Peovincial.

the F . C . degree having called them away from England , the lodge was closed to the first degree , and two of the three candidates being present , were introduced into ancient Freemasonry , the duties of W . M . being most ably performed by Bro . Chappie , P . M ., P . Prov . Assist . G . Dir . of Cers . The lodge , ivith the assistance of the donations of several brethren , voted £ 5 5 s . to the Boys' School , expressing therewith a hope that the amount be used to forward the election of John lt . Martinsou of the

, late Bro . Martin , P . M , 159 . The lodge was closed in peace and harmony , after propositions had been received of four candidates for initiation , and two as joining members . A t the festive board tho toast of " The Visitors" was ably responded to hy Bro . A owles , P . Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . Bristol , and F . G . Irwin , P . Prov . J . G . W ' . of Andalusia , who expressed a hope that the result of the ballot at tbe nest regular lodge would effectuall

y prevent his responding to that toast within the walls of No . 954 . The AA . M ., in returning thanks for the honour of his health having been so cordially drunk , took occasion to pass an encomium on his AVardens for the assiduity with which they discharged the duties pertaining to their office . The brethren then separated , after having spent a very happy evening .

DORSETSHIRE . POOLE . —Zodge of Amity ( So . 137 ) . —At the regular meeting of this ancient lodge , held on . AVednesday , the 15 th inst ., Mr . Josiah Penney , having been approved , was initiated into the first degree . The ceremony was performed by the W . M ., Bro . Richard Sydenham , the charge delivered by Bro . G . Hancock Gutch , P . M ., and tracing board by Bro . J . Graves , P . M . There was a numerous attendance of members and visiting brethren .

AA'ALES SOUTH ( EASTERN DIVISION ) . BRECON . —Breclcnock Zodge ( No . 651 ) . —On Tuesday , the 7 th inst ., the brethren of this lodgo met , being the first meeting of the new officers . The W . M . opened the lodge at 7 p . m ., when the following brethren were present : —Bros . J . D . Perrott , AV . M . ; R . Hall , S . AV . ; R . AA ebb , J . W . ; Dr . Davies , P . M . ; Revs . II . B . Hosken and AV . P . Jones . Chaps . ; Jas . AVilliams ,

Treas . ; E . Jones , Sec . ; J . R . Frater , S . D . ; R . AV . Price , J . D . ; AV . Fan-, I . G . ; H . C . Rich , Dir . of Cers . ; J . Evans and J . Morgan , Stewards ; Adam Scott , Tyler ; G . Causick ( Mayor ) , C . Boniface , J . E . Nott , J . Prothero , J . Benjamin , F . AVatkins , II . Davies , and D . Pugli . The minutes of the last lodge were read and confirmed . Bro . Scott not being able to attend on the installation day , the W . M . invested him as Tyler , and

afterwards presented him with a handsome P . M . 's jewel , awarded by the lodge in acknowledgment of the very punctual and efficient manner he discharged his duties . 15 ro . J . D . Perrott , AV . M ., said he was very sorry that their worthy P . M ., Bro . Colonel Lloyd A . AA atkins , M . P ., was not present to perform the ceremony , as was first intended . He , therefore , begged briefly to present the jewel so justly merited to Bro . Adam Scotton behalf of the brethrenwishing that he miht

, , g live long to render his valuable services to the Brecknock Lodge . Mr . J . A . F . Snead having been proposed as a candidate at the last meeting , was balloted for , unanimously accepted , and initiated by the AV . M . There being no other business of importance , the lodge was closed in tho usual way , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

DORSETSHIRE . POOLE . —Chapter Amity ( No . 137 ) . —A convocation was held on Friday , the 17 th inst . The minutes having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Bro . Richard Sydenham , AV . M . of Lodge of Amity ( No . 137 ) , who being unanimously elected , Avas exalted to the supreme degree . The lectures were , as usual , delivered from the three chairs .

DURHAM . SUNDERLAND . —Chapter of Strict Benevolence ( No . 97 ) . — A regular convocation was held in the Palatine Lodge-room , at Comp . Donkin ' s , Bridge Hotel , ou Thursday , the lGtli inst . Present—E . Comps . Evans , Z . ; Hanson , IT . ; Hamilton , J . Comps . Lindsay , Treas . ; J . Graham , P . G . R ., acting E . ; Hearon ,

acting N . ; Doxford , P . S . ; AViseman and Stainsby , A . S . ; Laws , Janitor . E . Comps . Levy , P . P . G . S . D ., P . G . D . C , P . Z . ; Crossby , P . G . S . AV ., P . Z ; Rahn , P . H . Comp . Brewis , Skilling , Cook , Hudson , Scott , Halfknight , P . G . P ., AA eeghill , Younger , P . G . D . W „ Lord , C ' . iatt , and Liddell . Bros . Meier and Richardson , of the Palatins Lodge ( No . 97 ); Tillman , ofthe AVilliamson Lodge ( No . 9 ' 10 ); anil Emra Holmes , of the St . Helens' Lodge ( No . 531 ) , P . G . 3 ., were exalted by Bro . Comp . Levy , acting Z .

The names of four brethren were proposed for exaltation at the next convocation . The officers for tho ensuing year were duly installed as follows : —E . Comps . Hanson , Z . ; Hamilton , H . ; Rahn , J . ; Comps . Lindsay , Treas . ; J . Graham , E . ; Halfknight , N . ; Stainsby , P . S . ; Brewis and Richardson , A . S . ; Laws , Janitor . The ceremony of installation was performed by E . Comp . Levy , P . Z . The brethren afterwards retired to refreshment , and the evening was spent in that harmony and good fellowship which ever distinguishes Masonry .

AVALES SOUTH ( EASTERN DIVISION ) . SWANSEA . —Chapter of Virtue ind Hope ( No . 237 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this chapter was held on Monday , the 20 th inst ., when the attendance was unusually scanty , owing to the inclemency of the weather . Comp . Edward J . Morris , P . Z ., presided as M . E . Z . ; P . D . Michael , P . Z ., as II . ; and William Cox as J . After confirmation of the minutes , and transaction of some important financial business , Comp . Edward

J . Morris , P . Z ., made an earnest appeal to the companions on behalf of the Boys' School , for wliich Institution he had accepted the office of Steward at the approaching Festival , with the especial object of endeavouring to increase the votes of the province by inducing increased and additional subscriptions . He reminded the companions that the son of one of the former members of the chapter was a candidate for election at the April meetingand urged forcibly the necoesity of liberal

sup-, port . Comp . Wm . Cox , in an eloquent anil feeling speech , proposed a vote of five guineas to attach a life subscribership to the First Chair , with a view of contributing to Comp . Morris's list , he being tho first Steward who had represented the province at the Charities . The proposition was seconded by Comp . F . D . Michael , P . Z ., and supported by Comp , J . G . Hall , P . Z ., and unanimously carried . Several companions present also subscribed liberally to Comp . Morris's list , which bids fair

to be a heavy one . The chapter was afterwards closed in perfect harmony and' peace . At the next meeting of the companions the election of Principals and officers for the ensuing year will take place .

JERSEY . E . OYAL SUSSEX CHAPTER . —A regular meeting was held on Thursday , Feb . 9 th , at the new Masonic Temple , which is well worthy of notice , as being the first held in the room set apart for the purpose . Although no attempt has yet been made in the large lodge-room and in other parts to decorate by means of painting , the case is far different here ; and certainly great credit is due to the designer and to the board of management

, for the ehasteness of the adornments . Colour has been sparingly used , and is confined to the ceiling and arches , the walls and lower portions being panelled in white and gold . A handsome crimson canopy surmounts the dais on which are placed the chairs of the Principals . Unfortunately , in planning the building , it was not originally contemplated to devote this room to the chapter , and hence it is sadly deficient in length—a defect

which , however troublesome , it will probably be found necessary at some future time to remedy . AA'ith this exception , the effect on entering the chapter room is very striking and agreeable to the eye . Several visitors were present ; among them , Comp . Le Roy , P . Z ., whose name appeared on the warrant of the chapter granted in 1848 , though his admission as a companion of the Order goes back as far as 1811 ; this indicates his advanced age , which prevents his frequent attendance at

Masonicmeetings , and therefore his presence on this occasion afforded great pleasure to all . There were also present as visitors Comp . Dr . Smith , P . Z ., and Comp . Dr . Hopkins , P . Z . 587 . The chapter was opened soon after seven by Comp . Ph . Binet , M . E . Z ., assisted by Comp . J . Durcll , IL , and Comp . Adams , P . Z ., J . After the confirmation of the minutes , Comp . Schmitt , P . Z ., presented before the dais Comp . E . D . Le Couteur , I . P . Z . Tho First Principal offered an appropriate address , congratulating him on his retirement from the active labours of the chair , and on the success Avhich had attended the chapter during his