Metropolitan

the number of which we must particularize that of Bro . Thisselton , in reply to the toast of •" ¦ The Masonic Chariti . es , " -. ' - who dwelt at length upon the merits of each , concluding with an eloquent and forcible appeal on behalf of that much-neglected , but truly most deserving charity , the Benevolent . Institution , including the Old Men ' s and Widows' Annuity Funds , the festival in aid of which is fixed for June 17 , and for which Bro . Lucas has consented to serve as Steward from this Lodge . The list of visitors included the names of Bros . Dr . Bo we , P . Gr . J , D . ;

Hansford , G-. Org . ; Baxter , » Gv Steward and S . W . No . 8 ; Thisselton , P . M . No . 2 ; F . Binckes , P . M . No . 11 ; E , J . Kennedy , P . M . No . 201 ; Jackson and Maney , No . 201 ; Lee Wright , P . M . Ho . 329 ; Broofe , No . 166 ; Higgins No . 167 ; Phillips , No . 371 J Bindon , Adams , & e . On the Friday following a Lodge of Emergency was heldy on which occasion four Brethren had conferred upon them the Sublime Degree of M . M . ; and we understand another Emergency will shortly be summoned , / such being rendered necessary by the crowded state of the ei agenda paper . ' *

British Lodge ( No . 8 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this highly flourishing red-apron : Lodge was held at the Freemasons' Tavern , on Monday , A . pril 20 , when Bro . Bigott , the W . M ., most ably raised Bro . Williamson to the 3 rd Degree , in a manner that was highly creditable to himself ; indeed the ceremony altogether was most beautifully performed . Other Masonic business having been dispensed with , the Lodge was closed in solemn form . The Brethren then adjourned to a most excellent banquet , presided over by the W . M ., and spent a most agreeable

evening . Albion Lodge ( No . 9 ) . — At the monthly meeting of this Lodge on the 7 th of April , Mr . James Jallian was Initiated into Masonry , Bros . Hunt and Taylor passed , and Bro . Poussin raised . Westminster and Keystone Lodge ( No . 10 ) . —A meeting of this distinguished Lodge was held on the 1 st of April , when the chair was taken by Bro . the Rev . G . R . Portal , P . M ., supported by Bros . B , Cox as J . W ., Matthews as S . W ., the

Prov . Gr . M . for Oxford as S . I ) ., & e . The following Brethren were elected joining members : —Bros . Mitford , No . 460 ; Bev . J . Sedwick , No . 702 ; the Hon . Alan Plerbert , No . 460 . Messrs . Lane , Mount , and Depree were initiated ; after which a ballot was taken for the W . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler , when Bro . the Bight Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon was unanimously elected W . M ., ' and the W . Bro . Beach , MB ., Treasurer . The Brethren , to the number of nineteen , then adjourned to a banquet .

Enoch Lodge ( No . 11 ) . —The last meeting of the present session was held at Freemasons' Tavern , on Wednesday , 8 th April , Bro . W . S . Masterman , W . M ., presiding , who initiated Mr . J . Sinnott , then passed one Brother to the 2 nd Degree , bringing the proceedings to a close by raising two Brethren to the Sublime Degree of M . M . The banquet was a very recherche affair , comprising most of the dainties in season , which were discussed by nearly forty Brethren , including several visitors , amongst whom we noticed Bros . "W . II . White , G-. Sec . ; I . Levinson , W . M . No . 7 ; P . Crew , P . M . No . 1 ; Hooper ; Randall , No . 229 ; Sutton ,

No . 324 ; Lawler , Edney , & c . & c . The toast of "The D . G . M . and the Grand Officers" was acknowledged by Bro . White , who , after thanking the W . M . for the manner in which lie had introduced their names , and for the kind allusions to himself individually , feelingly referred to his long connection with the Craft , which , on the 20 th of the present month ( April ) , will have extended over the long period of fifty-eight years , for forty-seven of which he had held his present office of Grand Secretary . During this time he had received much kindness and attention , for which lie felt deeply grateful , and he could truly way that lie had ever endeavoured

faithfully and conscientiously to perform the duties of his office . Those duties of late years had very much increased , and he felt that advancing age did not render him more fit to cope * with labours ao arduous . He had therefore , as probably they were aware , placed his resignation in the hands of the M . W . G . M " .., who had been pleased to accept it . To the close of his life , however , he should never forget the pleasure and happiness derived from his connection with the Graft , and the many VOL . I IT . 3 c