Metropolitan.

hold for many years . Bro . Havers acknowledged the compliment , being somewhat taken by surprise ; the presentation had been arranged so as to obtain the approval of all the members , without being brought formally before the Lodge . KENT LODGE ( MO . 15 . )—There was a very numerous attendance of the Brethren of this well worked Lodge at the Three Tuns Tavern , Borough , ou " Wednesday , May 11 th , when the W . M . Bro . Marriner passed Bro . Win , Randall to tho degree of

E . G . in a manner worthy to be emulated . He afterwards proceeded to initiate Messrs . J . Holbrook , Stuttaford , Dempsey , and M'Ctuinness into the mysteries oj : the Craft . The whole of the initiates , as well as the brother who received the second degree , are professional members of the vocal corps connected with the establishment of Bro . John "Wilton , of the new music hall , Wellclose-square , who was present upon the occasion as a visitor . The Lodge having been closed , the brethren sat down to an elegant banquet , and the evening , commenced by work , was finished in perfect harmony .

ST . ALBAN ' S LODGE ( SO . 32 ) . —The last meeting for the season was held on Monday , the 9 th inst ., Bro . E . Boards , AV . M ., at the London Coffee House . The occasion was chosen for presenting to Bro . Samuel Ebor Nutt , P . M . and Secretary , a Past Master ' s jewel , as a special recognition of his services . This Lodge has abstained from the practice of giving Past Master ' s jewels to those who have occupied the chair , lest they should become a matter of course , nor has this been supplied from the Lodge fund ; and the only testimonials granted of late years arc the one in questionand a piece of plate to Bro . G . DamesTreasurer and P . M .

, , The AV . M . said that it gave him especial pleasure to confer upon Bro . Nutt , in the name of the Lodge , a Past Master ' s jewel , for to him that Lodge was deeply indebted for the services he had rendered to it , which have mainly contributed to its present state of prosperity . As a working Mason Bro . Nutt had earned this distinction , and they derived the more gratification in bestowing it upon him , as they regarded him as a man of great moral endowments , and their sincere personal friend . He ( the W . M . ) might havo wished to be a better oratorbut it was

, needless on an occasion when brethren were present to whom Bro . Nutt was known , and in addressing him to whom thoir feelings were so fully known . Bro . Nutt replied in these terms : — " Worshipful Master and brethren—Strong and heartfelt emotions , like deep rivers , are ever silent in their course . If , therefore , in endeavouring to thank you for tho distinguished honour you have conferred upon me , my language fails to express the feelings of my heart , you must not believe on that account that my gratitude is the less fervent and sincere . The

testimonial you have presented to me is of no ordinary character ; it is not a jewel given by a Lodge to its immediate Past Master , as a mere matter of routine—a compliment paid to all who have passed the Master ' s chair . No , AVorshipful Master , I view it in a very different light ; to me it conveys a higher and far more gratifying sentiment . I consider it the unanimous expression of your kindly feeling towards me—a seal , as it were , set upon your approbation of my conduct , a lasting memorial of your fraternal regard . As a token of your friendship and esteem , this symbol indeed becomes a jewel of inestimable price . Believe meI shall ever wear it

, with pride and pleasure , ancl number it amongst my choicest treasures . For tho second time in my life , I stand in a position that any Mason might bo proud to occupy . The events of to-night bring back to my memory the recollection of bygone years , when the brethren of my mother Lodge , No . 287 , my first love and my last , conferred upon me an honour similar to that you have just now paid me . I well recollect I said then , as I s . iy now , that from tbe commencement of my Masonic career I have had but one object in viewto hold the dignitand extend

, up y the usefulness of our noble institution . Since I have had the pleasure of being amongst you , AVorshipful Master and brethren , I have endeavoured , feebly it may be , but still honestly , to carry out those great principle , by maintaining the honour , promoting the harmony , and increasing the usefulness of the St . Alban ' s Lodge . If in any degree my efforts have been crowned with success , I have achieved the only object I ever aimed at—but in your approbation I reap a rich reward . Worshipful Master and brethren , I beg you will accept all the gratitude