Provincial.

on the merits of others included in tho toast , he could not but allude to Bro . Dobie > of whoso Masonic services it was unnecessary iu Surrey to speak . The AVorshipful Master next proposed the health of Bro . Alexander Dobie , the Provincial Grand Master of Surrey , and said that from tho attention he had given to Masonry generally , it might well be stated that thc great principles of Masonry had boon well carried out by him . The Surrey Masons were proud in being presided over by Bro . Dobiewho gladly came among them whenever he ivas required ; and

, for the part ho had that day taken in inaugurating their Lodge , they must ever feel grateful . After complimenting Bro . Dohic on his address , which illustrated the progress of Freemasonry , he concluded by giving " Bro . Dobie , our Provincial Grand Master , and thanks for his attendance ; " which was drunk and saluted by a Surrey fire . The Prov . Grand Master iu acknowledgment , said he was initiated in 1813 , and had always worked on the great principles of the Order . He had ever done his best

to promote Masonry , and he might say especially in Surrey , where he was kindly aided on all occasions . As time was getting precious , ere he sat down , he asked tho AV . M . to grant him poiver to give a toast . Ho then said he was going to execute the duty of a Past Master , in which light he presumed he might be allowed to stand . To select a Master to fill the chair of a new Lodge was not always an easy matter ; but , knowing from experience what Bro . Harcourt was , and how arduous ancl energetic in the cause of Masonry , they might be assured that under his government the Lodge would prosper . He concluded by proposing " Tho W . M . of the Royal Alfred Lodge , " ( Cheers ) .

The AVorshipful Master in reply said , he always found it difficult to say much when speaking of himself . He sincerely intended faithfully to discharge his duties , and trusted his officers would do so likewise . He was well aware howmuch depended on himself , being also conscious that if anything went wrong , all blame rested on the Master , no matter what claims his business or profession had on his time . He should swerve from his duty did he not put the Lodge in a respectable position , but to achieve that , he reminded the brethren that they

should each and all aid him in his efforts . The Worshipful Master , after a brief pause again rose , and referred to thc practice of Masonry in cultivating the social virtues , especially hospitality , ancl spoke of his own experience in having made most valued friendships in Masonry . At this their first meeting they were honoured by many visitors , and he was pleased to have among them one who had shown much enthusiasm for the institution , and he therefore proposed " The Visitors , including the Rev . Bro . G . R . Portal . "

Bro . Portal in reply said , as a member of the neighbouring province , he was pleased to witness the opening of the new Lodge . Being resident in the vicinity , he had been looking for its opening , aud he was greatly pleased to see thc perfect state in which the Rov . il Alfred Lodge had been opened .

The "Worshipful Master again rose and said , it was not tho characteristic of Masons to forget old friends . In Bro . Francis he recognised one of long standing , and by whom he had been initiated into Masonry . Having hold for some years the same office as he ( Bro . Harcourt ) now filled , Bro . Francis was well known to the Brethren , and he had shown , by coming from a long distance , his readiness to assist in carrying out the new Lodge . He concluded by proposing " Bro . Francis , P . Deputy G . M . of the province . " Bro . Francisin acknowleding tho kind greeting with ivhich his name had been

, g received , said it was very pleasing to see thc Guildford Lodge restored . He referred to having been the means , twenty years back , of planting a Lodge there , but which , in spite of all their hopes , failed to receive support . It was now revived under the conduct of a most energetic brother—one whom ho mig ht claim as ono of his Masonic children—and one who , if properly supported , would be sure of making the Lodge prosperous . The health of Bro . Hughes , the newly initiated , ancl sonic others , followed , and

concluded the day ' s proceedings , which gave the greatest satisfaction to all present . The evening was enlivened by some glees well sung by Bros . Eduey and AVilliams , and the two laches . [ Can the statement , that the Misses Eduey assisted at the consecration , bo