Metropolitan

to some extent that one dazzling gift of speech , he must be set aside , and the post of honour filled by some more fortunate Brother in the . possession if needs be , of that gift alone . To this end they proposed to set aside Bro . Neats in favour of a P . M ., who promptly declined ; but the ballot overruled that by a majority of 34 to 6 . Several similar indiscretions have recently emanated from the Same

parties without producing any other effect than a most praiseworthy forbearance , mingled with urbanity and brotherly kindness , on the part of the Brethren at large . This we trust will induce them to adopt a course in accordance with the spirit of Masonry , which they will find alike conducive to their happiness , and the prosperity of the Lodge . Meanwhile , a closer fraternal union exists amongst the great body of the members , which promises very powerfully to accelerate the present prosperity of the Lodge of United Pilgrims .

Polish National Lodge ( No . 778 ) . —The usual monthly meeting was held at Freemasons' Tavern , on Thursday , 9 th of March , under the able presidency of Bro . E . Johnstone , W . M ,, when Bro . Beletti was raised to the Degree of M . M . The minutes of the last meeting contained a feeling allusion to the loss , by death , of the services of the late Secretary , Bro . G . Petkins , with ahandsome acknowledgment of those good qualities which had endeared him to his Brethren . It ought to be matter for congratulation to the members of the Lodge , to see their lamented

Brother ' s place so well and efficiently supplied as it is by Bro . W . Paas , P . M . No , 30 , in the selection of whom to fill the vacant post , we are of opinion the W . M . has exercised a wise discretion , as nothing is more conducive to the well-being and prosperity of a Lodge than the possession of a secretary who unites in himself experience , energy , courtesy of demeanour ^ with business habits , and a sincere

regard for the promotion of the interests of the bod }^ to which lie is attached , and in none of these indispensable qualities is Bro . Paas deficient . The banqueting board was well and bountifully supplied , and a cheerful evening was passed by all . The visitors were Bros . P . Binckes , P . M . No . 11 ; R , R . Knott and J . C . Nutt , No . 32 : W . Bohn , & c . & c .

Pitzeoy Lodge ( No . 830 ) . ' —This band of Brethren , which , though military , endeavour to set the example of alleviating the horrors of war by introducing charity and brotherly love into all their proceedings , met at the head-quarters of the Honourable Artillery Company , Friday , April 24 th . Bro . Captain Jay was raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason , and a gentleman was initiated into the Order . The visitors were Bro . Herbert Lloyd , P . G . S . D . ; Bro . Alderman Rose , No . 113 ; Bro . Pain , G . W ., No . 11 ; German , No . 11 , and several other most distinguished Brethren .

Canonbury Lodoe ( No . 955 ) . —The monthly meeting of this Lodge was held at the Canonbury Tavern , Islington , on Thursday , the 9 th April , 1857 , Bro . Thomas Bohn , W . M ., presiding . The business of the evening consisted of the raising of Bros . Stroud , Driver , and John Willis , the passing of Bro . Polices , and the initiation of Mr . George E . Ball and Mr . J . C . Warman into the mysteries of the Order ; the whole of the ceremonies being conducted with the greatest

propriety , correctness , and solemnity , reflecting high credit on the W . M ., his officers , and the members of the Lodge generally . Several propositions having been made , and all business concluded , the Brethren retired to refreshment , provided in Bro . Todd's usual liberal style , and which was done ample justice to , the fritted houselamb and tender spring esculents disappearing with a rapidity clearly demonstrating that labour had sharpened appetite . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been disposed of , the W . M ., in proposing the health of "The Visitors , "

took the opportunity of bringing under the notice of the members an anonymous communication which had appeared in the Freemasons Mayardoie , accusing them of such a want of hospitality , and of having behaved so uncourteously to a Brother who had desired admission to one of their meetings , that the Masonic world was advised to hesitate ere a visit was paid to the Lodge . He ( the W . M . ) expressed his surprise at the announcement , and particularly that , on making the necessary inquiries , he had found from his excellent S . W . Bro . Samuel Hill , that the statement as it appeared in print was so highly coloured , and the circumstances were