Provincial.

tributod an abundance of champagne , Avhich , we need scarcely add , gave a crowning finish to the banquet . Before and after the banquet grace was said by the Prov . G . Chap . Bro . Eev . J . H . Ranking . On the removal of the cloth the PBOA * . G . MASTER introduced , in brief but appropriate terms , the usual loyal toasts , "The Queen and the Craft , " "The Prince and Princess oi AVales and the rest of the Royal Family . "

The PROA * . G . MASTEB in proposing the next toast , " The Grand Master of England , tho Earl of Zetland , " remarked that that distinguished brother bad presided over the Order for twenty-one years , and during that time hail fulfilled the duties of his high and responsible office with the utmost zeal and ability , ancl with the greatest possible kindness and courtesy to every member of the Craft . ( Cheers . ) The Grand Master had had the satisfaction of seeing Freemasonry flourish under

his rule beyond all precedent , and that their Charities were increasing in strength and extending their usefulness year by year . Under his auspices Freemasonry had so flourished that his reign would not ho soon forgotten , and there was hut one Avish with every member of the Craft , that the Grand Master might long be spared to rule over them . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Alderman SPIERS , D . Prov . G . M ., rose and said that the position which the Provincial Grand Master had iven him as

g Deputy Provincial Grand Master conferred upon him certain privileges which ho hacl much pleasure in exercising , and constituted him as a connecting link between the Provincial Grand Master and the brethren of the province . For ten years the Provincial Grand Master had presided over this province , and ho could truly say that he had bound them together by a silken cord , instead of ruling them with a rod of iron . ( Cheers . ) In a province like thiswhere so many brethren

, who were pursuing their education at the University took a deep interest in Masonry , and shared in its labours and duties , it was most essential that their ruler should be qualified by education and position to do justice to that high station , and command the respect and confidence of the whole province . It was scarcely necessary to add that in their Provincial Grand Master they had had the good fortune to secure one who possessed all those qualifications , in addition to others which in

every way fitted him to be at the head of this flourishing and important province . ( Cheers . ) As a proof of the interest which he took in Masonry , and more especially in that important brunch—the Masonic Charities , he ivould state one fact lvliicii would speak for itself , namely , that the Provincial Grand Master had attended every one of the last four Masonic Festivals . ( Cheers ) They had great reason to thank him for his liberality on all occasions , ancl for the efforts which he had

made to promote their happiness and prosperity during the ten years he had so well and so ably presided over this province . ( Cheers . ) On those grounds he felt assured that they would cordially join in doing every honour to their chairman , the Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire . ( Much cheering . ) Tho PROV . G . MASTER said he rose with renewed feelings of gratitude for the very kind and fraternal manner in which they had received the mention of his name on this as well as

on every occasion . They had given him credit for a faithful discharge of his duties , and for a desire to advance the interests of Masonry in this province and tho happiness of the brethren , and in thafc respect they hacl done him no more than justice . He sincerely thanked them for the kindness and assistance which they hacl rendered him ever since he had had the honour of presiding over this province , and while it hacl hacl the effect of lihtening his laboursit had at the same

g , time increased his love and regard for Masonry . ( Cheers . ) Their excellent Deputy Provincial Grand Master had remarked that he had bound them together with a silken cord instead of ruling them with a rod of iron , and he did not hesitate to say that ho desired to rule them in no other way . Ho claimed no credit to himself , because he hacl only carried out the principles which had guided his predecessors , who had clone so much

towards placing this province in its present proud position . He begged to tender his grateful thanks to the Masters of the various lodges , and all who had held office in the province , for the support they had given him on every occasion , and more especially to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Spiers ( cheers ) , and felt assured that they would unite with him in testifying how highly they appreciated his services in promoting the interest ancl prosperity of Masonry in general , and in this province in particular . ( Cheers . ) His ( the chairman's ) stay in this province might be short , but whether long or short he should

never forget the friendships he had found or the kindness ho had experienced ; and wherever whe went he hoped to meet with a Mason from Oxfordshire to shake him by the hand , and acknowledge him as a friend ancl a brother . ( Cheers . ) The PROV . G . MASTER then gave " The Deputy Grand Master the Earl De Grey and Ripon , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " and remarked that those who knew the Deputy Grand Master would testify that no brother was more devoted to the

Order than he was , and that although he had many and onerous duties to fulfil as one of the Secretaries of State , he presented himself on every occasion when the interests of the Ciaft could bo promoted . ( Cheers . ) They were honoured with the presence of some of the Grand Officers , and among them he was pleasecfto see Bro . Sedgwick , who had recently been appointed Grand Chaplain of England . ( Cheers . ) It was very gratifying to know that this province had at the present time no less than

four officers in the Grand Loclge of England ( cheers ) , they had great reason to be proud of that fact , because if those brethren had not distinguished themselves in their province , they could not have attained so high a position in the Craft . ( Cheers . ) Bro . SEDGAVICK , G . Chap ., responded to the toast , and assured them that it afforded him great pleasure to see so many old

friends in Grand Lodge , and thafc however unworthy he might be of the office of Grand Chaplain of England , he felt proud of the honour which hacl been conferred upon him , ancl would endeavour to fulfil its duties faithfully , and he hoped to their satisfaction . ( Cheers . ) The PROA * . G . MASTER saicl he felt assured that the brethren of this province ivere second to none in their desire to extend their hospitality to others , whether far or near . They were

honoured on this occasion with the presence ot several visitors Avhom they were very glad to see , and only regretted that the number was not larger , but various circumstances had prevented the attendance of many others ivho had been invited . Ho begged to connect ivith the toast the names of Bro . Payne , Provincial Grand Treasurer of Somersetshire , Bro . Fayrer , W . M . of the Apollo Loclge of Alcester , and Bro . Binckes , the indefatigable Secretary to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , their A'isitors on that occasion . ( Cheers . )

Bro . PAYNE thanked them for the kind reception thoy bad given to the toast , and assured them that he duly appreciated the privilege of being present ; and should it please the Great Architect of the Universe , he hoped to renew the pleasure on a future occasion . ( Cheers . ) It was not only a most pleasing circumstance to come among them , but ifc was very delightful to witness the unanimity that prevailed in the province , and the kindly feeling manifested towards the Provincial Grand Master ,

ancl his deputy , Bro . Spiers . They had great pleasure in wel coming Bro . Spiers among the Craft in Somersetshire , and in return for that compliment he ( Bro . Payne ) attended ou this occasion . He thanked them particularly for the grant they had voted that day in loclge towards the restoration of the Abbey Church at Bath . As Jlasons , they treasured up the reminiscences of the past and were desirous of perpetuating them , more especially when they were , as in this instance , associated with

Masonry . They found that the building bore external evidence that it was erected by their brethren , for the west front was adorned by Jacob ' s ladder , and the stones bore marks which indicated that they were worked by members of the Craft . The desire of Masons was to make an impression on tlie age , to retain the works of strength and beauty which had been handed down to them , and to show to the world that , instead of being a club or a benefit societythey desired to promote the material

, ancl highest interests of their brethren . ( Cheers . ) The restoration of the Abbey Church at Bath was not the only work they hacl undertaken in Somersetshire , for to that could be added the Church of Redclifl ' e , afc Bristol , the Tower at Taunton , while in Devonshire they hacl founded a school for the education of children . ( Cheers . ) They wished to show that Masonry ivas for all time ancl all circumstances , and by their words and deeds to

testify to the world that they loved and appreciated it . ( Cheers . ) Bro . BINCKES thanked them for the cordial welcome they had given him as one of their honoured guests on this occasion . They had spoken of him in connection with one of their Masonic Charities , and he was glad to acknowledge that this province had given many practical demonstrations of the great interest which it took in that institution . He hoped they would all be spared for many years to enjoy this friendly interchange , and to witness the continued prosperity of this province , Avhich could not fail to flourish under such auspices . He regretted ,