Provincial.

sublime degree by Bro . V . W . Hayward , P . Prov . S . G . W ., in his usual pleasing and affectionate manner . After which the lodge was closed down to the E . A . degree , the roll was called , and the lodge was finally closed . The majority of the brethren retiring to partake of refreshment provided—when all were supplied iu the four corners . The usual toasts on such occasions were given ancl responded to with all honours . Bro . Lambert , who had

been admitted within the precints of a Master Mason lodge , returned thanks for the honour done to him that night , not only in drinking to Iiis health , but for the kindness of the brethren receiving him as a M . M ., he ( Bro . Lambert ) hoping that nothing should occur to prevent him doing his duty as such—once more he returned thanks and sat clown amid loud applause . The Tyler's toast brought this happy evening to a close . Bros . William Johnston and John Gibson exerted their vocal powers to enliven the company , all parting in love and harmony .

DURHAM . GATESHEAD-ON - -TYNE . —Lodge of Industry ( No . 48 ) . —The monthly meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Grey Horse Inn , High-street , ou Monday , the 25 th ult . The chair of K . S . was occupied by the W . M ., Bro . J . H . Thompson , that of the S . W . by Bro . Anthony Clapham , P . M ., and J . W . b y Bro . Jens Jenson , P . M . Amongst the large number of brethren who

filled the spacious lodge-room were Bros . W . Morrow , P . M . ; Thos . J . Hall , W . M . 24 ; J . G . Wilson , P . M . 95 ; R . B . Reed , John Potts , Jun ., W . Garhatt , John Archbold , Charles Bass , J . Stokoe , Robt . F . Cook , M . D ., George Thompson , P . M . 481 , P . Prov . S . G . W . Northumberland ; Robert J . Banning , M . D ., P . M . ; Jos . Cook , 481 ; John Cavrington , 481 ; George Douglas , M . D . ; James Bradshaw 481 & e . A ballot being taken for Mr .

, , George Murray , which proving favourable , aud he being in attendance , was duly initiated into tho mysteries by the W . M . Bros . D . Powell and Charles Bass were passed to the second degree also by the W . M . Bros . John Potts , jun ., and George Douglas , M . D ., were then raised to the third degree , the ceremony in this case being performed by Bro . Dr . Banning . This being the night for the annual election of W . M ., Treas ., and

Tyler , the following brethren were unanimously elected for the ensuing twelve months : —Bros . Robert J . Banning , P . M ., ancl P . Prov . J . G . W . Durham , W . M . ; J . H . Thompson , P . M ., and P . G . D . Dir . of Cers ., Treas . ; J . Curry , Tyler- A lecture on the practice ancl principles of Freemasonry was announced to have been given by the W . M . elect , but owing to the large amount of business to bo transacted it was postponed until another

occasion . After the closing of the lodge the brethren partook of refreshment together , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts ( including the healths of the W . M . elect , officers , and visitors ) were given and severally responded to .

OXFORDSHIRE . OXFORD . Apollo University Lodge ( No . 537 ) , On ihe 19 th ult ., the 48 th anniversary of its consecration , the members of this lodge assembled in their splendid lodge room , adjoining the Clarendon Hotel , for the purpose of installing the W . M . electBro . the Eev . W . F . ShortALA . FellowTutor

, , , , , ancl Bursar of New College . A large number of brethren took part in the ceremony , which was conducted by the D . Prov . G . M . of Oxfordshire , Bro . Aid . R . J . Spiers , P . G . S . B ., in his usual admirable aud impressive manner . In fact , it was admitted on all sides that it was impossible that this imposing ceremony could have been performed with greater or more telling effect . About ei ghty brethren were present , including

several distinguished visitors , among whom were—Bros . Major A . AT . Adair , Prov . G . M . Somerset ; Hyde Clark , D . Prov . G . M . Turkey ; E . J . Fraser , Vice-President of the Board of General Purposes ; Pontifex , W . M ., ancl other members of the Middlesex Lodge ; Barrow , Prov . G . W . Kent ; Isaac Newton , University Lodge , Cambridge ; Cook , and Pitman . On the conclusion of tiie ceremony of installation the W . M .

appointed his officers for the year as follows , who , having been invested with their badges , entered upon the duties ot thenoffice . —Bros . P . B . Bernard , S . W ., Ball id ; A . E . Hardy , J . W ., Balliol ; Rev . C . Edd y , Chap ., Queen ' s ; Rev-L . J . Lee , Treas ., New College ; II . S . Stephenson , Sec , Queen ' s ; II . B . F . Deane , S . D ., Balliol ; II . J . Hood , J . D ., Brasenose College ; A . Gibbs , Dir . of Cers ., Exeter ; J . J . Atkinson , Trinity ; C . D . Turner , Trinity ; T . Bird , Oriel ; T . L . Prinsep , I . G ., Merton ; M . J . Muir-Maclienzi , Org ., Brasenose ; L . G . Gordon Bobbins ,

Trinity ; G . F . Lamert , Worcester ; The Earl of Jersey Balliol ; Lord Warkworth , Christ Church ; Earl of Donoughmore , Balliol ; W . Bethell Roberts , Jesus ; J . B . Hankey , Merton ; F . II . McCalmout , Oriel ; and E . Wason , Magdalen , Stewards ; W . Stephens and G . Norwood , Tylers . Previous to the installation , Messrs . J . W . Laing , Chrisfc Church ; W . H . ArkwrihtOriel ; W . C . CroftsJ . H . Walter

g , , , R . Lewis , of Merton ; and A . Radford , of Queen ' s , were initiated into Freemasonry . The business of the lodge being brought to a termination , the brethren proceeded to the assembly-room , where a banquet in commemoration of their festival awaited them . The tablespresented an elegant and tasteful appearance , for the banquet being served a la Pusse , they were adorned with vases and

ornaments , filled with choice flowers , and before every guest a beautiful bouquet was placed in a most artistic style . Tbe banquets of the Apollo University Lodge have alwaysbeen proverbial for their elegance , excellence , and abundance , and the present one not only maintained that reputation , hut has never been surpassed . Everything was served in perfection , and with all the ease and comfort of a private party , while the

waiting and the attention paid to every guest has rarely been equalled . A dessert corresponding with the banquet , and a supply of the choicest wines , left nothing to he desired . In the absence of the WM ., who was unable to preside at the banquet in consequence of a domestic calamity , Bro . the Rev . St . John Tyrwhitt , M . A ., of Christ Church officiated . The Chairman introduced the national and other appropriate toasts in concise but appropriate terms .

In proposing the "Grand Master of England , the Earl of Zetland , " the Chairman commented on the progress which ; Masonry had made during the last 23 years , more particularly in this University , as he could testify , being able as a Mason to look back for 20 years . It was also gratifying to know that Masonry was progressing in every part of the kingdom , under the auspices of the present Grand Master of England .

The Chairman , in giving the "Deputy Grand Master of England , "and the " Officers oftlie Grand Lodge , " congratulated them on being honoured with the presence of two Grand Officers .

Bro . Alderman Spiers , Prov . G . S . B ., responded to the toast and in the name of those whom he had the honour to represent on this occasion , begged to thank the brethren present for the compliment , and to congratulate the lodge on its great and continued prosperity . The existence of such a lodge was highly valued by the executive , since it contained within its ranks a large number of educated men , who , from their social position no less than from their intellectual qualificationswere

, ¦ well fitted to occupy important posts in the Order , ancl to diffuse its utility over a large area . Accordingly it was no matter of surprise that at the annual distribution of honours in April last , three of the appointments were made from among its members , while twelve of the present Provincial Grand Masters had been initiated within the walls of the Apollo University Lodge . He heartily wished it " God Speed . "

Bro . Lamert , one of the newly elected Grand Stewards , also responded to the toast . The Chairman next gave "The Health of the Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire , " Colonel Bowyer , and , in common : with all the brethren , expressed his sincere regret that illness prevented his attendance on this occasion . The toast was received with great enthusiasm . The next toast was "The Provincial Grand Master fou

Somersetshire , " Bro . Adair , who was present , ancl was received with much applause . The Prov . G . M . returned thanks , and assured them that it was a great pleasure to him to re-visit his mother lodge , the Apollo . A great many years had passed since he was initiated in it . It was gratifying to know that Masonry was still progressing here , and that in this kingdom , as well as abroad , the Apollo Lodge was well and worthily represented . The Apollo

Lodge had contributed more Grand Officers than any other lodge in the kingdom , and the members of the Apollo being scattered over the length and breadth of the land , were doing and had done good service to the Craft for a long series of years . Being within 30 miles of Oxford , he could not resist the temptation of visiting his mother lodge , and in joining in their festival , which he did with much pleasure . The D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Aid . Spiers , proposed "The Health , of the W . M . Bro . Short , " who was unable to preside at tbe banquet in consequence of a domestic affliction , but who had