Provincial Meetings.

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and rep lied to . An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music was provided , among the items of interest being a Masonic ode entitled " Brotherhood , " sung by Bro . R . C . Downs , S . D ., and accompanied by the composer , Bro . Isidore de Sofia , who , being present , contributed some other items to the entertainment . A song was given by Bro . J . Green Ainsworth , Sec , and a piano soloby Bro . W . Edwards ,

A . CO ., Org . 41 S . Several first-class songs and music were also given by others visitors . The toast of "The W . M . " was ably and eloquently proposed by Bro . S . Hyslop , P . S . G . D ., and met with an enthusiastic reception , and in reply , Bro . Edwards , after acknowledging the great honour conferred upon him , alluded to his Masonic career and the darkness which envelopes

every initiate , then took for his theme the Masonic light referred to in the | ode " Brotherhood , " and expressed a hope that the light might prove a lamp to guide their feet through the winding paths of life—a torch to kindle the flame of true Masonic benevolence in their hearts and that all uniting together in one aim and object might look forward to the happy time pourtrayed in the lines of the late Lord Tennyson : —

" When each man finds his own , in others good And all men work in noble brotherhood . " The Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable meeting to a happy close .

NORTHAMPTON . Pomf ret Lodge ( No . 360 ) . —The brethren of this lodge and others from sister lodges attended a gathering at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , the 5 th inst ., the proceedings in connection therewith being of a more than usually interesting character , as they included not only the installation of the W . M . for the ensuing year , but also the presentation of an address of congratulation to Bro . M . A .

Boeme on his attaining the jubilee of his installation into the chair of the lodge . There were present Bros . 1 . Clayson , W . VL , P . J . G . W . ; Butler Wilkins , D . P . G . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Snow , P . P . G . Reg . ; J . Kellett , P . P . G . S . of W . ; G . Butcher , P . M . 17 G 4 , W . M . 2431 , P . P . S . G . W . ; 1 . T . Green , P . M . ; A . Jones , I . P . M . 1764 ; F . G . Airs , ' P . M . ; E . B . Fletcher , I . P . M ., P . G . S . of W . ; A . Cockerill , P . M ., Prov . G . Treas . ; H . Brown , P . M . 3 60 ,

P . P . J . G . W . ; T . Emery , P . M . 17 G 4 , P . P . J . G . W . ; T . Franks , S . W . ; C E . Thorpe , J . W . ; G . Ellard , P . M ., Sec ; T . Merry , S . D . ; S . B . Wilkinson , J . D . ; G . F . E . Wilkinson , I . G ., P . G . S . ; J . J . Hart , P . M ., D . C ; W . Arkell , Org . ; T . Wetherell , J . King , W . E . Stimpson , E . Archer , W . F . Skinner , L . Warner , W . J . Stanton , E . Howes , J . I . Errington , F . B . Whitford , I . G ., J . D . ; S . Barber ; G . Robinson , Tyler ; J . Currall , W . M . 17 G 4 ;

J . T . Ingman , 1764 ; VV . G . Hobbs , igu ; J . S . Arthurs , Stwd . 17 64 ; T . Paget , S . W . 455 , W . M . elect , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . H . Vials , Org . 1764 , P . P . G . Org . ; J . C Cornish , 105 ; W . O . Beazley , P . M . 172 ; J . B . Role , 548 ; C . Cooke , 17 64 ; J . L . Bowden , 32 , South Australia ; Beeby Thompson , Sec . 1762 ; S . King , 726 ; VV . Warwick , 1764 ; W . F . Tipler , J . D . 17 G 4 ; J . B . Brown , 1764 ; T . Ashdowne , S . D . 17 G 4 ; and W . H . Petty .

Apologies were received from several brethren expressing their great regret at being unable to be present . Lodge having been duly opened , and certain formal business transacted , the installation of Bro . Thomas Franks as W . M . for the ensuing year , in succession to Bro . J . Clayson , was proceeded with , the ceremony being admirably performed by the Installing Master , Bro . G . Ellard , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . The newly-elected W . M . then appointed and

invested the following as his officers for the year : Bros . C . E . Thorpe , S . VV . ; T . Merry , J . W . ; A . Cockerill , P . M ., P . G . T ., Treas . ; Geo . Ellard , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., Sec ; S . B . Wilkinson , P . G . S ., S . D . ; G . F . E . Wilkinson , J . D . ; S . F ' risby , I . G . ; W . Arkell and E . Archer , Stwds . ; J . J . Hart , P . M ., P . P . G D . C , D . C ; M . L . Warner , Org . ; and G . Robinson , Tyler . This being concluded , and the W . M . having received hearty

congratulations upon his being raised to the office , the balance-sheet of the lodge was submitted and received . Upon the proposition of Bro . Cockerill , seconded by Bro . Snow , it was agreed that the sum of £ 50 be expended from the lodge funds for the purchase of two debenture shares in the Northampton Masonic Club Company , Limited . The formal presentation of the address to Bro . M . A . Boeme was then proceeded with . Bro . Ellard , Sec , stated that he

had received a letter from Bro . Boeme , dated from Bromley , Kent , in which he expressed his great regret at being unable to be present , having arrived at the age of four-score years , and that he need scarcely state it was a source of great gratification and pride to receive the address it was proposed to present to him . He felt it impossible to attend the lodge in person , although he should have much liked to have once more met the brethren in the town and

neighbourhood of Northampton . Bro . Kellett made the formal presentation of the address . Addressing the W . M ., he said it was 50 years since Bro . Boeme was installed into the chair to which he had that day been raised . Many of the present members of that lodge had not had the pleasure of meeting him , but he felt sure those who had met him could not but speak of him as a Mason who had done admirable work in the past , not only for the Pomfret Lodge , but for Masonry

generally in the Province of Norths and Hunts . Bro . Kellett said he believed they all regretted that their esteemed brother was unable to be present that evening in consequence of his great age , but he felt sure their best wishes would go out towards him . On behalf of the subscribing brethren , he presented the address to the W . M .,

to be forwarded to Bro . Boeme . It was beautifully and appropriatel y illuminated and framed in gold . In the centre of the top of the frame was a large Masonic emblem , and smaller emblems were also placed at each corner . It was read to the brethren by Bro . J . J . Hart , and was as follows :

Anticnt and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons . —Pomfret Lodge , No . 3 G 0 . —Northampton , January 5 th , 1893-"To Bro . M . A . Boeme , P . M . 3 G 0 , 17 G 4 , & c . " Worshipful Sir and Brother , " We , the Worshipful Master , Past Masters , Wardens , and Brethren of the Pomfret Lodge , No . 3 G 0 , in

open lodge assembled , desire to offer to you our most affectionate greetings and our hearty congratulations on your having attained the jubilee of your installation into the chair of our lodge . Initiated in the Pomfret Lodge in November , 'SjG , you were called to the chair in December , 1 S 42 , and a second time served the office ot Worshipful Master in

Provincial Meetings.

1 S 75 . F ° many years you filled the post of Treasurer to the lodge , and had charge also of the Charity Fund , the same being largely increased under your fostering care . For these and for the countless other services rendered by you to our lodge , we again offer you our oft-repeated thanks . Many of your former colleagues in office have passed away , we trust to the Grand Lodge above , and the earnest wish and prayer of us all is that the remainder of

your life may be peaceful and happy ; that sorrow and suffering may be strangers to your declining days , and that the Great Architect of the Universe may receive you at the close of your long and useful life into those mansions above , not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . " Signed on behalf of the lodge , " Bro . J . CLAVSOX , W . M . " Bro . T . FRANKS , S . W .

" Bro . C E . THORPE , J . W . " Bro . J . T . Green said he had known Bro . Boeme since he became a Mason in 1 SG 3 , and he desired to express his testimony to the valuable services rendered to the members in the Pomfret Lodge and the Craft in the Province of Norths and Hunts generally . He had set an excellent example for all younger Masons to follow , and they all regretted when the time came that he had to leave them and

take up his residence elsewhere . He trusted Bro . Boeme might be spared some years yet to still enjoy his wellearned retirement . Bro . Butler Wilkins , D . P . G . M ., also made a few remarks . He said it was not every lodge that could look back upon a member who had occupied the chair 50 years since , and , therefore , he thought the Pomfret Lodge had done a right and a praiseworthy thing in presenting such an address to

that esteemed and honoured member . There was not many Masons left in the town who saw the work of Bro . Boeme some 30 or 40 years since , and be did not think any brother connected with the Province of Northants and Hunts had performed so many ceremonies during his career as he had . Not only did he do excellent work for the Pomfret

Lodge , but when the Eleanor Cross Lodge was established his desire to promote Masonry was so great that he did not hesitate to come forward and be its first W . M ., and so endeavour to promote unity between the sister lodges , which they so much desired . Bro . Wilkins was glad to have the opportunity of expressing the feelings he had always entertained towards Bro . Boeme .

The W . M ., Bro . Franks , expressed the pleasure he felt at receiving the address on behalf of Bro . Boeme , who , he regretted , was unable to be present among them . He had not had the pleasure of knowing him as a Mason , but he knew him as a townsman , and in the official capacity in which he had so highly distinguished himself . He trusted Bro . Boeme would yet be spared a few more years to cherish that token of I he esteem and respect in which he was held

by his brother Masons . Bro . Cockerill having been appointed Steward to represent the lodge at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls in May next , which is to be presided over by the Provincial Grand Master , the Earl of Euston , the lodge was then closed . The brethren subsequently sat down to a banquet in the large room of the hall , the catering for which had been entrusted to Bro . VV . F . Tipler , of the Guildhall Restaurant ,

and it was admirably served . The newly-elected W . M ., Bro . Franks , presided , and the vice-chairs were occupied b y Bros . E . Fletcher and T . Merry , Bro . C . E . Thorpe being prevented from remaining . "IheOueen and Craft" having been duly acknowledged , the Worshipful Master proposed "The Grand Master , the Prince of Wales , and Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " to which Bro . Wilkins , D . P . G . M ., replied .

The Worshipful Master next submitted "The R . W . Provincial Grand Master , the Earl of Euston , and the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " and in doing so spoke hi g hly of the interest taken by their Provincial Grand Master in promoting Masonry throughout the Province of Norths and Hunts . He also paid a high compliment to the Provincial Grand Officers . The toast , which met with a hearty reception , was also

acknowledged by Bro . Butler Wilkins . He remarked upon the great interest taken in the promotion of Masonry in the province by the Earl of Euston , and said he thought they could now boast of having one of the most successful provinces in the kingdom . He thought they should congratulate themselves upon the happy choice their Grand Master made in appointing the Earl of Euston as their Provincial Grand Master . Bro . Wilkins also expressed his pleasure

at the excellent number of Prov . Grand Officers by which they were surrounded , and said he did not think any lodge was more highly favoured in that respect than the Pomfret Lodge . He concluded by stating the steps which had been taken with respect to the tea to be given by the Masons to the old people of the town next week , and also in support of the proposed soup kitchens for the relief of the distressed in the town . Bro . J . T . Green next proposed the toast of "The

Worshipful Master of the Pomfret Lodge . " He said he felt highly gratified at being allowed to propose the toast , and he thought their newly-elected W . M ., Bro . Franks , had a most happy and prosperous year of office in view . He was pleased at seeing so many Past Masters present to support him , and who , he felt sure , would be ready to render him what assislance they could throughout the year in the discharge of the duties of his responsible office . He trusted

Bro . Franks would have health and strength to carry out those duties , and he had not the slightest doubt but what he would uphold the dignity of the office as those who had preceded him had so well done . The toast was most heartily drunk and Masonically honoured . The Worshipful Master , in reply , thanked Bro . Green for the manner in which he had proposed the toastand the

, way in which the brethren had received it . He assured them that he would do all in his power to maintain the dignity of the chair to which he had that evening been appointed , and expressed the hope that he should receive the assistance of the brethren in bis endeavours to carry out the duties of his office . He trusted the year might be a prosperous one , not only for the Pomfret Lodge , but also

for the whole of the lodges in the province , and assured the brethren that nothing should be wanting on his part to promote the prosperity of Masonry generally . Bro . Kellett proposer ! "The Installing Master , " and extolled the ability of Bro . Ellard in the discharge of the important duty he had undertaken that evening . Bre . Ellard replied to the compliment . The remaining toasts were " The Past Masters , " pro-

Provincial Meetings.

posed by Bro . S . B . Wilkinson , and responded to by Bro . Clayson ; " The Masonic Charities , " given by Bro . Ellard , and replied to by Bro . Cockerill ; " The Visiting Brethren , " submitted by Bro . H . Brown ; "The W . M . and Brethren of the Sister Lodges in the Province , " proposed by Bro . T .

Merry , and acknowledged by Bro . Butcher ; "TheOfficers of the Lodge , " given by ths W . M ., and replied to by Bro . Merry ; and the Tyler's toast , proposed by Bro . G . Robinson . The proceedings were interspersed with harmony .

OXFORD . Bertie Lodge ( No . 1575 ) . —On the 19 th inst ., Bro . J . Zacharie , P . P . G . Purst ., was installed W . M . of the above lodge , at the Masonic Hall , Alfred-street , in the presence of a most distinguished company , including Bro . Right Hon . Viscount Valentine , D . P . G . M . ; three officers of Grand Lodge , 27 of Provincial Grand Lodge , and many

other brethren . The W . M . then invested his officers for the ensuing year , as follows : Bros . R . Buckle , I . P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; W . Harris , S . VV . ; J . Hastings , J . W . ; T . Ford , P . P . G . D ., Treas ; Marychurch , P . P . G . D . C , Sec ; H . Turner , S . D . ; Verney , J . D . ; H . Porter , D . of C ; Rogers , A . D . of C ; W . R . Bovvden , P . M .,

P . P . G . R ., Org . ; Cockburn , I . G . ; and E . F . Greenwood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., and A . Hunt , S : wds . At the banquet which followed , Bro . Lord Valentine proposed the toast of "The Worshipful Master" in the most flattering terms , which was enthusiastically received by the distinguished company .

PLYMOUTH . Fortitude Lodge ( No . 105 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge took place on Monday , gth inst ., when Bros . Thoj . Wood Soper , the W . M . elect , was installed . Bros . VV . J . Sweet , S . Jew , P . P . G . T ., C . H . Cooper , P . P . J . G . D ., and H . J . Kite , P . P . G . Purst ., were the Installing Officers . The Board of Past

Masters also included Bros . R . B . Twose , P . P . G . T . ; G . Borswill , J . W . Parson , A . W . Spinney , S . Edgcombe , R . G . Bird , P . G . T . ; J . R . Lord , P . P . G . T . ; T . C Lewarn , P . P . J . G . D . ; K . Aitken-Davies , P . P . G . S . of Wks . ; N . R . Hammett , P . P . G . Purst . ; VV . Male , P . P . G . D . C ; E . M . Ellis , 6 G 6 ; J . Hicks , 703 ; VV . E . Chappell , 15 G ; W . H . Botterell , 1255 ; A . Parkhousc , 1247 ; VV . H .

Williams , J . T . Rook , 1847 ; and H . Reynolds , 2025 . The officers invested were Bros . H . A . McBryde , I . P . M . ; C . Luke , S . W . ; S . H . R . Gibbens , J . W . ; W . S . Jew , Chap . ; A . W . Spinney , Treas ., C . H . Cooper , Sec ; R . R . Rodd , S . D . ; T . G . Taylor , J . D . ; C H . Cooper , D . C . ; A . T . Liddiard , A . D . C . ; W . D . B . Symons , Org . ;

A . F . Matthews , Asst . Org . ; F . Maitland , l . G . j A . R . Stancombe , C . T . Browne , W . Costin , H . E . Lidiard , Stwds . ; and W . H . Phillips , Tyler . Bro . C . H . Cooper , Representative at the Committee of Petitions , and Bro . F . Mabin , Charity Steward , were re-elected . The annual banquet was appointed to be held on Wednesday , the 1 st prox .

SALFORD . Zetland Lodge ( No . 852 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Crescent , on Wednesday , the nth inst . The W . M . elect , Bro . Jas . Beanlmore , S . W ., being so very popular caused a large number of brethren to be present . The lodge was opened at an early hour as there was considerable business to be done before

the installation ceremony , there being four initiations . The ceremonies were conducted by the W . M ., Bros . Blackwell , T . Pike , P . M ., W . Corney . and Wheeler . The W . M . elect was presented by Bro . Wm . Booth to the Installing Master , Bro . Blackwell . The ceremony was performed in a most careful and creditable manner . Bro . VV . Corney , P . M ., acting as S . W ., and Bro . C H .

Wheeler , acting as J . W . j whilst Bio . W . Booth , P . M ., acted as I . G . Bro . Thos . Pike presented the working tools and gave the addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren ; whilst Bro . C . H . Wheeler invested and addressed the officers . £ 20 was voted to the East Lancashire Educational and Benevolent Institution . All the members of the lodge appear to have the object in view of making it

very prominent in the future as regards the Charities , and we heartily congratulate them upon their determination . The following brethren were present : Bros . J . Blackwell , W . M . ; J . W . Booth , P . M . ; James Beardmore , S . VV . ; John Willis , J . W . ; Wm . Ison , Sec ; R . B . Rawlinson , S . D . ; A . VV . Sidebottom , J . D . ; T . Hulme , I . G . ; T . W . Watson , Org . ; Thomas Pike , P . M . ; James Corney ,

P . M . ; C H . Wheeler . P . M . ; John Robinson , James Bradbury , ! . Williams , B . T . Burnett , A . Downs , A . W . Zamber , T . A . Turner , W . Stamon , James Cooper , Jno . Brindle , Thos . Williams G . Baker , W . Sherwith , P . R . Slack , VV . Barrington , H . Gee , W . R . Hawkcs , N . J . Mann , VV . Rowlinson , and H . Baron . Visitors : Bros . C . Driver , J . W . 1134 ; J . Howarth , 215 G ; F . Renshaw , 13 S 7 ; J . W . Abbott , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; E . Meggitt ,

W . M . 325 ; VV . Cole , P . M . ; Thos . Threlfall , P . M . 1773 ; D . Galloway , W . M . ; G . S . Smith , P . M . ; and A . H . Mills . The brethren adjourned to banquet , when th ? usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and respjnJ : 1 to . The toast of " The W . M ., Bro . James Beardmore , " was proposed by Bro . R . P . Leresche in most delightful terms . Bro . Beardmore responded in a very witty and concise

manner . Bro . W . Cole , P . M ., acted as accompanist to the songs in a very able manner , and altogether it proved to be a most successful meeting . During the evening a handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Blackwell , P . M ., for his services , and the I . P . M . also presented a jewel to the Secretary , who had acted for him during his year of office . Both jewels were manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

SHIRLEY . Shirley Lodge ( No 1112 ) . —The brethren of this lodge celebrated the F ' estival of St . John at their lodge room on Monday , the yth inst ., when Bro . R . C . VV . Dixon was installed as W . M . for the year , the ceremony being ably performed by Bro . Le Feuvre , D . P . G . M . The Board of Installed Masters included Bros . G . J . 'Filling , W . M .

130 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; f . G . Dacombe , W . M . 359 ; A . Hewett , W . M . 394 , P . G . Stwd . ; H . Lashmore , P . M . 394 , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . Martin , W . M . 1461 ; W . F . Mayoss , I , R . P . Sharp , P . P . G . S . ; G . F . W . Mortimer , P . P . J . G . VV . G . Grcenslade , E . T . Chamberlain , W . Pearce , and B . Harfield . At the conclusion of the ceremony the newly-installed