Provincial.

S . AV . ; Bro . Edward AVells , J . AV . ; Bro . James Oakshott , Sec ; Bro . Henry St . John Diaper , S . D . ; Bro . Henry Davey , J . D . ; Bro . Castell , P . M ., Dir . Cers . ; Bro , Robert Bowden , I . G . ; Bros . AVhite and Escott , Stewards ; Bro . AVay , Tyler ; Bro . Joseph Gait , P . M ., who hacl been unanimously re-elected Treasurer , was also invested , the AV . M ., most kindly aud courteously addressing each Brother . The AV . M . said , iu reply to the congratulations of the Brethren , he feared he could not fulfil all the duties of his office until he had ( given them due reflection ; he

would pray that he might have the aid of the G . A . O . T . U ., to enable him to discharge them to the satisfaction of his Brethren . He must entreat them to overlook any . little failures or omissions in the outset ; relying on the advice and support of his predecessor and their kindness , he trusted that his conduct would be such that , at the close of his year of office , they would not regret having elected him to that high position . Bro . Batchelor proposed aud Bro . Joseph Gait seconded , "That the thanks of the Lodge be tendered to Bro . Holliugsworth for his excellent and faithful discharge of the duties of AV . M . during the past year" which was carried

, by acclamation ; ancl the vote was modestly acknowledged by the worthy Brother . The Lodge was then closed , ancl the Brethren adjourned to a very excellent banquet , provided by Bro . AA eston , of the Sussex Hotel , the S . W . Bro . George Rakes , the AV . M ., presided , ancl there were also present , among other visitors : — Bro . Henry Ford , AV . M ., of No . 319 , the mayor of Portsmouth ; Bro . George Hancock , AVM ., of No . 412 ; Bro . King , AA . M ., No . 3 S 7 ; Bro . Lieut . Coventry ; Bro . HarringtonAA . M . No . 999 ; Bro . R . Ford ancl AA oolvenP . Ms . of No . 319

, , , , ; Bro . Dominguez , Loge L'Etoile cle la Charente , & c . After clue honour had been paid to the toasts of "The Queen , " "Tho M . AV ., the Grand Master , " ancl "The Grand Officers , " Bro . Rake said the next toast was one that was nearest home . Bro . Sir Lucius Curtis their venerated Prov . G . M ., with which he joined the Prov . Grand Officers of the present year , of whom there were present Bro . AVoolver , Prov . G . Reg ., and Bro . Hollmgswnrth , Prov . G . D . Bro . Hollingsworth in acknowledging the toast said , that he had received a letter from

Sir Lucius Curtis respecting his inability to be present at tbe meetings . The AA ' . M . then rose and said , that living in a garrison town they had daily intercourse with the army and navy . The Lodge hacl received into Masonry many men who hacl attained celebrity in both services ; some whom they had met at the festive board , and many of the bravest hearts that hacl added wreaths to England ' s glory had received the light of Masonry in their walls . Remembering how many of their bravest fellows were cut down in the Crimea , lotMng to the efforts of the naval brigade both there and iu Indiahe asked the

, Brethren around to acknowledge those services , and with the army and navy unite the names of Bros . Lieut . Coventry , Reeee ancl Macaulay . The toast was gracefully acknowledged by those brethren . Bro . Hollingsworth then rose and said , the toast it was his duty and pleasure to propose was one he was sure they would hail with immense enthusiasm—it was the health of the AA . M ., who had in every office which he had filled given the highest satisfaction to the Brethren , aud shown that he had the interest of No . 717 at heart . But beyond this , at every meetm **

held to promote any good work in the town Bro . Rake was ever present '; as a useful member of society as well as a good Mason , they must one ancl all hail with pleasure his accession to the chair of the Portsmouth Lodge . The AA . M ., in responding , said he was grateful for so kind a greeting , and assured the Brethren he had not followed Masonry as an idle boast , but considering it as a holy and useful institution for the bettering men and teaching them the great duties they owed to each other , he had endeavoured to study its principles . He did not pretend to be

perfect , but having a heart disposed to seek the affection of his Brethren , he should omit no opportunity of showing how highly he appreciated their esteem . He assured them , with all sincerity , he looked on the present as the happiest moment of his life , and trusted that his year of office would close to the entire satisfaction of himself and his Brethren . The AA . M . then , in proposing " The Alsitors , " especially alluded to Bro . Henry Ford , who had been recently called upon to fill the distinguished office of mayor of the borough . They were proud to see him present , ranged uuder their banners ; as one so calculated to advance their ancient town ill the scale of good governments , ancl as presiding over the sister Lodge , they joyfully