Provincial Lodges.

Having advanced to the dais table , the testimonial , a silver epergne , beautifully ancl tastefully decorated with flowers , kindly furnished from the green-houses of Sir Thomas Parkyns , Bart ., Avas placed upon the table before the noble chairman . The Aveight of the plate is about 300 ounces , the base or tripod is formed into compartments , in one of which is a representation , in relief , of a Provincial Grand Master , wearing all the insignias of his office , and surrounded by emblems of the " Ancient Fraternity / ' In another , is a faithful portraiture of an officer of the 7 th Hussars , the

regiment at present occupying the barracks , and in which the gallant Colonel served ; the military trappings of the officer , the horse , and every matter of detail is most carefully and correctly carried out . The last compartment exhibits the deadly implements of war converted into the more peaceful ones of the plough ancl harrow , and here we see a country gentleman , in the easy habiliments of one " well to do in the world , " superintending the necessary work of agriculture . The stem of the epergne is a West Indian palmhaving reference to the fact that the gallant colonel has estates in that

, distant quarter of the world ; and on either side ofit are figures representing " Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty . " There are three shields at the feet of the figures , in one of which is engraved the arms of Col . Wildman , in another the arms of the " Provincial Grand Lodge , " and in the third the following inscription : —

" Presented by the Freemasons of Kotlinghamshire to Colonel Thomas Wildman , of Newstead Abbey , as a token of fraternal esteem and regard , for his valuable services as Grand Master of thc Province , during a period of thirty-five years . " December 21 st . As the procession advanced to the chairman ' s table , the company raised a right hearty English cheer . The band having ceased playing , the chairman proposed the health of thc Right Worshi pful Pi-oy . Grand Master , Col . Wildman . The toast having been drunk standing , Dr . Pigot , the Deputy Grand Master , called upon the P . G . Secretary to read the address , whereupon Mr . E . Percy rose and said , he esteemed it a high honour and privilege to have to read the following address : —

" Address from the Ancient , Free , and Accepted JUasons of Ivottinghamshire , to Colonel Thomas Wiidmau , of Xewslead Abbey , Provincial Grand Master . " ' "Right -Worshipful Sir and Brother . —In tiie name of the Freemasons of Nottinghamshire , Ave joyfully avail ourselves of this opportunity to express our deep respect aud affectionate attachment to yon as our Provincial Grand Master , and to beg your acceptance of the accompanying piece of plate . "As Grand Master of this Province for nearly thirty-five years , we gratefully acknowledgethe valuable services you have rendered to our venerable Order , and the zeal aud ability with Avliieh yon have upheld and extended the principles of Masonry . At the time

" present , when nil hearts are stirred and beat high with enthusiasm at the gallant deeds of our noble soldiers iu the East , our thoughts naturally recur , with thankfulness , to tho period when for so many years vou were a distinguished member of that band of heroes who upheld the honour of England under the departed brother of the Craft and great captain of the age , the immortal Wellington , and shared in his crowning triumph on the field of "Waterloo . "Nor can we omit to bear our cordial testimony to the social and domestic virtues you have so long exhibited as a country gentleman , as a landlord , and as a , friend and neighbour . Your llama Avill long be held in honour as the ancient friend and schoolfellow of the noble and greatest poet , and as the munificent restorer of his much loved home , the ' Time honoured Abbey of JNowstead . '

In conclusion , and with * all humility and reference , ' we supplicate the Divine Disposer of iveuts , to bless and keep you , and your inestimable wife : preserve you in peace for many yeaiy to come , and guard you in happiness through the evening of life ; and when you . are called to leave this ' sublunary abode , ' may you pass in faith andpions trusting , to those ' immortal mansions , where ' the world ' s great Architect lives and reigns for ever . ' "December 21 st , 1851 . "

The reading of the address was several times interrupted by the enthusiastic cheers of the audience . We understand it is the intention of the committee to hai'e the address inscribed on vellum , and beautifully illuminated , after which it will doubtless figure amongst the numerous interesting objects with which Kewstead Abbey abounds . _ Colonel Wildman then rose , ancl was received with renewed ancl vociferous applause . Silence having been restored , he spoke in the following terms : —My Lord and Brethren—Often as I have had the honour of addressing Masonic brethren of this

, my province , I most assuredly never rose to do so on any previous occasion with feelings in any respect to bo compared with those which at this moment warm my heart towards them —( cheers ); and I must beg the indulgence of this company , if , from the strong emotions which , those sentiments inspire , I should find myself unable to