India.

and good songs were given , but the great enjoyment of the evening was the excellent music of the Sybille band , Avhich performed some admirable operatic pieces , besides the usual Masonic and national airs . The speeches of the AV . P . M . Br . AV . H . Read Avere as usual very successful , and his representation of the benign influences of Masonry softening the sufferings ancl horrors of AVar , illustrated by the well-known example of the late illustrious Br . Sir Charles Napier at and after the battle of Comma , Avas very appropriate , and elicited Avarin approbation . The brethren seporated . rejoicing in the happy evening they had spent together , and proud of the tie which binds them in mutual offices , love , respect and kindness whatever men ' s relative positions and duties in the world may be .

China.

CHINA .

HONG KONG . The Zetland Lodge , No . 768 , instead of a banquet confined to the brethren , gave on St . Johns Day , Dec . 27 , a ball , which afforded tho uninitiated , of both sexes , the privilege of participating in the celebration of the festival of St . John . The Rooms Avere handsomely fitted up for the occasion , and every provision in their power was made by the Masons for the gratification of their guests , the only AA'ant being the

inevitable one of a disproportion of ladies . They AA'ere not the less thought of on that account , and after a splendid supper , afforded tlie AV . M ., the Hon . W . T . Mercer , D . P . G . M ., occasion for an eloquent and effective speech , in proposing their health , in which he took occasion to defend the principles vipon which the Order is founded , and its excellence in extending the hand of Charity , to aid not only the bretliren but others who may need assistance . The worthy brother also ingeniously contrived to interlay his theme with an appeal on behalf of the widows and orphans of the soldiers and sailors Avho may fall in the Avar AA'ith Russia . The Lodge , he said , had that day agreed as a body to contribute £ o 0 , and it was to be hoped the example Avould be followed by the community generally .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

THE THREE ARTICLES OF NOAH . To the Editor of the Masonic Mirror . SIR AND BROTHER , —Your correspondent , P . M'C , of ' Peckham , seems wishful to have a " peck" at me , ancl accordingly charges me with being uncourteous . I don't reply to the charge ; but I do Avish to say that some of the Avords he has

italicised are not mine , but his . I would also say in answer to his last paragraph , that the " riddle" docs still exist , though perhaps not in the books Avhich he happens to possess . Ancl for his information and yours I Avould refer him to " The Book of the Lodge , " by Dr . Oliver , and published very recently . 1 have not tho book at present by me , but I think the passage reads thus : " They all agree in the three great articles , Noah , enough to preserve the cement of the Lodge . " I have no ' : only to say that I am greatly obliged to you for your kindness in so

promptly attending to my question , but for your trouble in this matter . I am also under an obligation to your Avorthy correspondent , Avho has given so able and satisfactory an explanation . Notwithstanding that , I think he is somewhat severe upon a brother , whose only fault ( if fault it be ) is an anxious desire to attain . Masonic knowledge , but who has not the same opportunities for doing so as are possessed by many other brethren and members of Lodges . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , AVest Yorkshire , March , 1855 . Z * * *