Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and about forty other brethren of the lodge , with a goodly array of distinguished visitors . Tbe lodge having been opened , the business was at once proceeded with . Bro . Higgs was raised ti the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , and Bro . Perry was passed to the Second Degree , both thc ceremonies being performed in the most impressive manner by the VV . M . Mr . G . Doughty

( and his two sons—Mr . T . G . Doughty and Mr . A . U Doughty ) and Mr . Frank Osborn were then initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry in an absolutely perfect manner by the VV . M . The lodge being closed in due form , thc brethren retired into the Tavern ( Crown Room ) , where they sat down to a

well-served banquet , under the direction of Bro . Dawkins , the manager , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , interspersed with some excellent singing by Bros . S . Webb , Morant , Soden , Owen , Smith , Doughty , Paul , and others . With the Tyler ' s toast , a most pleasant and enjoyable evening was brought to a close .

METROPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 1507 ) , —Thc usual monthly meeting of this l odge took place at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Wednesday , the 15 th inst . The VV . M ., Bro . H . Stiles , was supported by Bros . G . Clark , P . M ., S . VV . ; H . Lovegrove , P . M ., J . VV . ; VV . M .

Stiles , P . M ., Sec ; C J . Scales , P . M . ; W Side , P . M . ; G . Edwards , S . D . ; G . W . Knight , J . D . ; J . Edwards , I . G . ; and J . Daly , Tyler . .... , The only business before the lodge was the initiation of Mr . F . Fletcher .

WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — This flourishing lodge met on the iOth inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C . Lodge was opened by Bro . T . McCluer Butt , VV . M ., and was well and numerously supported by Bros . H . ] . Lardner , S . W . ; G . H . Stephens , J . W . ( Freemason ); VV . Malthousc , C . C , I . P . M . and Treas . ; E . Mallett , P . M . Sec . ; j . J . Howes ,

S . D . ; J . King , D . C . as J D . ; R . B . Greenwood , I . G . ; Brasher and Brickdale , Stewards ; S . Renaut , VV . Snow , ] . C . Rumball , J . F . Rumball , H . K . Clisby , P . H . Clisby , Worrall , Francom , Sulton , Gayner , and VV . J . Walters . Visitors : Bros . Lewin , 1 G 95 ; Sadler , P . M . Grand Tyler ; SimpsonJ . D . 1 745 ; Hablet , 1 745 ; Gooch , 177 ( Canada ); Lang , © 95 ; and others . submitted

The minutes of the last regular meeting were and confirmed , and the ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . G . Higgins , and proved unanimously in his favour . That gentleman was accordingl y initiated into the mysteries of the Order by the VV . M ., in a highly creditable manner . Bro . Butt , in this , his first essay of work from the chair , acquitted himself admirably .

Some formal business was next disposed of , and the brethren , lodge being closed , adjourned to their comfortable quarters at the Holborn Restaurant , where , in the handsome Duke ' s Saloon , a really splendid banquet was served , under Bro . Hainp ' s genial supervision . Grace having beeri said , Bro . Butt , in well-chosen and brief terms , gave "The Health of the Queen , " followed

by the usual loyal and Craft toasts . These were duly honoured , Bro . S . Renaut kindly obliging at the piano , on behalf of the lodge Organist , Bro . Egbert Roberts . Bro . VV . Malthousc next gave "The Health of the VV . M . " Bro . Butt had that evening displayed his ability to conduct the business of the lodge which had elected him

as its Master . He was to be congratulated upon his efficiency , of which they were proud , Bro . Butt being one of the first initiates of the lodge . Bro . Butt modestly replied , thanking the brethren for their kind expressions , and stating it to be his intention to do even better upon future occasions . " Thc Initiate " was heartily received , and Bro . Higgens

suitably replied , hoping in due time to attain the high position of the VV . M . " The Visitors" came in for a hearty welcome , and Bro . Sadler , P . M ., Grand Tyler , replied , praising the lodge working , thc banquet , and the evident harmony which prevailed . "The Past Masters " were also honoured , and Bro . VV . Malthousc , I . P . M ., replied , assuring the lodge of his

intention to do all that lay in his power to promote the welfare of the lodge and the high integrity of our noble order . As their Treasurer , too , he promised that all financial matters should be well looked after that the lodge might not suffer . The " Officers" followed , and was very cordially received , indeed , it would be difficult to find in any lodge a more perfect agreement between the officers and the other members of 1 O 23 . The toast elicited replies from both the

Wardens . Bro . H . J . Lardner , availed himself of the opportunity of making a further appeal on behalf of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons . We werc glad to gather that our zealous brother has already secured over £ So upon his list , and is desirous of adding as much more as possible , in support of so worthy

an Institution . Bro . G . H . Stephens , returned thanks for the hearty reception of the toast , and expressed his gratification at the progress the lodge had made , and the manner in which brethren initiated in the lodge were supporting it as officers . "The Tyler ' s " toast concluded a happy meeting .

DUKE OF CORNWALL LODGE ( No . 1 S 39 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on the nth inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , when the officers present werc Bros . G . F . Smith , jun ., W . M . ; VV . G . Bott , I . P . M . ; A . Stokes , S . VV . ; J . C . Wilkins , J . W . ; J . VV . Dewsnap , S . D ., Treas . ; J . W . Brooke , P . M ., Sec . ; G . F . Smith , LD . ; A . Williams , I . G . ; H . Cattermole , D . C ; H . S .

Trego , Org . ; J . Da Silva , Steward ; and T . Bowler , lyler The members present were Bros . T . C . Corpe , P . M . ; T R . Ayres , J . Miller , A . J . Rossitter , P . VV . Stone , VV . II Foot , H . B . Garrett , K . N . I-. nsworth , E . J . Feilden , T Williams , VV . II . Lowry , A . J . Dixie , VV . B . Marcus , J Bladon , J . II . Owen , T . J . Jackson , E . Bennett , A . C Baber , II . Morrell , A . T . ISaschinski , J . R . Richards , VV Holmes , T . G . Ayres , II . Cruse , F . Quoatlt , J . Culver , J

VV . Hayton , 1 . W . Fowler , A . M . Plulps , I ' . A . Darton , C . H . Barstow , W . II . Bacon , C . Boyton , jun ., E . J . Laughton , and T . Messenger . Visitors : Bros . Thns . Turner , jun ., Southern Crose Lodge ; G . VV . Bean , S . D . iSS ; C . Mussared , I . G . 1901 ; CF . Williams , 1791 ; Max Mendelssohn , 212 ; A . Martyn , J . VV . iSS ; J . Round , 101 ; J . Benjamin , S . W . iSS ; C . Kempton , S . D . 12 S 7 ; G . Flint , 12 S 7 ; A . Baker , I . G . 170 S ; J . Hodges , VV . M . 170 G ; and li . W . Carter , 3 S 2 ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Tbe lodge having been opened , and thc minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , Bro . Joseph Matz , 210 was elected a joining member . The work comprised the raising of Bros . P . W . Stone , T . J . Williams , H . B . Garrett , S . I . Rossitter , VV . H . Foot and E . N . Ensworth ,

to the Degree of M . M . ; the passing of Bros . A . C . Baber , H . Morrell , VV . H . Lowry , T . J . Jackson and E . Bennett , to the Second Degree ; and the balloting for as initiates Messrs . E . J . Laughton , C . Boyton , jun ., W . H . Bacon and T . Messenger ; and those gentlemen being in attendance they were duly initiated into the mysteries of

Freemasonry . Notice of motion was given by Bro . W . G . Bott , I . P . M ., to raise the initiation fee from live to ten guineas , and the joining fee from three to five guineas respectively . Bro . J . VV . Brooke , P . M ., gave notice of motion to reduce the number of meetings from eight to seven , by omitting the December meeting .

Bro . E . J . Fielden gave notice of motion that the consent of the lodge be granted to the formation of a lodge of instruction , to be called the Duke of Cornwall Lodge of Instruction . Bro . ] . VV . Dewsnap proposed , and Bro . A . Stokes seconded , that the sum of £ 100 be taken from the funds of the lodgeand invested in Consols , or some other approved

security , which was carried unanimously . Bro . Thos . Turner , jun ., was proposed as a joining member , and Mr . VVm . Mundy , Mr . C . E . Day and Mr . Ernest Day , were proposed as candidates for initiation . All Alasonic business being ended the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Tavern for refreshment . Upon the removal of the cloth , the usual loyal and

Masonic toasts were given and responded to . The toast of "The Initiates " was most enthusiastically received . A very pleasant musical evening was spent , Bros . J . Hodges , VV . M . 170 G , and B . W . Carter , P . M . 382 , contributing in no small degree to the enjoyment . Bros . Marcus Foot , Garrett , Culver , Philps , and Fielder also deserve mention for their excellent rendering of various

songs and recitations . This was one of the most successful meetings which the lodge has held , and the VV . M . is entitled to great praise for his excellent working and courteous ruling .

LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE LODGE ( No . 1962 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , on Friday , the 17 th inst . Present : Bros . Neville Green , W . M . ; A . McDowall , S . W . ; G . C Matthams , I . W . ; M . L . Levey , as I . P . M . ; VV . McDougall , Treas . ; VV . C Claridge , Sec ; C . Brown , S . D . ; A . Haig Brown , LD . ; A . H . Sandle , I . G ; W . J . Tasman , M . C ; L . V .

Walker and L . M . Williams , Stewards ; J . Lackland , Tyler ; also Bros . Tilt , Bokenham , Fraser , Morris , Swinscow , Geen , Smith , Tayton , Gregory , Thomas , C . G . Brown , Nuding , and Chant . Visitors : Bros . J . J . Berry , P . M . 554 ; R . Gravatt , 101 ; W . Secrett , 9 SS ; and Thcs . Cross / P . M . 1194 . The lodge was opened in the customary manner , and the minutes of the nrevious meeting read and confirmed , aftei

which the ballot was taken for Bro . Robt . A . Hancock , of 102 S , as a joining member , which proved unanimous in his favour . Bros . Morris , Swinscow and Bokenham were passed to the Second Degree ; after which Mr . John Richard Chant was initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . This being election night , the ballot was taken for the VV . M . for the ensuing year , when Bro . Andrew McDowall , S . VV . ; was unanimously elected

to thc office . Bro . Walter McDougall was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Lackland Tyler . The lodge then passed a vote of thanks to the outgoing VV . M . ( Bro . N . Green ) , to be accompanied with a Past Master ' s jewel . There being no further business the lodge w-as closed in peace and harmony . The brethren then adjourned to the

Pillar-room for dinner , after which the usual toasts were proposed and responded to , including that of "The VV . M ., " " The Initiate , " and " VV . M . elect , " who suitably acknowledged the same . A very enjoyable evening was spent , Bros . Nuding , Bokenham , Williams , Cross , and others , contributing their quota to the harmony of the evening .

SOUTH SHIELDS . —St . Hilda Lodge ( No . 240 ) . —On Monday , the 13 th inst ., thc usual meeling of this lodge was held in the Freemasons' Hall , F ' owler-street , whentherewas a more than usually numerous attendance of brethren , it being the meeting for the election of the Worshipful Master , Treasurer , & c , for thc ensuing twelve months . The lodge was opened in due form by Bro . G . S .

Shotton , VV . M ., assisted by his officers as under : Bros , j . T . Wilson , I . P . M . ; J . H . Thompson , S . W . ; W . Davidson , acting J . VV . ; Jas . Roddam , P . M ., P . P . G . P . acting Sec ; John Hinde , P . M . Treas . ; Walter Ross , acting S . D . ; Geo . Robson , J . D . ; A . Cowling , I . G . ; John A . Hall , acting Org . ; John Hunter , Steward ; and John Brown , Tyler . On the dais supporting the W . M . were

Bros . T . Potter , P . M . ; Thos . Coulson , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and VV . M . 1970 ; J . J . Abbey , P . M . ; f . S . Wilson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV . ; John Stokoe , P . M . 14 S , and P . P . J . G . W . ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having being read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Bro . Francis Luke Pearson , So , as a joining member . The ballot was

declared favourable . There being no candidate in attendance for the First Degree , Bros . J . Fyal , J . Marshall and R . P . Dowson , were then passed through the ceremony of Fellow Crafts by Bro . Thos . Coulson , P . M ., & c , who did thc work in an admirable manner . The working tools were explained by Bro . J . Hinde , P . M . & c , with much care and effect .

The acting Secretary read a letter from Bro . R . Hudson , Prov . G . Secretary , drawing attention to the proposed revised Constitutions , and asking the lodge to forward any suggestions to the Provincial Grand Ixidge , on or before December gth . It was thereon resolved to hold a lodge of emergency to consider the new Constitutions . The VV . M ., Bro . Shotton , said the time had arrived when it was the duty of the brethren to choose from among their

number a VV . M . for thc ensuing year . His term of ollicc was drawing fast lo a close , and he would take that opportunity of thanking the brethren for the kindly manner in which they had supported him . He had received every assistance from the Past Masters and from his efficient staff of officers . The year had been a prosperous one , and had been on the whole eventful . He was glad to say they had not had so many deaths during this year as they had last ; there being only two as against twelve last year . Having referred to the death of Bro . W . A . Dunn , a brother whom

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

most of them knew , the W . M . made reference in feelinnterms to the loss sustained in the Province of Durham bv the deaths of Bros . John Fawcett , late P . G . M ., and Henry Crookes , late P . G . Secretary . St . Hilda's Lodge was represented at the funerals of the distinguished brethren , and both ceremonies were well attended , testifying to the respect in which the deceased brethren were held . During the vi-ir

fourteen or fifteen new members had been added to the roll of the lodge , and the lodge-room had been thoroughly cleaned and beautifully redecorated . The lodge had like . wise given birth to a son , in the form of the new Hadrian Lodge , No . 1970 , which , as they all knew , was consecrated by the R . W . Prov . Grand Master , the Marquis of Londonderry , with great eclat . Therefore , he thought , on the whole , the year had been , so far , a very satisfactory one with , he was afraid , the exception of himself in the IIKI

charge of his duties ; however , he could assure them he had done his best , and , as they knew , the best could do no more . They would now proceed to elect the W . M . for the ensuing year by ballot . The ballot having been duly taken , the W . M . announced that Bro . J . H . Thompson , S . W ., had been unanimousl y elected Worshipful Master for the next twelve months ensuing .

Bro . J . H . Thompson briefly thanked the brethren for the honour they had done him by unanimously electing him and he would endeavour to merit the confidence of the brethren by ever striving to discharge the duties with the same fidelity and ability as the present VMM . had displayed . The ballot was then taken for Treasurer , when Bro . John Hinde was unanimously re-elected to ofiice . Bro . Hinde briefly returned thanks , and said he could

assure the brethren he would take care of all the monies that came into his keeping . On the motion of Bro . J . T . Wilson , seconded by liro . J . H . Thompson , Bro . John Brown was re-chosen T yler , and on the nomination of Bro . Jas . Roddam , Bros . Adam Hope , J . Kirby , and Thos . Gentles were elected Auditors . It was then resolved to hold the installation on December nth .

Bro . Jas . Roddam , P . M ., & c , referring to the death of Bro . John Fawcett , late P . G . M ., said theirlate brother was one of the oldest Provincial Grand Masters in the kingdom , and was ever held in the highest esteem by the most exalted , as well as by the humblest brother . After eulogising thc Masonic and personal character of the late Bro . John Fawcett , Bro . Roddam , moved that a record be made on the

minutes of the deep regret felt by the brethren at thc death of their worthy late P . G . M . Bro . J . Aydon Hall seconded the motion , whicii was carried unanimously . There being no further business , the lodge was closed in

due form , after which the brethren adjourned to the refreshment-room , where a harmonious evening was spent . The usual Masonic toasts , including " The Health of the VV . M . elect , " was duly honoured , and the proceedings were enlivened by songs and recitations by several of the brethren .

BATH . —Lodge of Honour ( No . 379 ) . —! hc first regular meeting of the season was held at the Masonic Hall , on Monday , the 13 th inst . Bro . Loder , W . M ., opened the lodge , assisted by Bros . H . Gore , S . W . ; Ingle , J . VV . ; Byne , Treas . ; H . Culliford Hopkins , Sec ; and others . Among the visitors were Bros . Hughan , P . G . I ) , of England ; Cuter , W . M . ; Ashley , Ruble , Braham ,

P . M . 's ; Mercer , S . VV . ; L . Baldwin , Org ., all of No . 41 j J . J . Dutton , P . M . 53 ; and several members of 90 G . The minutes of previous meetings having been read and confirmed , Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W . Warwickshire , then took thc chair , and raised Bro . H . M . Hall to the Degree of M . M ., giving the traditionary historv anil

the charge . The working tools werc explained by Bra . Mercer . The VV . M . again took the chair , and all the visitors then retired . ThelVV . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler were reelected to their respective offices for the ensuing year , anil arrangements having been made for the annual installation and banquet , the lodge was closed by the W . M .

WOOLWICH . —Nelson Lodge ( No . 700 ) . —The first meeting of the above prosperous and flourishing lodge since the installation in July last took place on Wednesday , the 15 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street ; Bro . G . Beaver , VV . M ., in the chair , supported by the following Past Masters , officers , brethren , and visitors -. Bros . E . B . Hobson , I . P . M . ; E . Bowles , P . M . ; 1 . WarrenP . M . J

, J . Wilkins , P . M . ; J . H . Roberts , S . VV . ; T . Ovenden , J . VV . ; T . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; C Norman , P . M ., Sec . ; VV . Ross , S . D . ; C Sweeting J . D . ; W . Lacey , I . G . ; W . Bidgood , Org . ; ] . Sanderson , D . C . ; VV . A . Harris VV . M . S 71 ; H . Mason , VV . M . 153 G ; Captain J . McCaffery , 153 G ; G . Nichols ; J . Purnell , I . G . 153 O ; J . Anderson , 1536 ; VV . G . Lloyd , 913 ; and C Jolly , 913 (

Freemason ) . The only business before the lodge was the passing ot Bros . Bedo , Medlicott , and Shaw , and that ceremony was admirabl y rendered by the VV . M ., while the subordinate officers did their part with all the tact anil precision ol veterans . Three candidates and one joining member were then proposed and seconded , and the lodge was closed .

The brethren partook of a " petite" supper , admirably served in the hall by Bro . Moulder , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were put from the chair and loyally responded to . The I . P . M . then proposed the toast of "The VV . M ., " and said they must all agree with him that their wortliy W . M . had fully carried est the promise he so earnestly

made at his installation . The perfect manner in which he had worked the Second Degree that night must have been to them , as it was to him , a most agreeable surprise , for he and they might fairly have looked for some little fault on a first night , but there was none . He . was convinced tha ' Bro . Beaver would carry forward and higher thc prestig < j of the lodge , and be an honour to the chair in which he ha " by their unanimous choice been called to preside .

I hc toast was drank heartily , anil Bro . Beaver , in rep ly ) said , as they all knew that was the first time he had sat i " the chair , and if he had so far carried out the duties l « their satisfaction he could assure them that it was only a " earnest of what he meant to do should he have health and strength granted him to go through his year of ofiice-While in that chair he should endeavour to follow in t " footsteps of those who had gone before him . His predecessors were good Masons , and lie intended to sustain tl " j reputation of the lodge in as good a position as he bw