Provincial Meetings.

PORTSMOUTH . Portsmouth Lodge ( No . 487 ) . —There was an unusually large attendance at the Masonic Hall , Highbury-street , on Thursday evening , the 14 th inst ., when Bro . G . S . Lancaster , J . P ., P . P . G . W ., was installed as VV . M . for the year ensuing , in succession to Bro . W . Bates . The P . G . M ., Bro . W . VV . Beach , M . P ., had accepted an

invitation to perform the ceremony of installation , but in his unavoidable absence the duty was performed by Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , D . P . G . M ., who was supported by a large number of Prov . G . Officers , the Board of Installed Masters numbering nearly 50 . After the ceremony Bro . Lancaster appointed the following as officers for the year : Bros . W . Bates . I . P . M . ; I . D . Antill , S . W . ; A . M . Rae ,

J . VV . j J . T . Thackara , P . M ., Treas . ; J . L . Snell , Sec . ; G . Huggett , Asst . Sec ; G . F . Bell , S . D . j D . Barnard , J . D . j J . Jenkins , P . M ., D . C . j A . Bramble , I . G . j G . Pearman , Org . ; G . Reading and C . Hardy , Stewards ; and J . Exel ! and Smith , Tylers . A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the Deputy P . G . M . for the able manner in which he conducted the

ceremony of installation . The W . M . then presented a handsome and massive Past Master ' s jewel and a Past Master's collar to Bro . W . Bates in token of the appreciation by the brethren of the lodge of the manner in which he has conducted its affairs during the year . Bro . Bates made a suitable acknowledgment , and after eulogising the services of Bro . Pearman , who has acted as Organist during

the year , presented him with a J ubilee jewel in recognition of the zeal and talent shown by him in that capacity . An excellent banquet was subsequently served under the superintendence of Bro . L . Butler . During the banquet a choice selection of music was contributed by the band of the 3 rd V . B . Hants Regiment , conducted by Bro . T . F . Wilton , P . P . G . O .

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . Bro . Goble , P . G . Std . Br ., responded for " The Grand Lodge , " and Bro . Le Feuvre , D . P . G . M ., for "The Prov . Grand Lodge . " The toast of "Representatives of Lodges and Visitors " was submitted by Bro . A . Cudlipp , P . M ., and was responded to by Bros . T . VV . Haydon , W . M . 309 , H . Crisp , VV . M .

2153 , and Sir William King , Mayor of Portsmouth . Bro . G . Farney Brown , P . G . D ., gave "The Past Masters of the Lodge , " to which Bro . Bates replied . The toast of "The Officers" was proposed by Bro . J . W . Gieve , P . G . Treas ., and acknowledged by the newlyappointed Wardens , Bros . Antill and Rae . The following were present , in addition to those already

named : Bros . M . E . Frost , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; G . Bond , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . -, T . P . Palsgrave , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C . ; W . Outridge , P . M . ; H . P . Holley , P . M . ; T . Loader , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . VV . Boughton , P . M . ; E . Hyams , P . M . ; J . Woodhouse , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Felton Lancaster , P . P . G . R . ; Capt . A . H . Markham , R . N ., W . M . 2 j W . Leamy , VV . M . 342 ; Dr . Mumby , W . M .

1069 ; Westerman , VV . M . 177 6 j Lieut . T . Cowd , R . N ., W . M . 1 S 34 ; H . W . Townsend , VV . M . 1903 , P . P . G . D . ; F . Jerome , VV . M . 195 S ; F . H . Woodrow , VV . M . 2074 ; P . " H . Emanuel , W . M . 2038 ; J . Hathaway , W . M . 903 ; C . V . Birch , P . G . S . B . ; E . Sharland , P . A . G . P . ; J . Wilkins , J . Laverty , P . P . A . G . D . C . j VV . Miller , J . E . Buck , Rowe , R . Barnes , P . P . G . D . C . j W . Sperring , J .

Collins , W . A . Hill , P . G . S . B . ; Ruddy , H . Long , P . A . G . D . C . j Borrows , Smith-Parsons , J . J . Bascombe , A . H . Wood , T . Page , G . L . Stobbs , J . W . Wilmott , J . D . Morant , C . R . Hendy , Glazebrook , G . H . Dean , A . Lewis , J . Barron , H . Simes , W . Maybour , H . Essery , G . C . Sanderson , H . Austin Storry , J . Griffin , J . P ., F . Avery , Bundy , E . Sprigings , Slade , T . H . Casey , T . J . Hill , Fowler , and Irons .

SHEERNESS . Adam ' s Lodge ( No . 158 ) . —The March meeting- of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 4 th inst ., at the Local Board of Health Room , under a dispensation from the D . P . G . M . The brethren present included the following members and visitors : Bros . C . B . Shrubsole , P . P . G . S . of VV . j A . Spears , P . P . J . G . D . j VV . J . Blakey , P . P .

J . G . W . ; VV . Pannell , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; J . R . Brett , P . P . G . S . of VV . j G . T . Green , P . A . G . D . C .,- H . Black , P . P . A . G . D . C ; J . Bayshaw , P . P . G . O . ; W . T . Carpenter , P . P . G . P . ; S . Varren , VV . M . 196 7 , P . P . A . G . P . ; J . S . G . Ranger , P . P . A . G . P . j R . Berry , P . P . G . Std . Br . j

J . H . Lee , W . M . j G . R . Cobham , VV . M . 20 j VV . S . Baldwin , W . M . 1 S 4 j H . E .. Pannell , VV . M . 10 S 9 ; J . P . White , W . M . 2099 ; P . Watts , P . M . ; E . Stutely , P . M . R . J . E . Brown , P . M . ; J . Auty , P . M . ; VV . VV . Copland ; P . M . 13 S 4 ; W . Norrington , P . M . ioSgj H . Morris , 1273 j A . Seymour Baskett , VV . M . elect j J . B . Elstone ,

J . VV . j E . G . Walthew , S . W . 1915 J A . A . Palmer , J . VV , ioSgj L . Seager , S . VV . 1273 ; T . Firminger , P . M . ; and several others . ^ On the completion of the general lodge business , Bro . A . Seymour-Baskett was presented , and duly installed as VV . M . by Bro . J . Auty , P . M ., assisted by Bro . A . Spears , P . M . The VV . M . then appointed and invested his officers

as follows : Bros . J . B . Elstone , S . VV . ; D . W . Griffiths , J . VV . ; J . Bayshaw , P . M ., Treas . ; R . Derry , P . M ., Sec ; C Hallett , S . D . j VV . G . Cole , J . D . j G . Nutty , D . C . j J . Lloyd , I . G . j E . Stutely , P . M ., and J . H . McLachlan , Stwds . j and J . Akhurst , Tyler . Ihe retiring Master , Bro . j . H . Lee , was presented with a Past Master's jewel . Bro . R . Derry was re-elected Charity Representative . Votes of thanks were given to the

Installing Master and the Local Board of Health for the use of room , and the lodge was closed . An adjournment was then made to the Britannia Hotel , and about 70 brethren sat down to an excellently served banquet in Bro . Green ' s best style , the cuisine being everything that could be desired .

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . ^ In responding to the toast of "The VV . M ., " Bro . A . Seymour Baskett expressed his thanks for the honour that day conferred upon him , and said his constant endeavour would be to further the lodge ' s interests andthe welfare of its members .

l'he Charity Representative , in responding to the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " said that as the invested capita ! of the Institutions was very small , they were almost entirely dependent upon the annual subscriptions and donations , and , considering the great number of applicants in excess of the vacancies for the benefits of the Charities , it was the duty of every member , as far as lies in his power , to become a subscriber to those excellent Institutions , irrespective of

Provincial Meetings.

his lodge fees , so that the wants of the aged and distressed might be alleviated in accord with the grand principles upon which Masonry is founded . One of the happiest and largest g-atherings in connection with this old lodge was brought to a conclusion by the Tyler's toast . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . T . VV . Page in his usual efficient manner .

SWANSEA . CaradOC Lodge ( No . 1573 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the ioth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Carr-street . More than usual interest was manifest in the fact that for the first time in the history of the lodge the W . M . had been re-elected to the chair . The large and brilliant gathering which assembled to do honour

to Bro . J . H . Taylor , P . G . Std . Br ., VV . M . elect , bore testimony to the high esteem in which he is held by the brethren of his province . The lodge was opened by the VV . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The Dep . P . G . M ., Bro . M . Tennant , having arrived , was , together with his officers , received in resrular Masonic order . ' 1 he

Dep . P . G . M . then presented the W . M . elect for re-instailation , and the ceremony was most ably performed by Bro . Neil Leitch , I . P . M . The W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . Neil Leitch , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., I . P . M . ; F ; Lewis , S . VV . ; Morgan Williams , J . VV . ; Dr . Walters , D . D ., P . M ., P . G . C , Chap . ; John Rogers , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., Treas . ; N . M . Grose , Sec . j T . T . Pascoe ,

S . D . j E . R . Brown , J . D . j J . R . Davies , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., D . C . j Allan Paton , A . D . C . j W . H . Lewis , I . G . j W . J . Treharne , Org . j C . D . Richards and M . J . Edwards , Stewards j and G . Bullerwell , P . G . T ., Tyler . The I . P . M ., on behalf of the lodge , presented the VV . M . with a Past Master ' s jewel , of beautiful design ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , London ) , remarking that a

more popular presentation could not possibly be made . The D . P . G . M . and visitors having been thanked by resolution for their attendance , the W . M ., in a few well-chosen remarks , referred to the fact that , although the VV . M . had some 50 miles to travel in order to attend his duties , he had not been absent once during the time he had been in office . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to

the Royal Hotel , where the banquet was served in Bro . Row ' s usual good manner . Among those present we noticed the following : Bros . J . H . Taylor , P M ., P . G . S . B ., VV . M . j M . Tennant , Dep . P . G . M . j Neil Leitch , P . P . J . G . D ., I . P . M . j John Rogers , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; J . R . Davies , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . j J . C . Sladen , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . j D . C . Jones , P . M .,

P . P . J . G . W . ; R . Parry , P . M ., -P . P . J . G . D . ; T . Sandbrook , P . P . G . S . ; J . L . Perrin , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; J . Hughes , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; Dr . T . Walters , D . D ., P . M ., P . G . Chap . ; D . R . Lewiss , VV . M . no , P . P . S . G . W . ; Dr . Hall , P . M . 1323 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . R . Lever , VV . M 1323 ; VV . G . Nicholl , VV . M . 237 ; J . Williams , I . P . M . 237 , P . S . G . D . ; H . Sinnons , P . M . 237 , P . P . J . G . W . ; VV Whittington , P . M . 3 64 , P . G . Sec ; T . Phillips , P . M .

364 ; H . Taylor , P . M . 237 , P . P . P . G . P . ; F . S . Turner , VV . M . 534 ; W . S . Hooper , W . M . 19 S 7 ; J . W . Lloyd , P . M . 237 , P . G . P . ; VV . R . Davies , W . M . 157 S ; VV . H . F . Cox , W . M . 671 ; and some 60 other brethren . Letters oi apology were read from Bros , the Earl of Jersey , Sir George Elliot , Prov . G . M . ; Sir John Jones Jenkins , Sir Pryce Pryce , and others .

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and some excellent music rendered during the evening by the brethren . A double acrostic on the re-installation of the VV . M ., by Bro . F . Watkins , was printed on a card of choice design and handed to each brother present , and one of the most happy and successful meetings in the history of the Caradoc Lodge was brought to a close .

THORNE . St . Nicholas Lodge ( No . 2259 ) . — The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 12 th inst ., Bro . A . L . Peace , VV . M ., presiding . Bro . M . C . Peck , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., P . G . Sec . N . and E . Yorks , gave a most interesting lecture on " Ancient and Modern Freemasonry . His remarks were listened to most attentively by the brethren present . The subject matter had evidently

cost him years of labour and research . The lecture was profusely illustrated by drawings and specimens of certificates , aprons , scarves , & c . At the close the VV . M . proposed , and Bro . G . Kenyon , J . D ., seconded , a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Peck for his able and instructive address . This being supported by Bro . J . Constable , Secretary , Bro . Peck duly responded , and promised on some future occasion , if agreeable , to give a second lecture .

TORQUAY . Jordan Lodge ( No . 1402 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday , the nth inst ., when there were present , with others , Bros . T . H . Wilis , W . M . j J . W . McKellar , S . W . ; John Taylor , J . VV . ; T . Grossman , S . D . ; S . Wills , J . D . ; W . J . Nosworthy , as I . G . j W . I . Hughan , P . G . D . England ;

John Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . j John Dodge , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Treas . ; John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Sec ; T . Prust , P . M ., Chap . ; VV . T . Morgan , I . P . M . ; VV Taylor , P . M . and Sec . 32 S , Prov . G . D . C ; McLean , P . M , 248 ,- George West , Stwd . ; T . Brooks , Org . ; E . J . Pratt , C . Hill , R . Pickard , J . VV . Beer , and J . E . Newton , Tyler . The lodge was opened by the VV . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . On the

motion of Bro . John Lane , the sum of £ 2 ios . was voted to the Binckes' annuity fund , also a sum to the widow of a deceased brother , and a further sum to be added to the list of the Charity Steward of the lodge , who is serving as Steward at the Girls' Festival in May . The ballot was then taken for Mr . J . D . Turle as a candidate for initiation , and

being elected , he was initiated by the W . M ., who performed the ceremony in an impressive and able manner . The charge to the candidate was given by Bro . J . Chapman , and the lecture on the first tracing board by Bro . John Taylor . After the disposal of matters of general business , the lodge was closed . WA VERTREE .

Wavertree Lodge ( No . 2294 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 12 th inst ., at the Coffee House , when Bro . Eli Brooks was installed by Bro . R . Foote , P . P . G . T ., the retiring W . M .,

Provincial Meetings.

as W . M . of the lodge . The other members of the lodge present were Bros . G . Mitchell , I . P . M . j J . C . Robinson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . j J . Shields , P . M . j J . H . M . Smythe , P . M ., S . VV . j J . Scott , Sec . ; J . G . Hallwood , S . D .,- G . Holme , J . D . j E . Pugh , Org . j C . F . Connor , J . Maguire , H . Barker , andW . H . Harvey , Stwds . j and VV . J . Doran , Tyler . There was a large attendance of visiting brethren )

including Bros . J . T . Callow , P . P . G . Treas . ; the Rev . H . G . Vernon , P . P . G . C ; R . Betley , P . A . G . S . ; E . H . Cookson , P . S . G . W . ; J . Clarke , P . G . R . ; T . Vernon , W . M . 2290 ; VV . Pve , W . M . 1094 ; G . A . Harradon , W . M . 2316 ; VV . Piatt , WM . 1393 ; VV . H . Sweetman , I . P . M . 1505 ; F . A . Rainbow , I . P . M . 1393 ; T . Guile , I . P . M . 1325 ; P . R . Barrow , I . P . M . 1570 j VV . Burnet

P . M . 1505 j W . T . Oversby , P . M . 1393 j and J . Henderson , P . M . 1620 . The officers invested for the ensuing yeai were as follows : Bros . Robert Foote , I . P . M ., P . P . G , Treas . j John M . Smythe , S . W . j John Scott , J . W . j the Rev . J . S . Gardner , P . P . G . Chaplain , Chaplain ; John George Hallwood , Treas . j George Holme , jun .. Sec . j William Henry Bicknell , S . D . j Thomas G . Parkes ,

J . D . j John C Robinson , P . A . G . D . C , D . C . j William H . A . Harvey , I . G . j Edward Pugh , Org . ; and C . F . W . Connor , VV . 0 . Callow , Henry Lumby , and Jas . Maguire , Stwds . Bro . Foote presented the new VV . M . with a copy of the Book of Constitutions and the by-laws of the lodge , handsomely bound in calf . Bro . Parkes presented a banner to

the lodge , Bro . Brooks a case of tracing boards , and the Stewards presented a portrait of the retiring W . M . Subsequently a diamond-framed Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Foote , and a P . P . G . C's jewel to Bro . Gardner . Both jewels were manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , 2 , Monument-place , Liverpool , and at London .

WELLS . Earl of Leicester Lodge ( No . 2237 ) . —The installation festival of this lodge took place on Monday , the ioth inst ., at the New Hall , when Bro . Ambrose Goddard was duly installed VV . M . for the ensuing year . A large company of brethren from the neighbourhood assembled on this occasion , and among the visitors were Bros . H . J .

Sparks , P . J . G . W . ; C . VV . Horsley , P . P . G . S . B . j Oliver Hudson , P . P . G . S . B . j G . F . Smith , VV . M . 1114 ; J . G . E . Davey j E . E . Ransome , J . VV . 99 6 j G . Bishop , 10 7 j G . Rowell , 1114 j and others . The lodge was opened by Bro . G . V . Grummett , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , after which the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . H . J . Sparks , P . J . G . W .,

then presented Bro . Ambrose Goddard , S . W ., as W . M . elect , and the installation ceremony was most effectively rendered by Bro . G . V . Grummett , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . The following officers were then appointed and invested Bros . Col . H . VV . Fielden , S . W . j A . VV . Railing , J . W . ; A . VV . Whitlock , Treas . ; H . E . Loynes , Sec ; VV . H . Pearce , S . D . ; VV . Temple , J . D . ; James Smith , I . G . ;

G . V . Grummett , P . M ., D . C ; Beesley and Platan , Stewards ; and R . Edge , Tyler . A ballot was then taken for Mr . VV . Hawkins Simms Reeve , which having proved unanimous in his favour , the candidate was impressively initiated by the newly-installed VV . M . A vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . A . VV . Railing for the very efficient way in which he had carried out the duties of Secretary since

the consecration of the lodge . After the lodge was closed , the brethren sat down to their annual banquet , under the presidency of the W . M . The toasts were interspersed with some capital songs by Bros . Goddard , 0 . Hudson , Rowell , Loynes , Temple , and others . The initiate ' s song was given by Bro . G . V . Grummett . A very pleasing incident took place during- the evening ,

for the W . M . having called attention to the fact that it was the anniversary of the wedding-day of the M . W . G . M ., a telegram was dispatched to his Royal Highness , respectfully offering the felicitations of the lodge on the auspicious occasion . A most gracious reply was received from his Royal Highness , thanking the members of the lodge for their "kind fraternal message . " The Tyler's toast brought a very pleasant evening to a close .

WELLINGTON . Fidelity and Sincerity Lodge ( No . 1966 ) . —The regular meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Masonic Hall on Monday , the ioth inst . Bro . J . S . Haddon occupied the chair , and the other officers present were Bros . J . Gill , I . P . M . j J . Bowyer , S . VV . ; T . Tyler , J . W . j W . H . Westlake , Chap , j M . Toller , Treas . j F . T . Elworthy , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., Sec ;

J . Ebdon , S . D . j VV . Gregory , J . D . j E . T . Howard , I . G . j VV . T . Booke , Org . j J . Smith , Steward j and C . Macey , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and the Treasurer ' s report adopted . The VV . M reminding the brethren that that was the anniversary of the wedding day of the M . W . G . M ., proposed that the following congratulatory telegram be dispatched to his Royal Highness , which was adopted by acclamation :

"To H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " Marlborough House , " London . " Lodge Fidelity and Sincerity , No . 1966 , Wellington , Somerset , respectfully offer sincere congratulations on this twenty-seventh anniversary of your Royal Highness's

wedding day , and may 'I . G . A . O . T . U . long preserve you and yours in health and happiness , and the loyal affections of a great and free people . "J . S . HADDON , Worshipful Master . " To which his Royal Highness immediately wired the following gracious reply : " To Worshipful Master Lodge Fidelity and Sincerity ,

No . 1966 . " Wellington , Somerset . "The Prince of Wales sends his sincere thanks for fraternal and very kind remembrance . " The W . M . then initiated Mr . Wm . Manley , the ceremony being performed , as is usual in this lodge , with full choral accompaniment , and the officers being all adepts at their

work-, everything went with perfect smoothness . The sanction of the lodge was given to a routine scheme of subscription in aid of the Masonic Charities brought forward by the VV . M . The W . M . having solicited the aid of the brethren in giving a high class concert in May for the benefit of the R . M . I . B ., for which he has this year undertaken the duties of Steward , it was readily granted , and the hope