Metropolitan

SOMERSETSHIRE . IIiOHBElDOE .--- ^ ra ^ Phi lanthropic Lodge ( No . 367 ) . —The usual " monthly meeting took place on the 3 rd of April ; there was a numerous gathering of members and visitors . The W . M ., Bro . W . Harwood , ably initiated four gentlemen , and afterwards delivered the charge in a very s olemn and impressive manner . The remaining Lodge business being disposed of , the W . M ., in that eloquent style so peculiarly his own , presented -Bro . Brydges , P . M . and Sec , with a massive

silver inkstand and silver taper-stand , both of exquisite workmanship : this testimonial arose from the spontaneous contributions of the whole of the members of the Lodge , as expressive of their esteem of the untiring exertions of Bro . Brydg . es , for many years , for the ^ prosperity and welfare of No . 367 . In presenting the testimonial , the W . M . y in a feeling speech , paid a deserved tribute to the many excellent qualities , fraternal and social , of Bro . Brydges , who in reply said he

was much moved by this additional testimony of the kindness and regard lie had for so many years invariably experienced at the hands of his Brethren in this Lodge . The Brethren then adjourned from- ' labour to refreshment , a sumptuous banquet being provided by Bro . Besley . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts followed in rapid succession . The W . M ., in rising to propose the health of the Bast Masters , took the opportunity of reading a letter from Bro . W . Walkley , P . M ., regretting his inability to he present at the interesting

presentation of the testimonial to Bro . Brydges that day . The excellent and truly Masonic spirit that pervaded that letter , caused a feeling of regret that the Brother who could write so well was prevented from being able to deliver his sentiments viva voce . Bro . Allen , P . M ., responded to the toast , and said , " ' After the letter they had all heard read by the W . M ., there was but little left to say in praise of Bro . Brydges * m any virtues . " Next folio wed the healths of the visiting

Brethren ; then the Initiates , which were given and replied td by each and all in a very sincere and hearty manner . The evening ' s hilarity was much enhanced by some excellent singing by Bros . Gregory , T . Graham , and Arthur Walkley . The presence of Bro . Locke , of the Adelphi Lodge , No . 348 , New York , was additionally interesting from the fact that some of his ancestors were initiated into Masonry in this Lodge , and also his being a lineal descendant of the great John Locke .

SOUTH WALES . Cabmaethen . —St . Beter ' s Lodge ( No . 699 ) . —The regular monthly Lodge was held on the 3 rd of April , but nothing of any importance occurred , except that Bro . Ribbans tendered his resignation of his office as Treasurer , which was accepted by the Lodge , and Bro . James Gwyther unanimously appointed in his stead . A Lodge of Emergency was held on the 15 th instant , to initiate Capt . Wm . Lewis , and Mr . E . V . M . Paynes into the mysteries of the Order , when the

W . M ., Bro . W . G . S . Thomas , performed the ceremony in his usual excellent and impressive manner . This Lodge now numbers nearly 60 Brethren , and as men of the highest standing in the town and county are proposed almost every Lodge night , we may fairly predict that the St . Peter ' s Lodge will , ere long , be the first in the principality . The working of the Bodge is excellent , and we notice an improvement almost every Lodge night , which clearly evinces that

while the ancient landmarks are not forgotten , but on the contrary are preserved with strict integrity , a proper care to render every ceremony complete and impressive , is shown by the working Brethren . We understand the enthronement of the R . W . Prov . G . M . will shortly take place here , and that the foundationstone of the Carmarthenshire Infirmary will be laid with Masonic honours by the Brethren of this and the neighbouring Lodges . Bro . T . I ) . Lloyd , of Bronwydd , has been appointed R . W . Bep . Prov . G . M .

Llandillo . —St . Teilo Lodge ( No . 996 ) . — The consecration of this Lodge is postponed until after the enthronement of the R . W . Prov . G . M ., which we hope will soon take place .