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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . E . P . Albert , P . G . P . V . P ., proposed , and Bro . S . L . Hickman , V . P ., siconded , that Bro . Lewis Alexander , who had presided over them for some years past , be re-elected , Bro . Hickman in addressing the meeting spoke in very complimentary terms of Bro . L . Alexander , when the proposition was put to the meeting , by Bro . Spiegel , W . M . and Sen . V . P ., which was carried unanimouslv .
ECLECTIC LODGE ( No . 1201 ) . —At Freemasons ' Hall , Great Queen-street , the Eclectic Lodge held its installation meeting on Friday last , Bro . Arthur E . Taylor , W . M ., presiding and being well supported by his officers and a large attendance of lay members of the lodge . There were also a great many visitors present , among others Bros . Thos . Fenn , P . G . D . ; W . H . Perry man , P . M .
Fidelity , 3 ; Arthur Rule , P . M . Sphinx , 263 ; P . Dickinson , P . M . Royal Standard , 1298 ; T . Burham , P . M . Fidelity , 3 ; G . Brickland , W . M . Asaph , 1319 ; H . P . Reed , P . M . ; and Lamer , Westbourne , 733 ; T . D . Berry , P . M . Manchester , 179 ; and Bro . Massey , W . M . West Kent , 1297 , ( Freemason ) . Previous to the installation Mr . Wm . Howard Paddle , having been ballotted for and approved was initiated
by the W . M . who performed the ceremony with his customary ability . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree and Bro . George William Saul , S . W . and W . M . elect was presented for installation and duly obligated ; and a Board of Installed Masters having been formed he was installed in the chair of K . S . with the customary solemnity , and on the return of the brethren was
proclaimed and saluted in the usual form , and then proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : —Bros . Lee , S . W . ; Moss , J . W . ; Mander , Treas . ; Watts , P . M . Sec . ; Higgs , Organist ; Bochin , S . D . ; Dr . Lloyd , J . D . ; Bro . Baylis , I . G ., Bro . Hartv , P . M . ' D . C , Bro . Bowley , Asst ., D . C , Bro . Paice , W . S " ., Ba > i . \ s , Asst ., W . S ., Tyler , Bro . Grant . The entire ceremony of Installation was performed
by Bro . Taylor I . P . M ., with the greatest precision , and the beautiful addresses which close the ceremony were rendered more impressive by the quiet earnestness of his delivery . At the close of the ceicmony the W . M ., presented Bro . Taylor with a handsome P . M . jewel with a few appropriate words , and Bro . Taylor in returning thanks said that he appreciated the very kind manner in
which the jewel had been presented to him , that it had been his aim during his year of mastership to promote as far as he was able Ihe prosperity of the lodge and the happiness of the brethren . If he had succeeded in eloing that in addition to carrying out the ancient ceremonies he was thankful , and he should feel proud to wear the honorbadge just presented to him , not only in his own lodge but
in all lodges which he might have the honour to visit . The lodge was then closed and the brethren nearly ninety in number adjourned to the tavern to partake of an excellent banquet . On the removal of the cloth the customary loyal pan masonic toasts were proposed from the chair and heartily responded to by the brethren . In reply to the toast of the Grand Officers , —Bro . T . Fenn ,
P . G . D . rose and said , Worshipful Master , I beg to thank you on the part of the many distinguished names you have mentioned , as well as for the other Grand Officers and in my own behalf , for the honour you have elone us in proposing this toast . Since I last had the honour of being your guest the Grand Officers have to regret the loss of many useful and much respectcel members of their body .
I will mention two as representing the two different vocations in which their masonic usefulness was the most conspicious . First our amiable and universally respected Bro . Benjamin Head . His naturally beneficent character disposed him to devote his time and attention and his purse to the administration and support of the Masonic charities . For many years he was a member of the House
Committees ( I believe I am right in saying ) of all the charities . Having no family of his own Bro . Head came to regard the little inmates of the schools almost as his own children , and for them he had always ready a kind word or a smile of encouragement . Doubtless many a silent tear was shed by those little ones when they heard that the grave had closed over their old ftiend's
kindly face . Bro . I lead will be long remembered and his death lamented by his brother Grand Officers . The second brother whose recent loss we have to deplore was one whose life oi usefulness lay , for the most part in another dircciion . Bro . John Boyd although actively connected with the charities was principally conspicuous in the teaching of our rituals and lectures , particularly those in
connection with the Royal Arch Degree . Brethren , subscription to the Charities is so constantly forced on our notice as a paramount duty that we might think Masonic Charity consisted of nothing else than giving away money to these Institutions , that this duty was the sole aim , the beginning and the end of Freemasonry , and to such an extent is importunity for subscriptions carried that at last
we have descended ( I suppose on the principle that the end justifies the means ) to the lowest and in the opinion of many others as well as myself , the most degrading form of solicitation—the shilling lottery . No doubt these excellent Institutions ought to be well and liberally supported , whatever may be our individual opinion upon minor matters in connection with the management , but there
are many amongst us who sincerely wish that this could be accomplished with less ostentation and obtrusiveness . Bro . Terry 1 hear has made a suggestion , which I cannot help thinking might in some foim be one day adopted ann might pirhaps lead tei this " consummation devoutly to be : wi-heel . " His suggestion I bclcive wasthatasubof
^ uptiem five shillings per annum each the Charities should be paid by every subscribing member of a Iodize , and that in this way the Charities might be supplied with funds sufficient to render festivals and even elections unnecessary . Now , every member of a London lodge is obliged by the Constitutions to contribute 4 s ., and country lodges 2 s ., yearly
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to the Fund of Benevolence . This contribution being paid by lodges out of each member ' s yearly subscription is so little felt that Masons arc not aware that they are contributors to this fund . Now , docs it not seem possible ( although , no doubt , there are difficulties in the way ) that this mode of subscription might , with certain conditions and guarantees , be extended to the other charities ? In
round numbers this subscription to the Fund of Benevolence amounts to . £ 8000 a year , namely , £ 2300 from the London lodges , and £ 5700 from the country lodges . If the contribution were uniformly 4 s . this sum would be increased to £ 14 , 000 , thus , 5 s . would produce £ 17 , 500 for each of the Charities , or £ 52 , 606 for the three , which is Xi 2 , ; oo more than the amount subscribed last year . To
this , however , might fairly be added , those really voluntary contributions which would , I believe , be forthcoming without solicitation , so that we see the figures go far to confirm Bro . Terry ' s theory . In the present competition foi subscriptions , the Stewards for the Charities are held up so presistently before our eyes , that such humble labours as those of our Bro . Boyd are apt to be overlooked .
Yet the labours of the Masonic teacher are surely not without their usefulness ? 1 can bear testimony from my long experience in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , of the beneficial effects of a careful teaching of the ritual . The teaching of this lodge has undoubtedly been the cause , both directly and indirectly , of a marked improvement in the manner in which the work of the lodge is
performed . Carelessness and irreverence , which were rife twenty years ago , arc now quite the exception , and Masters now emulate each other in their endeavours to impress their candidates by a serious and earnest delivery of the ritual . Bro . Boyd's labours were , as I have already said , particularly directed to the beautiful ceremonies of the Royal Arch , which he
invariably taught with that peculiar care and seriousness which their solemn and sacreel language demands . His labours in this direction have not been without their effect , and in Bro . Boyd's death I consider wc have lost one of our most useful anil earnest workers . So shall we all pass away from our Masonic labours when the time shall come for our eternal rest , but wc may feel assure : !—such is the
internal vitality of Masonry—that there will never be wanting , brethren equally zealous , and with equal ability to fill the vacant places of those that are gone . The brethren having met at the banquet table much later than was inteneled , the various loasts were proposed in very brief speeches , which were responded to as briefly . There was nothing of interest to the genral body of Freemasons . The W . M ., returned thanks when his health , which was
proposed by Bro . Taylor l . P . M . was drank , with acclamation , but the only additional remarks he made referred merely to Lodge matters which would not interest our readers . In the intervals between the toasts anel the replies the company were entertained with vocal and instrumental music . Bro . G . S . Graham , the popular buffo vocalist and organophonist ( which being interpreted means whistler ) amused his audience with some good songs , and whistling with a pianoforte accompaniment .
EARL OF CARNARVON LODGE ( No . 1642 ) . —This lodge held its regular meeting on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., in the Ladbrooke Hall , Notting-hill , Bro . Samuel H . Parkhouse presiding , supported by his officers , Bros . G . M . Lander , S . W . ; Samuel Smout , J . W . ; G . Penn , P . M . Treas , ; J . W . Murliss , P . M ., Sec . ; ' c . Darby Reade , S . D . ; Samuel Smou ; , jun ., J . D . ; F . Delevanti ,
Org . ; John Wooelmason , Steward ; Frederick C . Frye , I . G . ; Robert Schofield , P . M ., Tyler ; and Wm . Stephens , P . M . The following is a list of members present : —W . M . Buckland , F . E . Pocock , J . H . Wood , Wm . Oldrey . W . F . French , E . Rogers , J . T . Newlana , R . E . Green , C . Rowlands , W . R . Bushman , G . A . Williams , T . W . Heath , R . H . Pearson , J . Linscott , J . Whittlesea , J . Rutherglen ,
John R . Roberts , J . Hempson , R . Reid , W . V . Hook , H . T . Rule , and Caleb Manchester . The visitors present were Bros . J . P . Manchester , 1214 ; E . P . Albert , P . G . P ., 188 , 1017 ; Charles Bates 901 ; Alfred Ginger , J . W . 901 ; W . H . Bteuchamp , 167 ; Henry Whitrett , P . M . 311 ; Alfred B . Griffths , 420 ( New Zealanel ); James Hood , 201 ; W . F . Savage , P . M . 1425 ; E . P . Van Norden , 188 ; and A . H .
Chisholm , 154 ( Freemason . ) The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Murliss then referred , in feeling terms , to the death of Bro . J . Boyel , remarking that this was the first death that had occurred in the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , and Bros . Bushman and French having been duly
examined and found qualified for raising , it was opened in the Third Degree , and those brethren were formally raised . The next business before the meeting being to pass Bro . G . F . Rule , the lodge was closed in the Third Degree , and after Bro . Rule had satisfactorily undergone the usual preliminary examination he was duly passed . The lodge being closed in the Second Degree , Mr . M . E . Russell
Lochner , proposed by Bro . Rutherglen , and seconded by Bro . Murliss , was balloted for , and having been unanimously elected , was initiated in the usual form . This constituting the business of the lodge , it was closed in the customary form , and it is only right to add that Bro . Parkhouse , for the first time acting as W . M ., conducted the ceremonies with unfaltering accuracy and ability . The brethren then retired to the banqueting room adjoining
the lodge which was tastefully decorated with flowers , and partook of a sumptuous repast , presided over by the W . M . The arrangements for the banquet were carried out by Bro . Linscott , in a praiseworty manner , everything being of the most recherche ? description . In proposing " The Health of the Queen and the Crafl , " Bro . Parkhouse alluded in touching terms to the death of the Princess Alice , observing that there were none of Her Majesty ' s subjects who more heartily sympathised with her in her bereavement than
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Freemasons . The toast was duly honoured , the brethren remaining standing while they sang " God Save the Queen . " The W . M . next proposed " The Health of the Prince of Wales , the M . W . G . M . " remarking that His Royal Highness was a great credit to the country in general and to Freemasonry in particular ; whether at home or abroad he was always received with the greatest enthusiasm . The toast of " The Health nf thp Karl nf
Carnarvon , M . W . P . G . M . " was then drunk and was followed by that of " The Health of the Right Hon . the Earl of Skelmersdale , R . W . D . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers . " Bro . E . P . Albert , P . G . P . uitably replied . Bro . Penn , P . M ., then saiel it was his pleasing eluty to propose " The Health of the W . M . " He could not speak to hi ghly of
the way in which the W . M . had done t isduties that evening , bearing in mind the fact that two years ago he wa sas ignorant of Freemasonry as he ( the speaker ) was , and that was bad enough . The W . M . had done all he could to promote the interests of the lodge , and he ( the speaker ) was sure that it would prosper under his lenure of office . The W . M . having very suitably replied , said that he had
very great pleasure in proposing "The Health of Bro . M . Russell Lochner , the newly-initiated Brother . " The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm , and in the absence of Bro . Lochner , who was obliged to go away on professional business , Bro . Rutherglen replied for him . In proposing the toast of "The Visitors , " the W . M . said the brethren of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge were always
very glad to see a number of visitors among them , and always endeavoured as far as possible to provide for their comfort . The visitors were not , however , so numerous on that occasion as they generally were , but what they wanted in number they made up in quality . Bros . Griffiths , Hood , and Albert replied , the former of whom remarking that he might never have the pleasure of meeting any of the
brethren in New Zealand , but if any of them ever were there , he could assure them of receiving a hearty welcome , for Freemasonry was as well represented in New Zealand as it was in any other country . The toast of " The Health of the Past Masters " was next proposed , immediately after which Bros . W . Gordon and Locock Webb , P . G . D ., whom the pressure of professional engagements had preventeel
from attending the banquet at an earlier period of the evening entered the room amid loud cheers . Bros . Penn , Murlis , and Stephens then briefly acknowledged the toast , the latlcr observing that Bro . Penn , the Immediate Past " Master , said he intended to surpass him ( the speaker ) in the amount he would raise for the Charities . Well , he should endeavour to do all that he possibly could for Bro .
Penn in this laudable object , so that he might eclipse him ( the speaker ) altogether . He , himself , took £ 270 for the girls ; and if Bro . Penn did not succeed in getting 300 guineas for the hoys , he was much mistaken . The lodge hael entered into the spirit of Freemasonry to the fullest extent as far as Charities went , and he was sure that Bro . Penn would find very little difficulty in making up that
sum . He concluded by announcing that he would give ten pounds towards this object . The W . M . next proposed " The Health of Bro . Locock Webb , " who , in responoing , said that he valued very highly the way in which they had been good enough to receive his humble name . He had listened with very great pleasure to the remarks that had fallen from the preceding speaker with reference to
the success of the lodge . The W . M . had referred to the interest he had taken from the fir ; t in the success of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . Well , he might say that hiwas present at its foundation , and he had little elouU then , when he knew the character and de termination of those who took the leading part in its formation , that it would soon secure success . But he was surprised at the great
advance it had made . As far as he knew it was almost unprecedented . thata lodge in so short a time should have accumulated so largely in numbers , and more than that , have been able to assist so much the excellent Charities , which it was the duty of the Craft to do . The charitable objects of Freemasonry , not merely in this country but abroad , had done more than anything else to raise Freemasons
highly in the estimation of the worlel . He had on several occasions had the pleasure of witnessing their working , and he must congratulate the brethren on the excellent way in which the working of the lodge had been carried out . In concluding , Bro . Webb trusted the W . M . would preside over the lodge in high credit to himself and advantage to the brethren , setting a bright
example to those who followed him , and that those who succeeded him might , like him , hold the office for the benefit of the lodge . " The Officers of the Lodge " was next proposed and suitably replied to by Bros . Lander and Samuel Imont . In replying to " The Health of the Lay Members " Bro . Gordon said it was only from a strict sense ol duty that he withdrew from office in the lodge , and
solely for this reason that he thought that it was of the highest importance that those who undertook duties in this or any other lodge should have time to give proper attention to them . He found it absolutely impossible to do so , and he felt he was not doing his duty to the lodge if he accepted an office in it which he could not properly discharge . He thought it was not right of any one to stanel in the way
of those who had greater opportunities of giving more attention to their work . Yet he would say this , that there was not a member who took a greater interest in the prosperity of the lodge than he did , and in Ihe elevation of the present W . M . to his post he was sure they would have one who would discharge his duties with great energy and zeal , and a desire to further the welfare of the loelgc , and
he would have a great task before him to beat in these respects his admirable predecessor . The next toast was " The Masonic Charities" to which Bro . Penn replied . He regretted that the charities had not an abler member to represent them during the forthcoming season . Yet he did not think he would experience much difficulty in making up the sum of which Bro . Stephens had spoken . At
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . E . P . Albert , P . G . P . V . P ., proposed , and Bro . S . L . Hickman , V . P ., siconded , that Bro . Lewis Alexander , who had presided over them for some years past , be re-elected , Bro . Hickman in addressing the meeting spoke in very complimentary terms of Bro . L . Alexander , when the proposition was put to the meeting , by Bro . Spiegel , W . M . and Sen . V . P ., which was carried unanimouslv .
ECLECTIC LODGE ( No . 1201 ) . —At Freemasons ' Hall , Great Queen-street , the Eclectic Lodge held its installation meeting on Friday last , Bro . Arthur E . Taylor , W . M ., presiding and being well supported by his officers and a large attendance of lay members of the lodge . There were also a great many visitors present , among others Bros . Thos . Fenn , P . G . D . ; W . H . Perry man , P . M .
Fidelity , 3 ; Arthur Rule , P . M . Sphinx , 263 ; P . Dickinson , P . M . Royal Standard , 1298 ; T . Burham , P . M . Fidelity , 3 ; G . Brickland , W . M . Asaph , 1319 ; H . P . Reed , P . M . ; and Lamer , Westbourne , 733 ; T . D . Berry , P . M . Manchester , 179 ; and Bro . Massey , W . M . West Kent , 1297 , ( Freemason ) . Previous to the installation Mr . Wm . Howard Paddle , having been ballotted for and approved was initiated
by the W . M . who performed the ceremony with his customary ability . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree and Bro . George William Saul , S . W . and W . M . elect was presented for installation and duly obligated ; and a Board of Installed Masters having been formed he was installed in the chair of K . S . with the customary solemnity , and on the return of the brethren was
proclaimed and saluted in the usual form , and then proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : —Bros . Lee , S . W . ; Moss , J . W . ; Mander , Treas . ; Watts , P . M . Sec . ; Higgs , Organist ; Bochin , S . D . ; Dr . Lloyd , J . D . ; Bro . Baylis , I . G ., Bro . Hartv , P . M . ' D . C , Bro . Bowley , Asst ., D . C , Bro . Paice , W . S " ., Ba > i . \ s , Asst ., W . S ., Tyler , Bro . Grant . The entire ceremony of Installation was performed
by Bro . Taylor I . P . M ., with the greatest precision , and the beautiful addresses which close the ceremony were rendered more impressive by the quiet earnestness of his delivery . At the close of the ceicmony the W . M ., presented Bro . Taylor with a handsome P . M . jewel with a few appropriate words , and Bro . Taylor in returning thanks said that he appreciated the very kind manner in
which the jewel had been presented to him , that it had been his aim during his year of mastership to promote as far as he was able Ihe prosperity of the lodge and the happiness of the brethren . If he had succeeded in eloing that in addition to carrying out the ancient ceremonies he was thankful , and he should feel proud to wear the honorbadge just presented to him , not only in his own lodge but
in all lodges which he might have the honour to visit . The lodge was then closed and the brethren nearly ninety in number adjourned to the tavern to partake of an excellent banquet . On the removal of the cloth the customary loyal pan masonic toasts were proposed from the chair and heartily responded to by the brethren . In reply to the toast of the Grand Officers , —Bro . T . Fenn ,
P . G . D . rose and said , Worshipful Master , I beg to thank you on the part of the many distinguished names you have mentioned , as well as for the other Grand Officers and in my own behalf , for the honour you have elone us in proposing this toast . Since I last had the honour of being your guest the Grand Officers have to regret the loss of many useful and much respectcel members of their body .
I will mention two as representing the two different vocations in which their masonic usefulness was the most conspicious . First our amiable and universally respected Bro . Benjamin Head . His naturally beneficent character disposed him to devote his time and attention and his purse to the administration and support of the Masonic charities . For many years he was a member of the House
Committees ( I believe I am right in saying ) of all the charities . Having no family of his own Bro . Head came to regard the little inmates of the schools almost as his own children , and for them he had always ready a kind word or a smile of encouragement . Doubtless many a silent tear was shed by those little ones when they heard that the grave had closed over their old ftiend's
kindly face . Bro . I lead will be long remembered and his death lamented by his brother Grand Officers . The second brother whose recent loss we have to deplore was one whose life oi usefulness lay , for the most part in another dircciion . Bro . John Boyd although actively connected with the charities was principally conspicuous in the teaching of our rituals and lectures , particularly those in
connection with the Royal Arch Degree . Brethren , subscription to the Charities is so constantly forced on our notice as a paramount duty that we might think Masonic Charity consisted of nothing else than giving away money to these Institutions , that this duty was the sole aim , the beginning and the end of Freemasonry , and to such an extent is importunity for subscriptions carried that at last
we have descended ( I suppose on the principle that the end justifies the means ) to the lowest and in the opinion of many others as well as myself , the most degrading form of solicitation—the shilling lottery . No doubt these excellent Institutions ought to be well and liberally supported , whatever may be our individual opinion upon minor matters in connection with the management , but there
are many amongst us who sincerely wish that this could be accomplished with less ostentation and obtrusiveness . Bro . Terry 1 hear has made a suggestion , which I cannot help thinking might in some foim be one day adopted ann might pirhaps lead tei this " consummation devoutly to be : wi-heel . " His suggestion I bclcive wasthatasubof
^ uptiem five shillings per annum each the Charities should be paid by every subscribing member of a Iodize , and that in this way the Charities might be supplied with funds sufficient to render festivals and even elections unnecessary . Now , every member of a London lodge is obliged by the Constitutions to contribute 4 s ., and country lodges 2 s ., yearly
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to the Fund of Benevolence . This contribution being paid by lodges out of each member ' s yearly subscription is so little felt that Masons arc not aware that they are contributors to this fund . Now , docs it not seem possible ( although , no doubt , there are difficulties in the way ) that this mode of subscription might , with certain conditions and guarantees , be extended to the other charities ? In
round numbers this subscription to the Fund of Benevolence amounts to . £ 8000 a year , namely , £ 2300 from the London lodges , and £ 5700 from the country lodges . If the contribution were uniformly 4 s . this sum would be increased to £ 14 , 000 , thus , 5 s . would produce £ 17 , 500 for each of the Charities , or £ 52 , 606 for the three , which is Xi 2 , ; oo more than the amount subscribed last year . To
this , however , might fairly be added , those really voluntary contributions which would , I believe , be forthcoming without solicitation , so that we see the figures go far to confirm Bro . Terry ' s theory . In the present competition foi subscriptions , the Stewards for the Charities are held up so presistently before our eyes , that such humble labours as those of our Bro . Boyd are apt to be overlooked .
Yet the labours of the Masonic teacher are surely not without their usefulness ? 1 can bear testimony from my long experience in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , of the beneficial effects of a careful teaching of the ritual . The teaching of this lodge has undoubtedly been the cause , both directly and indirectly , of a marked improvement in the manner in which the work of the lodge is
performed . Carelessness and irreverence , which were rife twenty years ago , arc now quite the exception , and Masters now emulate each other in their endeavours to impress their candidates by a serious and earnest delivery of the ritual . Bro . Boyd's labours were , as I have already said , particularly directed to the beautiful ceremonies of the Royal Arch , which he
invariably taught with that peculiar care and seriousness which their solemn and sacreel language demands . His labours in this direction have not been without their effect , and in Bro . Boyd's death I consider wc have lost one of our most useful anil earnest workers . So shall we all pass away from our Masonic labours when the time shall come for our eternal rest , but wc may feel assure : !—such is the
internal vitality of Masonry—that there will never be wanting , brethren equally zealous , and with equal ability to fill the vacant places of those that are gone . The brethren having met at the banquet table much later than was inteneled , the various loasts were proposed in very brief speeches , which were responded to as briefly . There was nothing of interest to the genral body of Freemasons . The W . M ., returned thanks when his health , which was
proposed by Bro . Taylor l . P . M . was drank , with acclamation , but the only additional remarks he made referred merely to Lodge matters which would not interest our readers . In the intervals between the toasts anel the replies the company were entertained with vocal and instrumental music . Bro . G . S . Graham , the popular buffo vocalist and organophonist ( which being interpreted means whistler ) amused his audience with some good songs , and whistling with a pianoforte accompaniment .
EARL OF CARNARVON LODGE ( No . 1642 ) . —This lodge held its regular meeting on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., in the Ladbrooke Hall , Notting-hill , Bro . Samuel H . Parkhouse presiding , supported by his officers , Bros . G . M . Lander , S . W . ; Samuel Smout , J . W . ; G . Penn , P . M . Treas , ; J . W . Murliss , P . M ., Sec . ; ' c . Darby Reade , S . D . ; Samuel Smou ; , jun ., J . D . ; F . Delevanti ,
Org . ; John Wooelmason , Steward ; Frederick C . Frye , I . G . ; Robert Schofield , P . M ., Tyler ; and Wm . Stephens , P . M . The following is a list of members present : —W . M . Buckland , F . E . Pocock , J . H . Wood , Wm . Oldrey . W . F . French , E . Rogers , J . T . Newlana , R . E . Green , C . Rowlands , W . R . Bushman , G . A . Williams , T . W . Heath , R . H . Pearson , J . Linscott , J . Whittlesea , J . Rutherglen ,
John R . Roberts , J . Hempson , R . Reid , W . V . Hook , H . T . Rule , and Caleb Manchester . The visitors present were Bros . J . P . Manchester , 1214 ; E . P . Albert , P . G . P ., 188 , 1017 ; Charles Bates 901 ; Alfred Ginger , J . W . 901 ; W . H . Bteuchamp , 167 ; Henry Whitrett , P . M . 311 ; Alfred B . Griffths , 420 ( New Zealanel ); James Hood , 201 ; W . F . Savage , P . M . 1425 ; E . P . Van Norden , 188 ; and A . H .
Chisholm , 154 ( Freemason . ) The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Murliss then referred , in feeling terms , to the death of Bro . J . Boyel , remarking that this was the first death that had occurred in the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , and Bros . Bushman and French having been duly
examined and found qualified for raising , it was opened in the Third Degree , and those brethren were formally raised . The next business before the meeting being to pass Bro . G . F . Rule , the lodge was closed in the Third Degree , and after Bro . Rule had satisfactorily undergone the usual preliminary examination he was duly passed . The lodge being closed in the Second Degree , Mr . M . E . Russell
Lochner , proposed by Bro . Rutherglen , and seconded by Bro . Murliss , was balloted for , and having been unanimously elected , was initiated in the usual form . This constituting the business of the lodge , it was closed in the customary form , and it is only right to add that Bro . Parkhouse , for the first time acting as W . M ., conducted the ceremonies with unfaltering accuracy and ability . The brethren then retired to the banqueting room adjoining
the lodge which was tastefully decorated with flowers , and partook of a sumptuous repast , presided over by the W . M . The arrangements for the banquet were carried out by Bro . Linscott , in a praiseworty manner , everything being of the most recherche ? description . In proposing " The Health of the Queen and the Crafl , " Bro . Parkhouse alluded in touching terms to the death of the Princess Alice , observing that there were none of Her Majesty ' s subjects who more heartily sympathised with her in her bereavement than
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Freemasons . The toast was duly honoured , the brethren remaining standing while they sang " God Save the Queen . " The W . M . next proposed " The Health of the Prince of Wales , the M . W . G . M . " remarking that His Royal Highness was a great credit to the country in general and to Freemasonry in particular ; whether at home or abroad he was always received with the greatest enthusiasm . The toast of " The Health nf thp Karl nf
Carnarvon , M . W . P . G . M . " was then drunk and was followed by that of " The Health of the Right Hon . the Earl of Skelmersdale , R . W . D . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers . " Bro . E . P . Albert , P . G . P . uitably replied . Bro . Penn , P . M ., then saiel it was his pleasing eluty to propose " The Health of the W . M . " He could not speak to hi ghly of
the way in which the W . M . had done t isduties that evening , bearing in mind the fact that two years ago he wa sas ignorant of Freemasonry as he ( the speaker ) was , and that was bad enough . The W . M . had done all he could to promote the interests of the lodge , and he ( the speaker ) was sure that it would prosper under his lenure of office . The W . M . having very suitably replied , said that he had
very great pleasure in proposing "The Health of Bro . M . Russell Lochner , the newly-initiated Brother . " The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm , and in the absence of Bro . Lochner , who was obliged to go away on professional business , Bro . Rutherglen replied for him . In proposing the toast of "The Visitors , " the W . M . said the brethren of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge were always
very glad to see a number of visitors among them , and always endeavoured as far as possible to provide for their comfort . The visitors were not , however , so numerous on that occasion as they generally were , but what they wanted in number they made up in quality . Bros . Griffiths , Hood , and Albert replied , the former of whom remarking that he might never have the pleasure of meeting any of the
brethren in New Zealand , but if any of them ever were there , he could assure them of receiving a hearty welcome , for Freemasonry was as well represented in New Zealand as it was in any other country . The toast of " The Health of the Past Masters " was next proposed , immediately after which Bros . W . Gordon and Locock Webb , P . G . D ., whom the pressure of professional engagements had preventeel
from attending the banquet at an earlier period of the evening entered the room amid loud cheers . Bros . Penn , Murlis , and Stephens then briefly acknowledged the toast , the latlcr observing that Bro . Penn , the Immediate Past " Master , said he intended to surpass him ( the speaker ) in the amount he would raise for the Charities . Well , he should endeavour to do all that he possibly could for Bro .
Penn in this laudable object , so that he might eclipse him ( the speaker ) altogether . He , himself , took £ 270 for the girls ; and if Bro . Penn did not succeed in getting 300 guineas for the hoys , he was much mistaken . The lodge hael entered into the spirit of Freemasonry to the fullest extent as far as Charities went , and he was sure that Bro . Penn would find very little difficulty in making up that
sum . He concluded by announcing that he would give ten pounds towards this object . The W . M . next proposed " The Health of Bro . Locock Webb , " who , in responoing , said that he valued very highly the way in which they had been good enough to receive his humble name . He had listened with very great pleasure to the remarks that had fallen from the preceding speaker with reference to
the success of the lodge . The W . M . had referred to the interest he had taken from the fir ; t in the success of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . Well , he might say that hiwas present at its foundation , and he had little elouU then , when he knew the character and de termination of those who took the leading part in its formation , that it would soon secure success . But he was surprised at the great
advance it had made . As far as he knew it was almost unprecedented . thata lodge in so short a time should have accumulated so largely in numbers , and more than that , have been able to assist so much the excellent Charities , which it was the duty of the Craft to do . The charitable objects of Freemasonry , not merely in this country but abroad , had done more than anything else to raise Freemasons
highly in the estimation of the worlel . He had on several occasions had the pleasure of witnessing their working , and he must congratulate the brethren on the excellent way in which the working of the lodge had been carried out . In concluding , Bro . Webb trusted the W . M . would preside over the lodge in high credit to himself and advantage to the brethren , setting a bright
example to those who followed him , and that those who succeeded him might , like him , hold the office for the benefit of the lodge . " The Officers of the Lodge " was next proposed and suitably replied to by Bros . Lander and Samuel Imont . In replying to " The Health of the Lay Members " Bro . Gordon said it was only from a strict sense ol duty that he withdrew from office in the lodge , and
solely for this reason that he thought that it was of the highest importance that those who undertook duties in this or any other lodge should have time to give proper attention to them . He found it absolutely impossible to do so , and he felt he was not doing his duty to the lodge if he accepted an office in it which he could not properly discharge . He thought it was not right of any one to stanel in the way
of those who had greater opportunities of giving more attention to their work . Yet he would say this , that there was not a member who took a greater interest in the prosperity of the lodge than he did , and in Ihe elevation of the present W . M . to his post he was sure they would have one who would discharge his duties with great energy and zeal , and a desire to further the welfare of the loelgc , and
he would have a great task before him to beat in these respects his admirable predecessor . The next toast was " The Masonic Charities" to which Bro . Penn replied . He regretted that the charities had not an abler member to represent them during the forthcoming season . Yet he did not think he would experience much difficulty in making up the sum of which Bro . Stephens had spoken . At