A Great Meeting Of Experts.

K EYSER , F . S . A ., P . G . D ., and carried unanimously , " That the brethren present having witnessed Bro . Klein ' s demonstration , acknowledge the great interest and importance of the subject are of opinion that it is one that will amply justify further enquiry and they therefore recommend it to the favourable consideration of the Board of General Purposes . " The meeting , whi ; h had lasted nearly two hours , was brought to a cl ) . se by a cordial vote of thanks to Bro . R . Hortott Smith , Q . C ., Deputy Grand Reg istrar , for presiding .

Reception And Dance Of The White Rose Of York Lodge, No. 2491

RECEPTION AND DANCE OF THE WHITE ROSE OF YORK LODGE , No . 2491

The annual ball given by the Worshipful Master and brethren of this popular and spirited lodge took place in the Masonic Hall , Surrey-street , Sheffield , on Tuesday , the iSth instant , and , as usual , from commencement to finish , was a brilliant success . In all matters Masonic the While Rose of York Lodge has , from its formation , displayed a deep and healthy interest . Its successive Worship ful Masters have vied with each other in their endeavours to do all that wis possible to maintain the very prominent position which from the beginning the

lodge acquired , and the consequence has been that for work , energy , Charity , and hosp itality it stands second to none in Sheffield . The popularity of the lodge is clearly indicated by the eager acceptance which its numerous visitors display , and its annual installation festival has come to be looked upon as a Masonic red-letter clay throughout the neighbourhood . Besides caring for the thorough training of the brethren and the hospitable reputation of its ' gatherings ,

the White Rose of York Lodge has , from the first , paid special attention to the pleasure and enjoyment of the ladies with whom its members are associated . A p cnic in the summer and a dance in the winter are institutions recognised and looked forward to year by year , and carried out as they are with scrupulous attention to the comfort of the guests it is not to be wondered that the popularity of these functions annually increases .

The lodge room in Surrey-street presented a most pleasing aspect on the evening in question , and with its lounges , rugs , floral , and other decorations formed a salon de reception to which its noble proportions added increased magnificence . Here Bro . C . A . Hahn , the W . M ., graciously assisted by his charming wife , hospitably greeted his guests . It was a brilliant gathe . ing , distinguished alike by dainty toilettes and pretty faces .

The company numbered upwards of 90 , amongst whom were Bro . C . A . Hahn , W . M ., Mrs ., Miss , Mr . Alfred , and Mr . Arthur Hahn ; Bro . William Gunstone , I . P . M . ; Bro . John Hunt , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Mrs ., Miss , and Mr . J . E . Hunt ; Bro . T . H . Vernon , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Mrs ., and Miss Vernon ; Bro . C F . Brindley , P . M ., and Mrs . Brindley ; Bro . William Gadsby , P . M , P . P . G . O . Derbyshire , and Mrs . Gadsby ; Bro . H . G . E . Green , P . M ., Prov . G . Sec . ; Bro , H . J . Garnett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Bro . Joseph Matthewman , P . M ., P . P . Asst . G . Sec ; Bro . E . Dickenson , P . M ., and Mrs . Dickenson ; Bro . G . W . Hawkesley ,

P . M ., Mrs ., Miss , and Mr . F . Hawkesley ; Bro . Dr . John Stokes , P . M . 139 , S . W . 2491 ; Bro . T . W . Hanforth , P . P . G . O ., J . W ., and Mrs . Hanforth ; Bro . Jl . T . Miner , Asst . Sec . ; Bro . A . B . Gunstone , S . D ., and Miss Hoyland ; Bro . H . M . Elliott , J . D ., and Mrs . Elliott ; Bro . J . K . Lister , I . G ., and Mrs . Lister ; Bro . W . H . Peasegood , Org ., and Miss Henniker ; Bro . A . S . Jarvis and Mrs . Jarvis ; Bro . Joseph Craven , Treas ., and Mrs . Craven ; Bro . George Wish and Mrs . Wish ; Bro . Ernest Moore and Miss Moore ; Mr . T . E . Vernon and Mrs . Vernon ; and a large number of non-Masonic friends accompanied by their wives , sisters , or fiancees , as the case might be .

A characteristic feature of the assembly was the large proportion of young people and when the scene changed from salon to ball room it was very clear that youth and pleasure met "to chase the glowing hours with flying feet . " Dancing was kept up with great spirit to the music of an excellent quadrille band , and the latest comic operas contributed to the measures to which the mizy figures were trodden . Supper vvas served in the adjoining large room and there was ample accommodation for all .

I he menu was all that could be desired , and Yorkshire Masonic hospitality was fully justified . The comfort of the guests was largely enhanced by the rapid and most courteous attentions of the neatest of neat waitresses . It was evident that the W . M . had given most careful consideration to every detail . At the henl of the centre table sat Bro . Hahn , having Mrs . Hahn on his right and his I . P . M . on his left . Around were his own immediate friends and the Past Masters of the lodge with their wives , whilst the three other tables were occupied by the rest of the brethren and visitors .

Of course , even at a ball-supper , being Masonic , there must be some speeches , and a small formula was gone through .

' The Queen " was proposed in eloquent terms by the VV . M . The toast was received in the accustomed hearty manner . "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . C . A . Hahn , his Wife and Family , " was given by the I . P . M ., Bro . GUNSIOXK , who said how greatly he valued the privilege . In Bro . Hahn he declared they had a W . M . endowed with ability of a hi gh order , energy remarkable , and enthusiasm which could mi < fail beneficially to inlluciicc

the olliccrs and brethren of his lodge ; he was conn . 1 cd that Bro . Hahn had won the esteem and affection of all and they were proud to serve under a Worshi pful Master so genial and so efficient . As , however , th ^ y were met that night for pleasanter occupation than speech-making , he would call upon them to show their appreciation ol their host and hostess and their rcspscl lor the members of his family by drinking the toast which he had so much pleasure in proposing .

Bro . HAHN , on rising to reply , had a most enthusiastic reception . He said that though his remarks would be brief yet he most thoroughly thanked all present , both in his wife ' s name and his own for the kindness with which they had greeted """•jt was a graceful compliment and to him it would always be a memorable "ay . They had hail happy and successful re-unions of this kind in the past , and , jud ging by the progress of events thus far , he ventured to hope that their present meeting would be very far from a failure . He had done his best and it was a

natter of intense gratification to Mrs . Hahn and himself to think that their efforts had met with success . For that success they were not , however , indebted to himself alone , for the Committee , and amongst that body notably Bro . W . Gadsby and Bro . M . T . Miner had done the lion ' s share of the work . He trusted they would increase the satisfaction of himself and his family by thoroughly enjoying I !' . ' , " remained of what he hoped all would pronounce at the close as a delightful evening ' s entertainment .

Onl y one other toast followed " The Ladies . " This was left to Bro . Dr . J '" STOKES , who in his pleasant and humorous way did it full justice . On behalf of the fair , Bro . Ernest Moore was cilled upon to reply . Being '"' arti . st he had doubtliss made the features of the ladies a special study and w ° uld , | l , w . M . thought , on that account be able justly to reflect their sentiments . rt- 1 ^ . ° ? ' : suiLibly responded ; after which the programme of dances was - 'Umed . I his all too soon , came to an end and the party broke up with universal expressions of satisfaction . in ¦ ir ° ' ^ * , vas heartily congratulated upon the excellence of his arrang ; - th ruL t ' comfort . entertainment , and enjoyment which all had experienced at "'<•mth annual bull of the White Rose of York Lodge .

Ladies' Banquet And Dance At The Eccleston Lodge, No. 1624.

LADIES' BANQUET AND DANCE AT THE ECCLESTON LODGE , No . 1624 .

The members of the Eccleston Lodge , No . 1624 , have for some years past set one night apart during the winter season for the entertainment of ladies , and each of these occasions has proved a success . This year has been no exception to the rule , and the function held at the Criterion Restaurant , on the 19 th instant , will be remembered as one of complete enjoyment and unqualified success , upon which the popular W . M ., Bro . William Smith , and his officers , are to be heartily congratulated .

There was , however , a lengthy agenda of work to be transacted in the lodge room before the festivities commenced , and lodge was , therefore , opened at an early hour . The minutes were confirmed , and Bro . Hayward was passed to the Second Degree , after which Messrs . E . J . Tompkins and F . D . Rumming were impressively initiated into Freemasonry . The W . M . performed the ceremonies in a very able manner , and was well-supported by his officers . Other business was transacted , and the lodge was closed .

The guests were received and welcomed on their arrival by Bro . Wm . Smith and Mrs . Smith , who gracefully assisted the W . M . in the duties of the evening and to whose kindly thoughtfulness much of the subsequent enjoyment was attributable . The banquet was served in the Victoria Hall , where covers were laid for about 160 , and a recherche repast was served in excellent style . After grace , a few toasts were given , the speeches being interspersed with musical selections by Bro . Tom E . Davis and Miss Cole .

"The Queen and the Craft , " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and "The Grand Officers , " were duly honoured , after which "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by the acting I . P . M ., who said this was one of the principal toasts , not only of the evening , but also in connection with the history of the lodge . There were 17 brethren living who had preceded Bro . Smith in the chair of that lodge and they were anxiously watching how the present W . M . performed his duty . Up to the present they were thoroughly pleased with the way in which

the W . M . had done his work , and they hoped to see him spared to take his place in the long list of Past Masters . They were all extremely sorry at the sudden bereavement which had befallen the W . M . —who had lost a near relative —and had this not occurred their numbers would have been somewhit increased . Although the W . M . 's friends could not attend , he had felt it his duty to the lodge to be present , and had endeavoured to set aside his own personal feelings to enhance the enjoyment of those around the table . They sympathised with the

W . M ., thanked him for what he had done , ar . d would all heartily drink his health . Bro . WM . SMITH , W . M ., thanked them for the reception given the toast and for the kindly sympathy shown him . With reference to the remarks of the I P . M . as to his bereavement , he could only say he had felt it a duty he owed to the lodge not to let anything disturb the enjoyment of that evening . He thanked them for their kindness in drinking his health , and hoped they would all enjoy

themselves . The Eccleston Lodge was known as one of the best in London and especially in entertaining the ladies once a year , and he wis very pleased to see so many ladies present that evening to honour the banquet . He should , however , like to have seen a few more of the brethren present whom he had met for many years in the lodge . Under the circumstances they would excuse him from making a long speech and he would only say he hoped every visitor and lady would thoroughly enjoy themselves . A few moments later they would enter the ball room and he wished them all a pleasant and enjoyable evening .

Bros . E . J . TOMI'KINS and F . D . RUMMING responded for "The Initiates , " after which the W . M . proposed " The Ladies and Visitors . ' Bro . E . NICE , Stwd ., replying for "The Ladies , " said he was completely taken by surprise and was in a somewhat paradoxical position . To reply to this toast was at the same time an honour and a disgrace . He felt it an honour to have his name at any time connected with the ladies , but he did feel it a disgrace that he should have lived sufficiently long in this world to have lost a

goodly portion of nature's advancement and yet be asked to respond as a single man . At one time it was doubtful whether they would have a ladies' banquet this year , but a man would have a great deal of courage to come forward as Master and say there would be no ladies' gathering . He was pleased the present VV . M . had had such a gathering , as the presence of the ladies greatly enhanced their enjoyment , and as the Great Architect in completing the Creation put the final touch by the creation of woman , they should also put that final touch on their enjoyment in those meetings by the introduction of the ladies .

Bro . W . H . BUTLKR , 168 7 , on behalf of "The Visitors , " returned thanks , and Bros . SI . IIEO . VS and J ONES also expressed their thanks . " The Treasurer , Secretary , and Officers" was honoured and duly responded to . An adjournment was then made to the ball room , where Bro . Middleditch ' s excellent band discoursed sweet music , and dancing was indulged in until a late hour . Mr . G . Lingworth proved an efficient M . C ., and the following Stewarda were courteous in their attentions ; Bros . Hellyar , Kruse , King , Mjrris , Nice , Raven , and Thompson . ,

The large number of brethren and visitors present included Bro . W . Smith and Mrs . Smith ; Bro . W . H . Butler , D . C . 1687 , and Mrs . Butler ; Mrs . and Miss Austin ; Miss Mayes , Mrs . Sheard ; Bro . T . E . Davis ; Miss Cole ; Bros . G . Lane , S . W . ; W . Lane , J . W . ; T . Coulthard , P . M ., Treas . ; R . Bottle , P . M ., Sec . ; E . Badderly , S . O . ; W . Hellyar , J . D . ; J . Whalen , I . G . ; E . Nice ,

Stwd . ; VV . Ii . Moorman , P . M . ; A . Bignold , P . M . ; F . Arnold . P . M . ; W . B Pugh , P . M . j R , J . Steel , I . P . M . 2012 ; J . Lawson , P . M . 1607 ; C Woodrow , P . M . 17 68 ; C . II . Cartwright , 382 ; H . C Parsons , 2106 ; D . Redtearn , S . W . 753 ; J . W . Simeons , J . W . 193 ; T . W . Williams , 1310 ; J . G . Manton , 2552 ; M . E . Swan , 753 ; E . W . Mayer , 753 ; W . Jones , S . D . 2661 ; and many other J ,

Chapter Of Instruction.

Chapter of Instruction .

STAR CHAPTER , No . 1275 . A meeting was held at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-street , 'Camberwell , S . E ., on Friday , the 2 iit instant . Present : Comps . Win . Eckersall , M . E . Z . ; VV . R . Barr , II . j II . Ilatdman , J . ; T . Grummant , P . Z ., Preceptor , Treas . ; C . II . Stone , V . '/ .., S . E . ; II . Cuinford , S . N . ; Latham , P . S . ; West , Cass , Frampton , Beccroft , Rankin , Blum , Cureton , Loader , Plant , Addington , Derham , and Diwson . The minutes of the previous convocation were read and confirmed . The

ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Beccroft personating the candidate . Comp . VV . R . Barr was elected M . E . Z . for the next meeting . Comp . Wm . Dawson was heartily congratulated upon his recovery from illness , to which he gratefully replied for the companion ' s kind expressions of sympathy . Comps . Hardman and W . R . Barr rehearsed the installations of J . and II ., respectively . The chapter was placed at the disposal of the M . E . Z . of the Selwyn Chapter , No . njai Comp . Wm . Wills—on the first Friday in February , and the M . E . Z . of Sterndale B . 'nneU Chiyter , Ns . 2 i 33 , on'hs second Fiiday in Febrmry . The chapter was closed .