Untitled Article

finished , the procession re-formed , and proceeded to the site , where , after a similar halt and change of position , the Brethren arranged themselves round the stone . An appropriate prayer was then offered by the Chaplain , while the stone was raised . The Bro . Sec . then read , the scroll ¦ : ' — " In the name of the Great Architect of the Universe , and under the auspices

of the JJnited Grand Lodge of the Ancient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England , this , the first stone of the New Zealand Lodge of Unanimity , No . 879 , was laid by William Donald , W . M . of the said Lodge , on the xxv . October , a . d . Mdccclv . a . l . vdccclv . a . r . Victoriee xix . —A . J . Alport , P . M . A . A . Dobbs , S . W . Richard Wormald , J . W . R . Taylor , S . D , Wm , Gee , J . G . Alfred Silk , I . G . B . W . Mountfort , Architect . J " . FrM'Cardell , Hon . Sec . " ¦ ' ); \ '

The scroll , -with some coins of the realm , being deposited in a glass-stoppered bottle , were placed in the cavity under the stone . The stone descended , to the chant , " Glory to God , " & c . The J . W ., S . W ., and P . M ., having severally tested the stone by the plumb , rule , level , and square , handed their instruments to the W . M ., who , having also tested the stone , declared it just and truly laid . The Cornucopia being handed to the W . M .,. he sprinkled corn on the stone , saying , — " I sprinkle corri on this stone as an emblem , of Plenty : may bounteous Heaven

shower its blessings upon us , and may our hearts o ' erflow with gratitude . " Wine being then handed , the W . M . poured it on the stone , saying , — I pour wine on this stone as an emblem of Joy and Gladness : may our hearts be made glad with light from above , and may Yirtue flourish as . the Vine . " The W . M . then poured on oil , saying ,- — " I pour this oil as - an emblem of Peace : may peace and harmony , brotherly kindness and charity , ever dwell among us , and may the Almighty bless this arid all our undertakings . ";¦ ¦ The Brethren on each occasion answering , " So mote it be" - / ^ . ^ . : •¦ " •• . ;¦ ¦

The plans of the building were then submitted to the W . M ., who intimated his approval , and handed them to the builder , Bro . Taylor , with appropriate instructions . The W . M . then addressed the Brethren and spectators , and concluded by hoping the Almighty ' s blessing might attend their labour . After the blessing was pronounced by the'Rey , Bro . Chaplain , refreshments were handed to the ladies , and the procession re-formed , and returned to the Lodge . —Lijttleton Times

AUSTRALIA . MelBotjbm . —A handsome silver snuff-box was presented to Bro . Robert Levick , at Hocken ' s Hotel , on Wednesday evening , December 5 , by Bro . Llewellens , in the name of the members of the Australia Felix Lodge of Instruction . Those who are aware of the valuable services rendered by Bro Levick to those who are desirous of advancing in Masonry , will feel that the

compliment was well deserved , and is equally honourable to the donors and to the recipient . The box bore the following inscription : —" Presented to Bro . Robt . Levick , P . M ., by the Australia Felix Lodge of Instruction , No . 697 , in testimony of the valuable services rendered to his younger Brethren as their Masonic instructor during the years 1854 and 1855 . Melbourne , December 5 , 1855 . " -- ^ Melbourne Age .

MALTA . Bro . Muir has proposed to erect a solid block of marble To the memory of the Brethren who have lost their lives in the Eastern Expedition in 1854 and following years , ' * to be raised by Freemasons of Malta and the united services . The proposition has been at once responded to with that liberality which always

distinguishes the Brethren , more especially those of Malta . The ceriotaph is to be placed in the Crimea , and will consist of one solid block of marble , 7 feet long , by 3 high , and Z \ wide , weighing over 4 \ tons . Bro . Muir is appointed treasurer , as he formerly was to procure the handsome present made by the brigade of Guards * to the Union Lodge , No . 588 , on their passing through Malta in 1854 .

* Vide Freemasons " Monthly Magazine January , 1855