Provincial.

given during tho last nine years to the various Masonic charities , this Lodge agrees to such propositions , enforcing the importance of gradually introducing sleeping accommodation . If the four first propositions cannot be carried out iu accordance with the foregoing considerations , this Lodge supports the last or alternative proposition , and considers that the increased accommodation referred to in the said proposition should include a library and reading room . The Lodge is assured by several brethren that they are prepared to subscribe for the privilege

of special accommodation , and particularly if dormitories are added . " Bro . G . AA ' . Clarke , Secretary , spoke in favour of the resolution , which he considered much wiser than the course adopted by theRoyal Gloucester Lodge , No . 152 , of which most of tho brethren present were members . The committee unanimously adopted the proposition . It was further resolved , " That it be a recommendation to the Lodge that application should be made to the trustees of the Masonie property in the town for accommodation to enable the members to remove the Lodgo

meetings from tho Rose and Crown Tavern at Shirley , to the Freemasons' Hall , Southampton ; and Bros . Fletcher , A \ . M ., J . R . Stebbing , P . M ., and H . Clarke , S . AA " ., were deputed to arrange with the AA . Ms . of the Lodges , No . 152 and 555 . Bro . G-. M . Passenger was greatly in favour of any change which would causo Masonie meetings to be held in Masonie buildings . It was also resolved that the Lodge be recommended to hold its meetings on the third AVednesday of each month , and that the joining fee be slightly increased .

In consequence of the sudden death of the host of the Crown Inn at Shirley , at which place this Lodge has been hitherto held , the regular meeting of members was held at tho Freemasons' Hall , Southampton , on AA'ednesday , March 23 rd , when Bro . Alex . Fletcher ably presided . The ballot was taken for a candidate for

initiation , who was elected . The approaching Provincial Grand Lodge of Emergency was announced . Bro . G . A \ . Clarke , Secretary , proposed , and Bro . AA ebb , P . M ., seconded , aud it was resolved , "That the members of this Lodge have heard with unfeigned and deep sorrow of the melancholy loss which this province has sustained by the death of Bro . Thomas Norcross Firmin , P . Prov . S . G . AV ., Prov . G . Sec . of Hants , P . At . No . 152 , an indefatigable and worthy Mason , a valued citizen , a kind husband , and affectionate parent ; and that a copy of this resolution be conveyed to the bereaved widow and family of our departed brotherwith every expression

, of sympathy and regard . " Bro . Barford was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft . The report aud recommendation of the committee appointed to frame the replies to the queries issued by the President of the Board of General Purposes were received and adopted . Bros . Standerwick and Biddlecomb , of Lodge No . 152 , were proposed as joining members . Bro . Stebbing , P . AL , gave notice of his intention to propose at the next meeting of the Lodge a resolution expressing the feelings of tho brethren on losing the society of their worthy Bro . Starlingwho is about to leave

, England . Bro . Stebbing , P . M ., proposed , Bro . T . R . Payne seconded , and it was resolved , "That the report of the committee recommending the removal of the Lodge to the Freemasons' Hall be received and adopted . " Bro . Stebbing further proposed that the Secretary give notice to the brethren that at the next Lodge meeting a proposition would be made to alter the day of meeting to the third Wednesday of each month . After the transaction of other business , chiefly of a private naturethe Lodwas closed and tho brethren adjournedto refreshment

, ge , . Various Masonic toasts , very aptly proposed by the AA . M ., gave much interest to the proceedings . Bro . Stebbing , P . M ., was unavoidably obliged to withdraw from the banquet early iu the evening , much to the regret of the brethren , who look forward to those bursts of Masonic eloquence from him , which give a tone to the Lodge meetings , and are unequalled in force and effect .

SOUTHAMPTON . —Southampton Lodge ( No . 555 ) . —This Lodge held its monthly meeting at the Freemasons' Hall , on Thursday , March 17 th . Bro . J . R . Stebbing , AV . M ., presided , and the Lodge was attended by the AV . M ., Officers and several of the brethren of the Royal Gloucester Lodge , No . 152 . The ballot was taken for a candidate , Mi' . AA . Furber , for many years a highly respected inhabitant of tho borough , was duly initiated . The AV . M . then vacated tho chair , which was taken by Bro . Bromley , P . M . Bro . Stebbing delivered the charge in his usual impressive 2 11