Provincial Meetings.

read from some of the members who were absent on account of indisposition and other causes . The bad weather was understood to have deterred other brethren from attending . Mr . Wm . T . Blatchford was balloted for and unanimously elected a member , but his proposer , Bro . VV . R . Shutt , P . M ., P . P . D . G . D . C ., being unable to attend on account of illness , the initiation is to take place at the next meeting . Bro . A .

Wm . Anderson , 619 , was elected a joining member . Other formal business being transacted , and " Hearty good wishes" expressed , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to dinner , provided by Bro . Veal . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . . In the course of the remarks made by Bro . Tickle , he said

that the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Sir Francis Burdett , had always taken a great interest in the lodge , but was unable to come so often as he would like . He directed attention to the amount of purple the P . M . ' s of the lodge were fortunate in possessing , and to the especial fact of so many of the visitors of the Iodge becoming members . The W . M . in the course of some of his remarks referred to the unusual small attendance that day , but echoed the

sentiments of all present in saying that they were having a very pleasant evening . In his usual genial manner he expressed his good wishes for the members both absent and present , and as they would not meet again until the new year , gave a hope when they then met , that they would all have entered the new year with good health and prosperity . A few words from the P . M . 's , officers , and visitors , as well as some musical and recitative pieces , helped to make up a very enjoyable evening .

HALSTEAD . Joshua Nunn Lodge ( No . 2154 ) . — On Tuesday evening , the 15 th inst ., the installation meeting of the above Iodge was held at the George Hotel , when Bro . J . J . Cavill , P . M . 1312 , P . P . G . D ., was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year , the ceremony being ably performed by Bro . Vero W . Taylor , P . M . 1312 , P . P . S . G . W . At the

conclusion of the ceremony , the following were appointed officers for the ensuing year : Bros . R . G . Kellett , P . M . 1 3 12 , P . P . G . Std . Br ., S . VV . ; Geo . Copus , I . P . M . 1312 , P . G . S . of VV ., J . W . ; Mark Gentry , I . P . M ., Treas . ; E . H . Inman , P . M . 1312 , P . P . G . R ., Sec ; Harris Hills , S . D . ; Z . Hunt , J . D . ; Woodward , D . of C ; Bromley , I . C ; Woodward , I . G . ; and Pendle , Tyler . A vote of thanks was

unanimously passed to Bro . Vero Taylor for his kindness in attending and performing the ceremony , especially as he was suffering from a fractured rib . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the outgoing Master , Bro . Mark Gentry , who , in acknowledging it , said , as a founder and resident in the district , he took a deep interest in the Joshua Nunn Lodge , and was pleased

to do all he could for its welfare . On the motion of Bro . Mark Gentry , Bro . Zach . Hunt was unanimously elected to represent the lodge on the Essex Provincial Charity Committee ; and a suggestion was made that he should go up as a Steward to one of the Festivals during the coming year . Between 20 and 30 brethren dined together at the George

Hotel , a splendid repast being well served by the host , Mr Turnell . The visitors present included Bros . T . J . Railing , P . A . G D . C . Eng ., P . G . Sec ; J . F . Hills , P . P . G . W . Suffolk M . L . Sanders , P . M . and Sec 650 ; J . Fuller , P . M . 1312 P . P . G . P . ; W . Lake , W . M . 1312 ; J . VV . Case , 1312 and others .

HAMPTON COURT . Hemming Lodge ( No . 1512 ) . —This lodge met at the Greyhound Hotel , on the 17 th inst . Among those present were : Bros . G . Ransford , W . M . ; Clark , S . W . ; Scholding , J . W . ; Jessett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Capt . t . C . Wails , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Sec ; Bushell , J . D . ; J . Smith , I . C ; W . Spearing , P . M .,

P . G . S . B ., D . C . ; H . Robinson , A . D . C . ; H . Wheatley , P . M ., and E . H . Trotter , Stwds . j R . Eales , I . P . M ., Plimsaul , P . M . ; and others . The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed , as well as the minutes of an emergency meeting . Bros . Gummer , Hill , and Connell were passed to the Second Degree , and Mr . C . H . H . Boyce initiated into Craft

mysteries , both ceremonies being most ably performed by the W . M . and his officers . Several matters affecting the financial position of the lodge having been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts followed .

Bro . W . Spearing responded on behalf of " The Provincial Grand Officers . " "The Health of the W . M . " was fluently proposed by the I . P . M . In the course of his remarks he congratulated the W . M . upon the able manner in which he had conducted the proceedings during his year of office . He ( the I . P . M . ) was also in a position to be able to congratulate the W . M .

upon the number of initiates recently introduced into the lodge . The W . M . was himself an initiate of the lodge , and had filled all the minor offices well and worthily . The VVorshipful Master having replied , gave "The Initiate . " Bro . Boyce responded in a brief but pertinent speech . "The Health of the Visitors" gave Bro . Harvey , P . M .,

an opportunity of praising in high terms both the working and hospitality of the lodge . Bros . Eales and Wheatley acknowledged the toast of " 'The Past Masters , " and Bros . Jessett and Walls replied to "The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary . " The toast of "The Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . Clark and Scholding , terminated the proceedings .

Wolsey Lodge ( No . 1656 ) . —This lodge met for the dispatch of business at the Greyhound Hotel , on the 14 th inst . Among those present were Bros . R . Drummond , W . M . j E . Dare , P . M ., S . W . ; Sapsworth , J . W . ; J . Featherstone , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; W . T . Peat , Sec ; T . Grant , S . D . ; H . Bond , J . D . ; Spooner , I . C ; J . Smith and R . VV . Rice , Stewards ; Capt . T . C . Walls ,

P . P . G . W ., I . P . M . ; Simpson , Miles , Gilbert , Tyler ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . James Miles was passed to the Second Degree . The ballot having been taken for Mr . Frank Figg , he was duly initiated . Previously to the lodge being closed , the Secretary read

Provincial Meetings.

letters of apology for non-attendance from Bros . T . W . Ockenden , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and F . Chandler , P . M ., P . G . Purst . At the banquet which followed , Bro . Capt . Walls responded on behalf of "The Provincial Grand Officers , " and then gave the toast of "The VV . M . " Thc VV . M ., in reply , regretted that he had not been

supported by a larger number of the brethren that day . He thanked the proposer of his health particularly for the many kind things he had said of him , and he would endeavour during the continuance of his year of office to fully warrant the confidence reposed in him by the members of the lodge

generally . In giving thetoastof "The Treasurer and Secretary , " the VV . M . paid a very high compliment toboth those officers . He said that the manner in which the financial and secretarial duties were carried out would reflect credit upon any lodge . Bros . Featherstone and Peat having replied , a few more

toasts were given . The subsequent proceedings owed a great deal of their success to the excellent instrumental and vocal efforts of Bros . Figs ** , Grant , and Suggett .

HOUNSLOW . DalhOUSie Lodge ( No . 865 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 16 th instant , at the Town Hall , when there were present Bros . W . H . Causton , P . M . 1726 , W . M . ; G . Swann , S . W . ; P . J . Davies , J . W . ; E . Clare , Org . ; C . A . Walter , P . M ., Treas . j W . C . VVilliams , P . M ., Sec ; J . B . Cory , acting S . D . ;

C . G . Hatt , acting J . D . ; R . H . VVilliams , P . M ., D . C ; J . Dobie , I . G . ; J . M . Long , Stwd . ; S . VV . Keene , I . P . M . ; " Ensor , Gardener , Cory , Sidders , T . VV . Barth , Boyce , F . A . Barth , Thos . Haynes , Robinson , Jos . Cox , Hatt , Emery , Essex , Nance , Murkett , Evans , Sansom , Pattenden , and Frank West . Visitors : Bros . T . W . Heath , S . D . 1642 ; C . B . Price , 15 S 5 ; Valentine Wing , VV . M . 15 S 5 ; and

R . Clinch , 901 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Essex was passed to the Degree of F . C . According to notice of motion , Bro . C . A . Walter proposed that a Committee be formed for the purpose of getting up a concert at the Town Hall , Hounslow , for the benefit of the funds of the Hounslow Cottage

Hospital . The following brethren were elected to form the Committee , viz .: Bros . Causton , W . M . j C . A . Walter , P . M . ; R . H . VVilliams , P . M . ; G . Swann , S . W . ; P . J . Davies , J . W . ; J . M . Long , Stwd . ; T . W . Barth , VV . J . Gardener , A . C . Nance , VV . Essex , and Frank Emery . It was proposed by Bro . Long , seconded by the Secretary , and carried unanimously , that five guineas be presented to the hospital funds . It was proposed by

Bro . Hatt , seconded by Bro . Sidders , and carried unanimously , that the Auditors examine the cash statement produced , and have same printed by the next meeting . Notice of motion was given by the S . W . that he would propose an alteration of by-laws at the next meeting . The lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Red Lion , where the W . M . presided in his usual happy and affable manner

KINGSTON-ON-THAMES . Dobie Lodge ( No . 889 ) . —The meetings ot this lodge were resumed after the summer recess on VVednesday , the 16 th inst ., but , owing to a variety of causes , the attendance was below the usual average . The W . M ., Bro . John Drewett , P . M . 163 S , P . P . A . G . P ., having opened the lodge ,

the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . G . K . Martin and H . C . Ireland were raised by the W . M . with that correctness and impressiveness which can only be attained by a skilful Past Master of the Craft . Nothing further offering for the good of the lodge , it was closed , and the brethren partook of refreshment .

MONKWEARMOUTH . Williamson Lodge ( No . 949 ) . —The meeting of this lodge , held on Monday evening , in the Masonic Hall , North Bridge-street , was quite an exceptional gathering , the meeting being the first since the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham , held at Sunderland last month , at which the senior P . M . of the lodge , Bro . R . VV . Halfnight , was

elected as Grand Treasurer of the province , and the present VV . M . of the lodge , Bro . George Washington Bain , was appointed Grand Registrar of the Province of Durham . The attendance was a very large one , among the Prov . Grand Officers and Masters present from Sunderland and South Shields being Bros . R . Hudson , Past G . S . B . of England , P . G . Sec . ; R . W . Halfnight , P . G . Treas . ; G . W .

Bain , P . G . R ., W . M ., in the chair ; J . R . Pattison , P . A . G . Sec ; C . M . Wake , P . G . S . of W . j T . Atkinson , P . A . G . D . of C ; W . Liddell , P . P . S . G . D . ; R . Shadlorth , P . P . S . G . D . ; F . Maddison , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . G . Kirtley , P . P . J . G . D . ; J . C . Moor , P . P . J . G . D . ; R . Singleton , P . P . J . G . D . ; Alf . Gray , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; G . B . Hall , P . M . ; J . J . Atthey , P . P . A . G . D . C ; J . Nicholson , P . M . So ; James Hudson , W . M . So ; | . VV . H . Swan , VV . M .

94 ; J . J . Wilson , P . M . So ; C F . Sutcliffe , W . M . 240 ; T . D . Marshall , W . M . 1920 ; R . A . Brown , W . M . 2039 ; J . B . Wilkinson , P . M . 13 S 9 ; A . Peters , VV . M . 13 S 9 ; M . Douglass , P . P . J . G . D . ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; R . Blake , S . W . ; L . R . Davies , J . W . ; J . S . Chatt , S . D . ; L . R . A . Logan , Sec . ; Simpson , I . G . ; F . Wade , W . M . elect 13 S 9 ; J . G . Marshall , VV . M . 97 ; J . R . Cutter , S . W . 97 ; W . Birch , Sec . 97 ; and others .

After the regular business of the meeting , the proceedings at the recent meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge , and the honour conferred upon Bros . Halfnight , P . M ., and Bain , W . M ., and thus upon the Williamson Lodge , were made the subject of the following resolution , which was proposed by Bro . F . Maddison , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Wm . Liddell , P . M ., and carried unanimously : "That the

following minute be placed on the records of the lodge : 'The annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the Victoria Hall , Sunderland , on Tuesday , the 24 th of September , when a large gathering of Masons from the various towns in the province took part in the proceedings . The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Sir

Hedworth Williamson , appointed and invested the Worshipful Master of this lodge , Bro . Geo . W . Bain , with the collar of Prov . Grand Registrar . Bro . Richard Witham Halfnight , the Senior Past Master of this lodge , was duly elected by a large majority of the brethren as Provincial Grand Treasurer . Several other Past Masters of the various Sunderland lodges also received honours at the

Provincial Meetings.

hands of the R . W . P . G . M . An interesting feature of the meeting was a visit of the Provincial Officers from the Province of Northumberland , who were duly received and saluted in due form . '" After the Iodge was closed , a number of the brethren sat down to an excellent supper . Bro . G . W . Bain , VV . M ., presided , and was supported

by Bro . R . Hudson , P . G . S . B . Eng ., P . G . S ., and a large number of Past Masters and brethren . "The Health of Bros . R . Hudson , R . W . Halfnight , P . G . Treas ., and the W . M ., Bro . G . W . Bain , P . G . K ., " was heartily proposed and received , and responded to by those worthy brethren .

OLDHAM . Unity Lodge ( No . 1868 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday , the 16 th instant . There were present Bros . C . V . Haworth , VV . M . ; J . Glover , I . P . M . ; J . Broadbent , S . VV . ; J . Hilton , J . W . ; T . Wood , Treas . ; W . Edwards , Sec ; J . Buckley , S . D . ; P . Buckley , J . D . ;

Hamlet Lees , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., D . C ; James Dawson , I . C ; Jno . Wilkinson , Org . ; S . A . Thorp , Tyler ; Whitehead , Buckley , Halstead , D . Grundy , Patterson , P . M . j R . Slater , P . M . j J . Potter , P . M . j Dewhurst , Marsland , Partington , Broadbent , VV . Sell , Ben Sell , Embleton , Nash / Worthington , Sam Broadbent , Gartside , Wild , Mayall , Vickers , Bordsley , Hall , Bradbury , Ogden , Street ,

Taylor , Dawson , Jackson , Schofield , Wood , Haigh , and Wood . Visitors : Bros . E . Lees , 13 j G . Smith , P . M . 1134 ; Marsden , 44 , - J . Greaves , P . P . S . G . W . ; and others . The lodge was opened by Bro . C V . Haworth , W . M . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . There was an initiation , passing , and raising , all

the ceremonies being performed by the W . M . in a remarkably clever manner . The election of VV . M . for the ensuing year was unanimously in favour of Bro . Joseph Broadbent , S . W . The Treasurer and Tyler were elected , and the Auditors and Charity Representatives were appointed . During the evening Bro . C . V . Haworth , W . M ., presented to the lodge a most exquisite sets of gavels , being of ivory , ebony , and embellished with silver mountings . They were

accepted by the I . P . M ., Bro . J . Glover , on behalf of the lodge in very graceful terms , and it was reported on the minutes that the best thanks of the brethren be given to Bro . Haworth for the very handsome present . The gavels above mentioned were specially designed and manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , 47 , Bridge-street , Manchester , and London . All business being concluded , the lodge was closed .

SHIPLEY . Airedale Lodge ( No . 3 87 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on the gth inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , Saltaire Institute , when there were present Bros . John Symonds , VV . M . j C . W . Curran , S . VV . j Jno . Tillotson , P . S . W ., as J . W . ; A . Marshall , as S . D . ; Richard Knight , as J . D . ; Geo . Morgan , I . G . ; Wm .

Oddy , I . P . M . ; Henry Mitchell , P . M ., Sec . ; John Hey , P . M ., Treas . ; S . A . Auty , P . M ., Chap . ; J . Ramsden Riley , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; Edwin Bottomley , P . M ., Org . ; S . Minakin , P . M . ; J . W . Taylor , P . M . ; E . Heaton , P . M . ; F . Lister , Tyler ; Israel Cromack , Chas . Cromack , Jno . Cromack , J . Marshall , C W . Ellis , Pickles , England , Last , Baumann , Raper , and others .

Visitors : Bros . R . B . Stansfeld , W . M . 974 ; C . VV . Lufton , P . M . 974 , P . P . G . D . ; J . R . Oddy , P . M . 974 ; Rev . B . Mayon , Chap . 974 j Thos . Ibbetson , J . W . 974 ; H . Fearnside , Org . 164 S ; T . Norfolk , VV . M . 600 ; J . Mugglestone , 600 ; Pratt , 600 ; Hayes , 600 j Nelson , 600 j Clay , 600 j J . Wilson , P . M ., J . VV . 2321 j Craven , 265 j Wildy , 2 S 9 ; Meyer , 439 ; Butler , 703 ; Suddaby ,

1221 ; and Moxon , 600 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the preceding monthly meeting ( which included a resolution recommending the petition of the promoters of a new lodge to meet at Pudsey , between Leeds and Bradford ) , were read and confirmed . Bro . J . R . Holmes , one of H . M . ' s Commissioners at the Gold Coast , Africa , who had been initiated

some iS months before , was then passed to the Degree of F . C . by Bro . S . A . Auty , P . M . A notice of proposition of a candidate for Freemasonry was given , and after " Hearty good wishes " from the visitors and brethren , the lodge was closed . The brethren then adjourned to the supper room , where an enjoyable evening , interspersed with songs and speeches , was spent .

THORNE . St . Nicholas Lodge ( No . 2259 ) . — The meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the iCth inst ., when the following brethren were present : Bros . A . L . Peace , VV . M . ; H . T . Gardiner , Past Prov . Asst . G . D . of C , I . P . M . ; J . H . Bletcher , S . VV . ; S . H . C . Ashlin , J . VV . ; F . J . Forth , Treas . ; J . Constable , Sec ;

W . C Winter , S . D . ; G . Kenyon , J . D . ; A . Goodhind , Org . ; T . Livingstone , Almoner ; W . Martin , I . G . j W . Pickering , Stwd . ; VV . Walker , and C . W . Darley . Visitors : Bros . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . North and East Yorkshire ; E . Newsome , 242 ; and Whitaker , 45 S . A large attendance was expected , but the very

inclement weather , together with being Provincial Grand Lodge meeeting at Huddersfield , with local attractions at Doncaster , the attendance was small . The W . M . hayinff opened the lodge , introduced Bro . Whytehead , and briefly referred to his eminent services in the Craft . Bro . VVhy tehead proceeded to deliver a lecture entitled " Freemasonry and Freemasonryor Two Sides of the Question . " He sp <''; e

, of the desirability of those newly-initiated forming a correct ideal , a matter of some difficulty in a lodge in which there were a considerable number of Masons . Sketching in a qiia '"^ and humorous manner the Masons who failed to approach the ideal standard , Bro . Whytehead held some of them out as a warning to brethren entering on a Masonic care . * but proceeded to admirably depict the ideal Mason , in

whose character they found blended the true princip le 3 « the Craft , and whose attention to lodge matters , combine " with zeal for ritual and the Charities , rendered liim a sa guide for all . On the motion of the VV . M ., seconded l > y Bro . Constable , Sec , and supported by Bro . G * 1 ™" ^' . P . M ., a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Vvh ) 't " head . In speaking on the motion , Bro . Constable rc ' T | e to a communication he had that morning received fron 1 , P . G . M . of West Yorkshire , in which Bro . Tew express - " his regret that he had been unable to attend .