Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft jlasonru , UNION WATERLOO LODGE ( No . 13 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of the above lodge took place on Wednesday , the 12 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich , and was well attended , Bro . R . A . Smith , W . M ., presided , and was supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . R . Hodgkinson , P . M . ; H . S . Syer , P . M . ; G . H . Masters , S . W , ; VV .

Akers , J . W . ; T . Hutton , P . M ., Treas . ; N . Brown , P . M ., Sec ; A . Cleal , S . D . ; J . G . Milburne , S . D . ; VV . Tailby , I . G . ; II . Grycc , D . C ; Visitors : Bros . ] . llolleyman , I . P . M . 1 , 36 ; H . Roberts , VV . M . 700 ; H . ' Mason , VV . M . gr 3 ; J . Hiackmore , SS ; 11 . Strickland , 1 C 3 ; A . R . West , 1041 J ; II . Martin , iS 4 g ; J . Swanson , 700 ; H . H . Graften , 013 ; and C . Jolly ( Freemason ) .

The minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , Messrs . VV . Doddrell , B . E . Topowski , and J . T . Stoakes were after approval , initiated , and Bro . Smith was passed , both degrees being admirably worked by the VV . M . and his officers . Refreshments having been partaken of in the hall the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . In proposing the toast of " The W . M . " Bro . Syer paid

a tribute of respect to Bro . Smith for thc manner in which be had initiated the candidates , and felt sure that under the rule of their VV . M . the lodge would grow and prosper . Bro . Smith in response assured the brethren that _ he should always do his best to prove worthy of their choice . As to thc kind remarks of Bro . Syer he ( the VV . M . ) was suffering from a hoarseness , the result of a cold , or the

ceremonies would have been even more impressive . He thanked them for the toast , and wished them all "A Merry Christmas and Happ )> New Year . " Bro . Roberts eloquently responded for " The Visitors ;" and thc Initiates severally returned thanks for the toast , coupled with their names , and after "The Past Masters " and Tyler ' s toast had been honoured the proceedings , which were of a spirited and harmonious character , terminated .

HIGH CROSS LODGE ( No . 754 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , 17 th inst ., at the Seven Sisters Hotel , Page-green , Tottenham , for the purpose of initiating Captain Charles Stewart Stephens , Gold Coast Constabulary , who is about to depart for thc Gold Coast , the ceremony being done in a

most efficient manner by Bro . H . Stephens , P . M ., by permission of thc W . M . The brethren then adjourned for some light refreshment , the table being ably presided over by the VV . M ., Bro . E . G . Lewis , and a very enjoyable evening was spent , thc brethren present wishing the newly-made brother a safe journey to his destination and a successful issue to the important undertaking that he was about to enter upon .

CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 901 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 17 th inst ., at the Guildliall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C , when there were present thc following brethren and officers : Bros . John Hughes , W . M . ; David Hughos , S . W . ; H . McClelland , J . W . ; C . Beaumont , P . M ., Sec ; E . Harris , S . D . ; H . Harbord , J . D . ; Daniel Hughes , I . G . ;

Stevens and Gillard , Stewards ; Woodstock , Tyler ; A . Ginger , P . M . ; Faux , Russell , Diamond , Dharty , Bisley , Chamberlain , Gross , Hoddinott , Whitnall , Eade , Fletcher , Derry , Parker , Easey , Fimister , G . Smith , and Harden , Visitors : Bros . Hubbard , S . W . 1107 ; Parkes , S . D . 419 j Williams , S . W . 933 ; Mortimer ; Glanville , J . D . 217 ; and

Abbott , P . M . 7 65 . A unanimous ballot having been taken in favour of Mr . William Ross and Mr . Harold James Glanville , who had been previously balloted for , they were duly initiated into the mysteries of the Order . Bro . Dharty was passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Russell raised to thc Sublime Degree of M . M ., and the lodge was then closed .

CREATON LODGE ( No . 1791 ) . —This highly distinguished lodge held its meeting on Thursday , the 20 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall . There was a very goodly number of the members present , among them being Bros . R . G . Shutc , VV . M . ; J . Williams , I . P . M . ; J . Nielson , P . M . ; L . Cornelisscn , P . M . ; VV . Williams , l . W , ; J . J . Cantle , P . M ., Sec ; E . Thirkle , P . M .,

Treas . ; D . Ferguson , S . D . ; R . H . Rogers , J . D . ; E . Austin , I . G . ; J . B . Colvill , D . C . ( who ' . in the absence of Bro . VV . Carrington took the S . W . chair ); G . F . Williams , W . S . ; J . J . Johnson , Asst . W . S . ;; also Bros . Capt . Helden , C . ] l . Bull , G . Whitaker , H . VV . Handcock , F . Purnell , T . Poulton , VV . Russell , A . Wolter , I . Longden , R . F . Stock , H . M . Cook , B . Brett , T . Pink , VV . Spriggs , T .

Biggs- The lodge also entertained the following visitors Bros . Col . Lambart , P . M . 14 G 0 ; VV . Game , P . M . 511 ; VV . G . Reynolds , S . W , 1441 ; Louis Konig , 1319 ; and Arthur Thomas , 1319 . Lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the November meeting read and confirmed . The naxt business was to ballot for Mr . H . D . Benton as

a candidate for initiation into Freemasonry , which proving unanimous , he was duly admitted and initiated by the \ V . M . This being the election meeting , the next business was the election of W . M . for the ensuing year . Bro . W . Carrington , P . M ., S . W ., having been prevented by urgent business from being present , sent a telegram to the effect that it was his wish not to be

nominated for the chair , and in consequence the brethren were unanimous in their election of Bro . W . Williams , J . W . Bro . E . Thirkle , P . M ., was again elected Treasurer , although he particularly asked the brethren to excuse him from office , many brethren spoke , saying how much he was esteemed and valued , when he said he must leave himself in their hands ; the result being his

unanimous election . After the Tyler and Auditors had been elected , Bro . Ed . Austin , I . G ., presented to the lodge a very handsome silver-gilt ivory-handled trowel—a very beautiful specimen of workmanship—saying it was an emblem of the Craft , and although not used in the ceremonies now , he considered no lodge should be without one on the Master ' s pedestal . A vote of thanks was proposed and carri » d to Bro . Austi » for his

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

valuable present , and the Secretary ordered to record the same on the minutes . Bro . Cantle , P . M ., Sec , then presented to thc lodge a Masonic water-colour drawing , most emblematic in design , it having the three columns ( Doric , Ionic , and Corinthian ) , globes , scrolls , & c , and between which are introduced the names of the brethren who have made presentations to the lodge with the various articles they have presented . The drawing was the work

of his son , Mr . C . 1-. Cantle . Bro . Williams , P . M ., said he was sure the brethren would most cordially thank Mr . Cantle for this very handsome work of art presented by him . He was a young man whose personal acquaintance he was proud to hold , and he hoped the day was not far distant when hecould hail him as abrother ; he therefore had very much pleasure in proposing that the thanks of this lodge be forwarded to Mr . C . F .

Cantle , and that the same be recorded upon the minutes , which was seconded and carried unanimously . The lodge was closed , and the brethren retired to the Tavern , where a banquet was provided , and to which some forty brethren sat down . In proposing- the first toast the VV . M . said he had no intention of taking up the time that evening in talking , he had nothing very special or novel to bring before them , but he thought under the direction of

Bro . P . M . Cantle there would be placed before them a selection of music that could not fail to give each and all very great pleasure . The grace was sung iby Madame Worrell , Miss Godolphin , Bros . Arthur Thompson , Arthur Thomas , James Rift , ' Alfred Moore , Louis Konig , and I . Ion Cantle , and during thc evening they gave such a

selection of music that is seldom heard , [ except at a very first-class concert . Bro . VV . G . Reynolds , an old favourite here , gave two recitations'in his usual masterly style . VVe must congratulate the outgoing VV . M . upon the happy evening he gave the brethren on this his last opportunity of presiding over them .

NOTTINGHAM . —Newstead Lodge ( No . 47 ) . — The annual festival of this popular and time-honoured lodge was held at the Masonic Hall on Tuesday , the iSth inst ., the VV . M . Bro . Geo . Chapman presiding , supported by the following officers : Bro . Toplis , I . P . M . ; E . C . Patchitt ,

S . W . ; H . Vickers , J . W . ; A . J . Barber , S . D . ; H . E . Wilson , J . D . ; J . Davis , M . C ; D . R . T . Mounteney , I . G . Amongst the visitors present were Bro . C . B . Truman , P . G . J . W . ; Bro . R . Fitzhugh , P . P . G . J . W . ; Bro . Mitchell , P . P . G . D . C ; several distinguished brethren from adistance , with nearly the whole of trie Masters of the lodges in the

province . The minutes of the previous lodge having been read and confirmed , the W . M . elect was presented by Bro . Toplis , the l . P . M ., and Bro . Davis , P . M . and M . C , to the W . M . for thc ceremony of installation . This was rendered in such a manner as to receive the highest praise from all present . At the conclusion upward of fifty of the brethren and guests adjourned to the banqueting hall where , after partaking of a sumptuous repast , which had been capitally

served by Mrs . Simpson , the stewardess of the hall , the newly-installed VV . M . gave the toast of "The Oueen and the Craft , " followed by "The Grand Master H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and thc Officers of Grand Lodge . " The toast of "The Prov . G . M . His Grace the Duke of St . Albans , the D . P . G . M . Bro . J . Watson , and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , " followed , and was responded to by Bro . C . B . Truman , P . G . J . W ., who said that he felt proud

in having the opportunity of responding in the Newstead Lodge for the Prov . Grand Lodge of Notts . Every officer of the Prov . Grand Lodge felt a deep interest in all that concerned Masonry in this province in general , and the prosperity and welfare of every lodge in particular . They had a true Mason in the Prov . G . M ., and a brother of exceptional ability and geniality in thc D . P . G . M . Considering the attention given by them to Masonry it

would be strange indeed if the province was not in a flourishing state . He regarded it as not only a pleasure but a privilege to have been present , and to have seen such splendid working . There was no wonder in the great popularity of the Newstead Lodge , considering the efficiency with which it is conducted . Bro . Derry , P . M ., proposed the next toast , that of " The VV . M . " He said it gave him great pleasure to see

such an old friend and brother in the chair of that lodge . Having been so well acquainted with Bro . Rogers for so long he had always felt a strong desire to see Tiim in that proud position , and now that desire was gratified . In Bro . Rogers they had a man who was every inch a gentleman , and just what a Afason should be , and he had no doubt that the honour and reputation of the lodge would be safe in his hands .

Bro . Rogers gave an excellent address in reply , and then went on to propose "The Health of the l . P . M . and Installing Master . " He said that words would fail him to express what he felt in proposing this toast , but the esteem and great respect with which Bro . Chapman was regarded by every brother of the lodge would be substituted for wha } he failed to utter . Bro . Chapman had not only proved himself a Master in administering the affairs of the lodge ,

but had given delight and instruction to the brethren during the past year by the way in which he had performed the ceremonies , and especially so that evening , and he trusted that for many years to come the lodge would have the benefit of his council and assistance . Bro . Chapman in responding said 12 months ago they honoured him with their suffrages and placed him in the proud position of Master . He accepted that truly as the

highest honour they could confer on him , but at the same time with great ' misgiving , fear , and trembling , because he knew he had not only to succced . one of the ablest Masters the Newstead had ever had in Bro . Toplis , P . M ., but he felt he had to maintain a reputation which had been won for the lodge by an illustrious roll of predecessors . To-ni ght he retired from that position with deep regret , though mingled with pleasure , arising not from the fact that he was no longer

in the important office of Master , but because he must of necessity sacrifice those close official ties which had bound himself and his officers together in such strong bonds of affection during the past year . If any corroboration were needed for what he said he had only to point to this magnificent Past Master ' s jewel which they saw upon his breast and

which has been presented to him by his officers as a token of their respect and estem . On the other hand he heartily rejoiced to know that he was succeeded in the chair by one so worthy as Bro . Rogers , in every sense a model Mason , and whose urbanity and thorough gentlemanly conduct and manner cannot fail to make him beloved by all who know him .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . S . G . Johnson , P . M . ( Town Clerk of Nottingham ) , proposed in an excellent speech " The Visiting Brethren , " to which Bros . Mitchell , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , and Hickling , W . M . 411 , responded . Bro . Sutton , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., proposed " The Masonic Charities , " to which Bro . Davis , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., responded .

The Tyler's toast was shortly afterwards drunk , and the brethren retired well pleased with such an afternoon's enjoyment . During the evening a very handsome Past Secretary's jewel was presented to the late Secretary , Bro . Banwell , who in accepting- the gift , after 10 years' service , in an excellent speech gave a resume thereof , and resumed his seat amid applause . ¦ ,

SUNDERLAND . —Palatine Lodge ( No . 97 ) . — The annual meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Park-terrace , on Thursday , the 13 th inst . This being the installation meeting , there was a very large attendance of Prov . Grand Officers , Past Masters , and brethren . The lodge was duly opened by the VV . M ., Bro . C . McNamara , and among- those present were Bros . Hudson , Prov . G . S . ;

G . Hardy , Prov . G . A . D . C ; G . C . Watson , Prov . G . I . D . ; E . D . Davis , P . P . G . J . W ., Prov . G . D . C Northumberland ; P . Levy , P . P . GJ . VV . ; Ij . J . Clay , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; G . Porteus , P . P . G . O . ; D . Sinclair , P . P . G . A . D . C ; W . M . Bell , P . P . G . A . D . C . Northumberland ; M . Douglas , P . P . G . D . ; F . Maddison , P . P . G . D . ; W . Liddell , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . Potts , P . P . G . J . D . ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; L H .

Thompson , I . P . M . 240 ; T . Twizcll , P . M . 97 ; H . Tonkinson , P . M . 97 ; T . M . Watson , P . M . 97 ; J . H . Leech , P . M . 97 ; VV . Beattie , P . M . 13 S 9 ; J . G . Smith , I . P . M . 4 S ; J . Egglestone , P . M . 949 ; | . E . Nelson , W . M . So ; S . Cockburn , P . M . 661 ; H . VV . Emmerson , P . M . G 61 ; T . Pinkney , W . M . 13 S 9 ; J . Hudson , I . P . M . g 4 ; J . R . Smart , P . M . 94 ; J . Riseborough , P . P . G . D . ; E .

Atkinson , S . W . 601 ; J . Sedcole , S . W . 1119 ; J : VV . Rainbow , S . W . 94 ; J . G . Kirtley , S . W . 949 ; and J . Armstrong-, J . VV . mg . The minutes of the previous meeting having been duly read and confirmed , the brethren proceeded to ballot for Bro . B . Levy , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., as a rejoining member , and Mr . Henry George Anderson as a candidate . Both were unanimously elected , and Mr . Anderson being present

was duly initiated by the VV . M . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . John Charlton Moor , S . W ., VV . M . elect , was presented by Bro . Clay , P . P . G . S . of VV ., P . M ., D . C , to the VV . M ., Bro . C . McNamara , for the benefit of installation . Bro . Moor having satisfactorily answered the necessary questions , went through the forms necessary in this degree . The lodge was then raised to the

Third Degree , and a Board of Installed Masters opened , consisting of 26 of the leading Masons of the province , Bro . Moor was duly installed in the chair of K . S ., and invested Bro . C . McNamara as I . P . M ., who then declared the Installing Board closed . The brethren below the rank of Installed Master were admitted in due course , when the W . M . was proclaimed and greeted in the usual manner . The

newly-installed W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . R . Pattison , S . W . ; R . Singleton , J . W . ; H . Tonkinson , P . M ., Treas . ; G . C . Watson , P . M ., Sec . ; J . J . Clay , D . C . ; E . Clarkson , S . D . ; C M . Wake , J . D . ; I . G . Nasbet , I . G . ; VV . A . O . Sutcliffc , S . S . ; J . G . Marshall , J . S . ; E . G . Watson , Org . ; and J . Brown , Tyler . Bros . J . Storey and VV . Birch were appointed Auditors .

the Installing Master , Bro . C . McNamara , then gave the three charges , the whole of the ceremony being performed in a most efficient manner . The W . M . afterwards rose , and in a suitable manner presented on behalf of the brethren a handsome Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . McNamara , [ . P . M ., bearing the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . Charles McNamara , W . M . of the Palatine Lodge , No .

97 , 1 SS 2-83 , by the officers and brethren , as a token of their regard and esteem , and in recognition of the able manner in which he has discharged the duties of W . M . " The jewel was one of very choice design , and was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , Little Britain , London ; The Worshipful Master , in making the presentation , spoke of the admirable work done by Bro . McNamara , who

had during his year of office as W . M . discharged the duties at all times with good intention , earnest resolution , and to the best of his skill and ability . As a visitor of the lodges n the district he was unequalled , and he had been of the utmost assistance to many of the brethren coming- to the chair , and in the lodge of instruction . Bro . McNamara , in acknowledging the presentation , said

he appreciated the testimonial , and in doing what he had he had only endeavoured to do his duty . Bro . R . Hudson , Prov . G . Sec . Durham , referred to the Revised Constitutions , which had just been confirmed by Grand Lodge , and drew the attention of the W . M . and the brethren present , and said that by the law of Freemasonry

any alterations made in the Constitutions affecting the byelaws of lodges were thereby altered , and required no resolution of the lodge . The report of the Prov . Grand Lod ge meeting , held at Sunderland on October 23 rd , had been printed as a pamphlet . A copy would be sent to thc Secretaries of the several lodges , marked for the use of the lodge , so that the reports in tuture might be preserevd for

reference . Bro . J . J . Clay , P . M ., D . C , proposed that thc usual charities given by the lodge be granted , namely , £ 2 2 s . to the Infirmary , £ 2 2 s . to the Orphan Asylum , and £ 1 is . to the Society for the Relief of Widows of Shipwrecked

Mariners . Bro . Henry Tonkinson , P . M ., Treasurer , supported the motion , which was agreed to unanimously . The lodge was then closed in due form by the W . M ., and thc brethren adjourned to the Palatine Hotel , where the annual festival took place , 6 5 sitting down to a most enjoyable repast . ¦

YORK . —York Lodge ( No . 236 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Duncombe-place , on Monday , 17 th inst . The W . M ., Bro . George Kirby , presided , and was supported by the whole of his officers , there being also present amongst the large assembly the following Past Masters : Bros . Joseph Todd ,

P . P . G . R . ; T . B . Whvtehead , Prov . G . S . W . ; Sir James Meek , J . S . Rymer ( e ' x-Sheriff of York ) ,- J . S . Cumberland , Capt . Giffard , Mark Rooke , Major McGachen , Major J . A . Barstow , A . Buckle , B . A . ; Ortr .-Mstr . Banks , G . Lee , Rev . J . J . Needham , P . G . Chap . West Riding Yorkshire ; McNay , G . Balmford , VV . H . Gainforth , and John Blenkin , VV . M . elect 1611 , amongst the other brethren being Sir F . Milner , M . P ., and Alderman Terry , J . P .