Metropolitan.

visitors for the entertainment in Lodge as well as at the dinner , - and he , referring to the recent establishment of the New Concord , said , one of tbe old poets , comparing societies aud men with trees , saicl , " The old stock must needs decay , ancl sprigs become new stocks for us to glory in their fruitful issue . " But it was gratifying to find such was not the case in this instance , as , although so vigorous a stock had been thrown out as the Xew Concord , the day ' s proceedings proved the vitality of the Old was in no ivise injured . Bro . MAKEY then said , although as a matter of course he

was about to propose the health of the AV . M ., that it was a toast that without another word they would heartily respond to , as they must be highly satisfied with the way in which Bro . Swainston discharged the duties of his office . To this the AA ' . M ., in reply , said that it afforded him a great amount of pleasure to see his efforts thus appreciated , and iissured the brethren he should ever use his best endeavours to deserve their applause . The WM . then in complimentary terms proposed the health of their excellent S . W . and Chaplain , and referred to the fact of

tlie recent testiuioniat of affection and esteem presented to the reverend brother by tho attendants of his church , in the presentation of ivhich tlie name of his amiable wife was introduced as also deserving their kind regard . The Rev . Bro . LAUGHLIN replied in his usual style of fervid eloquence , and stated that during the six years of his membership ho had been invariably as kindly greeted . The reason for the favourable way in which his services were noticed was , that in the outer world he carried out the princiles of Mason . He coulcl not but allude

p ry to the kind and respectful way iu ivhich ministers of religion were always received in the Lodge , wliich to him was most pleasing . He particularly addressed some observations to the newly initiated , and cautioned them to understand that we do not say Masonry is a substitute for religion ; but he conscientiously assured them it was an admirable handmaid to it . He told them that Freemasonry was an association of men united for the holy purpose of doing good to all , and that they were to be especiallcareful of those of the household . Ho

y referred to the proofs in holy writ that there was an inner circle , which when admitted to ancl the Masonic principles fully carried out , was the nearest approach mail could make to eternal happiness . He solemnly assured them that iu entering into Freemasonry they had joined an association of good men . He also referred to the charges made by the outer world against our feasting and excess ; but to that he ivould answer , he

had never in Freemasonry witnessed a sight that , as a minister of religion , ivould cause him to blush . To the health of the Past Masters Bro . . MANEY responded , and the AV . M . then , in eulogistic terms , proposed the health of their esteemed . Secretary , the AV . M . of the Xew Concord , and his officers . Bro . EMJIEXS , in responding , referred to the hearty support the parent Lodge hacl given to its offspring . He said , in founding it none of them had any intention of deserting tho mother Loclgeand he hoped that the business would be such as to

, show the progeny was no disgrace to its parent . The Officers' and the Tyler ' s toast concluded a long evening ' s proceedings . UNIVEHSAL LODGE ( NO . 212 ) . —The members of this old Lodge held their usual meeting at the Freemasons' Tavern on Friday , the 23 rd iustaut . The Lodge was opened by Bro . Barrett , WM ., in due ' form and with solemn prayer in the first degree , when Bro . AVharton , P . M ., proceeded iu a most impressive manner to install Bro . Alfred L . Dickens

in the chair . After his installation the AV . M . appointed the following officers : —Bros . Pike , S . AA' . ; Parkinson , J . AV . and Secretary ; Griffiths , S . D . The AV . M . then said he should defer filling up the other offices until the next meeting of the Lodge . Mr . George Augustus Sala , who had been proposed by the AV . M . and seconded by Bro . Parkinson , was then , initiated into tho Order . In the course of the evening the AV . M . in proposing the health of the newly initiated brother , congratulated the Lodge upon having gained a member so eminent for his talents as

Bro . Sala—an author , whose writings are familiar wherever the English language is spoken or read . Bro . Sala , in an eloquent speech , expressed his gratification at being admitted a member of the fraternity , and by his appreciation of the ancient ceremonies and solemn ritual of the Order , displayed all the elements of a trustworthy and zealous Mason . The W . M . gave out some names well known in literature as candidates for initiation at the next meeting ; several visitors were named as joiniiv members , and before separating , the brethren congratulated the AV . M .

upon tho prospect of his Lodgo speedily becoming one of the most popular in the Craft , Among the visitors present were Bros . Jenvood Past Grand Steward , and P . M ., 183 ; Crew , and Phillips , XEW CONCORD LODGE ( XO . 1115 ) . — Our attention has been called to the furniture ancl ornaments of this new Lodge , manufactured by Bro . Piatt , of Beaufort-buildings , ivhich are certain ! } - most chaste and elegant , reflecting equal credit on the designer and the liberality of the Lodge .

Provincial.

PROVINCIAL .

CHANNEL ISLANDS . JERSEY . —Lodye La Cesaree ( Xo . 800 ) . —Tlie regular monthly meeting of this Loclge wtts held on Thursday , March 29 th , and was called at an early hour , hi anticipation of much work , as there appeared on the summonses notice of one initiation , one passing , ancl four raisings , besides other matters of routine business . The candidates for the two lormer did not however make their appearance . The chair was occupied ty the AV . M ., Bro . Le Crass ; that of S . W-, by Bro , Schmitt , P . M ., subse-

Provincial.

quently by Bro . ICermick , ancl lastly by the proper officer , Bro . Baudains . Bro . Binet , with his accustomed punctuality , was in his place as J . W . The Lodge IT as opened in the first degree soon after five o ' clock . The minutes of the last regular meeting on February 23 rd , were read and confirmed , and those of three emergency meetings held February 27 th , and 28 th , and March Sth . The Lodgo presented the accustomed emblems of mourning , in memory of the late Bro . Asplet . The Lodge was then opened in the second degree ; the chair was taken by Bro .

Schmitt , and the usual questions having been put , were satisfactorily replied to , as a test of proficiency , by Bros . Edward C . Richards di Ruff ' o , George Dumaresq , Pierre A . Lehoux , and Philip E . de laPerrelle ; theso brethren then retired , and the Lodge was opened in the third degree . The candidates , having been readmitted , were raised with much impressiveuess and solemnity to the sublime degree of M . M ., a portion of the ceremony being administered to each separately . Bro . Dr . HopkinsP . M . addressed the Lodge as a visitorand announced

, , , a present from Bro . Kelly , P . M ., and _ D . Prov . G . M . for Leicestershire , of a pamphlet containing the details of the ceremony and proceedings at the consecration of a new Masonic hall at Leicester . A vote of thanks to Bro . Kelly was passed unanimously . Bro . Dr . Hopkins then referred to a pamphlet which he had published , with a dedication to Lodge La Cesaree , containing the biography of the late Bro . J . Asplet , the proceedings at the funeral , and the orations delivered on the occasion . He had much satisfaction in mentioning that his

undertaking bad been completely successful , and consequently he was able to offer to the Lodge the sum of two pounds four shillings , the profit arising from the sale , to be devoted to some Masonic purpose , to which amount he hoped to make au addition at a future meeting . He furth . c-. i- felt it a duty to inform tho Lodge , that on the Sunday after the funeral , a popular clergyman in St . Heller had from the pulpit thought proper to caution his hearers against connecting themselves with the society , and against allowing themselves to be " misled by such professedly religious displays . " A correspondence ensued , ivhich was published iu the Freemasons '

Magazine of February 2-ith , with the consent of the clergyman m question , tho Rev . R . Bellis . Bro . Hopkins concluded his remarks by expressing his obligations for the kind invitations he had constantly received to visit the Lodge , as well as for the fraternal reception he had ever met with during the period of his residence in Jersey , of ivhich he had frequently availed hiniseUj aud was so impressed with the manner iu which Masonic principles were carried out , aud the solemn ceremonies were conducted , that he was desirous to be admitted as a joining

member . In compliance with this wish , the AA ' . M . proposed , the S . AV . seconded , and all the brethren present rose to support the nomination . Resolutions were carried unanimously to the following effect : — "Tbat the members of Lodge La Cesaree desire to record their gratitude to Bro . Dr . Hopkins , P . M ., for the kindness ivhich was shown by him to the late Bro . J . Asplet during his last illness , for the publication of his pamphlet , aud for the numerous services which he has rendered and still continues to render to the Loclge . " The Lodge also requested the AV . M .

and the AVardens to prepare a vote of thanks inscribed on parchment for presentation to Bro . Hopkins . The Lodge . was then resumed in the first degree . Bro . ICenrfck read a letter from Bro . Ratier , expressive of his regret that important law business had prevented his delivering the funeral oration on the recent melancholy Occasion , at the same timeconveying the high estimation in which he held the deceased brother . He hoped in the course of a few days to be able to revisit J ersey , and th us for a short time to renew intercourse with his Masonic brethren .

A vote of thanks to the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . J . J . Hammond , for his kind assistance and attention in reference to the proceedings at the recent Masonic funeral , was carried unanimously ; also one to Bro . Miller for his generous consideration in placing a portion of his houso at the disposal of the Lodge ou the same occasion ; and lastly , one to Bro . Bridgman , for his efficient services as organist , and to Bros . Lott , Ch . Johnson , Perrot and Hoskins , for their gratuitous assistance in carrying out the musical arrangements . The Loclge was closed , and the brethren proceeded to refreshment , at which they were honoured by the company of the Prov . Grand Master , who was unavoidably absent durimr the hours of labour . —H . H .

KI 5 NT . FOI . KKSTOXE . —Temple Lodge ( Xo . 816 ) . —At a Lodge of emergency , held at the Clarendon Hotel , at seven o ' clock on Monday evening last , Bro . AV . Boutcher , the Past S . AV ., was duly installed as AVorshipful Master for the year ensuing . The Lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . J . Hoad , Prov . G . Supt . of Works , and the ceremony of installation was most ably performed by Bro . J . Cooke , P . Prov . S . G . AV . The AVorshipful Master then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year :

Bros . H . Stock , P . M ., P . Prov . G . Supt . of AVorks , S . AV . ; F . S . Tolputt , J . AV . ; T . Latham , S . D . ; T . Kclsey , J . D . ; If . Flaherty , P . M ., I . G . ; J . Warrington , Sec ; and J . English , Treas . ; after which the Lodge was closed down , and the brethren retired to refreshment . Among those present were Bro . AA . H . Grant , Xo . 31 , P . Prov . G . Ptci ; .. Jersey ; and Bro . Matthews , J . D . Xo . 149 , Margate . YORKSHIRE ( AYEST . ) I'KOVINCIAIJ GRAND LODGE . THE annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of AVest Yorkshire was holden in the Masonic Hall , South Parade , Huddersfield , on AVed