patronage of Sir James Stewart, Bart., and the Members of the Lodge No. 69, took place in the Corporation Hall, which had been splendidly fitted up for the occasion.

The hall itself is lighted by ten large windows, in each of which emblematical transparencies, which had a fine effect, were tastefully placed. Some of these transparencies were indeed surpassingly beautiful. On the left side of the chair were the Masonic Arms, and on the right a superb transparency representing the master's carpet. In other windows were representations of Faith, Hope, and Charity, a magnificently executed prostyle temple, and one transparency which had a peculiar reference to the second degree (the fellow craft's). One corner of the room was appropriated to a fine transparency exhibiting a view of the celebrated Gillespie monument, at Comber (County Down). It is only justice to a very promising artist to say, that, the transparencies had been executed with singular felicity and skill by Mr. John Stirling, of this city, and that to the admirable taste, abilities, and active zeal of Alexander Grant, Esq., the planning as well as the effective execution of the decorations and other ornamental and useful arrangements, which justly excited universal praise, is to be mainly attributed.

The

Precisely at ten o'clock, on the entrance of Sir James Stewart, accompanied by the Stewards of the Ball, the Band struck up the "Freemason's March," and dancing commenced immediately after. dresses of the ladies were magnificent, and the Masonic decorations worn by great numbers of the gentlemen were in the highest degree rich, and had a most brilliant effect; but on this part of the subject minuteness of description is wholly impracticable.

The following gentlemen officiated as Stewards on the occasion :Sir James Stewart, Bart.; Doctor Boyd, M.P., Coleraine; Colonel Cairnes, K.H., Portstewart; William Greene, Esq., Derry; John Allen, Esq., Derry; Major Snow, Rathmullin; Michael Doherty, Esq., Clonmanny; Henry Townsend, Esq., Letterkenny; William Huffington, Esq., Derry; J. W. Eames, Esq., Derry; John Keys, Esq., Derry; John Bartowski, Esq., Derry; N. Hone, Esq., Lifford; Dr. Brady, Dunloe; Alexander Grant, Esq.

In a spacious room adjoining the ball-room were a great variety of elegant refreshments. At half-past one o'clock the company retired to the supper-room, which was laid out in a style of magnificence corresponding as well to the occasion as to the superb character of the other arrangements. Sir James Stewart, Bart., first entered leading in Mrs. Staples, Sir R. Ferguson followed leading in Mrs. Boyd, Dr. Boyd, M.P., in a full court dress, came next with Mrs. Col. Cairnes, and Col. Cairnes followed in the uniform of his rank, leading in a lady whose title our reporter could not, in the hurry of the moment, ascertain. After supper, dancing was resumed, and was kept up with spirit till an early hour, when the brilliant party at length separated. No entertainment of a character so grandly fashionable, or so admirably managed throughout, has for a long time, been given in Derry, while all parties, spectators as well as others, were equally delighted with the excellence of the arrangements, the richness and splendour of the scene, and the gaiety and happiness which seemed to be universally diffused throughout the whole assembly.

In connexion with this festivity we may mention a circumstance which occurred next day. A splendid Masonic flag was hoisted on board the American ship "General Washington," at present lying in our harbour, and an entertainment was given by the master, Captain

Lowe, of Alexandria, United States, to a party of Masonic friends, amongst whom was Col. Loughhead, the American Consul. Several appropriate toasts were given on the occasion, and amongst the rest one which was enthusiastically responded to, "The Masonic Captain, and our Transatlantic Brethren.

The result of the Ball has been very satisfactory, and has stimulated Brother Alexander Grant, and his warm-hearted colleagues, in their praiseworthy exertions to create a fund for the purpose of building a Masonic Hall in Derry. A well-written circular has been addressed to the Masonic public generally, soliciting subscriptions in aid; and we trust the appeal will be met promptly and liberally. The circular will be found in our advertising columns.

LIMERICK.-The invitation Ball contemplated by Lodge 13, has been deferred for the present, the members considering that it would not be creditable to expend a sum of money for such a purpose while so many of their fellow-creatures are suffering from scarcity of food.

May 6.-Lodge 13.-Officers elected: Bro. J. Sexton, W. M.; W. Piercy, S. W.; G. Furnell, J. W.; Rev. J. Elmes, Chaplain; R. Hunt, Treasurer; P. F. Sexton, Secretary.

Lodge 73.-Brother R. Wallace, jeweller, will be the new Master. May 26.-The Annual Masonic Fancy and Full Dress Ball, for relief of the suffering poor, came off last night, at the Philosophical Society House, Upper Glentworth-street. The tout ensemble had a

fascinating appearance. A brilliant effusion of gas jets shed lustre on every object. The gorgeous costumes of the military and naval officers contrasted delightfully with the more spirituelle and elegant dress of the fair groups, whose lovely smiles and graceful movements proclaimed the universally acknowledged sway of sovereign beauty. The supperroom was laid out in exquisite style.

At nine o'clock, the company commenced arriving, and were received at the entrance by the Stewards, who ushered them to the ballroom, where they were presented to the Worshipful Master, John Southwell Brown, Esq., on the throne, surrounded by his officers dressed in superb Masonic costume. Dancing commenced at 10 o'clock, at which hour upwards of 200 guests had assembled, comprising the rank, beauty, and fashion of the county and city of Limerick, counties of Clare, Cork, and Tipperary, officers of the R. H. Artillery, 8th Hussars, 9th Lancers, 5th, 17th, 66th, 67th, 72nd, 75th, 77th, 83rd, and 85th Regiments, with those of her Majesty's steamers on the Shannon.

At one o'clock the happy company retired to the supper-room, from whence they returned in half an hour, when dancing was resumed, and kept up with spirit till an early hour of the morning. The Stewards were unremitting in their attention, and deserve much praise for the exceedingly satisfactory manner in which the festive arrangements were carried out.

STROKESTOWN.-Lodge 340.-Bro. Capt. Laurence, 41st Regiment, has been installed W. M. of this Lodge; and at a meeting held on the 22nd May, and adjourned to the 26th, Captain Gordon, 59th Regiment, Robert Francis Lascelles Jenner, 41st Regiment, and Colour-Sergeant Joseph Cooper, of the same, were duly initiated into Masonry, and

VOL. IV.

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afterwards passed to the second degree* by the W. M. Capt. Laurence. Several other Brethren were ballotted for. The Lodge has long been in a languishing condition, but from the various applications that have been made for admission from persons of the highest respectability, it is premised that before long a numerous and respectable Brotherhood will be enrolled under the banner of 340. The Warrant is a very old one, bearing date 1759, and signed by the Earl of Drogheda, the then Grand Master.

LONGFORD. The Longford Lodge, 76, have elected Major Edgeworth, of Kilshruly, a gentleman very much respected and looked up to in his neigbourhood. This Lodge is in a flourishing condition, and numbers fifty-six members. At a meeting held on the 27th, the Hon. S. F. Carew, 8th Hussars, was duly initiated into Freemasonry by Bro. Capt. Laurence, Grand Inspector General, at the desire of the Worshipful Master.

CORK.-23rd April.-The annual grand fancy and dress ball and supper, for the benefit of the Masonic Female Orphan Asylum, under the auspices of the Members of the First Lodge of Ireland, took place as usual in the Imperial Clarence Rooms, which were fitted up with the richest and most tasteful decorations for the occasion, and when filled with the gay votaries of fashion in all the variety of ladies' costumes, naval and military uniforms, and the rich decorations of the "Brotherhood," presented a most brilliant and imposing coup d'œil. The patronage was more numerous and distinguished than on any previous occasion. At half-past ten o'clock the Masonic Brethren, decorated with the gorgeous insignia of their respective orders, formed and proceeded in procession into the room, where the chair being taken by the Right Worshipful Master, Robert Atkins, Esq., of Waterpark, the Masonic salute was given, when dancing commenced, and polkas, gallopes, quadrilles and waltzes were kept up in unceasing succession. The company consisted of about five hundred, including all the beauty and fashion of the neighbourhood.__The orchestra was filled by the excellent band of her Majesty's ship Vanguard, whose services were tendered by Captain Willes, R. N. There was also an efficient quadrille band. At one o'clock the company adjourned to the great room of the Commercial Buildings, where supper was laid in a style of elegance and profusion. The Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 1 presided with dignity and tact, and the High Sheriff of the County ably filled the vice-chair. After supper the usual loyal toasts were given, and received with cordial enthusiasm. The only other toasts were "Prosperity to the Masonic Orphan Asylum," and "the Ladies," to which latter toast Dr. Lloyd responded in a humorous speech, declaring in the most emphatic manner that he was tired of single blessedness, and wished some of those lovely creatures around him would take his case into their favourable consideration. The party then returned to the ball-room, and dancing having been resumed was kept up with remarkable vigour till daybreak.

*This must be an error; such a Mason as Bro. Laurence would not initiate and pass the same Brother on the same day.-ED.

FOREIGN.*

Bros. R. and C. Chalmers, No. 8, Great St. James's-street, Montreal, are Agents for the "Freemasons' Quarterly Review," and will execute all communications. We confidently refer our subscribers, therefore, to our Brothers.

THE GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE ASYLUM FOR AGED AND DECAYED FREEMASONS most earnestly direct the attention of their Provincial and District Brethren to the state of the Funds of that excellent Institution, and trust, that by the aid of Lodges and private Contributions, the serious expenses to which the Charity has been subjected may be met by the kindness and liberality of the Craft.

Post Office Orders, Bank paper, or references on London Houses, will be thankfully acknowledged by the Bankers, MESSRS. PRESCOTT AND Co., 62, Threadneedle Street, London; the Treasurer, DR. CRUCEFIX, Grove, Gravesend, Kent; or the Secretary, ad interim, MR. JOHN WHITMORE, 125, Oxford Street, London.

FRANCE, Paris.-The Right Worshipful Brother Las Cases, Deputy G. M., has signified his intention of retiring owing to his age, and increasing infirmities.

Complaints have been made to the Grand Orient of France that gambling had been allowed in a Lodge in Villefranche, contrary to the Law of Masonry.

On the 5th of May the Grand Orient gave their decision upon the complaint made by the Lodge at Avignon, that at a recent meeting two of the Members had each introduced a friend, the one being an officer of the regiment of which the other was corporal; but that the conduct of the former was highly indecorous and improper to his equal in the Lodge. An admonition to behave more in keeping with his obligation for the future was sent to the officer.

Marseilles.-Bro. Gueidon's motion in the Lodge of "Perfect sincerity" that, on the days the Lodge meets, bread should be distributed to all the poor in the town, was unanimously carried, the first distribution took place at the last meeting. Considerable difficulty has been experienced in devising a plan to prevent Masons begging in this place, the propositions were-1st. To collect into one hand all the sums that have hitherto been given by Lodges and individuals, and empower the holder to give it as the objects require it; 2nd, To appoint a committee to investigate all applications, and, if satisfactory to obtain employment for the applicants; 3rd, To unite the two plans, and relieve with money for immediate use until work can be procured.

* As usual we are much indebted to our learned contemporaries, the editors of "Latomia," "the Freemasons' Magazine" (U.S.), and the "American Register," for much of our information.

Melun.-The children of Hiram having ascertained that a Member of the Lodge was in great difficulties, but that his pride prevented his making it known sent him, anonymously, a considerable sum of money, by which he has been enabled entirely to recover himself.

Rouen.-A lottery for the benefit of the funds took place, on the 27th of April, in the Town Hall, the profits amount to 700 francs. The two Lodges at Besançon will be united under one warrant from this time.

Berne.-"The Lodge of Hope" has notified by circular that the working, as there performed, is no longer applicable to the times; and, in future, essays on various subjects will be read. Attention is particularly directed to lectures on Natural History and the spirit of Freemasonry.

Lisbon. On the last day of the year, 5844, a Benevolent fund was commenced, which amounted within six months to 16,870 francs, upwards of £700; 2240 francs were distributed in casual relief. At present three distressed Brethren, two widows, and three orphans are receiving regular stipends, besides which three orphan girls are being educated at the cost of the Brethren. The above fund is called Synhedrio. Independent of this Charity the Philanthropic Lodge has instituted a Charity Fund in the Lodge, which already exceeds 750 francs. The Members have decided to divide the receipts of the next three years of the Lodge into three equal parts, one to be invested to form a relief fund, one for casual and immediate aid, and one for expenses.

GERMANY, Altona.-In consequence of the town improvements the house in which the Lodge "Charles of the Rock" hitherto has held its meetings, was some time ago razed, and no other convenient place having been found, it has been determined to build a locale for Masonic purposes, which, it is hoped, will be opened within the year.

The following German Lodges have, through written documents, made known their sentiments upon the subject of religion, as connected with Freemasonry. They are all opposed to the introduction or continuation of any such doctrines. Nuremburg, Breslaw, Stuttgard, Treeves, Cologne, Birkenfeld, Worms, Goslar, Bayreuth, Erlangen, Konigsberg, Kyritz, Sorau, Dresden, &c.

Berlin.-The Grand Lodge of Berlin, named "The Three Globes," held its centenary, on the 24th of June, 1844.

The three Grand Lodges of Prussia have come to the conclusion to have representatives at each other's meetings. The Grand Lodge Royal York of Friendship will send a negative to the demand of the English Freemasons to admit bearers of English certificates without religious distinctions. The Lodge at Dantzig holding warrant under the Royal York Grand Lodge decline to admit the power of their Grand Lodge to break the ancient Landmarks, and will admit all duly certified Masons.

Bielefeld.-A warrant for a new Lodge has been issued for this place, to be called "German Faithfulness." A new Lodge is likewise opened in Detmold, named "The Rose in the Teutonburg Forest."

Dusseldorf-A circular makes us acquainted with the gratifying intelligence that the interest of the money invested by the Lodge "Three United," is now sufficient to relieve necessitous cases.

Erlangen.-The Lodge "Lebanon to the three Cedars" has founded a fund for relieving widows and orphans of Freemasons, originally proposed by the Master, Brother Leutbrecher, in the year 1842.