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broadest sense ; not that of taking from our surplus wealth , but that tenderness , good-will , atid brotherly love , which united all in bonds of brotherhood . Bro . Deacon ' s address was embodied in eloquent language , to which our space is insufficient to do justice . He concluded by saying , " The encouragement you have given to my past services cheers me at this moment , and the memory of it will gild the future . "

The Prov . G . M . called on the Brethren to give a hearty welcome to their visitor , Bro . How : and from his connection with a publication devoted to the Order , to unite with his name " The Press . " Bro . How said , although he had several friends then present , he could not but consider the reception his name had met with was rather due to the Freemasons * Monthly Magazine than any merit of his own ; he assured the Brethren that its conductors used their best efforts to render the Magazine deserving their support ; and since it had been under its present editor , the object of its

original papers had been to show the world what Freemasonry does for intellectual progress ; and to exhibit our past , present , and future . It assisted the great work of civilization , by making them familiarly acquainted with what the fraternity was doing throughout the whole surface of the globe . Its pages were open to every Brother who sought information , or desired to make known any complaint or neglect ; and thus became a medium for remedying any real or fancied ills . These efforts would , however , be unavailing without the hearty aid and support of every Brother in the Craft . He was much gratified at observing the prosperous condition of Masonry in Hampshire , and the united and happy feeling among them all . The names of the several Brethren who had received their appointments were duly honoured , and the Brethren separated , after spending a most pleasurable day .

Blackburn . — -Lodge of Fidelity ( No . 336 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on the evening of Friday , the 31 st of August , at the Angel Inn , King Street . Bro . D . Thwaites ( West Bank ) , the W . M . presiding , assisted by Bros . Whewell and Yates , as S . W . and J . W ., who performed their duties in an able manner . The business of the evening being ended , the Brethren present adjourned , and afterwards separated , having spent a very agreeable evening . Lodge of Perseverance ( No . 432 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on Monday evening , the 27 th of August , at the Old Bull Hotel . Bro . Wm . Harrison , in the absence of the W . M . officiated , assisted by Bro . Backhouse , S . W ., and Bro . John Yates , as J . W . Several matters of business were transacted , after which the Brethren separated at an early hour .

LANCASHIRE

MONMOUTHSHIRE . Tlie New Masonic Hall at Newport . —The members of the Silurian Lodge , No . 693 , having some time since determined on raising a new building for their meetings , a Grand Lodge of the Province was called on the 29 th of August , to lay the foundation-stone with full Masonic honours , and the assemblage on the occasion will live long in the memory of all present . The site selected is in Dock-street , nearl v opposite the railway terminus , and

in the centre of the spot , and near the foundation-stone , a floral pillar , fifty feet high , was erected . Its embellishments , in flowers , immortelles , and wreaths , were pleasingly varied . On the summit was placed a handsome crown of large dimensions , composed of evergreens , flowers , and gilded bays ; and from its sides four banners were pendant , of England , Prance , Turkey , and Sardinia . Four

other pillars , crowned and decorated with national colours , were erected at the corners of the ground ; each crowned at the summit with bright streamers . The triangle above the foundation-stone was also nicely ornamented with wreaths and flags , amidst which a drapeau , on which were the square and compass , was conspicuous . The Town Council of Newport having been invited to be present at the cere * mony of laying the first stone of the intended edifice , several of that body assem-