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Prov , G . L . of Oxfordshire . —The Prov . G . L . of Oxfordshire is , for the present , literally defunct by the death of the Prov . G . M ., Bro . Rev . J . C . Ridley ; but it is anticipated that the M . W . G . M . will fill up the appointment erelong , as the business of this large and important Prov . is now suspended , and the Annual Meeting usually takes place in February .

United Lodge of Instruction at Oxford . — -About two years ago , several of the Brethren of the Alfred ( City ) and Apollo ( University ) Lodges met and agreed to establish a Lodge of Improvement and Instruction for the Province of Oxfordshire . The project was taken up by the Brethren generally , with much spirit , and has succeeded far beyond their anticipations . A number of very interesting papers relating to Freemasonry have been read and discussed , the various sections

have been regularly worked , and the tracing boards and ceremonies explained . By a very judicious arrangement , the W . M . is selected from the Brethren at one meeting to preside at the next , and he appoints his Officers , so that there is a constant change , whereby each has the opportunity of making himself perfect in his office . The result of these meetings cannot fail to secure good working Officers for the two Lodges in future , and for that reason they ought to be encouraged and supported .

Civic Banquet to the Masonic late Mayor of Oxford . —A public dinner was given a few days since in the Town Hall at Oxford , to the late Mayor of that city , Bro . Alderman R . J . Spiers , P . G . S . B ., in acknowledgment of his many and eminent services as Chief Magistrate during the past year . The company numbered about 150 , among whom were the Vice-Chancellor of the University , ( the Rev . Dr . Cotton ) , Col . North , M . P ., J . H . Langston , Esq ., M . P ., the Rt . Hon . E . Card well , M . P ., President of the Board of Trade , the Master of University

College , the Warden of All Souls' College , the Rector of Exeter College , . the Principal of Magdalen Hall , the Margaret Professor of Divinity , R . Goife , Esq ., Mayor of Banbury , most of the Aldermen and Councillors of the City of Oxford , and a large number of the principal inhabitants . The present Mayor , Bro . Alderman Sadler presided , and the proceedings were of a very interesting character , and highly complimentary to Bro . Spiers , whose Mayoralty was distinguished for ability and hospitality , the appreciation of which his fellow-citizens testified by this demonstration .

SHROPSHIRE . St . John ' s Lodge , No . 875 , Admaston-spa , Wellington . —This Lodge held its annual meeting for the installation of Bro . Evett as W . M ., on Friday , December 1 . This ceremony was performed by Bro . Marriott . A jewel was unanimously voted to Bro . Eyton , P . M ., in testimony of the munificent manner in which he had presided over the Lodge during the past year .

SOMERSETSHIRE . Province of Somerset . —It is gratifying to announce that the health of the venerable and venerated chief of the Province , Col . Tynte , continues good , notwithstanding his affliction of almost loss of sight . It is uncertain which town in the Province will have the honour of receiving the next Prov . Grand Lodge ;

wherever it may be , it is hoped that a grant to the Patriotic Fund may be among the votes , in aid of Masons' wives and orphans . The Grand Treasurer of the Province ( Bro . Eales White ) , has admitted that he thought the funds of the Province would afford a grant for this Masonic purpose . The Lodges have righteously contributed from their funds , and now await the co-operation of the G . and Prov . G . Lodges .

Taunton . —The Lodge No . 327 celebrated the Festival of St . John on the 28 th inst ., when the W . M . elect , Bro . the Rev . W . R . Crotch , was installed W . M . for the year ensuing , and his Officers invested . The Right Wor . the Prov . G . M ., Col . Tynte , did the Lodge the honour to invite his Grand Lodge to meet him on emergency in the same Lodge room , for the purpose of voting a sum to that truly Masonic object , the Patriotic Fund . Of this truly interesting Masonic gathering , we promise our readers a full report in our next number .