If

stands as a noble monument of the charity of its founder, is, at the same time, most creditable to the architect who designed it: presenting itself with the modest and tasteful decorations of that art--the dying sparks of which were cherished and revived, through a long period of gross darkness, which, for so many ages, overspread the whole civilized world. It is to the pious care, and learning, and careful industry of your society, that we, in a great measure, owe the preservation and revival of that art, which gives beauty and magnificence to our public buildings, and graces —adorns—and beautifies our peaceful and happy homes !—(Cheers.) I feel proud of the existence of this institution for the aged poor, I feel no reason to be less proud of that which is now in progress before us. The sums which have been raised for its building reflect the highest credit upon the contributors; but it would be no easy task to estimate the advantages which it is capable of disseminating throughout the whole of this parish. The present church-school accommodation admits only thirty daily pupils, all boys-the new national school is calculated for three hundred daily scholars of both sexes, to be instructed and educated, not only on such branches of human learning, as may better qualify them for the fulfilment of their duties in their respective stations-but also in that learning which is above all price—in the knowledge of the revealed will of God!- (Cheers.)

The Rev. BENJAMIN MATURIN (curate of Ringwood) then came forward and said,- Right worshipful sir, brethren and friends assembled, -As we are on an occasion at once so interesting and solemn-to lay the foundation-stone of our Ringwood national school, it may perhaps be expected that I, occupying as I do at present the position of a minister of the parish, a member of the committee, and having the honour to be a member of the ancient and glorious art of Free and Accepted Masons, should give utterance to those feelings that will naturally fill the heart of every true Mason, and of every sincere Christian, and, sir, I am free to confess that I never did stand forth on any occasion with a heart so full of sincere and of Christian gratitude; indeed, it is difficult to restrain the glad emotions of Christian joy that are ready to burst from the heart and tongue, upon the contemplation of the auspicious commencement of the glorious work of this happy day. The scene by which we are surrounded is truly animating; the ground upon which we stand I had almost said is holy ground. If, Reverend Sir, (turning towards the Rev. T. T. Haverfield) I cannot say with you in your excellent and eloquent discourse that this is "the House of God," I can almost say that it is “the Gate of Heaven." There (pointing to the alms-houses) is an asylum for the aged; here is a seminary of learning for the young; there is a monument of the benevolent and charitable feeling of one who rests from his labour, here is to be erected a lasting memorial of the liberal benevolence of those by whom I am surrounded. I stand as it were between the living and the dead: I am surrounded by the members of the ancient and glorious Order of Free and Accepted Masons,-truly, Sir, this scene is animating-(cheers). The occasion on which we are assembled is at once interesting and solemn. Yes, Sir, I am anxious to leave upon the mind of this vast assembly the impression that we have this day been engaged in a solemn work. The voice of God in the work of creation, as this day read in your hearing, is still sounding in your ears," Let there be light, and there was light." The darkness that brooded over the face of an uninhabited chaos was dissipated, and a thousand bright orbs started into existence, studding the surface of the heavenly sphere,

one star differing from another star in glory." On this day the foundation-stone of a building has been laid, which is to be a standing and a lasting monumental proof of the triumph of the liberality and charitable spirit of the inhabitants of this parish. Yes, men of Ringwood, beloved friends, and brethren, gaze with feelings of rapturous pride and pleasure on this stone which we have laid; it stands, and shall stand for ages yet unknown, as the undying record—as the lasting memorial of your generous liberality. Oh! where is the man whose heart would not swell with feelings of rapturous pleasure and pride upou the contemplation of the auspicious commencement of the work of this day? If such there be

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But, sir, I cast my eyes around upon the mighty throng by which we are surrounded, and believing that there is not a man who is not animated by the feelings I describe, I cry out again, it is a proud and a glorious day for Ringwood-(great cheering). But once more, sir, I would say, this is a hopeful occasion. May not one, sir, be permitted to throw forward their minds into the future, and picture to themselves the happy contrast that shall exist between the rising generation and that by which they have been preceded. I bring no railing accusation" against the deeds of our predecessors; but this much I may be permitted to say, that Ringwood has heretofore been in woful want of the means of instruction for youth. It shall not be so for the future. The children of Ringwood have at all times been (I am persuaded by what I see) like Moses of old, "exceeding fair," but alas! like Moses, they have been confined in an ark of bulrushes on the waters, but this day we come down, like the daughter of Pharaoh, we listen to the cry of the child, we rescue him from the waters, we burst the bulrushes and bring forth the child to gaze upon the light of heaven, and may we not be permitted to hope that when they grow up they will prove fair specimens of the meekness of Moses. Oh! this is a pleasing anticipation-(cheers.) And now, men and brethren, children of the stock of Hiram, and all amongst you that profess the ancient art of Masonry, give ear. This foundation-stone has this day been laid by you, and as every stone in a sound building must be built on the foundation-stone and cemented to its fellow stone that the building may be compact, so, brethren, is it in the spiritual building, every lively stone must be united by faith to its fellow stone, and then it is that it will grow up a holy temple to the praise of the great Architect of the Universe. And, oh! is not this the principle of our glorious art-brotherly love: let brotherly love continue." Finally, I would address myself to one and all, to young and old, high and low, rich and poor, and I would say from this day and on this spot all hearts must be united. The rich have here given generous proof that they care for the poor; the poor should see to it that they respect and honour the rich. This stone has this day been laid as a monument of love and friendship; it is a watch-tower of eternal friendship between all classes. It is what Jacob (in the 31st chapter of Genesis) calls "Mizpah." Its meaning is this-The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another. Surely then every heart will join in this fer

vent prayer to the God of heaven, "Prosper thou the work of our hands; oh! prosper thou our handy work." So mote it be. (Enthusiastic cheers.) The Doxology was then sung, the words being given out by the P. G. Chaplain.

After this, the band played the National Anthem, which was sung by all present, and after three hearty cheers for the Queen, the procession left the field in the same order as on its arrival.

The Masons on reaching the Crown Inn, entered in inverted order, and the business of the Provincial Grand Lodge was resumed on the doors of the lodge room being close tiled.

The resumed business of the lodge.-The several lodges having been formed under their respective banners, the Grand Lodge entered in procession, headed by the Grand Master and his Steward and Sword-bearer, on which the brethren rose and received them with every demonstration of respect. The lodge was then opened in due form with solemn prayer. The minutes of the last Grand Lodge were read and confirmed.

The W. Masters of the several lodges, headed by the Deputy Grand Master, brother Deacon, advanced to the pedestal, and deputed him to offer to the Grand Master the earnest and heartfelt congratulations of the several lodges on his presence that day, and to request to be permitted to have recorded on their proceedings a resolution expressive of their grateful feelings and satisfaction on the happy events which was agreed to amidst the warmest acclamation, and was acknowledged by Sir Lucius Curtis in the kindest and most fraternal expressions.

Letters from the R. W. John Simeon, M. P., Grand Master of the Isle of Wight, and the R. W. Bro. Tucker, of Coryton Park, Grand Master of Dorset, regretting their inability to attend, were read, and ordered to be entered on the proceedings.

The Treasurer, Bro. P. M. Thomas Slade, submitted his accounts, shewing a balance in hand of 1337. 5s. 1d., and a statement of the proceedings of the Committee of Benevolence, who, amongst others, dispensed an annuity of 10 per annum to the aged widow of a former worthy member of the Royal Gloucester Lodge.

Brother P. M. Slade was then re-elected Treasurer, and invested with the Collar and Jewel of that office, amidst the congratulations of the brethren. The officers were also appointed, and such as were present, invested as regards Bro. Jones, in respect to his age and truly masonic and benevolent character, the most marked expression of approbation was exhibited, and when conducted to his seat by the Pursuivant, the whole lodge rose as he passed down the room.

Votes of thanks were carried unanimously to the following distinguished parties:-The Rev. Bro. Haverfield, the Rev. Bro. Maturin, the Rev. the Vicar, the Rev. R. W. Bro. Heam, and the Grand Lodge of the Isle of Wight, for their valuable assistance during the day, and to the Vicar especially for the use of the church.

Bro. Rankin Stebbing resigned the office of Grand Secretary, and said, that after nearly eleven years discharge of its duties for his predecessor and himself, seven years of which he had held the office, he hoped he might be permitted to retire, his business called more upon his time than when first he took the office, and the labours of Grand Secretary had become very heavy-he possessed an undiminished interest in the ancient and honourable Craft, and would always be found present on future meetings, but he prayed to be relieved of his official duties.

A highly complimentary vote of thanks was accorded to Bro. Stebbing, with acclamation, and a Committee appointed to arrange the presentation of some suitable acknowledgment of his services. No successor was appointed, and the brother will carry on the duties for a short time, till some arrangement is made, as to a successor.

The lodge then closed in harmony-to be held next year at the city of Winchester.

The Banquet.-Took place at the White Hart Hotel, and was attended by about sixty brethren, the R. W. P. G. M. Sir Lucius Curtis, Bart. presiding, supported on the right by the D. P. G.M. Bro. C. E. Deacon, and the patron of the school, Bro. W. Jones; on the left by the Prov. Grand Chaplain, by whom the religious duties of the table were performed, Bro. the Rev. B. Maturin, and the D. P. G. M. of the Isle of Wight, J. H. Hearn, Esq.

On the removal of the cloth the P. G. M. gave the toast of "The Queen and the Craft." Then followed "The Queen Dowager, the patroness of the Girls' School, and the rest of the Royal Family." The masonic toasts followed, all of which were received with genuine masonic honours.

Bro. C. E. DEACON, ESQ., the D. P. G. M., said that he rose with feelings of peculiar pleasure and lively gratification, to propose the health of the Prov. Grand Master, Sir Lucius Curtis-(cheers). He confessed to his inability to do justice to his subject by expressing the extent of his claims on their regard, as they very far exceeded his power of description; and he thought that he should best consult the feelings of the Worshipful Master by refraining from dilation on his many valuable services, both in the cause of Freemasonry, (so dear to them all), and of his Queen and country. (Drunk with masonic honours).

Bro. SIR LUCIUS CURTIS, BART., then rose amidst renewed plaudits, and said-For the very flattering manner in which my health has been proposed and received by my brethren, I, in the first place, return you my most sincere thanks; and I cannot but think that my highly esteemed brother, in his address to you, has far exceeded the merits I am entitled to―(no, no, and cheers). I shall ever esteem the Order of Freemasonry, and I hope it will continue to prosper. I have, when in distress in foreign countries felt its benefits, and I have received many favours from brethren abroad-(hear, hear). It is dear to me, brethren-as dear, I may say, as my heart's blood-(cheers). I have been absent from your service for more than five years, during which time you have, I need scarcely add, been presided over by a Mason of transcendent abilities, and one whom I have trusted with the most implicit and unbounded confidence (cheers). I was at all times satisfied in my own mind that Masonry under his auspices could not but prosper; I was sure its lustre would increase; and I was happy in those anticipations. I was not too sanguine, for events have abundantly proved that these anticipations have not been vain. The manner, the frank, the generous, the hearty manner in which I have been received on my return will be for ever indelibly engraven on a heart that will always be with you in whatever part of the world it may please God and my country to send me-(vehement cheering). Although my stay among you will be but short, I know that in again leaving you my place will once again be filled by one who will if it is possible gain more esteem and love than he has already gained (loud and prolonged cheering). This I am convinced, will assuredly be

the case, for my excellent and esteemed friend and brother-your friend and brother-has all those excellent qualities that inevitably command perfect success he has urbanity of manner, kindness of heart, and untiring zeal in the cause on which his heart is devotedly fixed. These, then, I repeat, are the groundwork of the expectation I have already alluded to, that he will gain more and more the love and lasting respect of his approving brethren. That, my brethren, is the only consolation I have in again leaving you for a short period; and I do most sincerely hope it may be my happy lot to return again to you from those public professional duties that devolve upon me, to fulfil in the future my important duties in this Province-(cheers). Oratory is not classed in the duties of the profession to which I have the honour to belong; our business is not so much to speak as to act; and I therefore resign the former to those whose powers of rhetoric, naturally as it were, fit them for the spontaneous and appropriate exercise of them. Yet, believe me, the little that I have advanced is pure and from the heart, and I hope you will regard it, for the sake of an ardent brother Mason, as quite as valuable as the most flowery language man can use towards his fellowmen-(Immense cheering). We may meet again; my hope is that such may be my fate; but I am advanced in years, and God alone knows if those hopes will be confirmed: but, my brethren, whatever may be my individual destiny, may the Great Architect of the Universe strengthen and build you all up in perfect health and happiness-and not only yourselves but all those most dear to you. (The gallant admiral resumed his seat amidst applause that lasted for some minutes.) Bro. CAPTAIN NEVILLE, R. N. on rising, said he had been requested by their R. W. Prov. Grand Master to propose the next toast. It was a pleasing although a painful task, inasmuch as he was incapable of performing it with anything like satisfaction to himself or those whom he had the honour of addressing. The only comfort he had in the matter was derived from the fact that an exhibition of eloquence on his part was not at all necessary, since they were all of them so intimate with the excellent character of the Deputy Grand Master of the Province. For himself, he spoke of their respected brother as he at all times found him, hospitable in his own mansion, a friend indeed to many, and an honour to his profession. As a man and a Mason he stood in the proud list of those who had been described by the poet as "the noblest work of God." (Loud and prolonged cheers).

Bro. C. E. DEACON, the D. P. G. M. was received with the strongest marks of approbation, and said, that it was with natural feelings of pride and gratitude that he rose to thank Bro. Neville for the very kind and flattering manner in which he had proposed his health, and to thank the R. W. P. G. Master, Sir Lucius Curtis, and the brethren for the glori ous tribute he had received by their spontaneous expression of kindness and friendship towards himself, and their approbation of his masonic conduct. He acknowledged that he had accepted office impressed with the importance of the duties which devolved upon him-feeling an anxious desire to uphold and maintain the high character and best interests of Masonry in the province, and that its lustre should not be tarnished by his appointment. Words would but feebly indicate his feelings, powerful and grateful as they were, for their constant kindness and for their approbation, which assured him that he had not altogether failed in his exertions. He had been accustomed at their former provincial meetings, when presiding over them (and he had felt it his