Provincial.

being unanimous , they were severally introduced in due form , and initiated into the mysteries of the Order by the AV . M . The charge was very effectively given by Bro . J . H . P . Leresohe , AA . M . No . 2-16 . The Lodge was then called off to refreshment , aud in the course of the evening Bro . Leresche responded to tho toast of " The Visitors " in a very able Masonic address , throwing considerable light upon the all engrossing topic of Masonic Halls , aud the advantages derived front meeting in private rooms . Amongst the visitors we also noticed Bros . EdJ . W .

ge , No . 246 ; Nathan , No . 246 ; John Brierley , P . M . No . 623 ; Hall , No . 143 , and several others . The Lodge was closed in harmony at high twelve . BIRKENHEAD .- —Mersey Lodge of Instruction ( Nos . 701 and 782 ) . —This Lodge held its usual weekly meeting on Friday last , with a good attendance of members and visitors , indeed it thrives well , and although re-organised , for several months no meeting has yet passed without an accession of members . The chair was taken by the AV . M . for the monthBro . AA adeP . M . of No . 701 and AA . M . of No . 1026

, , , , and tho ceremony of the first degree worked in correct style . The most interesting feature of the evening was the reading , by Bro . AAllloughby , J . G . AV . for Cheshire , of the conclusion of his translation of a French work on Masonry , by the Count S . de Giorgi Bertola of Rome , and dedicated to his Royal Highness the late Duke of Sussex . The Count , who evidently has Both read and thought deeply , and spared no pains in his researches , propounds some startling theories , especially where he gives an entirely different meaning to the ceremonies of the third degree . His theory

he works out very minutely , and with great ingenuity . He traces the origin of Masonry as at present practised to the partial resuscitation of that Order on the death of Clement V ., iu 1319 , when the brotherhood reappeared in Portugal under the name of " Knights of Christ . " This order soon degenerated ,. and ultimately became merely a kind of religious brotherhood , entirely subject to the Vatican ; this , however , did not occur until the principles of Masonry had spread far and wide over the two hemispheres , where , in spite of persecution and of numberless turns of fortuneit has been advancing with iant strides . According to the Count

, g Bertola , we are the lineal descendants of the old Knights Templar . After the conclusion of this remarkable work by Bro . AVilloughby , some conversation ensued , but the hour for closing being at hand , the subject was postponed until next Lodge meeting . Previous to the close of the Lodge , Bro . Henry Bulley , AV . M . of No . 782 , consented to take the chair for the month of March .

DEVONSHIRE . APPOINTMENTS . —Lodges . —Monday , March Sth , Harmony ( 182 ) , Swan Inn , Plymouth , at 7 ; Fidelity ( 280 ) , Three Tuns , Tiverton , at 7 ; Bedford ( 351 ) , Privato Booms , Tavistock , at 7 ; Wednesday , 9 th , Fortitude ( 122 ) , Prince Goorge Hotel , Stonehouse , at 7 . DORSETSHIRE . ApronmrEHT . —C / ww / er . —Friday , March 11 th , Amity ( 160 ) , Masonic Hall , Poole , at 7 .

DURHAM . APPOIHTMENTS . —Lodges . —Alonday , March 7 th , Wear ( 618 ) , Lambton Arms , Chester-le-Street , at 7 ; Union ( 667 ) , Railway Hotel , Barnard Castle , at 7 ; Tuesday , 8 th , St . John ' s ( 95 ) , Phoenix Hall , Sunderland , at 7 ; Thursday , 10 th , Palatine ( 114 ) , Bridge Hotel , Bishop Wearmouth , at 7 ; Restoration ( 128 ) , Town Hall , Darlington , at 8 . ESSEX . AppoufTiraHT . —io ^ e . —Wednesday , March 9 th , United ( 998 ) , George Hotel , Colchester , at 7 .

GLOUCESTERSHIRE . APPOIMTJIHW . —C 7 mj > ter . —Wednesday , March 9 th , Unanimity ( 97 ) , Freemasons' Hall , Chel . tenham . HAMPSHIRE . ArronrarBirrs . —iofes . —Monday , March 7 th , Oakley ( 995 ) , Black Boy , Basingstoke , at 6 Thursday , loth , Eoyal Gloucester ( 152 ) , Freemasons' Hall , Southampton , at 7 . Encampment . — Wednesday 9 th , Eoyal Naval , Phcenix lodge Rooms , Portsmouth . 2 E