Provincial Lodges.

Sword-bearer of England for two years , and who has clone much to raise the character of Masonry in this province , and to place it in its present proud position . STAFFORDSHIRE .

MENTURIA LODGE , HANLEY ( NO . 606 ) . —In addition to our notice of the proceedings at the St . John ' s Festival of the above Lodge , when the Rev . W . II . AVright , P . G . C . for Staffs ., was installed as W . M ., we have the pleasure to add that testimonials of respect were presented to Br . AV . K . Harvey , tlie Immediate Past Master of the Lodge , and also to Br . John Horton , J . AV ., for their efforts in reviving tho Lodge , and the latter for continuing in office as J . W . In tho course of the banquet , the R . AV . P . G . M ., Colonel Vernon , in an able speech , spoke encouragingly of the efforts which had been

made to bring the Lodge into an effective condition , and the K . W ., Thos . AVard , Esq ., D . P . G . M ., in alluding to the fact that Masonry had now been introduced in Hanley fifty years , called attention to many Masons , claiming this as their mother Lodge , who had attained to high honours in the Craft , and had adorned Masonry by the excellence of their private life . He trusted that the improvements in Masonic administration and the example of so many excellent Masons would so stimulate the efforts of the Menturians , that the next fifty years of Masonry in Hanley should be years of increasing efficiency and prosperity .

AVARWICKSIIIRE . BIRMINGHAM MASONIC FULL DRESS BALL . —On Wednesday evening , the I 4 th of February , the seventh annual ball took place at the Royal Hotel , Birmingham , under the patronage of the Right Honourable Lord Leigh , P . G . M ., and the Masons of the province , in aid of the funds of the Masonic Provident , Benevolent , and Annuity Association . About 220 were present , and dancing commenced at half-past nine ; the

Past Deputy Grand Master of the province ( one of the founders of the Association ) , Dr . Bele Fletcher , and Mrs- C . AV . Elkington , opening the ball , from which time , till nearly daylight , the company kept up the merry dance with unabted spirit , to the enlivening music of Hayward and Tilly ' s band . Supper was announced at 12 o ' clock , ' when the whole suite of rooms were thrown open , and substantial refreshments , with ices , tea , and coffee were replenished the whole night . The Stewards were indefatigable in their exertions , and the Secretaries , Brs , Kettle , Charles W . Elkington , and

Empson , exerted themselves , not without success , in making all enjoy the delightful evening . Br . Dee officiated as musical steward , and Br . Ridgway as director of ceremonies . We should here mention , that this excellent Association has derived most substantial assistance from these annual re-unions , upwards of ieOOO having been realized and invested . AA e never remember to have passed a more enjoyable eveningthe magnificent dresses of the lovely women present , intermixed with the variousMasonic dresses of Craft , Provincial Royal Arch , and the higher grades , gave brilliancy to the

scene . Tlie room was most tastefully decorated with the banners of the provinces of Warwick and Stafford , the various Lodges , and the standards of the Knight Templars , The supper was most excellent , consisting of the great delicacies of the season .

WORCESTERSHIRE . DUDLEY ANNUAL MASONIC BALL- —Tliis annual ball took place at the Dudley Arms Hotel , Dudley , on Thursday evening , February 8 , and although it was not so numerously attended as on former occasions , which may be ascribable to the severity of the weather , and the postponement from the time originally fixed , on account of the sudden and lamented death of the late Edward Dixon ,.

Esq ., it nevertheless passed off with its wonted eclat . The company numbered about 120 . The room was , as usual , tastefully decorated with the various banners and ensigns of the Order , and the brethren appeared in full Masonic costume . Dancing commenced at nine , and was continued with great spirit to the strains of Synyer ' s band , till about five on Friday morning . The supper arrangements were- of tho first character , and reflected great credit on the respected hostess , Mrs . Smith ,