Metropolitan.

Bro . UDALL , P . G . D ., having briefly replied , the company separated . The harmony of the evening was much enhanced by the singing of Bros . Tedder , Shoubridge , and Fielding . FITZROY LODGE ( NO . 830 . )—The last meeting of the season of

this lodge was held on Friday evening , the 26 th instant , at the Head quarters of the Honorable Artillery Company , Finsbury , Bro . J . W . Figg , AAOf . presiding . The lodge having been opened , Mr . AVilliam James Wood , of the 7 th Company , was introduced , ancl in a most impressive manner initated into the mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry . Bro . Arch was passed to the degree of F . C . There being no further business , the lodge was closed ancl the brethren adjourned

for refreshment . After the cloth was drawn , the usual formal toasts were duly honoured . Bro . Capt . ROUGH , P . M ., said he rose to propose the health of the AV . M ., ancl he did so with a great deal of pleasure . It had been his misfortune from illness not to have attended the lodge since the election of their W . M ., and therefore he had been hitherto deprived of the pleasure of proposing this toast . He believed that the brethren would agree with him when he said it must be satisfactory to the Fitzroy Lodge to possess so excellent a Master . He had therefore great pleasure in proposing " The Health of their W . M ! . " The toast was most heartily responded

to . —The AALM ., thanked their Bro . Capt . Rough for the kind manner in which he proposed his health , and was equally obliged to the brethren for the way in which they had received it . As a working mason he had done all he could , and if during his year of office by his working he gave satisfaction to the brethren it would be a great pleasure to him . —The AV . M . said the next toast he had to propose was one that was always received with great pleasure in that lodge , [ as it was " The Health of their NewlInitiated Brother . " They

y were always happy to add to their numbers , as their order was a good one and conferred benefits on all . On the present occasion they had admitted Bro . AVood , and he doubted not he would carry out the principles they inculcated , and become an ornament to the society to which he belonged . —Bro . WOOD returned thanks to the AV . M . for proposing his health , and to the brethren for the manner in which they had responded to it . He was very proud at being

admitted a member of the Hon . Artillery Company , . but he was still prouder in becoming an Accepted Mason , ancl after he had passed through his apprenticeship he hoped to become a worthy member of the Fitzroy Lodge ( applause ) . —TheAA . M . said the next toast he had to propose was " The Health of the Visitors who had that evening honoured them with their presence , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . AVcstern , P . M . of the Lodge of Antiquity . —Col . WESTERN returned thanks on behalf of the visitors for the

manner m which the toast had been received , and expressed the gratification they felt in visiting the lodge and witnessing its able working . He was happy in finding himself not only amongst brother Masons but brother soldiers , and an extra pleasure was afforded by the manner in which their healths had been drank . — The W . M ., said the next toast he had to propose was " Tho P . Ms , of the Lodge " and in addition to proposing their healths , he had an other pleasing dutto performwhich was to present them with a

y , testimonial of the esteem of the brethren and an acknowledgment of their services , in the formation and maintenance of the lodge . Bros . Matthews and E glese had belonged to the lodge for 11 years and some brethren had that day asked why some substantial acknowledgment of their services had not been made before . But there were always expenses to be incurred in the formation of a new lodgeand as it was not considered

de-, sirable to abridge the comfort of the brethren by taking the money out of the funds of the lodge , or to call upon the brethren to put their hands into their pockets , they preferred waiting until the lodge was in a better position . At the last audit , however , it was found that they had sufficient funds for the purpose of giving the brethren every comfort , and also to present some slight testimonial of their approbation to the past masters . Bro .

Matthews had already as many masonic jewels as he could conveniently carry on his breast , ancl with that modesty ( a laugh ) for which he was proverbial , he chose an inkstand , which bore this inscription : — "Presented to Bro . Peter Matthews , P . M . and Treasurer of the Fitzroy Lodge , ( No . 830 ) , as an acknowledgment of the eminent services rendered by him to the loclge , in promoting its establishment , in maintaining its prosperity , and to mark the

high esteem in which he is deservedly held by all its members . April , 1861 . " It was not necessary for him to say one word as to the merits of Bro . Peter Matthews , as they were known not onl y to every old , but every young member of the lodge . Bro . Eglese had chosen a jewel , having filled the office of Secretary , which he had great pleasure in affixing to his breast , as he knew that he was worthy to wear it . To Bro . Newton , P . M . who had for years contributed to their comforts and enjoyments , he had great pleasure in presenting a similar jewel . The next was to Bro . Capt . Rough ,

and although they had for some time been deprived of his services , yet two years ago he had performed the duties of the lodge as W . M ., most efficientiy , and was iu every way entitled to their esteem . He ( the AV . M . ) felt quite pleased to perform this duty , because the lodge had now discharged a debt which had long been owing . He called upon every brother to drink to the Past Masters , with their best wishes for their health and happiness . —Bro . P . MATTHEWS

said , to pass through the world in the performance of their duties was exceedingly pleasing , but in passing through it to receive the encomiums of the brethren for the manner in which those duties had been performed was truly grateful to the heart . To perform any duties in masonry was a privilege , but to receive the thanks of . the brethren , so warm and affectionate , was truly grateful . He deeply thanked them for their testimonial , and he trusted his

conduct would prove as sterling as the metal of which it was composed ; it should always he found on his table , and he hoped that his future conduct would be as deserving as the past , for ho could never be ungrateful , but should endeavour to show to his children that the exertions of their father had not been spent in vain ( cheers ) . —Bro . EGLESE , P . M . said he could reiterate the sentiments which Bro . Matthews had just statedfor it him infinite leasure to live

, gave p in the good opinion of his brother masons . He was proud at being oue of those who had been instrumental in tbe foundation of the lodge , and he hoped long to live to see it flourish . —Bro . NEWTOX , P . M ., thanked the brethren for the jewet they had been pleased to present to him , and hoped to wear it to their satisfaction for many years to come . —Bro . ROUGH , P . M ., also returned thanks , and said as long as he lived he would do his best to promote the interests of

the lodge . —The AV . M . gave ' - 'the Officers of the Lodge" to which Bro . MAY - , S . AV . responded , and said that during the sufferings he had undergone , he always felt that the sympathies of the brethren , were with him . —Bro . P . MATTHEWS wished to say a few words , as that was their last meeting . He congratulated the lodge , and the AV . M . had reason to be proud of the numbers which had been added to their lodge during the present year . The more they

added to their numbers , the more would be developed the beautiful principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth . After a few observations he concluded by proposing "Their next Merry Meeting , " ' which was drank with great cordiality . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a most agreeable meeting .

Provincial.

PROVINCIAL .

DURHAM . GATESHEAD . —Lodge of Industry ( No . 56 ) . —The lodge was opened at the Grey Horse Inn , April 22 nd , by theAAT . M ., Bro . AVm . Bryden , assisted by his officers . Mr . James Thompson and Mr . Joseph Ralph Dixon having been balloted for ancl accepted , were initiated into the Order by the AV . M ., Bro . P . M . A . Clapham explaining the working tools . Bro . Nicholson , having shown proficiency , was passed

to the F . C . degree by the W . M . Bro . P . M . C . J . Banister explained the working tools in this degree . Mr . Thomas Neilson as a candidate , and Bros . Errington Arkley and John Arkley as joining members , were balloted for and accepted . Other propositions were made on behalf of gentlemen for initiation , and the lodge was closed in due form and with solemn prayer .

HAMPSHIRE . AA ' p cuESTER . — Lodge of ( Economy ( No . 90 ) . —The monthly meeting of the lodge took place on the 27 th ult ., when there were present the AV . M ., Bro . Hasleham , and the following brethren : — A . Smith , S . AV . ; H . Huggins , J . AV . and Secretary ; S . Adamson , S . D . ; G . Dm-ant , P . M . ; S . R . Everitt , P . M . ; C . Sherry , P . M . ; J . Naish , P . M . ; P . G . Jacob , P . M . ; E . Sheppard , T . A . Mundy ,

J . AVaterman , and visitors , F . Gibson , No . 964 , anil H . C . Shenton , No . 60 . The lodge having been opened , the AV . M . brought on his resolutions for the foundation of a Fund of Benevolence , in special connection with the lodge , and the same were unanimously agreed to , after certain slight amendments not affecting the principle . The pattern of the centenary medal of the lodge was chosen by the brethren , and orders issued accordingly , In the confirmed minutes this evening was that creating Bro . J . 11 . Stebbing , of Southampton , honorary member of the loclge , as an acknowledgment of his many kind services .

NORTHUMBERLAND . NEWCASTLE . —Northern , Counties Lodge ( No . 586 ) . —This lodge was opened by the AV . M ., Bro . R . B . Brown , assisted by P . Ms . Bros . Hotham , Puncheon , Gillespie , and Banister . The minutes being confirmed , and this being the day for installation of the AV . M . Elect , Bro . P . M . Henry G . Ludwig , " who has served several offices in