Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

HASTINGS . —Dervvent Lodge ( No . 40 ) . —The brethren of this lodge met for dispatch of business on Monday , the 14 th inst ., at the Castle Hotel . The W . M ., Bro . F . Plowman , presided , supported by Bros . Councillor W . H . Russell . I . P . M . ; F . H . Hallett . S . W . ; T . W . Markwick , l . W . ; F . Rossiter , P . M ., Treas . ; Cant . E . W . j . Hennah , R . N ., P . M ., Sec ; Henry Gloyns , S . D . ; S . ChandlerI . I ) . : Musralt , Org . ; Henry Kimm , J . W .

, IISJ , as l . G . ( Freemason ); Leslie , Tyler ; Thomas Trollope , M . D ., P . M .. P . P . G . S . W ., P . M . 1 S 20 and 1 S 42 ; ] . Pearce , P . M . ; Milliard , P . M . ; G . Veneso , P . G . ' Wood , G . Gaze , C . E . Mallett , G . Roddis , W . S . Allen , W . A . Beck , F . C . Edwards , R . Jones , Randall , R . Walmesley , G . Heinmann , R . Dengate , W . Cooper . M . Wildish . and others . Visitors : Bros . B . Meadows , S . W . 1 S 42 ; C . R . Chandler , P . P . G . P ., P . M . 11 S 4 ; I . B .

Sargent , P . M . 11 S 4 ; T . J . Jordan , I . G . 11 S 4 ; T . Newton Blair , Sis ; and John B ' arnby , P . P . G . R . Derby , P . M . 654 . The minutes of last regular meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Wildish was duly raised to the Third Degree by the W . M ., Bro . Plowman , who acquitted himself in a thoroughly able manner , and ably concluded the labours , as regards the working of the ceremonies , for his year of office ' . The next business was the election of

W . M . for the ensuing year , the choice falling unanimously upon Bro . F . H . Hallett , S . W . The election of a Treasurer resulted again in favour of Bro . F . Rossiter , P . M . Bro . W . Leslie was re-elected Tyler . The Audit Committee having been appointed , Bro . Councillor Russell next introduced his motion to confer a P . M . ' s jewel to Bro . Plowman for the able manner in which he had discharged the duties of the chair during his year of office . This was supported by Bro . Dr . Trollope , P . P . G . S . W ., andcarriedunanimously .

Bio . Russell then spoke at some length with reference to the forthcoming Masonic Bail , which he stated would take place the third Wednesday in January , the proceeds of which will be devoted to the Benevolent Institution . We may add that the success of the ball last year was largely due to Bros . Russell and Reed ' s energy , perseverance , and tact . A candidate having been proposed for initiation , and nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form .

STOCKPORT . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 104 ) . — This lodge , which has recently removed its meeting place from Ashton House to the White Lion Hotel , Great Underbank , celebrated the annual installtion festival on Monday , the 14 th inst . The lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master , Bro . John Bell , who was supported by his Wardens and other officers and the following Past Masters of the lodge—viz ., Bros . ] . Beresford , P . P . G . S . D . ; H . Finch ,

P . P . G . D . C ; W . SchohVld , H . Collier , P . P . G . O . ; W . Booth , P . G . D . C ; Major F . Preston , G . Balfe , Lieut .-Col . Wilkinson , P . P . G . S . D . ; and G . F . Bowden . The attendance book showed some fifty brethren as being present , amongst whom were the following visitors : Bros . Rev . P .. H . Bagot , P . M . 1157 , P . G . Chaplain ; R . B . Pilkington , P . M . and Sec . 3 S 1 ; N . D . Fairbrother , W . M . 322 ; S . Lowe , W . M . 32 ; , ; W . H . Vaughan , P . M . 1030 ;

| oseph Whiteley , 1077 ; E . Mercer , I . G . 1077 ; J . Jackson , W . M . 293 ; Thomas E . Kigby , W . M . 2 S 7 ; I homas Axon , W . M . 1957 ; John Leigh , P . M . 2 S 7 ; E . G . Cummings , P . M . 1459 , P . G . S . B . Fast Lane ; j . W . Abbott , P . M . 1030 , P . G . D D . C . East Lane . ; Thos . ' Whalley , S . W . 323 i G . L . Vaughan , P . M . 1030 ; and K . McLean , P . M . 1030 . The W . M . elect was I 3 ro . Edmund Johnson , P . P . G . A . D . C , and he was very ably installed in the chair of

the lodge by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Bell , who was assisted in the work by several of the Past Masters , Bro . W . Booth , P . G . D . C , officiating as Director of the Ceremonies . As is usual in this lodge , the ceremony was rendered chorally , and parsed off with great eclat , the " working '' being such as to elicit high encomiums from the brethren assembled . Bro . H . Collier , P . P . G . O ., presided at the organ , and the vocalists included Bros . Mark

Stafford , P . M . 361 , W . Alcock , G . Gaskill , F . Moore , ] . Tutton , G . Balfe , P . M ., W . Booth , P . M ., and S . j . Hampson . In the course of the lodge business the Worshipful Master presented the retiring VV . M ., Bro . Bell , with a gold Past Master's jewel , subscribed for by the members , in recognition of his faithful services during the year . The installation ceremony-having been concluded with piayer

by the Provincial Grand Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . P .. B . Bagot , of Sale , some routine business was disposed of , and the lodge was closed . A banquet followed , which was much enjoyed by the brethren , and reflected great credit on the hostess of the White Lion Hotel ( Mrs . Robertson ) . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed and responded to , that of the health of the Worshipful Master , Bro . Johnson ,

being received with much enthusiasm and " all the honours . " Amongst some able and interesting . speeches made at lhe festive board , the palm must be accorded to that of the Rev . Bro . Bagot , P . G . C ., who , in responding to the toast of the Provincial Grand Officers , made a most eloquent and forcible address , enlarging on the beauties and excellences of Masonry , and ably refuting the objections raised against the institution by its calumniators , frome the Pope

downwards . Altogether the meeting was a very pleasant and edifying one , and will dwell in the recollection of the members of this time-honoured lodge and the assembled guests . The following is a list of the officers for the ensuing year : —Bros . Edmund Johnson , P . P . G . A . D . C . W . M . ; John

Bell , I . P . M . ; Joseph Fox , S . VV . ; William Glewe , J . VV . ; C . 11 . Andrew , Treasurer ; G . Gaskill , Secretary ; T . Davis , S . D . ; C . Clarkson , J . !) . ; W . Booth , P . G . D . C , Director of Ceremonies ; II . Collier , P . P . G . O ., Organist ; James Tutton , I . G . j Jos . D . Kain , S . S . ; VV . H . Harrison , j . S . j and John Scott , P . M . 322 , Tyler .

TOWCESTER . —Fidelity Lodge ( No . 445 ) . — A meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , the 1 S 1 I 1 inst ., at the Pomfret Arms Hotel . Present : Bros . John Newitt , W . M . ; J . VV . Spencer , S . W . ; R . J . Jenkins , J . VV . ; Rev . VV . A . Howes , Chap . ; Geo . Osborn , Treas . ; Jas . Teeton , Sec . ; Robt . McClure , S . D . ; W . M . Crowley ,

J . D . ( pro tern . ); Evans , I . G . ( pro tem . ) ; E . Snedker , Tyler ; W . Whitton , P . M . ; W . Simmonds , P . M . ; G . Wilcox-Smith , and H . Bulfcrd . The motion given by Bro . Wilcox-Smith at the last meeting , " That the lodge be held on a Thursday on or before the full ol the moon , instead of a Friday , " was seconded by Bro . Robert McClure , put to the meeting , and carried .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

GOOLE . —Aire and Calder Lodge ( No . 458 ) . — On Friday , the nth inst ., the above lodge celebrated the festival of St . John , there being present a large muster of brethren , including members of the Provincial Grand Lodge and other hrethren . Amongst the visitors present were Bros . Clark , O 30 ; H . Green , W . M . 630 ; S . Slack , P . P . D . C . ; Scriven , VV . M . 1211 ; Kingd .-n , Smith , 1211 ; Beanland , Baldwin , S . VV . ( iso ; and W . L . Rowntree .

I I he W . M . elect , Bro . William Everalt , was installed by the retiring W . M ., Bro . William Brook , the ceremony being performed in an able and impressive manner . The VV . M . invested the following officers : Bios . W iJliam . Brook , l . P . M . ; E . J . Foster , S . W . ; R . Dayson , J . VV . ; J . A . Bray , P . M ., Treas . ; George Dixon , Sec . ; E . 'C . * B . Tudor , D . C ; VV . Porter , Chap . ; R . C Bruce , S . D . : VV . H . Fogg , J . D . ; C Grant , I . G . ; C . Chappell , Stwd . ; .

T . Rippon , Org . ; and II . Handley , Tyler . Bro . H . VViJson , P . M ., was , on the motion of the VV . M ., seconded by Bro . Brook , I . P . M ., elected Charity member , and other business was transacted . The lodge being duly closed , the brethren sat down to a banquet at the Sydney Hotel , where an excellent dinner

was provided by Mr . Kitclnng , at which the newty-mstalled W . M . presided . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts were warmly received . Letters of excuse for non-attendance were read from Bro . T . VV . Tew , J . P ., P . G . M . West Yorkshire ; Bro . H . Smith , D . P . G . M . ; and other distinguished brethren .

MAIDSTONE . —Belvidere Lodge ( No . 503 ) . — On Tuesday , the 1 st inst ., the brethren of this lodge assembled in considerable numbers at their hail in Brewerstreet , Maidstone , the occasion being the installation of Bro . George E . Wallis , as Worshipful Master . The ceremony was performed by the outgoing Master , Bro . J . Thomhill . The new Master , or . taking the chair , proceeded to invest the following brethren as officers : Bros .

G . Baker , S . W . ; T . Elmore , J . W . ; F . Kite , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Appleyard , P . M ., Sec ; G . P . Baker , S . D . ; B . Browne , J . D . ; F . Ashdown , I . G . ; T . Butler , Dir . of Cers . ; and G . Orford , Steward . On the termination of the installation ceremony , the brethren adjourned to the Star Hotel to a banquet , provided by Bro . J . Keeley in his usual admirable manner .

The VV . M ., Bro . Wallis , who presided , was supported by the Provincial Grand Secretary of Kent , Bro . Alfred Spencer , VV . M . of several lodges in the province , and about 50 of the P . M . ' s and brethren of the lodge . The musical arrangements were entrusted to Bro . Tremere , who was assisted by Miss Fuzelle and Miss Thomas , whose united efforts gave general satisfaction .

GLADSTONBURY . —Pilgrims Lodge ( No . 772 ) . —At the annual meeting of this lodge Bro . Whitfield Perkins , S . VV ., was installed VV . M . for the ensuing year , the ceremony being performed by the V . W . Bro . R . C Else , D . P . G . M . Somerset . The nevvly-installed VV . M .

invested his officers as follows : Bros . H . Leaker , ( . P . M . ; VV . Hodge , S . W . ; H . B . Crouch , J . W . ; J . A . Bright , P . M ., Treas . ; H . J . Taylor , P . M ., Sec ; A . Vincent , S . D . ; VV . G . Brown , J . D . ; A . Down , P . M ., Org . ; VV . Snook , I . G . ; W . McNamara , D . C ; and R . T . Fisher , Tyler .

LEVENSHULME . —Alexandra Lodge ( No . 905 ) . —The installation of Bro . C . D . Cheetham , jun ., took place on Friday , the iSth inst ., at the Midway Hotel . In consequence of extra business , an arrangement was made , with the sanction of the Prov . Grand Secretary , to defer the investiture of officers and the St . John ' s Festival until the following day , which happy compromise greatly added lo the comfort and enjoyment of the brethren . The following were present : Bros . George Howe , VV . M . ; C . D . Cheetham , S . VV . ; VV . T . Allitt , Sec . ; T . P . Nelson ,

l . P . M . ; J . C Hind , P . M . ; W . 11 . Peak , P . M . ; J . W . Allison , P . M . ; R . Knight , P . M . ; P . II . Nicholls , P . M ., Tyler ; Geo . R . Armstrong , Robt . E . Walker , Thos . VV . Rice , jun ., H . H . Ashcroft , C Murray , T . Williams , VV . H . liibbv , jun ., J . Davidson , J . C Rhodes , C . Bienna , Tom Wood , E . Ashworth , and VV . Ashworth . Visitors : Bros . John Bladon , P . M . 317 , P . P . G . A . D . C ; Ceo . Holiins , J . VV . 1045 , 11 G 3 ; Wm . Lawson , P . M . 320 ; R . Walker ,

VV . M . 1052 ; jno . Cliffe , W . M . 204 ; Kobt . Beresford , J . W . 1993 ; and J . H . ISawden , J . VV . 934 . The lodge was opened in due form , after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of installation was next proceeded with , and after the VV . M . elect , Bro . C . D . Cheetham , had been presented to the Installing Master , Bro . VV . H . Peak , he was , with all due rite and ceremony , inducted into the chair

of K . S ., and subsequently proclaimed to and saluted by the M . M . 's on their re-entrance to the lodge . The Installing Master then addressed the VV . M . After the Treasurer's accounts had been presented , and . reported upon by the Auditors , they were adopted . The ballot was then taken for Mr . F . VV . Ilargreaves , and being announced in his favor , he was forthwith initiated into the mysteiies and privileges of Freemasonry by the

VV . M . " Hearty good wishes " having been expressed by the Visitors , the lodge was formally closed . At the meeting on Saturday there were present Bros . T . D . Cheetham , VV . M . ; George Howe . I . P . M . ; VV . T . Allitt , Sec ; R . Goddard , J . D . ; J . If . Roberts , Treas . ; J . C . Hind , P . M . ; Geo . A . Yates , P . M . ; VV . II . Peak , P . M . ; VV . H . Uibby , P . M ., P . G . J . D . ; Rich . limperley ,

P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; lhos . Nelson , P . M . ; P . II . Nicholls , P . M ., Tyler ; J . Fallows , J . How .-, VV . A Can , K . K . Walker , F . Williams , G . R . Armstrong , F . VV . Ilargreaves , J . Wood , A . F . Searle , VV . 11 . Hibhy , jun ., IT . II . Ashcroft , J . C Rhodes , C . Murray , ( j . Ferguson , C Lee , E . Ashworth , arid VV . Ashworth . Visitors : Bros . George Mellor , P . M . 04 , 300 , V . VV . Dep . P . G . M . ; J . L . Mine , P . P . G . S . VV . ; Geo . Balfe , P . M . 104 ; VV . T . Norton ,

P . M . 11 C 1 ; Robt . Dottie , P . M . 1161 ; S . P . Bidder , P . M . 1161 ; Wm . Pearson , 161 ; | . Rome , J . VV . 1009 ; | . Entickcap , S . W . 1009 ; Jno . ' Cliffe , W . M . 204 ; Mark Stafford , P . M . 361 ; VV . II . Maxfield , S . D . "J 57 > Wm . Parker , 13 S 7 ; R . Ciossland , 1387 ; Wm . Sturm , P . M . 1161 ; K . Walker , VV . M . 1052 ; and R . R .

Lisenden , VV . M . elect 317 ( Freemamn ) . After the lodge had been duly opened , and the minutes of the preceding day's meeting read and confirmed , the officers were invested by Bro . VV . II . Peak , P . M . for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . John Storold , S . VV . ( by deputy ) ; J . H . Roberts , J . W . ; W . T . Allitt , Treas . ;

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

George T . Bowes , Sec . ; R . Goddard , S . D . ; Jam » s Fletcher , J . D . : J . Fallows , I . G . ; Tom Wood , Orjr . \ v H . Peak , P . M ., D . C ; P . H . Nicholls , Tyler f Jason Howe , C . Lee , Charles Le Court , G . R . Armstrong . K K Walk-er . and W . H . Bjbby , jun ., Stwds . Bro . Peak addressed the Wardens and brethren , and there being no further business , the lodge was close .- ] . I | ,. ' brethren subsequently celebrated the Festival of St . l .: !

-i-with a banquet , at the conclusion of which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . In recording to the toast of" The Prov . G . Officers , " the V . W . Dep . Prov . G . M ., Bro . G . Mellor , said he thought the VV . M . had said rath r too manv flattering things < : •>¦ ,, ¦¦ : 1-ing him . He was very pleased to be present'Vith tl-s ni and with the cordial reception he had received at ilieir hands . He liked being amongst Masons , for there was

scarcely any other society of men to be found where so much brotherly love and unity existed . Discussion cf a political or religious character not being permitted , j \ irin . or discord was very seldom heard amongst them . I ie trusted he might be spared to come amongst them . vain many times , as his health was much better than it had been . That was the third meeting he had attended during the day , and therefore he thought they would all be cf ih ,-

same opinion as himself , viz ., " that there was life in the old dog yet . " Bro . Mellor , in conclusion , thanked the brethren for so heartilv responding-to the toast of his hi a ' ' ^ " Bro . J . L . Hine , P . P . G . S . VV ., VV . IL Bibby , P . G . J . D ' and R . nmpcrley , P . P . G . D ., also responded to the toast . Bro . J . C . Hind , in proposing "The Health of the VV . M .. " said be considered this the toast of the evening , and it gave him great pleasure to propose it . He had known Bro .

Cheetham from a little hoy , and had watched his progress through life with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction ; and when one day he expressed a wish to become a Mason , he ( Bro . Hind ) felt a lively pleasure in proposing him in the Alexandra Lodge , because he felt sure his earnestness and zeal to do every thing as it ought to be done would ensure his promotion and advancement in the lodge . How far his hopes and belief in Bro . Cheetham had been realised

the brethren could now judge for themselves , as their confidence and appreciation of his ability was manifested in the position he now occupied . Bro . Hind , continuing , said the VV . M . had evinced a natural and praiseworthy ambition lo work h > s way to the front , and had done so step Ivv step until he had achieved the hi ghest position the brethren could place him in , and no brother who had filled the chair of K . S . could fill it with greater power than their present

W . M . He called upon the brethren to rise and drink heaitily to the health of Bio . Cheetham . It is needless to say the invitation was cheerfully responded to ; after which Bro . VV . H . p eak , P . M ., sang " Here ' s to his health in a song , " in capital style . The VV . M ., in reply , said he was not considered a very nervous man , but after listening to th 2 Mattering woids of praise from Bro . Hind , and the strains of that stirrin ..

song , he felt a trifle shaky . Nevertheless , he assured the brethren that the present moment was the proudest in his Masonic life . His present exalted position was one he had looked forward to from very soon after he became connected with the lodge , 7 years ago . In referring to the remark make by Bro . Mind as to his ( the W . M . ' s ) wish to be made a Mason , Bro . Cheetham said he little thought when making the request he was making it to the father

of the Alexandra Lodge , and to a brother who was held in suchhigh esteem . Br ... Cheetham also referred to his first impressions when initiated , and to his having sometimes travelled between 300 r . nd 400 miles to fulfil his duties as Steward j and also spoke of the interest he had always taken in any duty that had devolved upon him , and of his attachment 10 the lod ge . After giving a few

hints to his officers , the W . M . concluded by assuring the brethren he should endeavour during his year of c lliceufkcep up that high standard of excellence which the Alexandra Lodge had enjoyed for many years past , and would endeavour to hand down to his successor the genuine tenets and principles of Freemasonry pure and unsull ' e . l as he had received them .

" The Health of the l . P . M . " was proposed in eulori , tic terms , and a very handsome P . M . ' s iS-carat gold jewel was presented to him , manufactured by B . o . George Kenning , 47 , Bridge-street , Manchester , for which Bro . George Howe returned thanks in suitable terms . Later on in the evening "The Health of the P . VI . ' s " was proposed , including that of Bro . W . H . Peak ( Installing Master ) , and a massive gold medallion charm for the watch-chain presented to him for his services as

Director of Ceicmontes . The charm , which was about the size of a shilling , was polished bright on both sides—on one side a pair of dead-gold cross wands were placed , and in the centre of the ribbon that held them together a diamond was set . The reverse side of the mcdtliinn bore a suitable insciiption . The charm was also mule by II .-o . Kenning . Several other toasts were proposed , and the brethren spent a very pleasant evening .

THIRSK . —Falcon Lodge ( No . 1416 ) . —The insta lation ineeting- of this lodge took place on Thursday , the loth inst ., in the Masonic Hall . The hospitality and good fellowship of the Thirsk Masons are well known , and as usual there was a good gathering of members and visitors—the latter ineeting with a right cordial reception . Since the fast meeting of the lodge a v .-ry valuable addition has been made to the int-iior in the

shape of a most extensive collection of British birds , which was lately presented to the brethren by Bro . Reginald Bell , P . M ., of Thirsk Hall , the collection having b . 'en made at great trouble and expense by the late Bro . P . Hell , P . M ., the first VV . M . of the Falcon Lodge . The collection of the raptores is splendid , containing several unique specimens . The specimens are arranged in cases on the walls of the banqueting room and on the staircase . The

lodge was opened by Bro . James Walton , VV . M ., and Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., P . P . G . VV ., then took the chair , the S . VV . ' s chair being occupied by Bro . | . ' (' . Seller , P . M . ifii 1 , and the J . VV . ' s by Ilro . A . T . B . Turner . W . M . 1 O 11 . 'I lure were also present Bros . Canon Camidi'e , P . M . ; Rev . K . L . Marrett , P . M . ; C Waistell , P . M . ;

J . I'airburn , P . M . ; P . Smith , P . M .: H . C . Pickersgill , P . M . ; W . Coltman , P . M . ; J . S . Walton , P . M . ; II . Smith , P . M . ; T . j . Wilkinson , P . M . ; G . Ayre , P . M . ; G . Robinson , VV . M . 1337 ; N . Southern , P . M . ; and many other members and visitors . The outgoing VV . M . presented Bro . Ziccheus Wright , W . M . elect , and the cere-I mony was completed in full form . Bro . Wright then ap-