Provincial.

could not be altered by a special meeting . He aproved , therefore , of the course recommended by Bro . Wolfenden . Bro . Pollitt said the only object in view was to prevent delay in the adoption of the rules , but as there were objections to the course proposed , the mover of the resolution and himself would adopt the suggestion of Bro . Wolfenden , and make the motion that the byedaws be received , and that a special meeting be convened , after they have been duly considerd by the various Lodges , to confirm the

same . The B . W . Prov . G . M . said the course proposed of adopting the byedaws at this meeting was solely with the view of preventing delay , for his impression was that they could not be adopted at a special meeting . The motion , as amended , was then put and carried , and Friday , the 24 th day of October next , was fixed for holding a special meeting to confirm the bye-laws . The business of the Prov . Grand Lodge terminated soon after two o ' clock .

At half-past two o ' clock the Brethren assembled in the Cathedral for divine worship . They appeared in full Masonic costume , and the scene was novel and picturesque . The prayers were read by Bro . the Rev . A . H . Hulton , A . M ., incumbent of Christ Church , Ashton-under-Lyne ; the lessons by Bro . the Rev . J . B . Phillips , M . A ., of Rossendale ; and the sermon was preached by Bro . the

Rev . P . C . Nicholson , B . D ., incumbent of St . Philip ' s Church , Salford , Prov . G . Chap . Bro . J . Fawcett , Mm . Bac , Prov . G . Org ., presided at the organ . At the close of the services , a collection was made , partly in aid of the Masonic Local Benevolence , and partly for the benefit of the national schools of Manchester . The amount received was £ 34 .

At five o ' clock the Brethren sat down to a banquet in the Exchange Room . Bro . Stephen Blair , R . W . Prov . G . M ., East Lancashire , presided ; supported by Bro . Albert H . Royds , B . W . D . Prov . G . M . ; Bro . the Rev . P . C . Nicholson , Prov . G . Chap ., and the other Prov . Grand Officers . On the removal of the cloth , " Non nobis Domine " was sung by a party of vocalists , whose glees , & c ., during the evening , added much to the - enjoyment of the company . The Prov . G . M . then gave the customary loyal toasts . Next followed from the chair , " The

Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M ., " which was drunk with Masonic honours , and followed by the glee , iC When the temple ' s first stone . " The next toast was , " The Earl of Yarborough , R . W . D . G . M ., " which was drunk with Ml honours , and succeeded by the glee , " Hail to the Craft . " The Prov . G . Chap , proposed the toast " Stephen Blair , Esq ., R . W . Prov . G-. M ., " and in doing so observed that ^ the time was fast approaching when men of all ranks and all parties would join their benevolent institution . During the last ten years , as they had heard from

their worthy Prov . G . M ., their numbers had nearly doubled in this province , and there was every reason to believe that the increase would be still greater in the future . With regard to the worthy Brother who had that day been placed at the head of the province , it was unnecessary to dwell upon his merits . Whatever honours might be heaped upon him , either from the Grand Lodge of England

or elsewhere , the Masons of this province could not feel for him more affection than they did at present . The highest honours of this province had now been conferred : they all felt that he deserved them , and their ardent prayer was that his life might be spared to enjoy them . They had their chief before them , ' —let them rally round him and support him . May his government be long and prosperous , and may he enjoy himself , and be the source of enjoyment to

others . The toast was drunk with Masonic honours , and great applause , and was followed by a glee , the words from Dr . Oliver ' s " Illustrations of Masonry , "—the music composed for the occasion by Bro . John Eawcett , Prov . G . Org . The R . W . Prov . G . M ., in returning thanks , expressed , his ardent hope that , as

time passed on the Masonic body might be even more united than they were at present , and he could assure the Brethren present that nothing should be wanting on his part to cement the bond of friendship and brotherhood to the utmost extent , and he well knew that in the pursuit of such an object , he should have the cooperation of the Dep . Prov . G . M . and the Brethren generally . He trusted that the Province over which he had the honour to preside would continue the first ,