Provincial.

AVith a silver trowel , the Proviucial Grand Master next spread the mortar , aud fche upper stone ivas slowly lowered , the baud playing the national anthem . " ^ The stone having been proved by the plumb-rule , level , and square , the Provincial Grand Master gave three knocks on the stone AA'ith his mallet saying , in a loud and clear voice , " Icleclare this stone to be true . " The R . AV . Prov . Grand Master then said , "Ladies and gentlemen , ifc has given me very great pleasure to have had the honour this day of laying the first stone of a

school ivhich I hope may prove of benefit to this important town . I shall ever remember the event ivith great satisfaction , and I shall keep the handsome trowelivhich has this day been presented to me—as a pleasing memento of one of the brightest days of my life . ( Cheers . ) May the Great Architect of the universe enable us successfully to carry on aud finish the Avork of which we have noiv laid the corner-stone . May He , iu his mercy and goodness , permit this building to be erected to his honour and loryand to the praises of his most holy name .

g , ^ The mallet used on the occasion is highly prized by the Guy ' s Lodge of Freemasons , it having been used by the Hon . Charles Bertie Percy at tho laying the foundation stones of the Leamington Hospital on the 10 th of April , 1832 ; of Bishop Ryder ' s Church at Birmingham , by the Right Rev . R . J . Carr , Bishop of AVorcester , on the 23 rd of August , 1837 ; and of the Queen ' s Hospital afc Birmingham , by the Right Hon . Earl Howe , on the Sth of June , 1840 ; on all of which occasions the fraternity of Ancient Freemasons assisted . The mallet has three

inscriptions on silver , each of ivhich has been affixed after these interesting ceremonies . There is sufficient room left for a fourth inscription to chronicle the ceremony of ivhich Ave are Writing . At fche conclusion of the ceremouy , the Provincial Grand Master gave

instructions to the Treasurer to lay upon the stone a present to the workmen . The brethren then partook of a cold dinner at the Music Hall , at ivhich ivere also present many visitors not belonging to the Order . After the cloth had been removed and grace said by the vicar , The Prov . Grand Master gave in succession the healths of the Queen , the Prince Consort , and the royal family , which were enthusiastically received . The Prov . Grand Muster said the next toast he had to propose ivas one of a Masonic character . Neverthelesshe felt it would be well received by all present ,

, as it AA-as the health of a nobleman highly respected not only by Masons , bufc by society generally . A better man , or one more highly respected , did not exist than the Most AVorshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodgo of Eugland—the Earl of Zetland . Coupled Avith this toast , he would propose the health of his friend , Brother Elkiugton , ivho Avas a member of the Proviucial Grand Lodge of AA arwickshire , as well as a member of the Grand Lodge of England . Brother Elkington had taken a very active part in the proceedings of the day , and had been of great

assistance to him ( Lord Leigh . ) This toast ivas also drunk with musical honours . In responding , Brother Elkington regretted that he was the only member of the Grand Lodge of England present that day . He AVUS quite sure that the Earl of Zetland would never have been more gratified than ou that occasion , could he have been present . Had he been there to haye had his health drunk , aud that by some of the ladies of AVarwickshirehe ivould have been most gratified . The Masons

, were deeply indebted to the ladies for their presence there , and he trusted that that day ' s proceedings might lead to the establishment of a ladies' lodge in Warwickshire . They ivould , then , doubtless say that there was something more in Masonry than they had dreamed of before . The tune that had just been played was " the Entered Apprentice , " and part of one verse ran : —

' ' No mortal can more the ladies adore Than a free and an accepted Mason . " He was quite sure that this ivas one of the happiest days that had ever fallen to the lot of Masons—surrounded as they ivere by so many beautiful faces . Lord Leigh next proposed " The Vicar of Leamington and the clergy oi the diocese . " They ivere greatly indebted to the vicar for the use of the church , arid they were greatly indebted to the clergy in this province for their many acts oi :