Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Covent Garden Lodge ( No . 1614 ) . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , S . VV ., on the 12 th inst ., when there were present Bros . G . Reynolds , VV . M . ; Sam . Hewitt , S . VV . ; G . H . Foan , acting as J . W . ; Edward J acobs , P . M ., Treas . ; Geo . Coleman , P . M ., Sec . ; James Woodward , S . D . ; Arthur L . Bullen , acting as J . D . ; Geo . Stacey , P . M .,

Org . ; W . Unwin , I . G ^; R . F . Potter , Tyler ; T . A . Dickson , P . M . ; John Jacobs , P . M . ; Simeon Jacobs , P . M . ; Walter Humphrey , John H . Worthington , " Robert Sparrow , Charles Read , John Nathan , jun ., W . A . Dowling , John Mayo , VV . Honeyball , VV . R . Faulks , J . VV . Belsham , Henry Willis , J . Alexander , J . C . Citron , A . Packham , John Pullen , James Bellamy , A . Hoogen , Homer

Price , Edward Mills , James F . Thomson , Turner Wilson , and Walter J . Thrussell . Visitors : Bros . Alfred Monk , 1237 ; VValter Hancock , 1056 , S . D . 2191 ; E . Rogers , G . Sand , P . G . D . Middx . ; Thomas Middlewick , VV . M . 1 793 ; H . Robinson , D . C . 1 CS 1 ; F . M . Noakes , J . D . 214 S ; W . J . Dennett , 291 ( S . C ); C . Blackman , 1604 ; H . F . Dessen , 2191 ; J . Brambani , Norwegian Provincial

Lodge ; and J . C . Tharo , St . Andrais Lodge , Norway . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The Treasurer's report was laid on the table . Correspondence was read , among which were letters from Bros . A . Pendlebury , Asst . G . Sec . ; J . Woolley , J . W . 2191 ; G . H . Reynolds , J . W . ; B . Solomon , I . P . M . ; and many other brethren , regretting

they were not able to be present . Bros . H . Price , 1429 , and W . J . Thrussell , 21 9 1 , were unanimously elected joining members of the lodge . Ballots took place for the following gentlemen as initiates : Messrs . F . D . Greening , VV . Baskett , A . H . Hoogen . and John Thomson , which were declared to be unanimous . The two latter gentlemen being present were initiated . Bros . J . Nathan and lohn H .

Worthington were passed to the Degree of F . C . Bro . S . Hewitt , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , also Bro . E . Jacobs , P . M ., as Treasurer , and Bro . R . F . Potter , P . M ., as Tyler . Bros . W . Belsham , H . Willis , and VV . B . Faulks were appointed Auditors , with power , with the W . M ., P . M . 's , Treasurer , and Secretary , to deal with all arrears and accounts . On the proposition

of Bro . G . H . Coleman , P . M . and Sec , seconded by Bro . E . Jacobs , P . M . and Treas ., a Past Master ' s jewel , oi the usual value , with collar and pendant , be presented to the W . M . on his retiring—carried unanimously . There being no further business to transact , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Princes

Room , where a capital banquet was served under the personal superintendence of Bro . G . Bertini . At the banquet the VV . M . proposed in brief but pleasant terms the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were most heartily received , Bro . E . Rogers , G . Stwd ., replying for "The Grand Officers . "

Bro . Edward Jacobs , P . M ., in the unavoidable absence of . Bro . B . Solomons , I . P . M ., through illness , proposed "The Health of the VV . M ., " and in doing so said to him it was a great pleasure , for there was no brother present who did not feel that in their VV . M . they had had one who since he came amongst them had done his very best for the lodge . The P . M . ' s valued much his services , for they knew

how he had worked while occupying the chair in more ways than one . He was beloved by all for his kind and ' genial qualities , and he felt sure that all hoped he would be spared many years to be with them in health and strength , and he asked the brethren to drink the toast in a bumper . The W . M ., in replying , said that he had often heard said that a trumpet had been blown in one ' s favour , but the

very strong way in which their worthy Bro . Edward Jacobs , P . M ., had spoken of him sounded as loud as a trombone . He was not initiated in the lodge , but came amongst them several years ago as a joining member , and by their kindness and confidence had been grafted to them , and placed in the chair , and it was a source of enjoyment to know that during his year of office , with their forbearance , he had

performed his duties to their entire satisfaction . He also felt that since he was first introduced to the lodge he had made many sincere friends , and lived in brotherly love with them . No Master ever came into the chair more sad , but no Master ever went out of the chair with greater pleasure . The ship was now in smooth water , and before the Covent Garden Lodge there was , he felt sure , a good time . One great regret he felt , and that was that the

Covent Garden Lodge was not in session when the American brethren visited England in September , so that the lodge could have given them a hearty welcome , and , as W . M ., he should have felt it a great compliment in return for the kind and generous manner in which they had received . Bro . J . Skinner and himself on their visit to America . In a letter just received , the American brethren express

. their determination to give any brother from the Covent Garden Lodge a hearty welcome . A Royal Arch chapter would soon be attached to the Covent Garden Lodge . He sincerely hoped it would be a success , and all work harmoniousl y together . In thanking the brethren for the hearty and cordial manner in which the toast had been received and drunk , he promised that what

he had done in the past for the benefit of the lodge he would do in the future , and as they would not meet again till January , 1 S 90 , he wished all present "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year , with Health and Prosperity . " The Worshipful Master , in proposing "The Health of the Initiates , " said that the Covent Garden Lodge was delighted to have them amongst themand sincerelhoped

, y that by following out the beautiful tenets of Freemasonry they would become good Masons , Bros . H . Hooper and Thomson replied , assuring the brethren they had been much impressed with the ceremony . "The Health of the Joining Members , Bros . Horner , Prince , and J . Thrussell , " was given , to which those brethren replied .

In proposing "The Health of the Visitors , " the VV . M . said that the Covent Garden Lodge gave them a hearty welcome . They had no "off" nights , all nights were the same in welcoming visitors , and that night they were favoured by the company of three Norwegian brethren , and he hoped all the visitors had spent a pleasant and happy evening .

Bro . VV . H . Hancock , S . D . 2191 , said he looked upon the Covent Garden Lodge as his own lodge , always spending a pleasant time , and no one knew more than he the anxious time the W . M . had had during his term of office . Bro . Harry Price , W . M . 230 S , assured the brethren he had spent a most pleasant evening . He was pleased with all connected with the lodge , not forgetting [ their W . M ., who worked hard for the Craft .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . Dessen , 21 9 , speaking on behalf of the two brethren on his immediate left , who , like himself , were Freemasons of the Constitution of Norway , and also on his own behalf , thanked the brethren for the toast , and for the reception accorded it . In addition to the many and great qualities of their VV . M ., referred to that evening , he had to add that of which they were then benefiting , namely , a bountiful hospr

tality to foreign brethren , from whatever part of the globe they might come , a quality which tended to strengthen the characteristic , so peculiar to the Craft , of being a cosmopolitan brotherhood . Bro . Brambani , who held a high rank amongst the Freemasons of Norway , and an office in the St . Andrew ' s Lodge ( or , as it is called in England , the Royal Arch Chapter ) , of Christiania , had requested him to assure

them that they would be most cordially welcomed should they come that way and favour them with a visit . They looked upon that as an honour done them . It would have to be in the winter , however , for their lodge was not in session during the summer . Bro . Brambani , Bro . Pharo , and himself were all much impressed with the singularly happy tone and the spirit of good fellowship pervading the

lodge , and that was well in keeping with the geniality of the VV . M ., to whom it was doubtless in a large measure due . They would tell their fellow Craftsmen beyond the North Sea of the kindness they had met with there at their hands —a kindness which would long live in their memories , and for which they thanked them all . His colleagues joined with him in drinking , after the Norwegian Masonic fashion , to

the prosperity of the lodge , with true brotherly feelings from the bottom of their hearts , and to the last drop . The W . M ., in proposing " The Health of the W . M . elect , " said it was a great gratification to feel and know that be would be succeeded by a thorough good Mason and worker . There was not much of him , but it was quality , and not quantity . He knew he would have a good year of

office , and he ( the W . M . ) hoped to be of assistance to him . The VV . M . elect , in a few kind words , thanked the brethren for the very hearty manner in which his health had been drunk and received , and promised to do all he could

for the benefit of the lodge . The toast of "The Officers" was given , to which Bro . A . Bullen replied . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a conclusion a very happy and pleasant evening , to which many brethren assisted by their musical abilities . Bro . J . VV . Thrussell presided at the

piano . . Ubique Lodge ( No . 1789 ) . —Bro . W . R . Arnold , W . M . of the above excellent lodge , had a glorious meeting on Monday , the nth instant , at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , there being not only a lot of work to do , but a rare gathering of good and true Masons to see how he did it . VVe give the best list that could be obtained from

the visitors book to prove the latter part of our statement , as follows : there were present Bros . Major J . Richey , P . M . ; Capt . J . White , P . M . ; Capt . VV . Ritchie , City Marshal of London , P . M . ; Lieut . T . Cooper , M . A ., P . M . ; Quartermaster J . Wishart , P . M . ; E . Morris , S . W . ; J . Christian J . W . ; Capt . J . Sculley , P . M . and Treas . ; G . Mason , P . M ., Sec ; jas . Lawson , S . D . ; VV . Seager

J . D . ; B . Hancock , Org . ; Quartermaster VV . Osborne , Lieut . A . Chamberlain , VV . Arnold , VV . Dickson , VV . Blades , R . Groves , F . Myers , VV . Gibs . m , VV . Lawson , G . W . Gray , V . Paget , R . Laird , J . VV . Fleming , J . Nicholas , and VV . Shackleton , all of the lodge . Among the visitors were Bros . VV . Fairey , P . M . 14 S 3 " ; A . Waters , P . M . 642 ; E . B . Hobson , P . M . 700 ; C . Mahonev , P . M . 1066 ; Col .

Vansittart , I . G . 15 S 6 ; C Jolly , P . M . 1472 ; W . J . Barnes , 13 ; J . H . Fraser , 1536 ; G . Osborne , 1536 ; G . W . Clifford , 913 ; F . Stutfield , G . Hemson , 26 ; G . R . Hunter , and others . The lodge having been opened , the minutesof the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Bros . J . J . Williams , S . W . 2226 , P . P . G . P .

Monmouth ; Lieut . R . A . Vigne , 1 159 ; and Lieut .-Col . VV . H . F . Sorrell , 10 9 2 , P . D . S . G . W . Punjab , and proved unanimous . The ballot was then taken Major R . H . Murdock , Lieut . J . B . H . Askwith , Lieut . R . Wark , Lieut . M . J . Long , and Sergeant-Major G . Allen , and that also proved unanimous , and the three latter Deing present , were duly initiated . Bros . Capt . W . V . Faber , Capt . T . Y .

Osmond , and Capt . S . VV . Lane were passed , and after certain revisions of the by-laws had been sanctioned , the lodge was closed . The banquet was all that could be desired , and after the W . M . had briefly proposed the usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts , which were most heartily honoured , Bro . Osborne proposed "The Health of the W . M . " He said

that so far as the ceremony was concerned they would all agree , with him that the VV . M . had carried out those duties in a most able manner . Personally , not having attended the lodge for the last three years , he had not had an opportunity of observing him before ; but that night he had shown himself worthy of his high position , and he , therefore , asked them to drink the toast with all the heartiness it

deserved . The Worshipful Master very briefly responded , and said he thanked the brethren very much for their hearty reception of the toast . He should always be glad , and ready to do anything and everything he could during his year of office for the success of the lodge . The next toast was that ot "The Joining Members , "

coupled with the name of Bro . Col . Sorrell , who , in response , said he had no idea some very little time ago that there was a lodge in existence composed exclusively of the officers of the " dear old regiment . " That night he had met some of his old friends whom he had not seen foryears , one of whom was Bro . Fairey , and he felt a pride in joining such a lodge as the Ubique . He had with him that night a brother whom he

was also glad to see with him , and who had worked Masonry with him in some very hot places , but he found Masonry the same everywhere . He trusted to live to be a member of the lodge for many years , and always receive the same warm welcome from its members as he had received that night . Bro . Marny , in responding for the toast of "The Visitors , " said on behalf of the visitors he thanked the

brethren for their cordial reception and hospitality , and , in the next place for the excellent work shown them by the VV . M . and his officers . Bros . Hunter and Vansittart also briefly responded . In responding for "The Initiates , " Bro . Wark said from what he had learned that night he deeply regretted he had not been made a Mason sooner . Bros . Long and Askwith also briefly responded .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . VV . Ritchie , in responding for "The Past Masters , " said he thanked them most sincerely , more especially as he had been singled out from among the Past Masters to respond to the toast of their health , and secondly , because it was coupled with the distinguished position he now held . He was deeply moved , because it was then seven and thirt y years ago that he joined " the dear old regiment . " He

loved the uniform , but in a few days more would have to give it up for ever . In 1 S 53 he wandered over London Bridge , a stranger in a strange land , without a single friend in the world . He had far less than Dick W hittington had when he sat upon a stone some few miles out of London , and heard the sound of Bow Bells , for at least Dick had his cat ; but when he ( Bro . Ritchie ) got to

Shrewsburylane , at Plumstead . and heard the chimes of Bow Bells , he heard those bells say distinctly , " Go it , VV . Ritchie , City Marshal of London . " He , in first joining the Royal regiment , was heavily handicapped , but he remembered the sergeant-major of his battery sending for him to take tea with him , and , thinking it was the duty of a recruit to take tea with his sergeant-major , he went , and afterwards

married that sergeant-major's daughter , one of the best things he ever did in his life , and one that he had never regretted . He won his way , and was made provost-marshal of the garrison , and then he joined the Nelson Lodge , where he made some excellent friends , who had done him good service in obtaining for him his present proud position . When he first went in for it , three years ago , they

encouraged him heart and soul , and , believing that faith would move mountains , he had faith that by constant and unceasing work he could get the office , and he had . First , he thanked God , and then his friends , many of whom he enumerated . When he went up for it , he went in his uniform as an officer of the R . H . A ., and had been since told that by so doing he had won his position , so that it

would ever be his pride and pleasure henceforth to assist all and any who wore , or had ever worn , the uniform of " the dear old regiment . " His heart was full of thanks for their hearty welcome . He thanked them for looking over his shortcomings . He thanked them for their great and undeviating sympathy with him in his late domestic affliction , for sympathy was one of the greatest of charities ; and last

of all , but not least , he thanked the Most High for the great mercy and goodness shown him . Our good brother , who was repeatedly cheered during his speech , then sat down amid great applause . " The Officers " and Tyler's toast concluded the proceedings , which were rendered most enjoyable by the singing of Bro . Hobson and others . Bro . Hancock presided at the

piano . Alliance Lodge ( No . 1827 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 6 th instant , at the Guildhall Tavern . Bro . Henry Clarke , CC , the retiring Master , occupied the chair , being well supported by the several officers and a large number of visitors . Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , as usual , performed the installation

ceremony in a most admirable and impressive manner , and the new Master , Lieutenant-Colonel J . Perry Godfrey , P . M ., then appointed his officers . Bro . Edwin F . Fitch received the collar of Senior Warden ; Bro . F . S . Jackson that of J unior Warden ; Bro . Scott was appointed Senior Deacon ; Bro . Colonel Wilde , Junior Deacon ; and Bro . Secondary Roderick , Inner Guard .

The guests at the sumptuous banquet which subsequently followed included Bros . Sir John B . Monckton , Squire , CC , Col . Sewell , E . Lee , CC , Secondary Roderick , E . F . Fitch , the Rev . J . H . Smith , Pauley , Treas . ; J . Turner , F . S . Jackson , H . Wright , Perkins , CC , Col . Phillips , H . P . Monckton , Col . White , T . Clark , E . Pugh , VV . Westcott , W . T . Roberts , 1 . P . Sadler , P . VV . Reynolds , VV . Rowlett ,

G . T . Chretien , G . T . Teall , W . Scriven , H . Florence , T . Minshill , P . Clarke , G . T . Thornes , F . Hill , J . Fergusson , J . Salmon , J . Mowlem Burt , R . Webb , C . J . Scott , F . A . Jenkin , R . Whiddington , and others . The usual loyal and Craft toasts were given by the W . Master , who stated that it was with sincere pleasure they had with them a dear old friend of the lodge , Bro . Sir John

B . Monckton , who , as they were well aware , was the Past President of the Board of General Purposes and a Past Grand Warden , and in who also they were pleased to recognise their first VV . M . With the toast of "The Grand Officers " it was his great privilege to couple the name of Bro . Sir John Monckton . In reply , Bro . Sir I . B . Monckton referred to the

increasing years of the lodge , and remarked that he was proud to think that with age also they were increasing in Masonic usefulness and reputation . So long as they had Masters occupying the chair of the zeal and ability of their I . P . M ., Bro . H . Clarke , CC , and as long as they had men in the chair like their present Master , so long would they continue to flourish and advance in the respect and esteem of the

citizens of London . Bro . H . Clarke , I . P . M ., then gave "The Health of the W . M ., " and congratulated him upon the proud position he held in one of the foremost lodges of the City . Times out of number he had heard the question on Lord Mayor ' s Day , " I wonder what sort of a Lord Mayor he ' s going to make . and also he had heard that each succeding Lord Mayor had to

done better than any of his predecessors . With regard their VV . M ., he was quite sure that that time next year they would be able to say that their W . M . had endeavoured to sustain the proud position of the lodge , that he had tried to promote its usefulness in every way , and that he had been an ornament to the chair and Freemasonry in general . The VV . M . proposed , in eulogistic terms , " The Healtij of the Installing Master , Sir John Monckton , " and thankeu ably

him earnestly and sincerely for the duty he had so performed . Bro . Sir John Monckton , who was received with cheeis , briefly replied . In giving "The Immediate Past Master , Bro . Henry Clarke , C . u ., " the W . M . said he was extremely fortunate in having as his I . P . M . one so judicious and able to a . clvis . ' i he I . P . M . had been great in the lodge , and able in tn •. . . . ... . i > .. uau i * i ~ w . __LGa . L in LUC 1 UU _^ , cut * « " — 1

banquet-room , and as some slight token of their esteem an appreciation of his works , he had the greatest p leasure o presenting to him a Past Master's jewel . , ., Bro . H . Clarke responded , thanking the W . M . and tno members of the lodge for their kindness during his y ^ . office . He specially thanked Sir John Monckton and . !] A " Sewell for services rendered him , and he spoke with utmost pleasure of the disinterestedness shown to him and the lodge by other brethren who had not had the P ferment they most justly deserved . „ „ [ Bro . Col . Sewell replied for "The Past Masters , au assured the W . M . that they should be most ready to renu