lord he was more particularly indebted, inasmuch as he had placed him in the situation he then held, and thus put him in the way of receiving from them such flattering remarks of fraternal regard. (Applause.) With reference to the remarks made by the Prov. Grand Master on the conduct of the Lodges, he should always feel it an incumbent duty to carry out the instructions he received. He considered the introduction of political or religious feeling as unmasonic and destructive of the very bonds by which their harmony and usefulness were maintained. (Applause.) He had now been a Freemason for about half a century, he was going to say, but at any rate for forty odd years, and in the whole course of that time he never saw in any Lodge with which he was connected a disposition to invade the proper duties of the Lodge; harmony and fraternal regard were always maintained, and those were the very bonds of their union. He concluded by reiterating his thanks, and resumed his seat amidst loud applause.

"Bro. Drinkwater, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Western Lancashire," with the usual honours.

Bro. DRINKWATER acknowledged the compliment.

The PROV. GRAND MASTER proposed the health of the Rev. J. Taylor, the Prov. Grand Chaplain, with thanks to him for his admirable sermon. He was glad their reverend Brother had consented to allow them to print it. (Loud applause.)

The PROV. GRAND CHAPLAIN responded in an eloquent speech on the nature of Masonic toleration, which knew neither nation, clime, complexion, nor creed. He disclaimed for his sermon any pretensions to merit; if it contained anything worthy of notice, he was indebted for his knowledge on the subject to some excellent works lent him by the Prov. Grand Registrar. He trusted that in the present rage for making proselytes to Masonry, it would never be forgotten that in making a man a Mason they were conferring a favour on him, not him on them; a sentiment which was received with much applause.

The DEPUTY PROV. GRAND MASTER, in a neat and complimentary speech, proposed the health of the Hon. Wellington Cotton, which was drank with great enthusiasm; and the hon. Brother responded in an appropriate speech.

The PROV. GRAND MASTER then gave" the Provincial Grand Officers." Bro. MOODY, Provincial Grand Registrar, in the absence of Bro. Baker, the Provincial Grand Senior Warden, responded to the toast for himself and his colleagues.

The PROV. GRAND MASTER next gave in a bumper," the Master and Brethren of the Mersey Lodge, with thanks for their services on this occasion."

Bro. KENT, the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, acknowledged the toast in a brief but pointed speech. He concluded by saying that the Officers and Brethren of the Lodge felt themselves highly honoured by the visit paid them by his lordship and the Grand Lodge, and that it was a day which would be long remembered in the annals of Birkenhead. The PROV. GRAND MASTER then gave "Bro. J. Hess, and the Adelphi Lodge, Liverpool."

Bro. Hess, Provincial Grand Junior Warden for West Lancashire, and a Past Master of the Adelphi Lodge, No. 35, acknowledged the compliment.

"The Masters and Lodges of the province of Cheshire."

The PROV. GRAND MASTER next gave "the health of Bro. Mostyn and the visitors."

Bro. MOSTYN acknowledged the compliment, as did also Bro. ALFRED WATSON, Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden of West Yorkshire. The latter Brother, who is an old Craftsman of twenty years standing, and one of the Birkenhead Commissioners, in expatiating upon the advantages of Masonry, described very graphically the honours showered upon him during a Masonic tour in Scotland. He said he had witnessed on the previous evening the initiation of two of the Commissioners of Birkenhead, and expressed an opinion that the ancient Order was becoming exceedingly popular in that locality. He concluded with some facetious remarks, which excited great laughter.

Several other toasts were drank, after which the Lodge was closed by command of the Right Worshipful Prov. Grand Master. His lordship then proceeded by special train to Chester.

About ten o'clock, a considerable number of the younger Brethren adjourned to the Town Hall to enjoy the pleasures of the dance. The ball was exceedingly select, but the attendance was not quite so numerous as would probably have been the case if this part of the proceedings had been announced earlier. The music was excellent; the refreshments of the most recherche description, and the whole arrangements reflected the highest credit upon Bros. Rabey and Breakey, who officiated as stewards.

In concluding our report, we may say with truth that, with sundry trifling allowances to be made for the insufficiency of room at the banquet, the whole affair went off in the most satisfactory manner, to the high honour of the Birkenhead Masons, and more particularly to those who undertook the onerous duties of its management. The musical and vocal arrangements were first-rate.

We understand that the next Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at Stockport, early in the ensuing year.

CARMARTHEN.-St. Peter's Lodge, No. 699.-The members of this Lodge have, through the representation of Bro. Ribbans, transmitted the sum of 128, 6d. towards the fund for Mrs. Crook's portrait.

It is high time to hold a Provincial Grand Lodge in this province, being now some years since a meeting took place.

We talk of doing something for the Asylum for Aged Masons.

EXETER.-The Freemasons of this county are about to present a testimonial to the Right Hon. Earl Fostescue, the head of the Craft in the West of England,-an office he has filled for twenty-six years.

TAUNTON, Nov. 4.-Lodge No. 327 nominated Bro. Dr. Woodforde as their Worshipful Master for the ensuing year, and Bro. Charles Lake, Treasurer. Bro. Eales White has been solicited to continue those services, as Secretary, which have benefitted the Lodge for so many years. The Brethren mustered in considerable numbers, for the purpose of doing ample honour to the reception of their W. M., Bro. Tucker, of Coryton Park, who has been elevated to the high position of Provincial G. Master for Dorset. The Right Wor. Brother was received with full honours; he kindly accepted the offer of the chair, and conducted, in his usual able manner, the work of the evening, including the passing of Bro. Chalmers (son of Sir Charles Chalmers) to the degree of a fellowcraft. We subjoin a copy of the address of congratulation which this

Lodge (with many others) presented to Bro. Tucker on his appointment as Provincial Grand. Master for Dorset. A deputation from the Lodge, viz.-Bros. Eales White, Capt. Maher, and F. May, were selected to present the address, which was received as affectionately as it was presented, and elicited a truly Masonic reply :

ADDRESS to our Right Worshipful Brother, William Tucker, Esq., of Coryton Park, Provincial Grand Master for Dorset.-WE, the Officers and Members of the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity, No. 327, Taunton, request permission to mingle our hearty and fraternal congratulations with those which have been so abundantly offered to you on an event which tends to secure the comforts and advantages of Brotherly intercourse in the western provinces, namely, that of your recent elevation to the Masonic chair of the province of Dorset. We felt assured that your untiring efforts in promoting the benefits of Freemasonry, your industry and skill in carrying out its various workings, and your zeal in the instruction and welfare of all who heartily embrace it, would receive its honourable reward, and we rejoice now in this opportunity of hailing you, Right Worshipful Brother, as the parental adviser, as well as ruler, of an important and distinguished province. We bear in lively and grateful recollection, that the rays of Masonic light first shed its influence on you in this our Lodge, in which your progressive steps were guided and nurtured, and over which you have twice presided, much to the gratification and advantage of its members. We sincerely congratulate our Brethren of the sister province on an event which promises to them a continuance of that high position in the Craft which all good Masons are emulous of obtaining; and we earnestly pray, in all fidelity, that the Most High will assist you by His grace, to carry out the fraternal desires of your heart, in behalf of the venerable and venerated Order, which you have ever so ably advocated, and illustrated by precept and example, and that you may be spared in all health and happiness for very many years, to employ the power and the honors which are now vested in you to your own comfort and the advantage and instruction of the entire "bond of Brotherhood," of which you are so distinguished a member.

Signed on behalf, and by desire, of the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity,

EALES WHITE, P. M., Secretary.
FREDERIC MAY, Acting W. M.
M. C. MAHER, P. M.

F. W. WOODEFORDE, M. D., S. W.
CHARLES WAGHORN, J. W.

REPLY. My dear Sirs and Brothers,-Allow me to beg you to express to the Officers and Brethren of the Taunton Lodge, my sincere thanks for the very kind and flattering mark of esteem and affection which you have this day forwarded to me.

I assure you I shall ever regard this address from my mother Lodge, on my appointment as Provincial Grand Master of the county of Dorset, as one of the most valuable and honourable of my Masonic jewels.

Freemasonry has a deep and firm hold on my heart and affections; and for this reason I am fully convinced that in Freemasonry are to be found all those moral, social, and religious principles, which, if carefully studied in the first place, and in the next acted up to, must tend to make

us good and, consequently, happy in this world, and thus we shall be strengthened to look forward, with a humble confidence, to a blessed immortality.

I can never forget, that in the Taunton Lodge I first saw Masonic light; and this, independently of any other circumstance, will always cause me to love and revere it, and to pray that the Great Architect of the universe may shower down His choicest blessings on it, and every individual Brother within its sanctuary.

Believe me, my dear Sirs and Brothers.
Your faithful friend and Brother,
WILLIAM TUCKER.

To Bros. Capt. Charles Martin Maher, P. M., Frederick May, P. M.,

John Eales White, P. M. (327.)

The installation of Dr. Woodforde as W. M. will be conducted by the Prov. G. M. for Dorset, Bro. Tucker, P. M. of the Lodge, and it is expected that Col. Tynte, P. G. M. for Somerset will also be present.

YEOVIL.-The ceremony of initiating several new members, among whom was the celebrated Oriental traveller and divine, the Rev. Dr. Wolff, in the Lodge of Brotherly Love, was conducted by the W. M. Bro. E. J. Lathan, P. P. G. W. There were present on this highly interesting occasion upwards of fifty Brethren from various Lodges; amongst whom was Brother the D. P. G. M. for Dorset. The Rev. and worthy Dr. Wolff having passed through the ceremony of initiation, was most warmly and cordially greeted and congrutulated by the whole of the Brethren assembled, who look upon him as a person likely to shed great lustre on the Craft, from his extensive information, and his intimate acquaintance with the languages and customs of the East, from which part it is known that the science of Masonry found its way into this country. After the Lodge was called to refreshment, the Rev. Doctor, on returning thanks for his health, which was proposed by the W. M., observed that he had long wished to join the Order, and that he felt fully convinced many of the great dangers and difficulties he had experienced during his travels in the East would have been mitigated, if not entirely prevented, had he, before that period, been a Freemason; as he was frequently asked during his travels if he belonged to the Order, and that he firmly believed had he been one of the Craft he should have met with protection and brotherly assistance in many quarters where, instead of it, he had experienced insult and danger.

BRISTOL, Aug. 18.-Beaufort Lodge, No. 120, held at the Freemasons' Hall, Bridge-st., Bristol, Bro. Samuel Edward Taylor, W. M., in the chair, presented, in an eloquent and truly Masonic address, an elaborately chased Silver Inkstand to Bro. Joseph John Evans, P. M. and P.G.S.D. (surgeon of this city), bearing the following inscription-" Presented by the Brethren of the Beaufort Lodge, No. 120, Bristol, to Bro. Joseph J. Evans, P. M., as a mark of their esteem and regard; and also in token of the able services rendered by him to the Lodge. Samuel Edward Taylor, W. M., A. D. 1846, A. L. 5850." Brother Evans thanked the Brethren for the honour they had conferred on him, in a feeling and highly appropriate address, which was received with much applause. Bro. Evans's Masonic acquirements are of the highest order.

Oct. 1.-CAUTION.-A spurious Lodge of Freemasons exists in this city, and men professing to be made Masons therein frequently present

themselves for admission to regularly constituted Lodges of Freemasons. It is, therefore, most desirable that Masters of Lodges do not admit any Mason into their Lodges on proof alone, nor unless he produces his Grand Lodge certificate, or is credibly vouched for.

GOSPORT, Oct. 6.-The Provincial Grand Lodge, under the direction of the R. W. Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Charles Ewens Deacon, Esq. (acting for the R. W. the Grand Master, Sir Lucius Curtis, bart., second in command in the Mediterranean), assembled, accompanied by the Masters, Officers, and Members of the principal Lodges in the province. The Town-hall was appropriated for the occasion, and shortly after ten o'clock the proceedings of the Provincial Grand Lodge were commenced; and about two hundred and fifty of the members proceeded shortly afterwards to attend divine worship at Trinity Church. The memory of the late Earl of Yarborough deprived the meeting of the presence of the Brethren from the Isle of Wight, whose attendance on similar occasions has generally been very numerous. The day was beautifully fine, and the streets through which the procession passed were thronged with spectators, on foot and at the windows, and not the least portion was ladies, who, notwithstanding the antipathy of some of them to "the secrets" of Masonry, could not resist the pleasure of gratifying their Masonic friends and "lords" by their presence. Prayers were read by the Rev. William Bingham; after which a truly Masonic and very eloquent sermon, from the 3rd chapter 1st epistle of St. John, 14th verse, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the Brethren," was preached by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, the Rev. T. T. Haverfield, B. D., rector of Goddington, Oxford. The P. G. Organist, Bro. P. Klitz, presided with great effect at the organ. A collection followed, which was divided between the Masonic and the local charities of Gosport.

The procession then re-formed, and returned to the Town-hall, where the business of the Grand Lodge was resumed. The D. P. Grand Master then congratulated the Brethren on the state and prospects of Masonry within the province, and expressed his gratification at its steady progress. Votes of thanks followed-to the Rev. Wm. Bingham, for the use of his church; to Colonel Baumgardt, of 2nd Guards, and Colonel Jones, of the Royal Marines; to the choir, and others; and the D. P. Grand Master then proceeded to appoint his Officers for the ensuing year.

Some other business having been transacted, amongst which was, that Romsey should have the honour next year of receiving and entertaining the Grand Lodge. The proceedings then terminated.

At five o'clock, the members of the Grand Lodge, and of others, in the province, assembled to dine at the Crown Hotel, the chair being occupied by Charles E. Deacon, Esq., the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, supported by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, and the other Officers of the Grand Lodge.

Dinner being ended, and grace said by the P. G. Chaplain,

The R. W. DEPUTY PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER, observed, that to them the mere mention of their Sovereign was sufficient to awaken their enthusiasm, and without further observation he would give them "The Queen and the Craft."

The next toast was, "The Queen Dowager, the patroness of the Girls' Masonic Charity."