Provincial.

on such occasions ho has generally himself been present to respond with that flow of geniality which his friends so fully appreciate . Comparatively speaking , my duties at such times ¦ were easy ; but I feel now , in the absence of our Prov . Grand Master , those duties are no longer of a nominal character . It is difficult to do justice to the merits of a brother in a few words , especially such an one as our worthy and worshipful Prov . G . M ., who reigns in the heart of every Mason in the

province ( cheers ) , a brother justly endeared to his family , and baloved , not only within the pale of Freemasonry , but by all with whom he has come in contact ( applause ) , a brother at whom the finger of scorn has never dared to point . ( Loud cheers . ) In speaking of Bro . Rolls , we cannot help a feeling of deep regret at his absence from amongst us , especially when we consider the cause . It has pleased Providence to afflict him with a grievous illness . We hope , nay , we , one aud all , from

the Master to the entered apprentice , earnestly pray the -Omnipotent Being—we pray , in all sincerity , as Masons , as Christians , and as men , that it may please Him to restore ¦ our brother to his wonted health . Brethren , I could have wished that the Prov . G . Master were here to receive this token of your esteem—this tribute of Masonic love in person—that I had the happiness , a happiness in which you would have no warmly shared , of seeing him receive it into his own hands , and of being privileged to affix that which I deem as ono of the

Jiighest honours in Masonry , to his breast . But it has been ordered otherwise . It will , however , be my duty and pleasure to present this jewel to my Masonic brother , his son , on my light . That son , I am happy to say , is following closely in the footsteps of his good , kind , and amiable father . He is respected by us , and I am sure that in entrusting this gift for transmission to the P . G . M ., I cannot place it in better hands . ( Hear , hear . ) I cannot conceive a higher tribute paid to any

brother than a Masonic memento , because it is well known that Freemasons in general will not bestow that which they -conceive to be not merited and not deserved , and sure I am -those who have contributed to this handsome jewel have done so with pride and cheerfulness , happy in the knowledge that they were paying respect to him whom we have chosen as our chief in this province . And now I will ask our Brother Allan Rolls lindly to present this token of our esteem to his father , leaving

it to our brother , under the circumstances , to select such time for that presentation as he deems most opportune . Say all that is kind , for you cannot speak of too much kindness on our "behalf . Assure him that my heart—that our hearts—are overpowered with feelings aud emotions in consequence of his severe illness , and yet , I will add , buoyed up with hope of his recovery , and that he may be spared to enjoy many , many years of happiness and prosperity . The toast was drunk with all the honours .

Bro . Joira ALLEN ROLLS , Prov . G . Reg ., & c , received the jewel , and returned thanks for the compliment on behalf of his father . He said , it is at all times difficult to find words of acknowledgment . How much more so when , as on this occasion I feel myself placed in a most difficult position . I know not how to convey to you my gratitude for the kind feelings evinced towards my father , and for this magnificent testimonial to him , which you have placed in my hands . I can assure this

you splendid memento of your regard will be very precious in the eyes of my father , and for various reasons . Not onl y its costliness and beauty as a work of art , but above all the very kind and fraternal feeling which has prompted this presentation will prove your attachment towards him whom you have chosen as your ruler , in a manner which cannot fail to be most gratifying . I cannot tell you how much I regret that my father is unable

to be present to acknowledge this and other kindnesses which be has experienced as Grand Master of this province . Indeed , I may say it is a great grief to him that he cannot meet you at this festival . Such a gathering as the present cannot but be a source of pleasure and happiness to us all , for we meet at the social board as equals , animated by that unanimity and concord which so markedly characterise Freemasonry in

general , and this province in particular . Without this essential element Masonry cannot exist , and long may it prosper . Let all know we do not meet merely to put on fine clothing , to eat good dinners , and to make a parade , but let it be shown that we endeavour to do our duty in life , and also to carry out the principles of the Craft , which are based on the volume of the Sacred Law . Let all bear in mind that we are one of , if not the most ancient Craft ou record , and our faithful allegiance , ¦ our walking uprightly in the world , and our respecting our ,

selves , shall ensure the respect of others . ( Applause . ) In conelusion allow me most earnestly to thank you again and again a thousand times , for this magnificent gift , and to join with you in the prayer already expressed , that tiie Great Architect of the Universe in his infinite mercy may restore my father to his former health , so that he may be enabled to come among us to preside over this goodly fraternity for many years to come . Bro . Rolls concluded by proposing " The Health of the Deputy

Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Major Lyne , " whose name he introduced with great respect , attributing the successful conduet of tbe Grand Lodge business since the illness of the Prov . G . M . to Bro . Major Lyne . Bro . Major LYME , in responding , remarked , assuredly he had "lost his head" by the illness of the Prov . G . M ., nevertheless , he felt be had his arms in the Masters and officers of this provinceand he trusted the brethren would rally round the great

, and abiding principles of Freemasonry , and that the Order would continue to progress amongst the intelligent classes of the community . The Masons in tbe province of Monmouthshire already numbered 250 , and he anticipated within the next twelve months another offshoot would spring into existence ia the shape of a new lodge at Tredegar . Bro . H . HELLYER W . M . electproposed " The Provincial

, , Grand Officers , " which was responded to by Bro . J . A . ROLLS . Bro . J . PIERCE ( vice-chairman ) gave "The Visiting Brethren . " By the PBESIDENT : "The Lodges of the Province , " all the Masters being present . Bros . ROLLS , GRIFFITHS , PIEECE , and MIDDLETON returned thanks .

By the PRESIDENT : " The Provincial Graud Secretary , Bro . W . Williams , and the Provincial Grand Treasurer , Bro . W . Pickford . " Bro . WILLIAMS suitably returned thanks . He said , with such worthy brothers to rule over them as the Prov . G . M . and the D . Prov . G . M ., who were respected by every one , his labour as Prov . G . Sec . was a labour of love ; and so long as they considered him competent , so long would he be most happy to act .

Bro . PICKFORD , in acknowledging , urged a subscription ia aid of the New Royal Masonic Institute for Boys , which has recently been established at an expense of £ 30 , 000 . There is a debt of £ 5 , 000 on the charity , and the Order is appealed to for its discharge . The suggestion of the Prov . G . Treasurer was readily adopted , and a handsome sum was in a few minutes placed in his hands . The PEESIDENT then proposed in very appropriate and

eulogistic terms " The Press , " coupled with the name of Bro . Thomas Williams , of the Star of Qwent , who acknowledged the compliment . " The Host" was next proposed , and acknowledged by Bro . Morgan , and the concluding Tyler's toast , " To all distressed Masons , " was the signal for the vacation of the chair , which was afterwards occupied by the W . M . of the Abergavenny Lodge , Bro . Pierce .

SOUTH WALES ( EASTERN DIVISION ) . CARDIFF—Bute Lodge ( No . 960 ) . —There was a very full attendance at the regular meeting of this flourishing lodge on Tuesday , 19 th inst ., this being the night for election of W . M ., & c . Lodge was opened punctually at seven o'clock by the W . M ., Bro . W . H . Martin , Prov . S . G . D ., supported by Bros . J . C . Thorp , P . M ., and Prov . S . G . D . Oxford ; John WiUans , S . W . ;

M . Davies , J . W . j P . Bird , Treasurer ; T . B , Bell , S . D . ; H . Allen , J . D . ; and J . Gibbs , I . G . The minutes of the last regular lodge having been confirmed , a ballot was taken for Mr . John Nixon , Q . E ., regularly proposed at the last lodge , and the candidate was duly accepted . The W . M . reminded the brethren that it was now their duty to elect a W . M . as his successor , and after strongly inveighing against the practice of re-election ,

already once indulged iu by this lodge , requested the Deacons to distribute printed forms containing the names of all the brethren qualified for the chair , and afterwards to collect them iu the usual manner . An attempt to raise some discussion , was warmly deprecated by one of the brethren , and very properly suppressed by the W . M . ; the by-laws ofthe lodge providing that the ballots be taken in so impartial a manner , that

any attempts ( either from the dais or elsewhere ) to influence the decision of the brethren would be highly improper . The balloting papers having been handed in and ' scrutinised , Bro . Johu Williams S . W ., was declared duly elected by an almost