South Wales.

'She enquirer was evidently startled by such a subterfuge , and rejoined with the enquiry if the brother was not actually a member of this very lodge . The second query was received by the W . M . in solemn silence , but "tlie wise men of the east" were evidently disquieted , as , during tbe remainder of the ceremony

, and prior to the lecture , various transformations took place . The brother first divested himself of the obnoxious collar , and for some time sat side by side with the Master , devoid of all Masouic attire . After a while , a Master Mason ' s apron was quietly supplied , and for another period the brother remained

constitutionally clothed , but just prior to standing up to read his paper the kni ght ' s collar was resumed , and retained until tlie close of the lodge . Would you oblige me by appending a short note to this communication , expressive of your opinion upon such a procedureancl informing me ( if as

cen-, surable as I imagine ) of the proper steps to be taken to prevent a repetition of a similar performance . Yours truly ancl fraternally , ENQUIRER . South Wales , 20 th October , 1864 ..

West Yorkshire.

WEST YORKSHIRE .

TO THE EDITOB OU THE UEEEMASOlfs' SIAGAZISE ASD MASONIC _ IIKI _ OIt . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I have read your report of the meetiug of the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire held at Leeds on the 5 th inst ., and Lave pleasure in supplying you with a short notice of the proceedings at the banquet afterwards held at Bro . Wilkinsonthe White Horse HotelBoar-lane .

, , The subjoined bill of fare will show you the reclterclie Character of the banquet itself , which was supplied in the very best style of this famous and respectable hostelrie .

The Rt . Hon . the Earl de Grey and Ripon , Prov . G . M ., presided ou the occasion , in that happy style ivhich is a peculiar gift of this talented and respected nobleman . He was supported , I need not say how ably , by the esteemed Deputy , Bro . Bentley Shaw , of Huddersfield , and a large array of the Masonic

wealth and talent of this great province . The toasts were introduced and spoken to by the above brethren aud by Bros . Capt . Pranklm , of Halifax ; Eagland , of Leeds ; Capt . P . Webster , of Sheffield ; the Rev . A . P . A . Woodford , Rev . W . Appleyardof Dewsbury , Bro . John Preemauof

, , Huddersfield , and others ; and the pleasure of the delightful soiree was much enhanced by the gratuitous services of our local professional , Bro . Archibald llamsden , a gentleman of whom the musical world will no doubt hear more .

Should the Provincial Grand Master again select Leeds as a place of meeting , the brethren of the Leeds lodges would be proud and happy , and would endeavour to maintain the reputation of this now acknowledged commercial capital of the West Riding . I am , dear Sir , yours faithfully , L . HICKSP . Prov . J . G . W .

, ' Leeds , 26 th October , 1864 . _ [ The toasts are of the usual descri p tion , and the bill of fare uninteresting excepting to those who partook of the dinner . —Eu . ]

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- IT is always safe to learn , even from our enemies ; seldom safe to venture to instruct even our friends .

The Masonic Mirror.

THE MASONIC MIRROR .

MASONIC ME , YJ . THE LATE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE . The funeral of the deceased nobleman took place on Thursday last at Markham Clinton . Prom tbe early hour we aro compelled to go to press , it is impossible to present our readers witli tlie particulars ive could wish . According to the injunctions

left by the late duke , the funeral obsequies were as private aspossible , the attendance at it being confined to his relatives and tenants only . The places of business of the Masonic body throughout the county , and several of the leading tradesmen , were partially closed during the morning . From a communication received in Nottingham from the Most Worshipful Grand

Master , the Earl of Zetland , ho intimates to the Craft his intention " to place the province temporarily under the care of the Grand Registrar . "

The following is tho copy of a letter addressed to the Masters of Masonic lodges in Nottinghamshire , by Bro . Bichard Allen , Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge , which , by the "Boole of Constitutions , " Page 55 , Art . 7 , " ceases to exist , " on the . death of its master : — " Caxton House , Nottingham , Oct . 24 th , 1864 .

" -Worshipful Sir and Brother , —I am this morning in receipt of a letter from Clumber , and avail myself of tlie earliest moment to put you in possession of an extract , from which you wiU learn that the relatives of our late Provincial Grand Master , in compliance with his wish , are desirous that the funeral obsequies should be as private as possible .

" The late duke having left injunctions that his funeral shouldbe as plain and unostentatious as possible , the attendance will be confined to the relatives and tenants only . " The dav for the funeral is not mentioned , but I understand

it will most probably be on 'Thursday ; this , however , you will no doubt gather from the newspapers . " I would suggest , as a mark of respect by the Masonic body throughout the country , that all places of business be partially closed on the morning of the funeral . "I have also received a , communication from the Most

Worshipful Grand Master , the Earl of Zetland , in which he states that it is his intention to place this province temporarily under the cave of the Grand Registrar . You will , therefore , receive instructions as to the mourning to be adopted in thelodges on the occasion of the death of our Provincial Grand Master , and be otherwise guided by that functionary .

" I am , Worshipful Sir and Brother , ' ' Yours faithfully and fraternally , " BICIID . AIEES , late Provincial Grand Secretary . " [ We understand that the family have replied that it was his lordship ' s wish to be buried privately . ]

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN .

Sr . GEOHGE ' S LODGE ( No . 14-0 ) . —The first meeting of this old-established lodge since the recess was held on Wednesday ,. October 19 th , at the Lecture Hall , Greenwich . Bro . Hubbucls , W . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . Ryder , H . A . Collington , Mourylian , and Pr . Scott , P . M . ' s ; his officers , and a large number of brethren . The only ceremonies wore one raising and one passing , both of which were exceedingly well

done . Business being ended , the brethren adjourned to Bro . Moore ' s , Globe Tavern , Eoyal Hill , where they partook of an excellent banquet . Visitor—Bro . P . Walters , P . M . 73 , l-i 7 Sec . 871 .