NEWCASTLE. The brethren of St. Peter's Lodge, 706, held their anniversary in their lodge-room on St. Peter's Day, when the brethren were installed officers for the ensuing year; viz., Bro. F. Cochrane, W. M., Bro. John Cooke, S. W., Bro. J. Dove, Treasurer.

LEICESTER, June 23.-The John of Gaunt Lodge celebrated their festival, when Bro. H. Harding was duly installed W. M. for the ensuing year. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Sir F. G. Fowke, Bart., honoured the brethren with his presence on the occasion, and the lodge was also attended by the W. M. and some of the brethren of the St. John's Lodge, including Past Masters Cooke, Wheeler, Pratt, Mavius, &c. A splendid jewel was presented by the brethren to Bro. Kelly, the first W. M. and founder of the lodge, as an appropriate token of respect and esteem for his unremitting assiduity and unwearied zeal in establishing and conducting the lodge to a position at once satisfactory and creditable. The new W. M. accompanied the presentation with an address characterised by true gentlemanly feeling, to which Bro. Kelly suitably replied. Bro. Broadbent (who had presented the lodge with a handsome model of the Newarke gateway, and a corbel whereon to place it) received the thanks of the brethren, beautifully written on board, framed and glazed. The harmony of the evening was greatly enhanced by the songs and glees of Bros. Mavius, Windram, and Gibson of St. John's Lodge, and by those sung by Bros. Harding, Stallard, and Hardy, of the John of Gaunt's. All retired highly gratified with their evening's amusement.

July 18.-A meeting of the Augustine's Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was held at the Three Crowns' Hotel. Comp. Kelly, M. E. Z., presided, supported by Comp. Crouch, H., and Sir F. G. Fowke, Bart., as J. Several brethren were exalted into this degree, and the election of officers for the ensuing year took place, when Sir F. G. Fowke, Bart., D. P. G. M., was unanimously elected as M. E. Z.

July 26.—The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire was held at the Three Crowns' Hotel. Sir F. G. Fowke, Bart., D. P. G. M., in the absence of Lord Rancliffe, presided as P. G. M. supported by Bros. Kelly, P. P. G. S. W., as D. P. G. M., T. H. Wheeler, P. G. S. W., &c. Letters were read from Lord Rancliffe, P. G. M., and Earl Howe, P. G. M. for Warwickshire, expressing their regret that they were unable to attend; the former on account of illhealth, and the latter from important business in town. The Grand Officers for the ensuing year were appointed. We were much gratified at observing the greatly improved health of the worthy and highly respected D. P. G. M., Sir F. G. Fowke, Bart., the oldest subscribing member, we believe, of the Order in Leicester, and to whom Masonry in the province is much indebted. The returns from both lodges in Leicester were highly satisfactory; from the other lodges in the province no returns were received.

NEATH, GLAMORGANSHIRE, August 8.-This small but spirited town, was the scene of unusual gaiety and enjoyment, in consequence of that day having been fixed upon for holding here a Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons for the eastern district of the province of South Wales. The church bells sounded merry peals at intervals during the day; and not only were the brethren in excellent spirits, but all the inhabitants seemed prepared to make this a day of enjoyment.

On the late resignation of Bro. Sir J John Guest, Bart., M. P., the P. G. M. for South Wales, the M. W. the Grand Master separated the province into two divisions, and appointed Bro. Edward John Hutchins, Esq., of Dowlais House, nephew of Bro. Sir John Guest, P. G. M. of the eastern, and Bro. the Right Hon. the Lord Milford P. G. M. of the western division. The occasion which we now record was fixed upon by the P. G. M. of the eastern division for his installation, and for the dedication of the handsome new hall now just completed by the spirited brethren of the Cambrian Lodge, No. 472. The latter event deserves especial notice, because it is, we believe, the only building in the principality erected for the purposes of Freemasonry; and the brethren of the Cambrian Lodge are entitled to the highest praise for having set so laudable an example to their brethren amongst the Cymry. We trust that their zeal for the interests of the Craft will soon be imitated by other lodges in the province, who are in want of similar accommodation. Lodge was duly opened by the senior lodge of the province, in ancient form, about ten o'clock, A. M., soon after which the P. G. Lodge was formed in another room. The members entered and took their places. The ceremony of installation of the P. G. M., and afterwards of his Deputy, was then performed by Bro. W. Done Bushell, Past D.P.G. M. for Bristol, assisted by Bro. F. D. Michael, P. G. D. C., in the most impressive manner, and according to strict precedent. When the appointment, election, and investment of the different P. G. officers had been completed, the brethren formed in procession, marshalled under the able direction of Bro. Michael, and, preceded by an excellent band of music, walked to the parish church, where, after prayers, an admirable sermon was delivered to them and to a crowded and attentive congregation, by the P. G. Chaplain, Bro. the Rev. David Jeffreys, who was afterwards, both in lodge and at the banquet, complimented and warmly thanked for his excellent address, which no one, whether a Mason or not, could hear without being deeply and beneficially impressed.

It should be remarked that before proceeding to church it was suggested by Bro. Done Bushell, that a small collection should be made for the poor, which was done, and a sum of nearly five pounds was presented to the rector, with a request that he would kindly distribute the same to those whom he should consider as the most deserving. The progress of the brethren, to and from attending divine service, appeared to excite unusual interest, which was much increased by the splendid new clothing of the P. G. officers, in particular the banners, the music, the fineness of the day, the ringing of the bells, and, above all, by the lovely and happy faces, and the gay colours of the dresses, exhibited by the ladies at the windows of every house in the line of the procession. It is due also to the inhabitants of the town to observe, that, although the streets were so crowded along the whole distance, as to leave the brethren no more room than was necessary to pass two abreast, the strictest decorum was observed by the people, and not one instance of ridicule, much less of insult, is known to have occurred.

On returning to the lodge, the ceremony of dedicating the hall was performed, by the able assistance of Bros. Done Bushell and Michael; to both of whom the brethren were much indebted for their zealous services on this auspicious occasion. After the conclusion of the business of the P. G. Lodge, and after an interesting and well-timed admonition and instruction from the P. G. Master, Bro. Done Bushell, and Bro. Michael, the brethren separated until six o'clock, when they re-assem

bled to partake of a substantial repast at Bro. Savoni's, the Castle Hotel. The usual loyal and fraternal toasts were drank after dinner, and some very eloquent addresses delivered by the P. G. Master (whose zeal for the Craft and friendly bearing towards every one have already made him popular with the brethren); by Bros. W. Done Bushell; F. D. Michael; G.E. Aubrey; J. Lloyd, W. M., No. 43; J. L. White, W. M. No. 127; M. Whittington, W. M. No. 472, and others.

The evening closed with general expressions of mutual congratulation on the events of a day which had been spent in rational and the most friendly intercourse, which not a single contretemps had occurred to disturb.

MONMOUTH, April 13.-Loyal Monmouth Lodge, No. 671.-The brethren of this lodge met at their lodge-room to instal their W. M. elect Bro. John E. R. Rolls. There was a large muster on the occasion, including some from the Silurian Lodge at Newport. The ceremony was superintended and ably performed by Bro. Joshua Williams, P.M. whose masterly style of discharging his onerous duties excited much admiration. After the ceremony, the brethren adjourned to Bro. Evans', Beaufort Arms' Hotel, where the banquet was prepared.

After dinner, the W. MASTER rose and said, "Brethren, the first toast in every assembly of Englishmen, and especially in every assembly of loyal Masons, is the health of Our Gracious and wellbeloved Sovereign,' to which I am sure every heart and voice will cordially and unitedly respond." "The most Worshipful Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland;" "The Deputy Grand Master, the Earl of Yarborough ;" and "The Provincial Grand Master for Monmouthshire, Colonel Tynte," were given in succession, and drunk with masonic honours.

Bro. KING then said, "Brethren, I rise to perform a gratifying dutyto propose to you the health of that brother whom we have this day installed as our Worshipful Master. Brethren, I should have hesitated to have taken this duty upon myself, had not the worth, the spirit, and the good feeling exhibited by that brother in every relation of society as a friend, as a neighbour, as a man, and as a Mason, been well known and highly appreciated by all now present. Brethren, if Masonry has a true friend, there is one to be found in our Worshipful Master. If this lodge has reason to boast of an era in its history, it will be in the election of our Worshipful Master. Let us then show our feeling of attachment to him. Let us show that we value his elevation to our presidential chair by drinking most heartily to his good health."

The W. MASTER, on rising, was received with renewed applause. He said, “Brethren, I sincerely thank you for the hearty expression of feeling which you have just evinced; and for your having this day done me the honour of electing me your Worshipful Master. Whilst I hold that position, brethren, I shall hope to do all that you require and expect of me. I hope that I shall never be found backward when the good of your lodge, and the good of Masonry is to be promoted. There is only one drawback to my feeling of satisfaction and delight, and that is I fear I shall be too frequently absent from home to pay that arduous attention to my duties which their importance demands. But, whenever I am wanted, brethren, you will always find me ready; and I have the satisfaction of knowing that there are many in your lodge whose ability to act as my sub

stitute on those occasions on which I may be unable to attend, far exceeds what I could possibly evince. Brethren, I beg again to thank you for the honour you have conferred upon me; and to wish you all health, happiness, and prosperity."

"The health of the late Worshipful Master, Bro. Swift, and the P. Master, Bro. Joshua Williams," was then proposed, and feelingly responded to by Bro. Williams. "The health of the Treasurer of the Lodge, Bro. H. Dyke," was next proposed. In responding to it, he said, that all that the brethren had to do was to get plenty of money for him, and he would take good care to spend it-he meant for the benefit of the lodge, and the progress of Masonry. Bro. Chillcott's health as Secretary was then drunk, and amusingly responded to. The worthy brother took the opportunity of enforcing the claims of the masonic charities on the notice of the brethren.

Several other toasts were proposed and songs sung, the brethren maintaining the hilarity of the evening until a late hour.

HAYLE, July 31.-The Deputy Prov. Grand Master of Cornwall, Bro. Ellis, constituted a lodge at the populous and growing town of Hayle, a charter for which was obtained many years since, but owing to various unavoidable circumstances, it could not be carried into effect till now. The business of the meeting, we are informed, was performed, with all the usual solemnities, the D.P.G.M. being assisted by that active Mason, Bro. R. Pearce, Mayor of Penzance, and Bro. Callender, P.G. Officer, of Bristol. The officers appointed were Bro. Nicholl, of Treglessen, Master, and Bros. Crotch, Dupeer, Woolcock, West, &c. It is very appropriately named the Cornubian Lodge.

TRURO, August 29.-The annual festival of the Prov. Grand Lodge of Cornwall was held. About ten o'clock, the Freemasons assembled in the Council Hall, and soon afterwards the Provincial Grand Master of Cornwall, Sir Charles Lemon, Bart., was escorted thither from the Royal Hotel, and the Lodge was immediately tyled and formed. About eleven o'clock Bro. Rogers, the P. G. Director of Ceremonies, and Bro. Dixon, the P. G. Pursuivant, marshalled the procession, which, accompanied by a band, proceeded to St. Mary's church. The brethren appeared in full masonic costume, wearing white gloves, and the P. G. Officers, past and present, wore the full dress purple collars and clothing. At the church, the brethren were met by the Rev. W. W. Harvey, the rector of St. Mary's, and the curates, the Rev. H. B. Bullocke and the Rev. W. Morgan. There was a numerous congregation, the officiating clergymen being the Rev. W. W. Harvey and the Rev. H. B. Bullocke. A beautiful and appropriate anthem was performed, taken from the 133rd Psalm, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." The sermon was preached by the P. G. Chaplain, the Rev. Henry Grylls, the vicar of St. Neot, from Genesis i. 3-" And God said, let there be light, and there was light." The sermon was an excellent discourse, inculcating the duties of the brotherhood in every station of life, and conveying a sound moral lesson to all the hearers. After divine service the brethren returned in the same order of procession as before, and on their arriving at the Council Hall, the Provincial Grand Lodge was constituted, the P. G. Officers for the ensuing year were installed and invested with the various insignia of their offices, and the annual ceremonies were discharged according to ancient usage.

After the installation of the Provincial Grand Officers, a masonic

address, including the statistics of the Order in Cornwall for the past one hundred years, was then delivered by the Deputy P. G. M., Bro. Ellis after which the P. G. L. was closed, and the procession was again formed, the brethren proceeding to the banquet at the Assembly Room. The room, was decorated with evergreens and banners, and the different emblems of Freemasonry, formed in dahlias, were suspended over the chairs of some of the principal officers, the materials for the decorations having been furnished by several gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood. The banquet was provided by Bro. Farquharson, of the Red Lion Hotel. Nearly eighty brethren partook of the feast, the Provincial Grand Master presiding, supported by the different Provincial Officers in their respective places.

Grace having been said by the P. G. Chaplain, and the cloth removed, the P. G. M. Sir Charles Lemon, Bart., proposed "the health of her Majesty the Queen," observing that it would be an affront to them and an indignity to her if he were to preface that toast with any remarks. (Cheers.) As they were rather a more mixed company than usual, it was deemed expedient not to adopt the masonic forms of doing honour to the toasts, but they would drink with three cheers in the ordinary way. (Drank with loud cheering.)

The P. G. M. said he gave them the next toast not only as Englishmen and Freemasons, but also as Cornishmen. He proposed "the health of the Duke of Cornwall," to whom they all owed allegiance.

The P. G. Stewards, Brothers Chilcott and Heard, now introduced into the room a very large number of ladies, whom the brethren invited to be seated, offering them fruit and wine. So large a number, however, had entered that a great many remained standing, and the gallery was also occupied. The presence of the ladies, amongst whom were many of pre-eminent beauty, formed an animating scene of no ordinary character.

The P. G. M. next proposed "the health of the Lord Warden and the rest of the Royal Family."

The P. G. M. then said" Brethren, the ladies are now kind enough to favour us with their company, but as I am afraid they are rather inconveniently placed, I take the liberty of departing from the usual course of our toasts in order to take the earliest opportunity of proposing their health. (Cheers.) Ladies, we have taken the liberty of requesting you to favour us with your company, that we might have the pleasure of drinking your health in your own presence. We always gladly avail ourselves of this opportunity, and it is the only one in which we can ask you to join in our ceremonies or our festivities. The rest of our business is, as you are aware, conducted with closed doors, within which none are admitted but those who form a constituent part of our brotherhood. For this exclusion, I beg to assure you, that we have cogent reasons in no way arising from an unwillingness to acknowledge the great pleasure and moral improvement to be derived from your society. (Cheers.) But we are bound by rigid rules from which we cannot depart, and these rules are the result of circumstances which necessarily arose from the foundation of Freemasonry itself. (Hear, hear.) If you look at its early history, you will see how naturally this exclusion became a part of the constitution of our body, applied as it has always been, not to your sex alone, but to all parties who have not been regularly admitted to the full knowledge and participation of our mysteries. In times long gone by,