Annual Masonic Ball In Liverpool.

ANNUAL MASONIC BALL IN LIVERPOOL .

If thc records of the Masonic Ball held in Liverpool in iS ? 4 should indicate it to be the least successful of any of the series held for a long time it may noxv be as xvell to chronicle the fact ( to save future discussion ) that this comparative failure arose Irom the unaccountable and unexpected lukexvarniness of brethren who ought to have been the foremost and xvarmcst supporters of an assembly xvhich in past years

has done so much to help xvhat is undoubtedly the most admirably and economically conducted charity in the United Kingdom , the West Lancashire Masonic Education Institution . A very strong Committee xvas appointed to carry out the arrangements , and a large proportion of the members performed their share of the xvork in a commendable manner ; but the conspicuous absence of the bulk of the leaders of the Craft from the Toxvn Hall , on Tuesday , the Sth inst .,

when the ball took place , xvas sufficient to damp the energies of even the strongest Committee as xvell as prove disastrous to financial results xvhich so closely affect the noble institution . All the more credit is due to ' thosc xvho bore the burden of the labour , even though it has not been crowned xvith the success so earnestly desired . The ball xvas under thc distinguished patronage of , amongst others , the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M ., and

the Countess of Carnarvon ; the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M ., Prov . G . M . West Lane , and thc Countess of Lathom ; the Earl of Bective , Prov . G . M . Cumberland and Westmorland , and the Countess of Bective ; the Earl and Countess of Dalhousie ; the Earl and Countess of Derby ; Sir VV . W . Wynn , Bart ., M . P ., Prov . G . M . North Wales and Shropshire ; Col . Starkie , P . G . W ., Prov . G . M . East Lane ; Lord dc Tapley , Prov . G . M . Cheshire ; Col .

the Hon . F . A . Stanley , D . P . G . M . West Lane ., ; and Lady Constance Stanley ; Sir Gilbert Greenall , PG S . VV ., P . P . G . S . W . West Lane , and Lady Greenall Capt . Garnett , P . P . G . S . W . West Lane . ; James Poole , C . C , P . G . S . VV . ; His Worship the Mayor of Liverpool and the Mayoress ; Alderman Grindley ; W . Rathbone , V \; Samuel Smith , M . P . ; Lord Claud John Hamilton , i . P ., and Lady Claud John Hamilton ; Col . J . Ireland

Blackburnc , M . P . ; Edxvard Whitley , M . P . ; Sir A . B . Walker , and A . B . Fonvood , J . P . 'The committee entrusted xvith the arrangements performed their duties most efficiently , Bro . the Earl of l ^ atbom , D . G . M ., Prov . G . M . VVest Lane , being the President ; Bro . the Hon . F . A . Stanley , M . P ., D . P . G . M ., Vice-President ; Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . S . B ., Prov . G . Scc ., Chairman ; Bro . Councillor T . H . Sheen , P . M . 241 , Vice-Chairman ;

Bro . T . Whitehead , P . M . 241 , Treasurer ; and Bro . J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 , Honorary Secretary , the latter brother deserving much praise for the manner in xvhich he fulfilled the onerous duties of that office . Bto . H . M . Molyneux , P . M . 823 , once more held the office of Master of Ccreinonies , and his services , so treclygivcn , weregreatlyx-alucd . The routine details in connection xvith thc management of the ball xverc in thc hands of a large company of Stexvards ,

capitall y captained by Bro . J . VV . Ballard , P . P . G . P . Bro . j . W . Collinson ' s excellent quadrille bands furnished thc ' music in thc large and small ball rooms , xvhich presented a very animated and brilliant appearance , as the brethren appeared in full regalia , xvith thc jewels and insignia of their rank and office in thc Craft . Bro . W . S . Vines , P . P . G . D . C , of the Canton Hotel , Victoria-street , supplied thc refreshments and supper , and

his catering , under the superintendence of Bro . VV . P . Vines , P . M . 1570 ) xx-as of the highest order . Thc exceedingly chaste Stexvards' jcxvcls , specially manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , xverc generously provided by Bros . G . Broadbridge and K * . Martin , thc honorary secretaries of the VVest Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , and their spontaneous gift xvas much appreciated by thc brethren xvho xvorc the jexvel in their Stexvards' office . Additional i-clat xvas given to the ball by the forethought

of Bro . E . H . Thomson , a member of the Liverpool Dramatic l ^ odgc , No . 1 O 09 , xvho , in anticipation of the company's contract xvith thc Corporation , had thc xvhole of Castlestrcct illuminated by the electric li g ht , the effect being a very brilliant and striking one . Thc scene inside xvas equally effective and pleasing to the eye , thc brilliant clothing and jcxvcls of the brethren presenting a feature not to be found at any of thc other charitable balls . Dancing xvas kept up until three o'clock in thc morning , xvhen thc party separated .

Grand Masonic Charitable Ball At Leeds.

GRAND MASONIC CHARITABLE BALL AT LEEDS .

A grand ball , organised by the brethren of the seven Leeds lodges , supported b y the fraternity of thc provinces of West and North and East Yorkshire , took p lace in the Victoria I Iall , on Friday last . The long list of distinguished patrons included ll . U . H . the Duke of Albany , P . G . W .,

Prov . G . M . Oxfordshire ; the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M . ; the ICarl of Lathom , D . G . M ., Prov . G . M . West Lancashire ; Leiutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Edxvards , Bart ., C . B ., Prov . G . M . West Yorks ; thc Earl of Zetland , Prov . G . M . North and East Yorks ; the Earl of Mcxborough , and thc Right Hon . II . C . E . Childcrs , M . P . The principal object of this—one of the largest and most brilliant gatherings of

the Craft ever held in the county—xvas to assist the Leeds Masonic Educational and Benevolent institution , not only in educating , but to partially maintain , the orphans of deceased brethren . The company numbered about 300 , and dispensations having been obtained , the brethren appeared in their regalia , xvhich included the higher as well as the Craft degrees . Among the principal townspeople present

were Bros . VV . L . Jackson , M . P . ; Barran , M . P . ; the Mayor , Alderman Woodhouse ; and the Town Clerk , G . W . Morrison . The hall xvas beautifully adorned , in the centre of the orchestra being arranged a large royal arms , backed by a trophy of national Hags , overhung xvith a palm emblematic of the Queen ' s rule in India . A series of plants , interspersed xvith statuary , sloned doxvn to the

front of the orchestra , xvhere it terminated in a miniature railing of white and gold , xvith crimson groundxvork , and here and there vases bearing palms . Mirrors in crimson velvet frames xvith black and gold jardinieres and choice plants rose from the floor of the hall fronting the orchestra .

each mirror bearing an ornament in xvhite fretxvork , xvith Masonic designs in gold carved in the centre ; All the doors of thc hall xvcre hung with xvhite lace curtains and crimson and gold valances . Upon the face of each block ot pillars xverc fixed large velvet mirrors witb crystal candclabras , upholstered xvith Madras lace and velvet

Grand Masonic Charitable Ball At Leeds.

valances , xvhile thc side recesses xvere upholstered in xvhite lace , relieved xvith an amber and blue canopy , surmounted by a royal croxvn upon a velvet cushion . The panels of the wall xverc Ixlled with gvcups of national Hags and heraldic shields bearing the arms of H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . Txvo large gold console tables xverc set out under the gallery , and bore an interesting collection of Masonic presentation plate , xvith ( lowers and palms . A number of

Masonic silk banners xvere placed in suitable positions in the room . Thc gallery front xvas richly decorated . In the centre xvas affixed an immense Prince of Wales ' s plume , backed xvith a trophy of national flags , flanked by Masonic emblems , the xvhole front being draped xvith a rich crimson valance . Dancing commenced shortly after nine , and proceeded till about four o'clock in the morning .

Refreshments xvere supplied in the vestibule , and supper xvas served from eleven to four in the laxv library . Waithman's band occupied the orchestra . 'The arrangements xverc under the superintendence of Bros . T . W . Texv , D . P . G . M . West Yorks ., the President ; Henry Smith , P . G . Sec . West Yorks ; W . L . Jackson , M . P ., and XV . F . Smithson , Vice-Presidents ; and about thirty other Stexvards , the Hon-Secs . being Bros . A . W . Chapman , and A . Scarth .

Gallery Lodge Ball.

GALLERY LODGE BALL .

The third annual ball in connection xvith the Gallery ( or Press ) Lodge xvas held at Brixton Hall , on Monday last , and xvas in every respect the most successful reunion which thc brethren havc yet organised . Among thc company xvere Bro . and Mrs . Minstrell , Miss VVood , Bro . Alasscy , Mrs . Massey , Miss Massey , Miss A .

Massey , Mr . H . VV . Massey , Bro . VV . M . Duckxvorth , Mrs . Duckxvorth , Miss Duckxvorth , Bro . C . F . Pardon , Mr . S . H . Pardon , Mr . E . S . Pardon , Bro . Brealey , Miss Brealey , Mr . Burton , Mrs . Burton Mr . Pullan , Mrs . Pullan , Mr . T . Townend , Mrs . Toxvnend , Miss Maud Toxvnend , Mr . Butt , Bro . Preston , Mrs . Preston , Miss Myra Preston , Bro . J . C . Duckworth , MM .

T . C . Duckxvorth , Bro . Perkins , Mrs . Perkins , Bro . W . Lucas , Mrs . Lucas , Bro . Albery , Miss Albery , Bro , Wilson , Mr . R . Dunning , Hro . H . Wright , Mrs . Wright , Miss Wright , Mr . Bruce , Miss Bruce , Bro . J . Moore , . Mrs . Moore , Miss Moore , Bro . Chant , Mr . Rahlula , Aliss Rahlula , Mr . J . D . Shaxv . Hro . J . H . Smith , Mrs . J . H . Smith , Mr . Taxvl , T . Smith , ' Mr . Sydney ) . Smith

Bro . C . Greenxvood , Mrs . Greenxvood , Mrs . Vcrall , and thc Misses Vcrrali , Mr . and Mrs . Nesbit , Mr . and Mrs . Stoker , Mr . Riach , Bro . Y . Gale , and Mrs . Gale , Mr . and Mrs . J . Hooper , Mrs . jordisson , Mr . C . Moore , Mr . Pallant , Mrs . Harris , Bro . and Mrs . Seabrook , Hro . C . R . Moore , Mr . and Mrs . Wheeler , Bro . Whitefoot , Mr . McNiell , Bro . Capp , Miss L . M . Capp , Miss M . J . Capp , Miss S . E .

Capp , Mr . Pitt , Mr . Pottle , Mrs . Pottle , Miss Pottle , Mr . R . J . Peters , and Mr . Saunders . ' 1 lie hall had been decorated xvith foliage and flowering plants b y Messrs . Lane , Bros ,, of Brixton-road , and thc pretty dresses xvorn b y the ladies added greatly to its tasteful appearance . Wellington's Light Cavalry string band occupied thc orchestra , and performed a popular selection of music . 'The important task of catering both at

supper and in thc buffet xvas entrusted to thc Army and Navy Co-operative Society , Limited , and the arrangements of Mr . Hook , the manager of the refreshment department , gave complete satisfaction to all present . Roper Frores ' champagne was drunk , and the provision generally made by thc Committee xvas recognised in one of thc toasts proposed by Bro . Minstrell , the VV . M . of the lodge . 'The next p icnic is already being taked about , and it is probable that it xvill be held at Windsor and Virginia Water .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft iflasonrg . ROBERT BURNS ~ ToDGE ( No . 25 ) . —Thc installation meeting' of this old established lodge took p lace at Freemason s Hall , on Monday evening , the 7 th inst ., and xvas very numerousl y attended . Amongst thc brethren xvere thc folloxving visitors , viz . : Bros . F . G . Baker , P . M . 753 , Preceptor of the Robert Burns Lodge of Instruction ; H . C . Ball , P . M . 144 ; VV . Angus , P . M . Gin ; K . Croaker . P . M . iS < : G . Smith , iun .. P . AL 1 S . 10 ;

J . R . Stacey , P . M . 1 S 0 ; VV . Bedford , 4 S 3 ; M . Graham , W . M . 975 ; J . Addington , S . VV . 217 ; B . Hughes , J . VV . 27 ; M . Benjamin , J . W . 1017 ; R . Sly , S . D . 1 G 25 ; j . H . Edxx'ards , S . D . 619 ; J . S . VVood , 177 ; J . Jones , 1297 ; T . Pargctcr , 159 S ; VV . Sharman , 115 S ; W . G . Cannon , 1539 ; C . Sharman , 975 ; A . Cooper , Gig ; J . Hayes , 1457 ; H . Bucklchurst , SG 2 ; S . Buryan , 1348 ; VV . Parkhouse , 1475 ;

J . roxvler . 619 ; VV . D . Horrocks , 19 S 7 ; G . Dearberg , up fi ; J . Chubb , iSG ; and J . Cooper , 1475 . The lodge having been duly opened under the presidency of Bro . Courtenay Wynne , VV . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , Bros . J . C . Hodgson and E . J . Wall xvere passed to the Degree of F . C . Bro . M . D . Loewenstark , P . M ., then presented Bro . G . J . Moorcroft , S . W ., for thc benefit of installation , and that

beautiful ceremony xvas most impressively performed by thc retiring W . M . The ofiicers appointed xvere as follows ; Bros . J . W . Harvey , S . W . ) T . Haxvkins , J . W . ; J . J . VVilson , P . AL , Treas . ; J . Dyte , P . M ., Sec . ; A . W . Stead , S . D . ; J . G . Ford , J . D . ; VV . Wingham , I . G . ; M . D . Loexvenstark , D . C ; G . Deaton , W . S . ; W . Dunn , Asst . Sec . ; and G . Walkley , Tyler . A ballot xvas taken for Mr . Robt . Bygrave and declared to be unanimous in his favour ,

and Bro . Moorcroft in a very able manner initiated that gentleman into the mysteries of Freemasonry . The VV . M . then in felicitous terms presented Bro . Courtenay Wynne xvith a very handsome jexvel , x'oted to him upon his retirement from the chair , xvhich gift xvas suitably acknoxvledged by the LP . M ., who then expressed his intention to stand as

Stexvard for the Benevolent Institution , and Bro . Stead announced that he had undertaken to represent the lodge at the forthcoming festival of the Girls' School . The lodge having been duly closed the brethren adjourned to the Croxvn Room to partake of an excellent banquet , presided over by the W . AL , who proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , xvhich . xvcre cordially

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

received , and interspersed xvith the National Anthem and " God bless the Prince of Wales , " by Bros . VVood and Cooper . Miss Helen Heath hax-ing given "The Old Song and the Nexv , " The Worshipful Master asked the brethren to charge their glasses for a toast xvhich xvas received in no lodge

xvith greater heartiness than in the Robert Burns Lodge , xvhich xvas always pleased to see , and moreover usually favoured by , a good muster of visiting brethren , xvho on the present occasion numbered 27 , amongst xvhom xverc several veterans in the Craft , and he concluded by calling upon Bros . Angus , Ball , Baker , and Stacey to respond to the toast of " Thc Visitors . "

Bro . Loexvenstark then entertained the brethren xvith a masterly performance on thc violin of Gounod ' s "Avc Maria , " after xvhich thc toast of " The Visitors " xvas duly responded to . Bro . Courtenay Wynne , LP . M ., in proposing "The Health of the W . AI . " said they all knexv the interest that Bro . Moorcroft had alxvays evinced in the Robert Burns

Ixidge , and they had . scen that evening that he xvas thorougly acquainted xvith his xvork . In the past he had been a pattern of punctuality and regular attendance , and had performed the duties of thc several offices through xvhich he had passed in a highly creditable manner . He ( the I . P . M . ) could but feel gratified that thc choice of the brethren has fallen upon one xvho xvould so xvorthily occupy

the chair . After a song , "Madeline , " by Bro . Wood , the W . AL , xvhose rising xvas received xvith applause , replied to the toast of his health , thanking thc brethren most sincerly for their kind xvishes , and promising to do his utmost to deserve them as far as his poor ability xvould permit , lie then proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., Bro . Courtenay

Wynne , remarking that it xx-as sufficient to point to thu admirable manner in xvhich the installation ceremony had that evening been xvorked to shoxv xvhat an excellent and hard xvorking Mason had iust retired from the chair . He ( the W . AL ) sincely hoped that xvhen the time arrived he would be able to xx-ork the installation ceremony as well as it had been xvorked that night .

Miss Heath having sung " John Anderson my Jo , " the LP . AL , thanked them very sincerely for the cordial xvay in xvhich they had received this toast of his health , and the VV . AI . for his flattering remarks in proposing it . He had certainly gone heart and soul into Fieemasonry , and had endeavoured to perform his duties xvell in the different offices , but he thought he had been far behind xvhat he had

desired to be . He would again express bis thanks to the brethren for thc handsome jewel xvhich he had received that night , and xvhich he should always xvear xvith feelings of pride and pleasure . Bro . Cooper sang " Love ' s request , " and the Worshipful Master , in proposing thc toasl of "lhc Initiate , " said he need hardly indulge in thc platitude of saying that xvithout

initiates no lodge could long survive . The gentleman xvhom they had initiated that evening xvas an old friend of his ( the W . M . ' s ) , and xvould prove a worthy Alason and an agreeable companion . Bro . Bygrave responded in a few xvcll-clioscn remarks . 'The toasts next in order xvcre " The Past Alasters , " " The

Treasurer and Secretary , " and "The Ollicers , " xvhich xvere suitably responded to , and the Tyler ' s toast having been given , thc brethren separated after a most enjoyable evening . The musical arrangements xverc ably presided over by Bro . G . S . Smith , jun ., 1 S 39 .

JOPPA LODGE ( No . 1 S 8 ) . —This lodge held its installation meeting on Monday , the 7 th inst ., at Freemasons' 'Tavern , Bro . I . Benjamin , W . AL , presiding . 'There xvas a very large attendance of Past Masters and other members of the lodge , besides numerous visitors . The W . M . having initiated Air . Alcycr Frank , he resigned thc chair to Bro . Morris Alexanderwho installed Bro . Geo .

, Bean , S . W . and W . AL elect , as AIaster of the lodge for thc ensuing 12 months . Thc brethren invested as ollicers for the year xvere Bros . Martin , S . VV . ; Dcxvsnap , I . W . ; Wall , S . D . ; G . S . Lion , J . D . ; J . S . Lyon , Treas . ; E . P Albert , P . AL , Sec ; Hicks , I . G . ; Dodson , P . AL , D . C ; Davey , A . D . C . ; Davis , W . S . ; P . E . Van Noorden , Org . ; Isaac Botibol , Stexvard ; and Goddard , Tyler .

After the delivery of the addresses thc lodge xvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to a choice banquet superintended by Bro . E . Dawkins . The usual toasts folloxved . Bro . L . Alexander , P . AL , responding to thc toast of "Thc Joppa Lodge Benevolent Fund , " said he had scarcely anything nexv to advance , and it xvould be xvaste of time to repeat xvhat lie had so often said before . The one thing

nexv to them xvas that the Committee had had less calls on the Fund than last year or previously . Bro . Lyon , the J . D ., had given a guinea to thc Fund , and Bro . Frank , thc initiate had also presented a guinea . Bro . Aleycr Frank responded to the toast of "The initiate . " Bro . I . Benjamin , LP . M ., proposed "Thc W . AL" and

, said that brethren xvhen initiated felt a tie of affection to the other brethren of the lodge , but perhaps they felt a still stronger tic to thc brethren initiated at the same timcas themselves . 'That xvas the feeling he had xvith regard to thc W . M ., xvho xvas initiated at thc same time as himself . It xvas a very great pleasure to him to sec Bro . Bean folloxv him closely up to the chair . If those xvho so xvell knexv

Bro . Bean ' s ability to take the chair xvould take upon themselves the charge to make others happy , not only thc brethren there but the Lodge of Joppa xvould lose none of its former lustre . The Worshi p ful Alaster in reply said he should endeavour to do his duty in his nexv position , for he xvas sure he should receive thc same hearty support and good xvill of the brethren as former Alasters had received .

The W . M . then proposed " The Health of thc I . P . M ., Bro . I . Benjamin , " and presented him xvith a magnificent Past Alaster ' s jexvel , unanimously voted to him by the members of the lodge . Bro . I . Benjamin , in acknoxvledging the toast , said he promised on the evening he xvent into the chair that he xvould perform his duty , and he could assure them now that he had done his best to give them satisfaction , 'The jexvel presented to him at least showed that his endeavours had been successful .

"The Visitors" and the other toasts xvcre afterxvards given . The evening was rendered additionally delightful by the performance of a beautiful programme of music by Aliss