Provincial,

guests , by Bro . Wates . After supper the usual toasts of the evening were given with characteristic brevity by the W . M ., much to our satisfaction . We have on previous occasions expressed our disapprobation of a series of long speeches from one individual , and Bro . Watson may consider this as to him in the light of an honourable-mention certificate , such as jurors give at exhibitions . Brevity , they say , is the soul of wit . In this case , if any connection existed at all , it

would be in strength , for more powerful blows with the gavel we never before heard given by a W . M . That expressive and universally accepted adjective " stunning" fails to express the effect—it was awful . Being seated close to the W . M ., we enjoyed to the fullest extent the mahogany reverberations . To the toast of "The-Visitors , " Bro . John Mott Thearle replied in appropriate terms . The singing was first rate . Bro . Spencer ' s "Practical Philosophy , " and another musical gem by a Brother , entitled "Thistles and Freedom , " were deservedly encored . Then John Mott Thearle ' s "Rale auld Irish Jontleman , " and Bro . Nickolls ' s

" Partnership Song , " with a host of others , amongst which "Bold Robin Hood , " sung with a voice of most astonishing volume , deserves especial notice , inasmuch as this favourite air was frequently introduced with great propriety by the owner of the said voice , particularly after many songs in which the composer had neglected to add a chorus . After a very happy evening , several of the visitors adjourned for the night to Bro . Watson ' s Belle Vue Tavern , on Windmill Hill , and to all Brethren who can appreciate all the comfort of good beds and breakfasts , and a hospitable landlord , we recommend this . It brought to our mind what Shenstone sung : —¦

"How often in this life ' s dull round , We find our warmest welcome at an inn . " Maidstone . —Belvidere Lodge ( No . 741 ) . —The thirteenth anniversary of this important and prosperous Lodge took place on the 2 nd inst ., at the Star Hotel , Maidstone . The first Master of this Lodge was Bro . Charles Gustavus Whittaker , who , at its original foundation , gave the high sanction of his name and position in aid of the exertions of its founders , Bros . Pike and Cruttenden . Being a

magistrate of the county , and j ^ ossessing an universal reputation for all the good and manly virtues which belong to the character of an English gentleman , the Lodge under his guidance quickly arrived at a position of prosperity and influence , somewhat unusual in a new institution . The prestige of his name , supported by the indefatigable exertions and truly Masonic qualities of his two successors , Bros . Pike and Cruttenden , kept up the position of the Lodge during the next

two years ; but having reached a point of considerable elevation , a pause in its progress followed , and eventually it stood quite still , if it did not retrograde . After a dull interval of some years , the chair came at last into the possession ol Brethren who determined not to enjoy the honours of the Mastership without performing its duties , and a gradual revival followed . During the last year it lias been filled by Bro . Cooke , and the revival which seems to have arisen in Masonry at Maidstone , became , under his rule , decided and obvious . In every

change Bro . Whittaker had shown his unswerving sympathy with the fortunes of the Lodge , and it was thought by the Brethren a graceful celebration of its now auspices to offer the chair of the Lodge to its first Master . Bro . Whittaker , ever susceptible where the welfare of the Lodge was involved , consented at once to accept the office , and a large muster of the Brethren of the province testified on this occasion their sympathy with the token of respect paid by tho Belvidere Lodge to so distinguished an example of Kentish Masonry as tho conduct ol Bro . Whittaker had afforded . There was , therefore , on this anniversary , not

only a large muster of the Brethren of the Belvidere Lodge , but of the most distinguished Masons belonging to the province . The ceremony of installation was most impressively performed by that excellent working Mason Bro . Savage , after which the Worshipful Master invested the following Brethren : -Bros . Cooke , P . M . ; Orfbrd , S . W . ; Barrett , J . W . ; Pearson , Sec . ; Purrant , Treas . ; Clifford , S . D . ; Bartlett , J . }) . ; R . Day , I . G . ; Ilartnup and Grundy , Stewards ; and Pa-. ge , Dir . of Ccr .