Provincial.

believed , by fire . Tho Graud Lodge subsequently granted a warrant of confirmation . Unavoidable circumstances prevented the brethren from meeting on the . 17 th of March in this year , so it was agreed we should meet on this clay , the 6 th of June . AA o have to congratulate ourselves that at tho end of one hundred years this Lodge is wealthy , prosperous , and happy . From humble beginnings she has obtained a position which demands and justly receives distinction and consideration in our province . By the permission of Almighty God , we hope our method of

working shall at all times receive the sanction of the highest authorities , and meet -ivith the general approbation of the Craft . "Whilst each succeeding Master shall have wisdom to describe the duties of the brethren aud knowledge to instruct them with accuracy and zeal ; whilst each Mason shall iu the sincerity of our teaching fear ancl obey the commands of the great Geometrician of the universe ; whilst they are all true aud faithful to each other , not only professing but practising the sacred dictates of our Order , we may hope to have the last judgment in our favour ; to claim an everlasting kingdom as our inheritance ; aud to join a continued brotherhood where the world's grand Architect lives and reigns for ever . " The following ode was then sung : —

" Almighty Sire , our heavenly King , Before whose sacred name we bend , Accept the praises which we sing , And to our humble prayer attend . All hail , great Architect divine , The universal world is thine . " On thy omnipotence we rest ,

Secure of thy protection here , And hope hereafter to be blest AAlien we have left this world of care . All hail , & c . ' ' Inspire us with thy grace divine ; Thy sacred law our guide shall be ; To every good our hearts incline , From every evil keep us free . All hail , " & c .

After a few words , asking for blessings on the Lodge , the following anthem was given : — " Behold how good a thing it is . And how becoming well , For brethren , such as Masons are , In unity to dwell . " Oh I 'tis like ointment on the beard

, Or clew on Sion ' s hill ; For there the Lord of Hosts hath said Peace shall be with you still . " The Chaplain then delivered the following prayer : — "All glorious and almighty Creator of the universe , Author of all good aud the giver of ail mercy , pour down ou us the sanctity of thy blessing , so that in our hour of trial we fail not . 0 ive us power to assist our brethren in their time of needand when we shall have passed .

, through the valley of the shadow of dentil , allow us to enjoy and receive thy mercy . AVe know the best amongst men aro not without faults ; and we have been most truly taught that wealth , pride , and beauty are valueless , when nature has paid her last debt . AVe can see in every one only a brother or sister of the dust-, aud . have learnt that in the grave all distinctions of rank are levelled . May we , therefore , so perform our allotted task whilst it be day , that we may hereafter receive the reward which thou hast instructed thy divinely inspired servants to

declare shall be to every faithful servant his just due . " The AV . M . — "Except the Lord build the house they labour in vain that build ii , Except the Lord keep the city the watchman wnkcth but in vain .