Provincial.

Hotel , Cleckheaton , at 7 ; Holme Valley ( 937 ) , Victoria Hotel , HolmBrth , at 7 ; Alfred ( 38-1 ) . Instruction— Griffin Hotel , leeds , at 8 . DOUCASTEK— St . George ' s Lodge ( 298 ) . —A Lodge of emergency was held on Friday last , in the Town Hall , Donoaster , for the purpose of passing to the second degree , Bro . the Rev . Joseph Sherrington , curate of Campsall near this town , who is about to take his departure for the island of Antigua . The usual tests having heen applied , and the candidate having given proofs of proficiency in the former

degree , the ceremony of passing to the second degree was performed by Bro . George Brooke , P . M ., as AA ' . M . Bro . AA ' ebb , P . M ., acted as S . AV . ; Bro . Rigby , J . AV . ; and Bro . Acaster , S . D . After the ceremony , the reverend brother received from the Lodge a certificate duly signed , so as to entitle him to the third degree on his arrival in Antigua , for which he expects to sail in the latter part of the present month .

Scotland.

SCOTLAND .

CAITHNESS . TAIN . —St . Dv & His Lodge . —kt a meeting on Monday , Dec . 27 th , the following appointments were made - . —Bros . AVm . H . Murray of Geanies , R . AV . M . ; Daniel Graham , D . M . ; Fergus Ferguson , P . D . M . ; Alex . Ellison , S . AA ' . ; Thomas Flint , J . W . ; William Murray , S . D . ; D . Mackay , J . D . ; John Rose , S . S . ; George Macdonald , J . S . ; Hector Eoss , S . K . IC . ; AVm . Ross , J . K . K . ; AV . E . Ross , Treasurer ; James Christie , Secretary ; David Macleay and D . Mackay , Tylers .

EDINBURGH . DEFENSIVE BAND ( NO . 151 ) . —On Tuesday , Dec . 21 st , a soiree was held in the Calton Convening Rooms , under the auspices of the Edinburgh Defensive Band Lodge , for the purpose of presenting Bro . James Finlayson , R . AA ' . M . of the Lodge , with a Masonie jewel and silver cup , as a token of their respect and esteem for his unwearied attention in advancing the interests of Freemasonry during the three he had held the office of Master of the Lodge . The hallwhich was

tasteyears , fully fitted up for the occasion , was crowded in every part , there not being less than three hundred persons present , including the ladies and the Right AVorshipful Masters of sister Lodges . The splendid band of the 16 th Lancers was in attendance , with a glee and choral party led by Bros . Pendrigh and Artley . The chairman , Bro . John M'Clumpha , D . M ., after the customary loyal and Masonic toasts , gave the toast of the evening , " Bro . James Finlayson , " ancl in an able address enlarged upon the services rendered by their honoured guest to Masonry , and

referred to the high esteem in which he was held by the members of the Craft . He concluded by presenting him with a valuable Masonic jewel , and a silver cup , having the city arms on tho one side , and on the reverse the following inscription : — " 4 th November , 1782 . —Presented by the Brethren of the Edinburgh Defensive Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons , No . 151 , to their Right AA' orshipful Master , Brother James Finlayson , —21 st December , 1858 . " Bro , Finlayson , who was evidently much affected , acknowledged the gift in a feeling ancl appropriate

address , ancl resumed his seat amid the most enthusiastic cheering . Bro . Daniel Grant then gave " The Lord Provost , Magistrates , and Town Council of the City of Edinburgh . " In an elaborate speech he detailed the early history of the Lodge and of the Edinburgh Defensive Band Regiment of Volunteers , ivhich was raised by the lord provost , magistrates , and council of the city of Edinburgh , for the protection of the eity during the first American war . The magistrates had always taken a warm interest in this Lodge . Provost Coulter was one of its early members , and held the office of Treasurer for two years ; and the magistrates had on