Nell , P . P . G . Purst . Sussex , P . M . 315 and 1636 , P . Z . ) , whose installation

will take place on the 7 th May next . Bro . H . Follett , P . M ., was again , by unanimous consent , re-elected Treasurer for the ensuing 12 months—a position it is hoped he may live long to fill . Bro . E . Mallett was re-elected as Tyler . The meeting was of a very happy character , being graced by the presence of some half-a-dozen of our Nortn American brethren , who thoroughly felt , although they were far away from home , they were yet in the midst of their brethren , and as warm a welcome as could be given was most heartily shown .

ROYAL OAK LODGE ( No . S 71 ) . —The inslallation meeting of this old and flourishing lodge was held on the 26 th ult ., at Bro . Morgan ' s commodious hostelry , the White Hart Hotel , High-street , Deptford there was a very long list of business to transact . The lodge was opened by Bro . T . Horton , W . M ., who was supported then and during the proceedings bv an

assemblage of officers , brethren of the lodge , and visitors . The whole of the ceremonial was rendered by the VV . M ., Bro . Horton , Bro . Good , I . P . M ., affording valuable assistance , the working included the initiation of Messrs . J . R . Uealler and H . J . Weston into the mysteries of the Order , and conferring the Sublime Degree upon Bro . J . Joyce , lnese ceremonies being satisfactorily at an end . and the

odgeroom being thoroughly well filled , Bro . E . Good , S ' assumed the chair for the purpose of installing wo . R . T . Stringer , S . W . and W . M . elect , into the chair ol King Solomon . That worthy brother was accordingly Presented , and , having duly pledgedl his adherence to our ancient charges and regulations , as announced by Bro . J . J . ' alies , P . M ., the energetic Secretary , was duly oblirrated .

subsequentl y upon the retirement of all brethren who had not yet donned the level , Bro . Stringer was , in a duly Wrmed Board of Masters , impressively inducted into the wair o £ K . S . according to ancient form . The usual nonours were next paid to the newly-installed Master by f > e brethren , and the officers were appointed and invested , ., /? , " Wringer ' s addresses to each brother being remarkably ell and

" appropriately delivered . The following are the appointments : Bros . R . J . Harvey , S . W . ; H . J . Fisher , J-W . ; W . Andrews , P . M ., Treas . ; J . J . Pakes , P . M ., f , - ; . J . G . Thomas , S . D . ; J . W . Hadingham , J . D . ; J . S ^^ I . G . jCE . Ellison , Org . j and V . H . Clarke , VV M next P ' ' ff feature was the presentation by the I P nV ° n behalf of the members of the lodge of an ci-it ; } f . ^ Bro > T - Horton , as a token of the approbation of his services in the chair of the lodge . IJ . - "" * I . WWJ . ( . * .. * , 1-liUlL \ JL IIIC lUU ^ Ci

wl , ; . uV orton brieflv thanked the brethren for the gift , Th f Would prize as ] ong as , ie , ived - trulv M " re of the evcnin ff next followed , and was as our , asonic and pleasurable a incident as it has ever been that ; f , i L t 0 witness - Bro - Stringer , W . M ., announced in V n tne unanimous desire of the brethren to enh . vJ ™ ""^ urc signalise the high appreciation they ivhn « . oi the services of their esteemed Bro . Pakes , lodL ' t i ^ charge of his duties of Secretary of the out tt- -j won the esteem of every brother . To carry ' «" wea a meeting had been held at his ( the W . M . ' s )

Reports Of Masonics Meetings.

house , and as the result he had great pleasure in asking Bro . Pakes , P . M . and Sec , to accept as a mark of esteem the present subscribed for among the brethren . Here a table was brought into the lodge , and upon the covering being removed , displayed a very handsome ormulu and hand-painted china clock and pair of side vases , under glass shades . A plate on the pedestal of the clock bears

the inscription , "Presented to Bro . J . J . Pakes , P . M ., by the brethren of the Royal Oak Lodge , No . S 71 , of Ancient , Free and Accepted Masons , as a slight recognition of his valuable services as Secretary . 2 Cth February , 1 SS 5 . " Bro . Pakes , who was evidently greatly overcome , said that until that day he had always thought when the

recipient of a testimonial stated he had been taken by surprise , he had been telling—well , a big fib . ( Laughter . ) The recent event had quite altered his opinion , for he had been completely taken aback , and beyond thanking them , he must ask the brethren to kindly excuse him saying anything further at present , for he felt quite unable to do so .

" Hearty good wishes" were given by the visiting brethren , among whom were Bros . Fredk . Walters , P . M ., P . P . J . D . Middx . ; G . H . Stephens , W . M . 1623 ; Sadler , Long , H . Whitford , Hutchins , Norman , Burney , Lewis , Fox , Strickland , Robinson , Perryman , Stockwell , Andrews , Pooley , and others . Among the numerous brethren present were Bros . E .

Good , I . P . M . j G . T . Limn , P . M . ; Harvey , P . M . ; W . Andrews , P . M . ; Vohmann , P . M . ; and others . After lodge a very well-served banquet awaited the brethren , and it certainly reflected every credit on Bro . Morgan , the worthy host . At the conclusion of the repast a full toast list was suitably honoured , and the proceedings

were greatly enlivened by singing from Bros . Ellison , Vohmann , Thomas , Weston , and others , and Bros . Vint and Dealler each gave a reading . To conclude , we are sure the Royal Oak Lodge seldom started upon a fresh year . of Masonic life with better outlook for the future , and we venture to hope that the good augury may be fully realized .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This lodge met at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park , on the 3 rd inst . Among those present were Bros . Stranger , W . M . ; Plowman , S . W . ; La Feuillade , J . W . ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . ; Lingley , S . D . ; Foale , J . D . ; Cruse , l . G . ; Westley , D . C . (; Ruffle , W . S . ; Koch , P . M . ; Geo . Everett ,

P . M . ; H . Higgins , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M . ; Kohler , P . M . ; W . P . Webb , P . M . ; Cockburn , P . M . ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . Hughes and Thomas were duly passed to the Second Degree by the W . M ., assisted by his olficers . The ballot was then taken on behalf of Mr . Alfred Lundie ,

and it proving to be unanimous he was duly initiated into Craft mysteries . The ballot was also taken on behalf of Bro . James La Feuillade , of No . 54 S , as a joining member , and it proved to be unanimous . Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Bros . W ., Mann , P . M ., Treas . ; Applcton , P . M . ; and others . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned

to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth the usual toasts followed . "The Health of the W . M . " was flatteringly proposed by Bro . Koch , P . M ., and warmly received by the brethren . The VVorshipful Master having replied , then gave " The Initiate , " who responded in a neat speech . Bro . Stuart and others replied on behalf of "The

Visitors . "The Health of the , Past I Masters ' ^ was ^ acknowledgcd by Bros . Koch , Everett and Walls . " The Treasurer and Secretary" by Bro . VV . Stuart , Sec , in the absence of Bro . W . Mann , Treas ., and " The Officers " by Bros . Plowman and La Feuillade . The proceedings then terminated .

ST . MARTIN-LE-GRAND LODGE ( tf 0 . 153 S ) . —An emergency meeting of this prosperous lodge was held at the Great Eastern Hotel , Liverpool-street , City , on Wednesday , the 4 th inst ., Bro . Thomas J . Robertson , I . P . M . and Treas ., being in the chair ; Bros . Hatch S . W . ; Liversage , J . W . ; Fluck , S . D . ; Mumford , J . D . ; ; jand jBro . Harper , who , in the absence of Bro .

Larking , proved himself a most efficient I . G . The lodge was opened in due form , and after a ballot had been taken for Mr . A . H . Kersey and Mr . E . C . T . Bridges , those gentlemen were admitted and initiated in an exceedingly impressive manner by Bro . Robertson , I . P . M . Feelings of deep regret were expressed by the brethren at the absence , through illness , of Bro . J . P . Parkes , the W . M ., and it was unanimously resolved that a communication be

addressed by the Secretary to Bro . H . Parkes to that effect . The lodge was subsequently closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , where , under the presidency of the I . P . M ., the usual royal , loyal , and Masonic toasts were crisply and cleverly proposed and duly honoured , considerable eclat being added to the enjoyment of the evening by the brilliant songs and recitations

contributed by Bros . Barnes , Harper , Maitland , Roberts , Viney , Smith , and Brooks . Among several other wellknown brethren were observed Bros . Snare , Bunker , Emblin , Lancaster , P . M ., Leonard Barnes , the well-known musical composer , and Bro . J . J . Riintz , W . M . of the Polish National Lodge . Three well known faces were missing , viz ., those of Bros . Hookey , Walker , and Williams . ¦

WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , 10 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C . Present : Bros . W . Brindley , W . M . ; J . Gibson , S . W . ; F . Wray , P . M ., acting J . W . ; Rev . R . Halpin , Chap . ; F . Meredith , P . M ., Treas . ; . R . Scott , Sec . ; W . Coleman , S . D . ; W . Wimms , J . D . ; W . Glover , acting I . G . ; J . Lackland , Tyler ; A . Brookson , P . M . ; G . Boulton , P . M . ;

Wade , I . P . M . ; Musson , Leslie , Fraser , I . G . 2077 ; Simpson , Matthews , McCullugh , and several others . Visitors : Bros . Birkin , 754 ; , Belville , 407 ; Mullin , 332 ; and others . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last lodge read and confirmed . Bro . Birkin , 754 , was balloted for and duly elected a joining member of this lodge . Bro . Birkin returned thanks . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Blackman , candidate

Reports Of Masonics Meetings.

for raising , answeredjthe questions leading to the Third Degree , was entrusted and retired . The lod ge was opened in the Third Degree , and Bro . " Blackman was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . The next business was to elect a W . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler for the ensuing year . The unanimous choice of the brethren was as follows : Bro . Gibson , S . W ., W . M . ; Meredith , P . M ., Treas ., re-elected ; and Lackland , Tylerre-elected . Each of the brethren

, returned thanks . It was proposed , seconded , and carried unanimously , that a P . M . ' s jewel , collar , and appendages be presented to Bro . Brindley , VV . M ., on his retirement , in recognition of the very courteous and efficient manner he had performed the duties of the chair . Boo . Brindley , in a few well-chosen words , returned thanks . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form .

ALLIANCE LODGE ( No . i 32 ) .-The installation meeting of this flourishing lodge was held on Thursday , the 5 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , m the presence of a goodly number of members and visitors , when Bro . E . Garnet Man , P . M ., P . D G S W British Burmah , was duly installed W . M . in succession to B J ? - . K eut , " - Sewell . In the absence of the I . P . M . on

official duties , the ceremony was performed bv Bro . Sir j . 13 . Monckton in his most impressive manner . " The W . M . invested his officers as under : Bros . Lieut .-Col . Sewell , ' I . P . M . ; Lieut . H . Wright , S . W . ; J . Perkins , J . W . H . Squire , S . D . ; H . Clarke , J . D . ; Godfrey , D . C ; P . Morrison , I . G . ; Fitch , S . Stwd . ; Jackson , I . Stwd . ; Jewson , Org . ; R . J . Pawley , Treas . ; and J . E . Turner , Secretary .

Subsequently , under the presidency of the VV . M ., the brethren assembled in the banqueting chamber , when a sumptuous repast was served by Messrs . Ritter and Clifford . It is one of the proud boasts of the lodge that whenever a Masonic Lord Mayor has presided at the Mansion House he has invariably attended their annual festival as a guest . This year was no exception . His

lordship sat to the right of the W . M ., and in addition to the officers already named there were present Bros . Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . W . ; T . Fenn , President of the Board of General Purposes ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Alderman Sir R . Hanson ; Easter , G . S . D . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D . ; F . Green , P . M ., P . G . D . ; Wendt ; J . H . Matthews , G . Std . Br . : G . N .

Johnson , P . M . ; Under Sheriff Crawford , Under Sheriff Metcalfe , ex-Sheriff Burt , E . M . Lott , G . Org . ; H . Garrod , G . A . P . ; the Rev . J . H . Smith ; West , G . S . ; Major-General Power , Col . Dundas , the Secondary ( T . Roderick ) , T . Beard , G . J . Brocklesbury , J . C . Whiddington , VV . Westcott , E . Pugh , F . S . Jackson , W . Hayes , C . W . Bowley , F . Low , J . E . Walford , J . W . Hughes , E .

Jex , C . Fitch , Cooper , P . Godfrey , Bunce-CIarke , H . J . Strong , E . T . R . Wilde , W . Wright , P . M . ; V . Dumfee , J . G . Beckett , B . Timine , G . J . VV . Winzar , Major Campbell , H . R . Richards , B . Moricc , Bush , and E . F . Fitch . At the conclusion of the banquet the customary Masonic toasts were given and honoured . Bro . T . Fenn responded for " The Grand Officers , " and

in so doing payed an eloquent tribute to the energies of Sir J . B . Monckton , than whom there was not a better Mason living—a sentiment in which members of the lodge readily assented , remembering all he had done on behalf of their lodge . Of course an adequate welcome was extended to the toast of " The Lord Mayor , " " the ruler of four millions of people , " as the W . M . termed himthe head of that

, ancient and revered body which had withstood the encroachments of Kings and Parliament , and of democrats themselves , in the defence of popular rights . His Lordship was as happy as brief in his response , recalling the part the Corporation had played in the defence of civil and religious liberty in the past , and feeling assured that its mission would be as useful in the future . Loud were

the cheers when the Lord Mayor communicated to those around the contents of the telegram he had sent to New South Wales only that day , expressive of Londoners ' admiration of the conduct of the gallant colonists now on their way to fight England ' s battles in the Soudan . To Bro . Sir J . B . Monckton , as Installing Master , was entrusted the duty of submitting "The Health of the

W . M ., " who , he was convinced , would maintain the high character and reputation of the Alliance . Bro . Man was an evidence of the universality of ; Masonry . Made , as he was , in a regimental lodge ( as Bohemian an institution as could be found in Masonry ) , he had attained to high office in British Burmah , and now he had come back to London , and was [ assuming the gavel of their lodge , they

wished him success . The W . M . having [ suitably replied , submitted "The Health of the I . P . M ., " indulging in warm eulogies of the [ manner in which Bro . Lieut .-Col . T . Davies Sewell had conducted the affairs of the lodge during his tenure of

office . On behalf of the members he took considerable pleasure in presenting Bro . Colonel Sewell with a handsome Past Master's jewel , from the ateieir of Bro . George Kenning , assuring him that though it was a valuable jewel , it by no means represented the value of their

esteem for him . Bro . Lieut .-Col . Sewell , in response , spoke of the kindly feeling which existed between the members , and congratulated them on the success of the lodge . His aim had been , if possible , during his year of office lo raise the number to its full complement , and in this he had almost succeeded . _ For "ThePastMasters"agoodlyIist , includin ! rtheTown

Clerk , Bros . F . Green , Littell , and Wildey Wrightthe first and last named responded . For " The Visitors , " Alderman Sir R . Hanson responded . Nor were the services of "The Officers" forgotten . During dessert an excellent programme of music was carried through under the direction of Bro . F . A . Jewson . Madame Dunbar-Perkins's violin solos were much admired and warmly applauded ; whilst Miss Matilda Robey and Mr . A . Weston were awarded their full share of praise for their vocal

selections . Bro . Lieut . Hy . Wright responded for "The Officers , " and said on their behalf that they one and all intend giving a right loyal support to the W . M . in everything that is good for Freemasonry tin general and the Alliance Lodge in particular , and to quote the words of the Installing Master , Sir John Monckton , used in the ritual by him in the address to the brethren , " we mean to have one common object , that of pleasing each other . "