Royal Arch.

vciy handsome felt floorcloth laid down , of such tastefully blended colours as to set forth m strong relief the white cube , the dresses of the chiefs , and the isceptrcs and other gilded pai-aphernaha of this supreme degree , whilst the purple , greenf and cnmson banners and hangings , with the staves adorned by illustrated heraldic bearings gave au appearance of splendour to the scene . The Companions wero much pleased at the exquisite taste displayed by the committee who had superintended the decorations . After the ordinary business of the day had bee / comletech four Master Masons exalted to

p were this supreme degree . The historica symbolical , and mistical lectures were delivered ancl explained in extenso , L S by that eminent Companion G . AV . Turner , P . Z ., who , by common ' consent , is acknowledged to be the very best working R . A . Mason in this province . After the uuSok 71 bn ' ? 16 Co » P « met »> « ie refreshment parlour , whTtl ey paitook of a banquet provided b y Comp . B . B . Bastow , and at eight o ' clock eparated for then- respective homes , after a day of satisfactory pleasure which wi long be connected with delightful association nuicuwill

The Week.

THE WEEK .

THE Queens state ball on AVednesday , was one of the most splendid ever given , awl was attended by nearly two thousand guests . The health of the Duchess of Kent is sufficientl y established to enable her to travel to Frogmore Lodge , where she arrived on Thursday . Wc may add that the court has gone into mourning for the lamented King Bomba . On Saturday her Majesty held a drawing-room at Buckingham Palace . It was the last of the present season , and was well attended , the lord and the

mayor corporation attended to present the City neutrality address . On Monday , Her Alajesty and family left town for AVindsor , and yesterday were present at the Ascot Heath races . A solemn thanksgiving was offered up ou I uesday , m the ancient cathedral of Notre Dame , for the victory won at Magenta . -Wie Empress ofthe French attended iu state . The national guard and various detachments of troops , infantry and cavalry , either lined the way from the Tuileries followed the

or eorieye . Marshal Magnan and General Lcewestine rode at the side of the imperial carriage . The cathedral of Notre Dame was decorated with the greatest pomp , and nothing was neglected which couhl add splendour to the solemnity . The places not reserved for the authorities were filled at an early hour , and an immense crowd remained outside the church , notwithstanding the heavy ram . The French public watches eagerl y every indication of au intention ou the of

part England and Prussia to attemjit to put an end to hostilities by mediation . Much as the Parisians are elated , and naturally so by the successes which have attended tho allied armies , they havo no wish to continue the war , ancl will be delighted to see it terminated iu any manner honourable to Franco . . From the seat of war we learn that the Austrians continue their retreat towards the line oi the Mmcio ; they are alread behind the AddaAVe have received

y . some lurthcr accounts of the battle of Magenta , from which it would seem that the artillery or the imperial guard suffered fearfull y . The hero of tho day was Gen MacMahon , who , without waiting fur orders , brought up his corps darmec and his artillery , and decided the battle . Up to that time tho Austrians hacl had the advantage ; but MacMahon brought up tea batteries of artillery , and fired into the