Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft Jttasonrg . KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This lodge met on Tuesday , the 7 th inst ., at the Surrey Club House , Kennington Oval . Among those in attendance were Bros . C . ' Kohler , W . AL ; George Everett , P . AI ., acting S . W . ; Drysdale , P . AL , acting J . W . ; VV . Stuart , P . AL , Sec ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., I . P . AI . ; MarstonS . D . ; Stokes , j . D . ; Stranger , I . G . ; Koch ,

, P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; Reeves , P . M . ; and Fritz , acting T y ler . , The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Bros . Speedy , S . W . ; Webb , J . W . ; and others . The resignations of Bros . Ambrose and Alanley having been received with regret , Bro . G . Everett , P . M ., gave three notices of motion to be discussed at the next meetine—t . The initiation and joining fees to be reduced .

2 . The April meeting to be discontinued . 3 . Application to be made to Grand Lodge for permission to remove the lodge . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . The only toasts proposed were "The Queen and Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., " "The VV . M ., " "The Past Alasters , " coupled with the name of Bro . Walls and "The Officers , " which toast was acknowledged by Bro . Stuart , the Secretary .

MANCHESTER . —Caledonian Lodge ( No . 204 ) . —The installation meeting was held on Wednesday , the Sth inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street . The following brethren were present : Bros . G . T . Mullock , W . M . ; VV . Bagnall , S . VV . ; T . Fairrie , J . W . ; John L . Hind , Treas . ; R . L . Spencer , Sec ; E . Orrell , J . D .,-T . Sawer , I . G . j John Roberts , I . P . AI . ; John Alountain ,

P . M . ; R . Timperley , P . AL ; R . A . Eldcrshaw , P . M . ; B . Taylor , Henry Paulden , VV . Dearden , J . VV . Harrop , W . Harrop , W . Aldred , S . Lawton , B . D . Apostolo , J . Cliffc , John Parker , C . Duckworth , W . Ashworth , C . E . Stanley , D . A . Murray , and J . Kirk , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Rev . J . E . Roberts , P . M . 1218 , P . G . Chap . ; J . Ogden , 1357 ; 1 . E . Vos , 1730 ; J . S . Dethick , P . AL 993 ; J- Chadwick ,

P . G . Sec . ; W . Smith , 1634 ; VV . Glendinining , P . M . 1053 ; i . Wright , 1 459 ; R . Law , 152 ; J . G . Walker , 1161 ; . E . Fitzgerald , 163 ; J . L . Heine , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Gardner , 1054 ; VV . Schofield , P . AL 13 S 7 ; A . F . Forrest , 1633 ; A . B . Whittaker , S . VV . 1633 ; and R . R . Lisenden , 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock , and the minutes of previous meeting read and

confirmed . It may be here remarked that in the ordinary course of things the VV . AI . for the ensuing year should have been Bro . W . Bagnall , but who resigned in favour of Bro . Thomas Fairrie , the reason being that his business avocations would prevent him carrying out the duties of a W . AI . with that correctness and attention such an honourable post warrants . Under thesecircumstances , thebrethren

elected Bro . Thomas Fairrie to the office , and there is no doubt this worthy brother will fulfil theduties devolved upon him with satisfaction to the members . When the lodge had been raised to the Second Degree , Bro . Thomas Fairrie was presented to the Installing Alaster ( Bro . G . T . Mullock ) , and with due rite and ceremony installed into the chair of K . S . The following brethren were invested officers for the

year : Bros . VV . Bagnall , S . W ., for second time ; R . L . Spencer , J . VV . ; Rev . Phillip Hains , Chap ; Rev . J . E . Roberts , Deputy , J . L . Hind , Treas ., re-elected ; Henry Paulden , Sec ; E . Arrcll , S . D . ; T . Sawyer , * J . D . ; R . A . Eldcrshaw , D . of C ; J . Clcff , JI . G . j J . Kirk , Tyler , for J . Sly ; S . Lawton , S . S . ; C Duckworth , J . S . Thc Installing Master concluded his duties by delivering thc addresses to tbe W . M ., Wardcns . and brethren , thus

performing the whole of this ceremony unassisted in a most creditable manner . A notice of motion on the circular that a soiree be held the 2 nd Wednesday in February , was proposed by the W . AL , seconded , and carried , and after " Hearty good wishes " had been expressed , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 7 . 15 . The brethren afterwards sat down to an excellent repast , after enjoying and

which , thc ^ usual loyal Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to . Bro . Mullock , I . P . AI ., in proposing "The Health of the W . AL , " said it would be unnecessary to enlarge to any extent on Bro . Fairrie's merits , which were so well known to them all , but he would content himself bj remarking that the way in which Bro . Fairrie had performed the duties allotted to him was a convincing proof that he

would make a good W . AL , and he asked the brethren to stand to their glasses and drink his health . The invitation having been warmly responded to , the veteran Bro . H . T . Robberds , P . P . G . Org ., sang "Here ' s to his health" in excellent style , showing unmistakeable proof that there was "life in the old dog yet . " The W . AL in reply said that although he had been elected to the post he now occupied

rather sooner than he expected , he would endeavour to perform his duty , with credit to himself and the lodge . The W . M ., in proposing " The Health of the I . P . AI ., " said it would almost be superfluous to dilate upon the manner in which Bro . Mullock had performed his duties during the past year , as the brethren knew they had been done in a most satisfactory manner . He regretted Bro . Alullock had

not had more scope for the display of his ability , there having been very little for him to do , but the way in which he had given the lectures on the Tracing Boards , and the highl y creditable manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony that day , showed himself a worker of no mean Order , and without further preface he would ask the brethren to drink to his health . There were several

other toasts proposed and responded to , one of the most important being "The Masonic Charities , " which was most ably dilated on by Bro . J . L . Hine , P . P . G . S . W ., who said that he had for many years past ; spoken on this subject with more or less satisfactory results , but the great difficulty he found was to say anything new . In asking thc question , what is charity . ' Bro . Hine said he supposed it meant in

one sense that which was kind and sympathetic one to another . But the charity he wished to speak of was Masonic Charity , which , he believed , implied brotherly love , relief , and truth , because there could scarcely be brotherly love without relief and neither one or the other without charity . For many years past there had been , Bro . Hine remarked , several phases in charity , and at one time it was within his recollection , that Grand Lodge was the only channel of relief , but as charity grew it was thought

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

right to extend the means still further , and individual efforts were made and with a large amount of success on its behalf . After referring to the establishment of the East LancashireSystcmaticand Alasonic Educational Benevolent Institution , and the benefits that many had derived from it , Bro . Hine touched upon theN . E . corner address , in which the cause of charity was so touchingly impressed upon the

candidate , and the necessity for individual help was pointed out by Bro . Hine to the brethren , who reminded them a very sural ! sum was paid by each lodge in the province in support of the Institution , and consequently , Bro . Hine continued , charity calls upon eachot them to give according to liis resources , and what that should be rested between the man and his conscience . Bro . Hine stated it was most

gratifying to relate that notwithstanding the cloud that had been passing over the commercial world this last few years , Charity he was happy to state had not suffered , as a larger sum had found its way this last year into the coffers of the Institution than was ever known before , and lie was proud to say that the income of the Royal Alasonic Benevolent Institution for Indigent Freemasons amounted to over

^ 2000 a year , but although this might appear a large sum , still the demand upon it for relief grew larger also , and in making this appeal to the brethren he could only play a small part , but he would leave the matter in their hands , and he hoped in conclusion that they and the brethren in every other lodge would do their utmost for so noble an object . The brethren separated shortly before eleven , after spending an enjoyable evening .

MANCHESTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No . 2 S 1 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held in the . Masonic Rooms , Athenaeum , on the Sth inst ., Bro . Warbrick , S . W ., presiding . There was a good attendance of brethren and visitors , amongst the former being Bros . E . Clark ( the Alayor of Lancaster ); Geo . Cleminson ( ex-Alayor ); H . Longman , P . AL , Prov . G . Supt . of W . ;

Councillor C Hartley , P . AL ; and Councillor Bell ; and amongst the latter Bro . Councillor H . Hartley , S . W . 1353 . The ballot was taken for Air . Charles Calvert and Air . Heald , and , proving unanimous , they were subsequently separately initiated into the mysteries of the Craft by the VV . M ., the working tools being given by tbe J . VV . ( Bro . Atkinson ) . Bro . Hamer gave proficiency as an Entered

Apprentice , and was entrusted and retired , and being readmitted he was duly passed to the F . C . Degree by the W . AL , whose working in both Degrees was excellent . Thc working tools were given by Bro . Stanton , S . S . ( as S . W ) . The ballot was then taken for the VV . AI . for the ensuing year , when Bro . Atkinson , J . W ., was elected . Bro . James Hatch , P . AL , was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . A . K .

Allinson , Tyler . The installation meeting , and banquet , was fixed for the 29 th inst . The Installing Officer ( owing to the serious illness of Bro . Dr . Aloore , P . G . S . B . Eng . ) , will be Bro . John Hatch , P . AI . and Secretary . The audit of the lodge books was held in the lodge room on the 17 th inst ., and the funds found to be in a satisfactory and prosperous condition .

MARPLE . —Lodge of Benevolence ( No . 336 ) . — The installation meeting and St . John's Festival were celebrated at the Jolly Sailor Hotel , on Saturday , the 1 ith inst . There were p resent Bros . J . E . Steward , VV . AI . ; Jesse Tymm , S . VV . ; James Ridgway , J . W . ; Henry Jackson , P . M ., P . G . Purs . Cheshire , Treas . ; Ralph Andrew , Sec ; J . D . Andrew , S . D . ; Jas . Boardman ,

J . D . ; Jno . Crompton , I . G . ; Jas . H . Hartley , P . M ., Org . ; Geo . Bradbury , P . AL ; John Boardman , Past S . VV . ; Wm , Caldwell , and Thos . Alather . Visitors : Bros . J . P . Piatt , P . AL 537 , and P . P . G . J . W . Cheshire ; J . D . Calder , P . AI . G 25 , P . P . G . Reg . Derbyshire ; J . " Peers , 1392 ; Hugh R . G . Bay ! e 3 ' , P . AI . S 15 , and 5 33 ; J . R . Sowten , VV . AI . Sis ; J . E . Griffiths , 3 G 4 ; W . C

Pownall , 295 ; J . AIcGce , 361 ; and J . VV . Gray , 112 G . Letters ol apology were read from tiro . E . H . Griffiths , P . G . Sec Cheshire ; R . R . Lisenden , 317 ( Freemason ); Capt . R . !•" . Ballantine , VV . AI . 112 G ; the W . M . of thc Duke of Athol Lodge , Denton ; S . H . Alasters , R . Bowden , P . AI . ; and John Osbaldiston , P . AI . The lodge was opened at 3 . 30 , and after confirmation of

the minutes , Bro . Ihomas Alather , being a candidate for passing , was interrogated as to his proficiency in the former Degree , received the test of merit , and retired , and was then passed to thc Degree of a F . C by thc W . AL , with his accustomed ability . The lecture on the Second Tracing Board was delivered to the candidate by Bro . J . D . Andrew , S . D . The ceremony of installation was next

proceeded with , and thc W . AI . elect , Bro . Jesse Tymm , presented to the Installing Alaster , Bro . J . E . Steward , VV . M ., and by him duly installed into the chair of K . S . As it has become to some extent a recognised thing to praise thc manner in which an Installing Master performs the ceremony , it would seem in this case no compliment to Bro . Steward to say that he also came in for a meed of praise ,

but we are bound in this particular instance to go a little further than usual , and say , that it would be next to impossible to excel this performance , as every word was distinctly articulated , and heard in every part of the room , and not the slightest hesitancy was apparent , either when installing his successor or during the investiture of officers , who were as follows : Bros . Jas . Ridgway , S . VV . ; Ralph

Andrew , J . W . ; Hy . Jackson , P . M ., P . G . Purs ., Treas . ; J . D . Andrew , Sec ; Jas . Boardman , S . D . ; Jno . Crompton , J . D . j VV . Caldwell , I . G . ; and Jas . Osbaldiston , Tyler . ' I'he addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren were delivered by Bro . Hy . Jackson , and thc ceremony then terminated . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed by the visitors , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony

at six o clock . The St . John's Festival was afterwards celebrated b y a good old English banquet , well prepared by the fair hostess , Airs . Shirley , and which gave entire satisfaction to all present . During thc evening , after the usual preliminary toasts had been proposed and honoured , a very handsome

Past Master ' s gold jewel was presented in the name of the lodge by Bro . Hy . Jackson , P . M ., P . G . Purs ., to the worthy I . P . AI . " and Installing Alaster , Bro . J . E . Steward , for his untiring zeal in promoting the interests of the lodge during the past year . A very pleasant evening was enjoyed by the brethren , who separated about 9 . 45 .

BATH . —Lodge of Honour ( No . 379 ) . —The annual meeting of the above lodge was held on Alonday , the 13 th inst ., for the installation of the W . AL , and the changes consequent thereon . At 5 . 15 the lodge was opened

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

by Bro . T . Johnston , W . M ., assisted by Bros . Dr . H . Hopkins , acting as I . P . AI . ; Rev . H . E . Sanderson , S . W . ; H . Gore , P . AL , as J . W . ; H . Culliford Hopkins , P . AL , Sec ; Hamilton , as J . D . ; Lodcr , P . M ., as I . G . Bro . R . C . Else , D . P . G . AL , was present , also Bros . E . T . Payn , P . G . D ., and P . M . 53 ; Sondermann , W . AI . 53 ; with other visitors and members .

The minutes having been read and confirmed , the Secretary announced the receipt of a letter from the widow of a late member , in reply to a letter of condolence on her bereavement , and also the death of another member , to whose widow a similar letter was ordered to be sent . A ballot was taken for the admission of Bro . Fuller as a joining member , which proved unanimous in his favour . A

Committee was appointed to examine the accounts of the lodge , and to present a statement thereon at the next meeting . A vote of thanks was passed to Lodges 41 and 53 , for contributions towards a new carpet , and also to Bro Davis , P . AL , for his superintendence of the renovations of furniture , by which great improvements had been effected . A candidate was proposed for initiation . All business

matters having been completed , the chair was taken by the D . P . G . AL Bro . the Rev . Sanderson , Prov . G . Chap ., was then presented for installation , and all preliminaries having been completed , all brethren below the rank of VV . M . were dismissed , and in the presence of a duly constituted Board of Installed Alasters , the new W . M . was well and worthily inducted into his chair by the D . P . G . AL Successively the

AI . AL , F . C , and Entered Apprentices were introduced , the usual salutations and proclamations were made , and the following were appointed and invested as the new officers : Bros . T . Johnston , I . P . AI . ; Lodcr , S . W . ; Gore , J . W . ; Davis , P . AL , Treas . ; Berry , Sec . ; Fuller , D . C ; Ingle , S . D . ; Hamilton , J . D . j Bernard , I . G . j and Bigwood , Tyler . The D . P . G . M . concluded the ceremony by the

customary addresses , and a cordial vote of thanks was by acclamation awarded to him for his kindness in rendering his assistance in a style which was marked by care , ability , and impressiveness . Thanks for the sanction and support afforded by their presence were also voted to Bros . E . T . Payn , P . G . D ., and P . AI . 53 ; Dr . Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W . Warwickshire , VV . AI . 41 , and P . AL 43 and 938 ; and

Sondermann , W . AI . 53 ; as well as to thc other visitors . For all these suitable responses were made . The lodge was closed atG . 45 and the brethren adjourned to dine together at the Castle Hotel . After the banquet several interesting addresses were given , and it was a subject of sincere congratulation that so marked an improvement was manifest in the prospects of the lodge , as to which a year or two atro dissolution seemed almost inevitable .

STAFFORD Staffordshire Knot Lodge ( No . 726 ) . —A meeting of ; the above lodge was held on Wednesday , the 15 th inst ., at the North-Western Hotel , when the following brethren were present : Bros . T . Wood , W . AL ; R . Sudbury , J . VV . ; J . Lloyd White , Sec ; John Baker , S . D . ; J . Alottram , J . D . ; S . Scott , D . C , acting S . VV . ; E . J . Mousley , I . G . ; Capt . Hunt and A . C . Podmore , Stewards j

R . Tomlinson , Tyler ; T . E . Fowke , P . AL ; J . Bodenham , P . AL ; F . Woolley , B . T . Oswell , John Taylor , Alfred Word , VV . P . Duncalfc , Henry Newton , John F . Cox , H . Thorn , James Senior , A . F . Whittome , S . " S . Plant , Albert Joyes , Thos Rigby , A . A . Heath . Visitors : Bros . John G . Bromley , W . AI . elect 1375 ; John Bryan , I . P . Nl . 526 ; J . W . Walker , S . D . 52 G ; P . Botterill , 1325 ; James Smart ,

P . AI . 1120 ; R . J . Acton , P . AI . Goi ; W . Vernon , P . AI . 45 G , 15 S 7 , P . P . G . Swd . Bearer ; F . Dally , W . M . 526 ; and J . A . Cooper , 27 . The lodge ivas opened by the W . AL , and the minutes of the last regular lodge were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . A . C . Wood , and he was unanimously elected . Bros . Wolley , Duncalfe , and Newton were then

duly and properly raised by the W . AL , who conducted the ceremony in a most impressive and praiseworthy manner . The acting SAV . invested the candidates , and the traditional history , together with an explanation of thc working tools and 'I racing Board , were explained by thc VV . AI . On the motion of the W . M ., a resolution was passed approving of the formation of a Royal Arch Chapter in connection with

the lodge , the petition for which is to bc lodged shortly . Bro . Bodenham , P . AL , P . G . Treas ., P . G . S . W . Shropshire and North Wales , in seconding thc proposition , spoke of the necessity which existed for a chapter , and expressed an opinion that the W . AL was deserving of great praise for the energy which he had displayed in launching the project , which he trusted would be carried to a successful issue .

'lhe name of a joining brother was submitted , and , after " Hearty good wishes had been tendered by the visiting brethren , of whom there was a goodly array , the lodge was closed in ancient form and perfect harmony . Supper followed , and at its conclusion the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were given , and received in a very hearty manner . The W . AL announced that a Alasonic ball would be held in

Stafford on February thc 2 nd , thc proceeds to be given to the Girls' School , for which he was acting as Steward at the next Festival , and he , the W . AL , sincerely hoped that being the first Masonic ball in Stafford , it would be well patronised by the Craft and the public generally . "The

Health of the W . AL " was very ably proposed by Bro . Sudbury , who alluded to the very efficient manner in which he , thc W . AL , had conducted the ceremony that evening , and the high esteem in which he was held by all the brethren . The concluding toast was proposed by the Tyler , and the brethren parted after having spent a very enjoyable evening .

PONTEFRACT . —St . Oswald ' s Lodge ( No . gto ) . —On Wednesday evening , the 15 th inst ., thebrethren of the above lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John . There was a large muster of brethren and visitors , thelattcr including Provincial Officers of high rank , as well as the W . D . P . G . AL of West Yorks , who is a member of thelodge . For the first time in the history of the lodge the ceremony

of installation was attended by over two dozen P . AI . s , and the number generally present was so great that the officers experienced considerable difficulty at times in carrying through the details of the installation . In the unavoidable absence of the W . AL , Bro . Alather , I . P . AI ., took the chair , and opened the lodge . He retired to make way for Bro .

Slack , P . M ., G . D . C . of tbe province , the Installing Mastcr . This is not the first time by several that Bro . Slack , P . AL , has installed the Alaster of St . Oswald ' s , and on taking the chair he was [ warml y greeted . W . Bro . Tew , J . P ., D . P . G . AL , was then introduced , and greeted with the Grand Royal Signs , At this time there were present in the