Provincial Lodges.

The Chairman then proposed " The P . G . Stewards , " which was responded to by Br . A . H . McDonald , of Bury . Br . Ramsbottom then rose to propose the last toast ; " To all poor and distressed brethren , and a speedy relief to all their misfortunes . " He referred to his experience in the capacity in which he was employed in a feeling and interesting manner , and recommended charity as a virtue worthy of the notice and practice of every good and true Freemason . The toast was drunk in the usual manner . " Cheer boys , cheer , "

was then played by the band , and the company separated about ten o ' clock . LODGE OF FIDELITY , BLACKBURN ( No . 336 . )—The celebration of the monthly meeting of this Lodge took place at the Angel Inn , on 3 rd of August . There were very few brethren present , and Br . Stocks , P . M . officiated in the chair ( in the absence of the W . M . ) with the assistance of Brs . Whewell , S . W ., and Wm . Harrison as J . W . ( in the absence of the J . W . of the lodge . ) The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmedand the Secretary reported as to returns & c . After which

, , the brethren worked in the first degree and adjourned for refreshment , and afterwards they broke up a most pleasant meeting at an early hour . LODGE OF PERSEVERANCE , BLACKBURN , ( No . 432 . )—The regular Lodge night was held on Monday evening , the 30 th July , at 8 o'clock . The Lodge having been duly opened with solemn prayer , and the minutes of the previous meeting confirmed , several important matters connected with the Lodge were discussed and arranged , and measures were taken for the formation of a Masonic library for the use of the

members . The installation of the W . M . was postponed till next Lodge-night , owing to the business of the evening having occupied a long time . The brethren present ( among whom were several visiting brethren ) then adjourned for refreshment , and spent a very pleasant evening . We are happy to say that this Lodge gives signs of animated exertion to rank high in the province , for all that should distinguish a Masonic Lodge . A Lodge of Instruction in connection with No . 432 , Lodge of Perseverance , Blackburn , is now held every month , on the Monday evening next to the regular Lodge-night at 8 o ' clock , at the Lodge-rooms , at the Old Bull Hotel .

MONMOUTHSHIRE . The town of Newport was on Wednesday last the scene of a most interesting event in the annals of Monmouthshire , when the foundation stone of the New Masonic Hall was laid with all the eclat which the presence of the Grand Lodge of the Province , ancl the attendance of a large number of the brethren from Bristol and South Wales could impart to the ceremony . At an early hour the brethren of the Siberian Lodge met at then- rooms in High-streetwhenhaving opened the Lodthey formed a

, , ge , procession to St . Paul ' s Church , where an excellent sermon was preached for their edification and instruction by the P . G . Chaplain , after which a collection was made in aid of the Masonic Charities . The procession then re-formed in the usual order , and proceeded to the site of the intended structure , when those in front , halted and dividing to either side , formed an avenue through which the Grand Officers , and the brethren carrying the lights , columns , cruses , and the Lodge jewels , entered upon the grounds . The P . G . Chaplain having invoked the blessing of the G . A . O . T . tJ .

upon the structure , the stone , under which hacl been placed a bottle hermetically sealed , containing the current coins of the realm , and a record of the proceedings of the day , was lowered into its place , when the R . W . the P . G . M . Br . Col . W . Tynte , M . P ., proved its position , and , with the usual formalities , poured upon it the oil , wine , and corn . The R . W . brother then addressed the assembled brethren , and having alluded to the great interest which he felt in the welfare of the Craft , expressed an ardent hope that the proceedings of that day would contribute to its advancement . In the

evening the brethren again met , when they partook of a banquet not only rich in all the delicacies of the season , but rendered still more pleasing by the harmony and good fellowship whicli prevailed at the table . [ A more detailed report will be published in our next . ] NORTHUMBERLAND . PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE . On Wednesday , the 15 th August , the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand