Lancashire.

LANCASHIRE .

Grand Masonic Liverpool Ball . —This splendid entertainment sustained , on Tuesday , the 9 th of January , its well-deserved reputation , from the magnificence of the scene , the liberality of the arrangements , the beauty of the music , and the excellence and plenteousness of the refreshments ; upwards of five hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen participated in the enjoyment . The elegant suite of rooms , by permission of the Mayor , was thrown open at half-past eight ^ dancing commenced at nine , and was continued with great spirit till four o ' clock

the following morning . The bands , of which there were three , namely , a quadrille band in each ball-room , and a military band in the vestibule , were furnished by Bro . G . Wielopolski Phillips . The supper was supplied by Bro . Lawton , of the Bee Hotel , in his usual recherche style . Bro . Lawton and Miss Annie Lawton undertook the general management . The modelling and ornamental work was executed by Mr . Eve , and it was remarked as unusually effective . It included the arms of Liverpool , the arms of England , and many fanciful and artistic productions . The proceeds of the ball , as heretofore , are to be applied in aid of the funds of the West Lancashire Masonic Institution for the education

and advancement in life of children of distressed Masons . The ball was held under most distinguished patronage . Oldham . —On Wednesday the 3 rd inst . the Brethren of the Lodge of Friendship , No . 344 , celebrated the Festival of St . John the Evangelist , in their new room , which has just been completed and decorated in a very characteristic and Masonic manner , rendering it one of the most commodious and best Lodge rooms in the Province .-

—The Lodge was opened at two o ' clock . After the confirmation of the minutes of the preceding meeting , and the transaction of some preliminary business , the W . M . elect , Bro . Daniel Evans , was duly installed ; the beautiful installation ceremony being performed in a very impressive manner by the Prov . J . G . D . of East Lancashire , Bro . Isaac Gaitskell , P . M . and P . Z ., of No . 344 . The following officers were then invested for the year , viz . : —Bros . John Bamford , P . M . ; Henry W . Litler , S . W . ; J . Booth , J . W . ; Thomas Mattinson , Treas . ; the

Bev . J . S . Hague , Chap . ; W . Hudson , Sec . ; Bobert Holt , D . C . ; S . Cooper , S . D . ; J . Sharpies , J . D . ; Edwin Travis , I . G . ; B . Greaves , Org . ; W . Blackburn and J . N . Breakey , Stewards ; and U . Shaw , Tyler . The banquet took place at five o ' clock . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed , but our limits will not permit us to give even an outline of the speeches , many of which were excellent ,

enlivened by several beautiful glees , by members of the " Lancashire Choral Union . " In the course of the evening the W . M ., in a very feeling and impressive address , presented Bro . John Bamford , on his passing the Chair , with a beautiful P . M . ' s jewel as a small token of the high esteem entertained for Bro . Bamford by the members of his Lodge , as a mark of their fraternal regard , and of their appreciation of the benefits rendered by him to the Lodge whilst acting as W . M .

The Lodge of Friendship is now in a very flourishing state , numbering upwards of seventy members . A Boyal Arch Chapter was attached about three years ago , and on the 21 st December last a Knight Templar ' s Encampment was consecrated .

LINCOLNSHIRE . BOSTON .---On Thursday , the 28 th December , the Brethren of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 389 , celebrated the festival of St . John , by dining together at the Woolpack Inn , where " refreshment" was provided by Bro . Button . The newlyinstalled W . M ., Bro . P . Cooke , the Mayor , presided , supported by a company of the P . M . ' s , Officers , Brethren , and visiting Brethren .

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE . Peterborough .- —The Brethren of the St . Peter ' s Lodge , No . 646 , met for the purpose of celebrating their annual festival , and installing their W . M . on St . John ' s Day , 27 th December . The ceremony was ably performed by Bro . J . Hervey , P , M .