Inauguration Of The Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex,

John Gilbert , Grand Tyler . Antonio John Codner , 382 , Arthur A . Richards , P . G . S ., 865 ,

Thomas Cubitt , 1194 , I Grand Alfred Avery , 1194 , j Stewards . Joseph Taylor , 1238 , George Kenning , S . W ., 1293 , The proposed bye-laws ofthe Provincial Grand

Lodge were then read and approved , and the business of Inauguration having been completed the Grand Lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren dispersed for a short interval preparatory to the

BANQUET , which was well attended , as seventy brethren sat down to table . The musical arrangements , both during lodge ceremonials and at the banquet , were under the direction of Bro . Henry Parker , assisted by Bros . Theodore Distin and Coward , and gave great satisfaction .

The cloth having been cleared and grace sung , The R . W . P . G . M . proposed " The Queen and the Craft , " which was drank with all Masonic honours , the National Anthem being sung in solos and chorus . The R . AV . P . G . M . next proposed "The health ofthe

M . W . G . M ., the Earl of Zetland , " remarking upon the length of years during which our chief had served Freemasonry , and which had duly earned for him that honourable and dignified retirement he now sought . The R . W . P . G . M . proposed " The health of Bro .

H . R . H ., the Prince of Wales , Past Grand Master , " and after a few brief remarks , expressive of the pleasure felt by himself and the Craft generally in the association of H . R . H . ' s name with the Order , added " The health of the R . W . D . G . M ., the Earl de Grey and Ripon , and the rest of the Grand Officers "

Bro . THOS . FENN , P . A . G . D . C ., on behalf of the officers of Grand Lodge , and venturing to include also amongst them the Royal Brother first named , assured the R . AV . P . G . M . a ' nd the brethren , of the satisfaction which it had given Grand Lodge to grant the patent for the Provincial Grand Lodge of

Middlesex , and to himself and the brethren who had accompanied him for the purpose of assisting in the propitious business of the day . He sincerely hoped , and ventured to predict , that the new Provincial Grand Lodge would be one of the brightest ornaments in the Craft .

The V . W . Bro . J HERVEY . Grand Secretary , proposed "The health ofthe R . AV . P . G . M . of Middlesex , Bro . Colonel Francis Burdett , " referring to the labours ofthe clay as something unique in Freemasonry . He knew of no brother who could parallel the experience of the occasion which had

called them together . A new lodge had been consecrated bearing the name of its founder , who became at once its first Master and the head of the province in which the lodge is situated . It was a proud day for the worthy brother who had now become the Provincial Grand -Master for Middlesex ;

and a proud day for him who had been so pleasantly engaged in the performance of the necessary ceremonies . He felt sure that the distinguished brother whose health he now proposed was in every waywell calculated to preserve the dignity ofthe Craft , and to carry out the important work attached to his

exalted office . He was glad that the M . \ A . G . M . had constituted Middlesex into a province , as the several lodges in that county were now acknowledged , and placed under the control of a brother so well-known and respected , and of whom he might sincerely say , that he has been and is a good man and Mason . ( Hear , hear . ) AVhatever

position Colonel Burdett might have been placed in , he would have reflected credit upon the Order , but probably in none could he so especially render the Craft service as in that of Provincial Grant ! Master of Middlesex . He was eminently the right man in the right place , and no better reason could be given or advanced for his calling upon the brethren to respond heartily to the toast he now proposed .

1 he response was given with great enthusiasm and long-continued acclamation . Song , by Bro . Distin , " A Soldier to-night is our Guest . "

The RAY . PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER , whose rising was greeted with renewed cheers , expressed the difficulty he felt in finding sufficiently adequate terms wherewith to return thanks for the kind manner in which he had been spoken of by the Grand Secretary , and the enthusiastic welcome

accorded to him by the brethren , lie had served Masonry for many years , but could scarcel y have hoped to receive such an acknowledgment as that which placed him in the position he now enjoyed . He had received much support from the

brethren generally , and he now hoped that such support might not only be continued , but as far as the business of the province was concerned , might even be increased . Unless so supported , and he had no apprehension to the contrary , all his endea-

Inauguration Of The Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex,

would be crowned by success . From this moment Middlesex would appear not only as a province in Freemasonry , but also as a bright star in the horizon ofthe noble Order . It was a proud day for him , as the Provincial Grand Master , to see so many tried and true friends around him . The province was an important one , and everything should be

done to maintain its importance . He should especially look to the fostering of the Charities of the Order , and should ask for support at the forthcoming festivals of the several institutions . In conclusion , he most heartily thanked the Grand Secretary , his Provincial Grand Officers , and the brethren for their attention to his remarks and the cordial

reception of his name . The R . W . P . G . M . then called upon Bro . Stevens for a song of his ( Bro . Stevens' ) composition , " AVhat better theme than Masonry ? " which gave much satisfaction , the brethren joining in the chorus with good effect .

The R . AV . P . G . M . next proposed "The health of the V . AV . Bro . John Hervey , Grand Secretary , " thanking him for the services he had that day rendered both to the Provincial Grand Lodge and to the Burdett Lodge , services which he was sure the brethren would not easily forget , and which he

must be permitted to add were most efficientl y rendered . ( Drank with high honours ) . Song , Bro . Coward , " Sweet Mary of the Vale . " The V . AV . Bro . J HERVEY , Grand Secretary , replied , thanking the brethren for the honour conferred , and considering that what services he had

endeavoured to render had been amply repaid by his election to the position of an honorary member of the Burdett Lodge , and the cordial acknowledgement which the brethren had otherwise made . What he had performed was a labour of love , as well as one of duty , and he should retire from amongst

them at the conclusion of the day ' s proceedings with the plcasurcable consciousness of having spent much time with both enjoyment to himself and profit to Freemasonry . The R . AV . P . G . M . proposed the health of the

Provincial Grand Wardens , to which Bro . DAVISON , S . GAA ., replied in appropriate terms . The RAA ' . P . G . M . proposed the " Health of the Chaplains , Bios , the Rev . F . C . de Crespigny and and the Rev . D . Shaboe , " and each of these brethren returned thanks .

Piano solo , by Bro . Parker . The RAA ' . P . G . M . then proposed "The health of Bro . R . AA . Little , P . G . Sec , "who hadso mainly contributed to the success of the business of the day , and upon whom he passed a high eulogium in respect of his Masonic ability and social qualities . The toast was drank with acclamation , and Bro . LITTLE ,

in very felicitous language , responded to the compliment . The R . AV . P . G . M . proposed - ' The Visitors , " and referring again to the charities , many ardent supporters of which he recognised amongst them , mentioned the name of Bro . Binckes , the Secretary of the Bovs' School . .

Bro . BINCKES in reply stated that really he was a member of the Burdett Lodge , but ' probably might be considered a visitor to the Provincial Grand Lodge ; he would therefore accept the position in which the R . AV . P . G . M . had placed him , and thanked the brethren for the heartiness with which the toast had been drank . He would take the

opportunity to " improve the occasion , 'by venturing a modest appeal on behalf of the Boys' School , and had the confidence lo ask the support of the RAA ' . P . G . M . at the ensuing festival , as well as that ofthe newly-appointed ofticcrs . ( It is almost needless to add , that Bro . Binckes , as usual , " improved the occasion " to good effect , as within a short time after he had sat down he

rose again to announce that the R . W . Provincial Grand Master , the Provincial Grand Secretary , and several oilier brethren would take no small share in securing the success of the festival to be presided over by II . K . H . the Prince of \ Vales , in March next ) . "The Stewards , " " Officers of the Lodge , 1293 , "

and the Tyler ' s toast were amongst the remaining toasts of the evening , after which and partaking of coffee in the ante-room , the brethren sought the train for London and separated highly pleased with the whole of the proceedings connected with the Inauguration of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex .

vours on behalf ofthe province would be as nothing , but he felt sure that the standard raised to-day would be rallied around by all interested in maintaining its proud position . He knew the responsibility he had undertaken , but with the assistance of his chosen officers , he felt sure that his exertions

I o CONSUMPTIVES .-- A grateful father is desirous of sending hy mail , free of charge to ; ill who wi-. h it , a copy of the prescription by which his daughter was restored to perfect health from confirmed Consumption , after having hceii given up by her physicians and despaired ufliy her father , . 1 well-known phy .-, ician , who has now discontinued practice . Sent lo any person r ree . —Address () . 1 ' . Brown , Secretary , 2 , King-street , ( . ' oveiit-g .-uden , London . —[ Advt . I

Masonic Ball At Newbury.

MASONIC BALL AT NEWBURY .

The Ball held at the Mansion House , on Friday , passed off with the greatest amount of eclat . Although the first of its kind held in Newbury , the ball presented all the appearance of an old-established meeting , being attended by numerous residents of the town and neighbourhood ,

as well as many who came from distant parts of the county . Both in point of numbers , the completeness of arrangement , and the unmixed enjoyment of the company , the ball of Friday night cannot be regaided less than a great success , and presenting ; a model for future Masonic gatherings

of a like nature . The accomplishment of results so indispensable to enjoyment at such a gathering was mainly due to the untiring zeal with which the committee had previously worked , aided by their energetic secretary , Mr . G . Cosburn . The whole length of the Mansion

House was appropriated for the purposes of the dance ; and the room was brillliantly lighted and decorated with a taste and appreciation of the requirements of a Masonic gathering which was highly creditable to Mr . G . Boyer , whose identification with the Craft no doubt enabled him the

better to carry out his task . Many who were present confessed that they had never seen the "old room" look better , and we admit , for uniqueness and effect , never having seen the ornamentation equalled . Festoons of evergreens and flowers looped with blue , silver , and white rosettes and

streamers , were carried all round the room below the cornice , pendant from which hung Masonic blue bannerets lined with silver , and bearing emblems and mottoes of the Craft . On the blinds of each window were medallions , in blue , purple , vermillion , gold , & c , with emblems of the several degrees of

advanced Freemasonry , surrounded by wreaths of evergreens , and immediately in front of these were elegant candelabra , each holding eight wax lights , which thoroughly illuminated the emblems . Between the windows were consol glasses in elegant frames , and in every available space on the walls

mirrors were fixed , which reflected the brilliancy of the decorations and the graceful forms and varied costume of those who engaged in the Terpsichorean revel , as they swayed to the dulcet sounds of the music of the band , whose scarlet uniforms and stalwart forms , as they occupied a raised dais

wreathed with flowers at the upper end of the room , in no small degree enhanced the charming effect . At the sides of the room were raised platforms covered with green baize and supporting seats with crimson cushions . The landing at the top of the stairs was converted into a refreshment saloon , and the

Council Chamber laid for supper . The police-station when renovated , formed an agreeable reception room for gentlemen ; and altogether the arrangements were as convenient as could well be . The company began to arrive soon after nine , and dancing commenced at half-past . By the time the whole of the visitors had arrived there were

over 120 present , and as the ladies and gentlemen were fairly proportioned the pleasure of the evening was greatly enhanced . The band of the 1 st Life Guards , under the direction of Bro . Edwards , performed a choice selection of dance music in capital style , while the dancers footed it merrily to the inspiriting strains . About twelve a brief intermission occurred for

supper , after which the impulse was"On with the dance , let joy be unconfined ;" and in unwearied pleasure the intervening hours sped on with fugitive swiftness , till six o ' clock brought with it the end of the programme ; and even then gallant Masons , and fair dancers too ,

with ardent Terpsichorean instincts , apparently believing in the idea that it was impossible to have too much of a good thing , proposed that the programme should be gone through again , but this was deferred , in the toast which was drunk before separating , "To our next merry meeting , " Previous to

the programme , however , being completed , Bro . Cave ascended the platform devoted to the band , and , in the name of the company , expressed their thanks to the AV . M . for his attendance , and for the very efficient and satisfactory way in which the ball had been conducted . Bro . Bland replied , and a vote

of thanks was subsequently presented to the M . C . ' s , for whom Bro . Bance returned thanks . The several speakers were loudly cheered ; and when allusion nas made to a recurrence of a Masonic ball in the course of two or three years , an enthusiastic visitor exclaimed , "Let us have another next week !"

There was undoubtedly a feeling amongst the numerous party that the Masonic body should give another ball next year . The following were noticed among the company present on Friday evening : —The Mayor of

Ncwburv ( Bro . R . A . Ryott ) , Miss F . Ryott , Bro . Bland , AV . M ., 574 , P . P . G . J . W ., and Miss Bland ; Bro . AV . II . Cave , P . M ., AV . M .-elect , P . G . Reg .-, and Mrs . Cave , Bros . Silas Palmer , M . D ., Bro . H . Bui-scy , Bro . F . G . Hall , P . M . ( Treasurer ); and Mrs . Hall , Bro . G . Boyer , P . M ., P . G . S . ; Mrs . and Miss