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Towerzey , Higgins , and Cecil Rogers ( the latter a member of the Jordan Lodge ( Xo . 201 ) , being about to leave England for Xew Zealand , was introduced by Bro . Dr . Goldsbro' , and with the two first named brethren received the mysterious benefits of the M . M . degree . The lodge was then lowered to the first degree , and the next business being the election of W . M . for the ensuing year , that was proceeded with , and resulted as was fairly anticipated in the unanimous election of Bro . Pulsford ,

the S . W ., who from the formation of the lodge , in May , 1867 , has been most indefatigable in his services , and the soul of punctuality in regard to the attendances . Bro . Thompson , the W . M ., was elected Treasurer in the room of Bro . Smith , resigned . Bro . Laing , P . M ., was re-elected Tyler . A committee having been appointed to audit the accounts for the Bro . Tildesley said he had very great pleasure in

proyear , posing that a Past Master ' s jewel of the value of £ 10 10 s ., be presented to their NV . M ., upon his retirement from office , and ¦ reminded the brethren , that apart from the fact of their having a Master who was second to none in point of efficiency of working , he had been the principal mover in the founding of the lodge , and as his merits were so well known—and , he helieved , appreciated by them—he did not doubt but that they would agree to his proposition .

Bro . Smith and two or three other brethren rose to second the proposition , which was put by the S . W ., and carried unanimously . Bro . Charles Sloman , of Lodge Xo . 25 , was voted an honorary member , in consideration of the service he had done the lodge while officiating as Organist . Bro . Sloman , in one of his humorous speeches , returned thanks for the distinction conferred upon him .

Bro . Margerison , J . W ., said it had been the custom of lodges to set apart one day in the year for what was called a summer festival , and he trusted the Southern Star Lodge wonld not be behind its fellows . He moved that " the lodge do have a summer festival . " After some discussion a committee was appointed to consider the subject , and report to the lodge in ¦ due course . Fourteen or fifteen brethren were elected as Stewards , and there being no other business , save some

propositions for initiation , the lodge was closed in due form , and with solemn prayer , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . The banquet , which was well served , having been disposed of , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given . To the toast of " The Visitors , " Bro . Dr . Goldsbro' and Bro . Cecil Rogers returned thanks . Bro . Rogers said he was most grateful to the W . M . for conferring upon him the third degree in Freemasonry . He was

about to leave England for the antipodes , and he should carry with him the most favourable recollection of the manner in which he had been treated at the Southern Star Lodge . When in his antipodean home , his thoughts would doubtless recur to the pleasant and happy evening he had spent with his brethren in Freemasonry . Before he came amongst them his respected Bro . Dr . Goldsbro' had told him he would meet with nothing but the most kindly feelings and fraternal consideration at their

hands , and his promises had been fully realised . He should not he doing fair justice to their W . M . did he not say that he felt deeply impressed with the solemn manner—the very impressive manner—in which he had advanced him to the sublime degree of a M . M . He had been initiated in the Jordan Lodge , aud it would he his duty to look to that for the commencement of his Masonic career , but he felt , after visiting the Southern Star Lodgelike a man with two sweetheartshardlknowing which

, , y to choose . Thanking them most gratefully for the extraordinary hospitality they had shown him , he concluded by wishing prosperity and success to the Southern Star Lodge . Other toasts followed , after which some excellent singing , including an extempore song from Bro . Sloman , whicli was loudly applauded , were given , and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close . The audit committee appointed by the brethren of this

wellto-do lodge to enquire and check the accounts for the past and the first twelvemonths of its existence , met at Bro . C . Margerison ' s the City Arms , West-square , Southwark . The account books and vouchers were produced by Bro . C . E . Thompson , the Secretary , and upon examination were found to he correct . A large balance was announced in favour of the lodge , which at a subsequent period Bro . H . Thompson , W . M ., reverted to , and said the brethren might well congratulate themselves upon such a prosperous state of things . They had had many difficulties

Metropolitan.

to contend with , and after buying their furniture , paraphernalia , & c , their accounts showed a balance of nearly £ 100 in hand . He considered such a state of things in the highest degree satisfactory . When it was considered that they had only been in existence eleven or twelve months , he did not think he was going too far to say that they had done " wonders . " After the business of the evening was concluded , the brethren sat down to a well-spread supper . Bro . Margerison may well be proud

of his stock of wines , for they are excellent . VILLIEES LODGE ( XO . 1 , 194 ) . —The first regular meeting of this lodge since its consecration was held at the Xorthumberland Arms Hotel , Isleworth . The lodge was duly opened by Bro . E . Clark , W . M ., assisted by Bros . S . E . Clarke , M . D ., S . W . ; J . Trickett , CIS ., J . W . ; R . Gumey , Treas . ; R . W . Little , P . M ., Sec ; W . Dodd , S . D . ; C . Higgins , J . D ., & c . After

the confirmation of the minutes , tho W . M . passed Bro . R . A . Steel , and initiated Mr . E . J . Bailey ; Bro . Little , P . M ., then raised Bros . E . T . Osbaldeston , F . J . Lancaster , and T . Smale . Bro . Walters , P . M . 73 , was elected an associate member , and Bro . Allman , of 862 , was duly proposed as a joining member . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to tea and coffee , it being wisely determined to reserve the funds of the lodge until all tbe expenses connected with its establishment are fully defrayed .

Provincial.

PROVINCIAL .

CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAMD . CARLISLE . —Union Lodge ( Xo . 310 . )—This old established and highly prosperous lodge held its usual monthly meeting on Tuesday evening , 31 st ult ., at the Freemason ' s hall , Castle-street . The chair of K . S . was occupied by Bro . J . Slack , W . M ., and was supported by Bros . G . G . Hayward , I . P . M ., Prov . G . S . B ., as S . W . ; G . Somerville , J . W . ; A . Woodhouse , W . M . 412 , Prov .

G . S . as S . D . ; J . Gibson , J . D . ; G . Murclue , Sec ; W . Court , Treas . ; F . W . Hayward , P . M ., P . Prov . S . G . W ., Dir . of Cers . ; W . Cockett . P . M ., P . Prov . G . Chap ., as Chaplain ; W . Murray , P . M ., P . Prov . Assist . G . Sec , as I . G . ; J . Blacklock , P . M ., P . Prov . J . G . D . ; J . Iredale , P . M ., P . Prov . S . D ., Prov . G . M . ; J . A . Wheatley , Sergt .-Major ; W . Forde , 70 th Regt . ; Charles Rowe , J . M . Harrison . Visitors : —Bros . Jessie Banning , J . D . 343 , Preston ; W . Dobson , De Loraine Lodge ( No . 541 ); Thos .

Cane , Harbour of Refuge Lodge ( Xo . 764 ) , a joining member to this ( 310 ) Lodge ; John Barnes , Tyler . The lodge was opened in due form , when the minutes were read and confirmed . Bro . C . Rowe , who had made such progress in the art was introduced to the Master for advancement , was found worthy , entrusted , retired for preparation , and afterwards passed to the degree of Fellow Craft . After the ceremony was completedthelectureof the 2 nd tracing board wasbeautifully delivered by Bro . Jessie Banning ; other business being got through , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the refreshment room . The W . M . took tbe chair

and called upon the brethren to drink to the health , aud long life of " The Queen , " also of the " Prince and Princess of Wales , " and the rest of the Royal Family . The Grand Master of England , Earl Zetland , the Grand Officers Past and Present , the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Lord Kenlis , and the rest of Provincial Grand Officers Past and Present , coupled with the names of Bros . F . W . Hayward , J . Blacklock , J . Iredale , with musical honours ; each responding respectively . Bro .

Woodhouse Prov . G . Steward , asked permission to return thanks on behalf of the Prov . G . Stewards , and said , though the Stewards were the last of the officers of that Provincial Grand Lodge , yet he , Bro . Woodhouse , was happy to say that he was not the least that was present at the Provincial Grand Lodge held at Penrith on Wednesday , the 25 th ult ., aud whilst he was on his feet , he , Bro . Woodhouse , begged to propose " The Health and Prosperity of the Charities , " coupled with the names of Tommy the

charity box . Tommy duly thanked the brethren for their kindness in contributing their mite , and whatever had been given was thankfully received , and should be faithfully applied . Bros . J . Cane and J . Banning , responded on behalf of the visitors . Bros . F . W . Hayward and J . Cockburn recited " Toby Toss Pot , " and the " Jew and his show . " Sergt . Forde , Gibson , and Court , enlivened the evening with their vocal strains . Bro . Slack gave the E . A .. song , all brethren joining hands in Masonic chain . The Tyler ' s toast closed the evening ' sentertaiument , all sorry to part but happy to meet again .