Masonic Festivities.

T . C . Thompson , Esq . ; S . A . D . Shafto , Esq . ; J . AVharton , Esq ., and Dr . Holden . R . D . Shafto , Esq ., M . P ., has for some time past belonged to the Granby Lodge . George Elliot , Esq ., whose name has become famous throughout the world as a constructor of telegraph cables , has recently heen proposed a -member . It will be seen from these remarks that Freemasonry is becoming very popular in the city of Durham , and it is in consequence of tbe great accession of new members that it

has become necessary to provide a larger building than that "which the Granby Lodge at present possesses . The ball on Tuesday evening was one of the most successful gatherings which has taken place in the city of Durham for many years past . 337 persons were present , and the company included tbe representatives of the highest families in the county and neihbourhood . Tlie Masonic brethren were arrayed in the

g costume of their Order , and the great variety in the dresses produced a most brilliant effect . The provincial officers , with their splendid gold lace ancl embroidery , the members of the Royal Arch with their sashes and jewels , ancl the Knights of Malta and the Knight Templars , with their gorgeous decorations , gave a charm to the whole scene which will long be remembered by those who witnessed it . Military and naval

officers , volunteers , and deputy lieutenants wore their uniform , and the splendour of the ladies' dresses was most pleasing to heboid . One of the novelties of the evening was what is called a "Knight Templars Quadrille , " in which Alscmint JNewry , Mr . Brignall , jun-, Mr . Emra Holmes , anil Mr . Levy took part . The Knights appeared iu their insignia , and were arrayed in long white cloaks , bearing the cross of tbe order on

their left shoulder . This quadrille formed quite a distinguishinir -feature iu the evening ' s festivities , and was certainly the first of the kind Avhich has ever heen attempted in the city of Durham . The Town-hall requires little adornment at any time , and on this occasion the decorations wero not of an extensive character . Masonic symbols wero placed in different parts ofthe room , and a number of banners were bung along the panelling . These

included the banner of Mr , Fawcett , the Prov . G . M ., the banner of the late Lord Durham , and other banners belonging to tlie Granby Lodge . Flags belonging to the order of the Royal Arch were distributed in various parts of the hall . Two very

handsome bags , belonging to the secretary and treasurer of tbe province , having in front of each , wrought in gold needlework , the words "Audi , vide , et tace , " were lmnar on the north side of the room . A number of flags , lent by AV . L . AA'harton , Esq ., depended from the hammer beams . The erection of an orchestra near the door , and the removal of the platform from the . upper end of the hall , greatly added to the appearance of the room itselfand gave additional space for the dancers . On tbe

, orchestra Avere the words , " Temperance , Fortitude , Prudence , and Justice . " The body of the hall was tastefully adorned Avith evergreens skilfully arranged . The ball was opened about ten o ' clock hy Mr . Fawcett and the Duchess of Marlborough , to the trell known air of the " Keel Row . " During the early part of the evening , the ball room Avas much crowded ; but the supper and refreshment

¦ rooms afterwards drew off from time to time a portion of the company , and there was but little overcrowding during tbe remainder of the evening , Tbe prevailing fashion in ladies ball-room dresses is ill adapted to a crowded assembly , and many trains underwent a process of summary curtailment . All appe u-ed heartily to enjoy themselves , and the arrangements which had heen made hy the committee were of tbe most perfect

character . The supper , provided by Mr . Can- of the Half Moon Inn , was most excellent in quality , and the wants of the guests Avere promptly attended co by a large ancl efficient staff of waiters . Champagne and other wines were provided in abundance . Mr . Fawcett , Mr . R . D . Shafto , Mr . Mowbray , Mr . Henderson , and Mr . J . R . Davison , had each generously contributed a three dozen case of the best champagne . Other gentlemen

, we believe , also subscribed to the wine fund . Mr . George Green-Avell officiated as steward in the supper room , ancl he was most courteous and attentive in ministering to the comforts of the guests . The stewards of the evening who arranged and carried out the details were Messrs . John Thwaites , \ V . Brignal , AV . Stoker , T . Jones , AV . Henderson , Rev . F . Thompson , T . AVhite , C . Rowlandson \ VRFitzgeraldAVCBlackettJAVortley

, . . . . . , . , J . Young , and the Rev . G . R . Bulman . AVhen all worked together so cordiall y to promote the success of the ball , it would be invidious to single out any person for special commendation . The committee to a man laboured indefatigably , and to the very close of the ball their exertions Avere

Masonic Festivities.

unceasing . Mr . Bulman and Mr . Rowlandson acted as secretaries to the committee , and Mr . W . Henderson , Mr . J . Wharton , and Mr . J . Shafto officiated in the ball-room as masters of the ceremonies . AVe must not omit to mention the valuable services rendered by a committee of ladies , consisting of Mrs . Wm . Henderson , Mrs . A \ m . Stoker , Mrs . AV . R . Fitzgerald , and Mrs . T . Jones . To Mrs . Henderson , especially , the Masonic brethren are under the deepest obligationsfor to her

, unremitting labours as correspondent with the various county families the success of the ball is in a great measure attributable . The music was provided by Mr . 0 . Stimpson , and we have rarely heard a better quadrille band . The playing of a clever harpist was a great acquisition . The ball , which terminated about four o'clock , proved one

of the most delightful entertainments that has ever taken place in the city of Durham . We are glad to find that the Freemasons of the Granby Lodge , to whom those who participated in the pleasares of tbe evening are indebted for having been instrumental in effecting this ioyous gathering , will receive as the proceeds of the affair something like £ 100 .

MEETINGS OP THE SCIENTIFIC AND LEAENED SOCIETIES FOR THE WEEK ENDING JAN . 26 TH , 1867 . Monday , Jan . 21 sfc . —EOYAL UNITED SERVICE INSTITUTION , at 8 . Tuesday , Jan . 22 nd . —INSTITUTION or Oira ENGINEERS , at 8 . Wednesday , Jan . . 23 rd . —SOCIETY OP ARTS , at 8 . Wednesday , Jan . 23 rd . —GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY , at 8 .

The Week.

THE WEEK .

THE COURT . —The Queen walked out on the afternoon ofthe Oth inst ., accompanied by Miss M'Gregor , and attended by the Doirag-er Duciiess of A thole , and her Majesty drove on the morning of the 13 th inst ., with Princess Christian . The Queen and Princess Beatrice rode on ponies in the afternoon , attended by the Dowager Duchess of Athole , and her Majesty walked in the grounds on the morning , accompanied by Princess Louise .

The Queen drove to Newport in the afternoon , accompanied b Prince and Princess Christian and Princess Beatrice , and visited St . Thomas's Church . Her Majesty was received by the Rev . G . Connor . Her Majesty walked in the grounds on the morning of the 12 th inst ., accompanied by the Dowager Duchess of Athole and Miss M'Gregor . Tbe Queen drove out in the

afternoon , accompanied by Princess Christian . Her Majesty , Prince and Princess Christian , Princess Louise , Prince Leopold , and Princess Beatrice , attended Divine Service at Whippingham Church ov . the morning of the 13 th inst . Tbe Rev . G . Protheroi officiated . The Qneen and Princess Louise walked in the grounds and rode on ponies on the morning of the 12 th

inst-The Queen , accompanied by Princess Christian , drove out in the afternoon , attended by the Dowager Duchess of Athole , and her Majesty walked in the grounds on tbe morning of the loth inst ., with Princess Christian and Princess Louise , attended by the Hon . Emily Catheart . The Queen , accompanied by the Dowager Duchess of Athole and Miss M'Gregor , drove out in

the afternoon , mid her Majesty walked and drove in the morning of the lGth inst ., with Princess Christian . GENERAL HOME NEWS . —The return of tbe Registrar-General of the health of London for the week ending January 12 shows that the deaths exceed the average number ( corrected for the increase of population ) by 171 . Iu the previous week the deaths were 178 below the average , which makes the excess of mortality somewhat startling . Tne Registrar says it is "due to the cold