Untitled Article

the formation of a Lodge , to bear the name of the Dartmouth Lodge ' ( No . 960 ) , Bro . Thomas James , P . M . ( No . 786 ) , the W . M . appointed in the warrant , applied to the R . W . Bro . Col . Vernon , Prov . O . M . for Stafford shire , for a dispensation for himself , Wardens , and Brethren , to meet and act as a Lodge until such time as it would be convenient for him to constitute and consecrate the Lodge in due form . The B . W . Prov . G . M . having been pleased to accede to this request , the first meeting was held on Wednesday , February 27 th . The Lodge

was opened by Bros . Thomas James , W . M . ; E . Jeavons , S . W . ; and John Davies , J . W ,, the principal officers appointed in the warrant . Four candidates were initiated into the order , viz ., Messrs . Henry Jackson , C . J . Devey , William Cottrell , and H . Sanderson . Among the visitors present on the occasion were Bros , Rev . E . H . A . Gwynne , P . M ., No . 435 , P . G . Chaplain ; W . Howells , W . M ., No . 435 ; Frank James , W . M ,, No . 786 ; Dr . Burton , P . M ., No . 786 ? P . Prov . S . G . W . ; Newsam , P . M ., No . 786 ; P . J . G . W . Wood , P . M . No . 786

P . Prov . G . A . D . C . W . Bristow , P . M . No . 313 , Prov . G . S . B ., Worcestershire ; Rev . J . Downes , Chap ., No . 786 ; J . ; B . Robinson , Totty , Edmonds , Ketley , H . Duignam & c . At the conclusion of the business , the Brethren adjourned to a banquet ; after which the usual Masonic toasts were given , and duly responded to . Bro . Dr . Burton , in proposing the health of the W . M ., observed , that it gave him sincere pleasure to find his old friend and worthy Brother again engaged in so

good a cause as the bringing into existence another Masonic infant . His first knowledge of Bro . T . James as a Mason was when he was engaged , nine years ago , together with others , in the formation of the Lodge of St . Matthew , at Walsall ; and he was glad to find that the tree which then showed prospect of bearing good fruit , was still green and putting forth new buds . He congratulated the Lodge in having so experienced a Mason for their first W . M . Indeed , a

proof of his talent has been shown at this , their first meeting ; for , he could assure them , after thirty years' experience as a Mason , he had never seen the ceremonies so well performed in a new Lodge , and rarely ever equalled in an old one ; it showed great discrimination in the selection of officers , every one of whom seemed to be "the right man in the right place . " Bro . Burton concluded a good practical address by advising the members of the Dartmouth Lodge not to be over anxious for numbers—to admit none to the privileges of Masonry but good men and true ; and said , if they adhered to that principle , there was no doubt but the establishment of the Lodge would be attended with the best results . The W . M .

thanked the Brethren for their cordial reception of the toast , though Bro . Burton had spoken of him in terms which he feared he scarcely merited . He was deeply impressed with the responsibility which he had taken _ , in consenting to preside over them during the first year of their existence ; but doubted not that , with the assistance of such able Brethren as his wardens , he should be able to conduct the affairs of the Lodge in such a manner as would give satisfaction . —The Dartmouth Lodge will meet at the Dartmouth Arms Hotel ., West Broinwich , on the second Friday of every month .

SUSSEX . Brighton . — Royal Clarence Lodge ( No . 338 ) . —The monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on Friday , February 15 th , when Bro . H . Suiithers , P . Prov . D . U , was installed W . M . by Bro . Win . Verrall , P . M . and Prov . ( 1 . Treas . The W . M . then appointed the following Brethren his officers for the ensuing year , viz . : —Bros . W . A . Stuckey , S . W . ; Cleo . Lowdell , J . W . ; Win . Batley , Sec . ; dames McGee , D . O . ; John Scott , S . D . ; George . Folkiird , J ' . D . ; Lardelli ,

Org . ; James Dixon , 1 . ( 1 . As we remarked in our he binary Number , ill health prevented Bro . Sniithers attending the January meeting for installation ; a special banquet was provided on this occasion , and more than thirty of the Brethren dined with the W . M . The W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . He then proposed tlie health of Ool . McQueen , the Prov . D . G . M . of Sussex , in a very appropriate speech , which was responded to by the Brethren in a manner worthy of the Sussex Masons . The gallant Oolonet has indeed paid great attention to the interests of the Graft since his appointment by the Duke ; of l . vichmond . the Prov . G . M . The immediate P . M ... asked for the particular attention