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W . M ., showing that under his guidance this ledge will lose none of the lustre it has hitherto maintained for good and correct working . Both the initiates appeared highly impressed with the ceremony tbey had gone through , which was the best testimony that could be given , that tlie Southern Star Lodge has continued to maintain its high reputation , which is not only evinced in its numbers but the quality of its members . As this

was an extraordinary meeting , no other business than that expressed on the summons could be entered upon , although a notice was given in reference to some future proceedings in connection with tbe summer festival , when an extra meeting will be held , at ivhich certain propositions will be considered . The lodge was then closd in due form and with solemn prayer , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment , which was provided in Bro . Allatt ' s usual le stleand it gave unanimous

satisamp y , faction . On the withdrawal of the cloth , tho W . M . gave very briefly the loyal and Masonic toasts , which were received ¦ with all the customary honours . The W . M . in giving the health of their newly initiated brethren , congratulated them upon their entrance into Freemasonry , and also as to having selected the Southern Star Lodge as the one in which they were first to see the light of their noble Order , and lie felt confident that they would be worthy members , and

do honour to the Craft to which they now belonged . Bros . Monckton and Mansell severally returned thanks , and expressed the great gratification they experienced in being numbered as members in tlie ranks of Freemasonry . Tbe W . M . next gave "The Visitor ., ' ' and coupled with tbe toast the name of " Bro . Tanner , AV . M . of the Domatic Lodge . " This toast was most enthusiastically received . Bro . Tanner , W . M . 177 , on returning thanks , said he felt highly gratified at the kindly feeling he had

received , and when lie looked round and saw so many members with whom he was personally acquainted , he scarcely knew whether he was in the Domatic or the Southern Star Lodge . He felt highly gratified at his visit , and was glad to see the

lodge going on in so prosperous a manner , and he warmly congratulated them in having as their founder Bro . Thompson , P . M ., who was also a P . M . of tbe Domatic Lodge . He was much pleased with all he had seen , and , although that was his first visit to tbe lodge , he trusted that it would not be the last , and concluded by thanking them , on the part of the visitors , for the honour that bad been conferred upon them . The W . M . next gave " The P . M . ' s of the Lodge , " for which Bro . Thompson ,

P . M . & Treas ., returned thanks , assuring tbe brethren that , as the founder and promoter of the lodge , it gave him great satisfaction to see its present prosperity , and it was also particularly gratifying to him to see that night Bro . Monckton initiated amongst them , and whom ho bad known for years , but who from henceforth he should regard as bound to him by a closer tie than had ever existed before , for lie could then greet him as a brother Mason . On the part of himself and Bro . Pulsfordthe

, I . P . M ., he sincerely thanked the brethren for the very kind way in which tbe toast had been received , at the same time reminding the younger brethren tbat tho Domatic Lodge of Instruction met every Tuesday evening , at the Palmerston Arms , Grosvenor Parh , close at hand , where all might learn the duties to qualify them for any position they might hereafter be called upon to take . That lodge was attended by many worthy and able Masons , and he just alluded to the fact that Bro . Thomas , the

worthy preceptor of that lodge , was then in the room , who was always willing to give instruction , not only in the lodge room , but in his privale- residence , and he felt assured that if the Great Architect of the Universe would only spare his life , he would be content to give any instruction that might be required for 50 years to come . "The Officers" was the next toast , for which Bros . Bayfield and C . E . Thompson severally returned thanks . The Tyler ' s toast brought a very happy meeting to a close , which -was rendered very agreeable by some excellent songs by Bros . Edward Thompson , C . E . Thompson , Wise , Monckton , and Allatt .

HEKVEY LODGE ( NO . 1 , 260 ) . —This lodge met for the transaction of business , at , tho George Hotel , Walh am-green , on the 9 th inst ., Bro . G . King , junr ., tlie W . M ., in tlie chair . Tlie lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , Bra . Way , of No . 1 , 044 , was balloted for and unanimously accepted as a joining member . Bros . Tally and Mallyon being present , and , upon examination , found proficient , were passed to the second degree . A ballot was taken for Messrs . Hugh Middleton and F . AV . Agar , which was unanimous in their favour . These gentlemen , however , were not in attendance . Bro . H . Parker was appointed Organist .

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Letters were read from Bros . Hogg , Emmons , and William Smith , C . E ., returning thanks for being elected honorary members . After two propositions bad been received for joining , and for two initiations , the lodge was closed in perfect harmony , and the brethren retired to a capital banquet served by Bro . J , Webb . The whole of tbe ceremonies were most efficiently performed .

INSTRUCTION . DOT-ATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —The weekly meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday evening , 15 th inst ., at tbe Palmerston Arms Tavern , Grosvenor-park , and was well attended . Bro . H . J . Wright , of the Jubilee and Southern Star Lodge , occupied

the chair . Bro . White , J . W ., of the Neptune Lodge , No . 22 , as S . AV . ; and Bro . Poore , of tbe Panmure Lodge , No . 720 , as J . W . Bros . Hart , of the Jubilee Lodge , S . D ., Speed of the Faith Lodge , J . D . ; Flood , of the Vitruvan Lodge , I . G . ; Thompson , P . M . 177 and 1 , 158 , Hon . Sec ; AVingham , 25 , P . M . ; Thomas , of several ledges , preceptor ; Marshall , P . M . __'_ ., Treas . ; and several other brethren . The lodge was opened in the first and second degrees , when it was announced that the ceremony of raising was about

to be gone through . Bro . Geider announced his willingness to become a candidate . After being questioned , be retired , and tho lodgo opened in the third degree , when Bro . Geider was most impressively raised by Bro . Wright , AV . M ., to the sublime degree ; who also gave tbe traditional history and a beautiful explanation of tbe tracing board and the working tools . The third section of the lecture was workedand the lodge was closed down to the first degree . Bro . White was appointed AV . M . for

the ensuing week , and the lodge closed in due form , and with solemn prayer . This lodge meets every Tuesday evening during the summer months at eight o ' clock , as above , where the ceremonies are very carefully per f ormed , and it may be remarked that in all respects the fittings and furniture are most appropriate , and tend to impress the visitor that be is rather in a regular lodge than one 6 £ instruction .

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PROVINCIAL .

BERKS AXD BUCKS . MAIDENHEAD . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 795 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Orkney Arms , on the 1 st inst . Bro . Gammon , the \ A . M ., presided . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . J . Lovegrovc was balloted for , and elected a joining member . Mr . J . Turner , who hud been previouslballoted forwas initiated by Bro . J . L .

y , Isaacs , and Bro . Bogue was raised to tbe degree of M . M . A sum of two guineas was voted to the Zetland Commemoration Fund . The lodge ivas closed in due form , and the brethren retired to the banquet , excellently served by Bro . Skindle . The usual toasts were given and responded to , and the brethren thoroughly appreciated a very pleasant evening .

CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND . CoCKERiioUTH . —Skiddaw Lodge ( No . 1 , 002 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday the 1 st inst ., for the purpose of installing the vV . M . for the ensuing twelvemonths . The installing Master was Bro . Crowther Morton , of Whitehaven , P . Prov . G . S . W ., P . M . 872 , and P . M . 1 , 002 , assisted bv Bro . Kenwm-thy , of Whitehaven , P . M . 119 , P . Prov . J . D . 872 .

Bro . K . Robinson , of Cockermouth , was installed as AV . M . for the ensuing year . After the insta'lation tbe AV . M . proceeded to nominate the following brethren as his officers : —Bros . J . F . Taylor , S . AV . ; Joseph Mayson , J . W . ; J . Pearson , P . S . W ., Treas . ; AV . Williams , Sec ; I . Evening , S . D . ; H . Braithwaite , J . D . ; J . Pearson , Lorton , I . G . ; W . Potts , Org . Among the brethren present were C . Morton , P . Prov . G . S . AV ., P . M . 872 , and P . M . 1002 KenworthP . M . 872 ; Dr . DodgsonP . M .- H . F .

, ; y , , , F . Faithful , P . M ., and P . Prov . G . J . AV . ; AV . Shilton , Retiring Master ; J . Pearson , P . S . W . ; E . Thwaites , P . J . W . ; W . Taylor , P . J . W . ; VV . Potts , Tyler ; Rev . AV . Williams , J . Pearson , H . Braithwaite , and J . Bolton . After the installation , and tho nomination of officers , the brethren retired to the Globe Hotel , where tbey enjoyed au excellent dinner provided by Bro . Rapley .