Provincial.

Prov . S . G . AA . and Henry Miles , Prov . J . G . AV . ; Bros . H . H . Burchell Heme , C . H . Law , and Algernon Perkins , P . Prov , S . G . AVs . ; Bro . Thomas Rogers , Prov . G . Treas . ; Bro . John Sedgwick , Prov . G . See ., and several others . The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form ; the minutes of the preceding Grand Lodge were read and confirmed , and the Treasurer ' s accounts were passed . Bro . Thomas Rogers was unanimously re-elected Prov . Grand Treasurer .

The Provincial Grand Master then appointed and invested the officers for the year ensuing , viz ., Bro . Thomas Abel AVard , D . Prov . G . M . ; Bro . F . M , Shugar , of No . 712 , Prov . S . G . AA . ; Bro . Griffin , of No . 657 , Prov . J . G . AV . ; the Rev . Bro . E . Gambier Pym , of No . 657 , Prov . G . Chaplain ; Bro . George Francis , Prov . G . Reg ; Bro . Johu Sedgwick , Prov . G . Sec ; Bro . Charles Davey , Prov . S . G . D . ; Bro . Russell , Prov . J . G . D . ; Bro . Finch , Prov . G . Supt . of AVorks ; Bro . J . How , Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . ; Bro . J . Burton , Prov . G . S . B . ; Bro . Henry Isaacs , Prov . G . Org . ;

Bros . Humbert and AV . Rogers , Prov . G . Stewards . Bro . Thomas Rogers , the Prov . G . Treas ., and Bro . Thomas , the Prov . G . Tyler , were also re-invested . In pursuance of the notice iu the summons , Bro . Burchell Heme moved " That the sum of ten guineas be subscribed out of the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge to the Freemasons Boy School , and a like sum of ten guineas to the Girls School . " This motion was seconded by Bro . Ward , D . Prov . G . M . Bro . Francis suggested that the amounts were too large , taking into

consideration the state of the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge , and moved that two guineas to each of the schools be subscribed , which they might continue to increase in future years . This motion was seconded by Bro . Sedgwick , and Bro . Algernon Perkins recommended it as being really more beneficial to the charities . The amendment was then put , and lost by a majority of one , consequently the original motion was carried . An opinion was expressed , that next year a , similar , vote should be made in aid of the Aged and Distressed Masons' and the Widows '

Funds . The code of by-laws , as prepared by the committee , were then road by the Prov . G . Sec . aud adopted . All business being ended , the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed at five o ' clock , and the brethren re-assembled at the banquet ; the Prov . G . M . being surrounded by about forty brethren , chiefly of the AVatford and Berkhampstead Lodges . Tho accustomed toasts to the Queen , the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master were duly honouredaud then the Past and Present Grand Officersincluding a welcome

, , to their visitor , Bro . John Masson , P . G . S . B . _ Bro . Masson in returning thanks said he had entered Masonry forty-three years since ; and more than a quarter of a century ago the Duke of Sussex conferred office upon him . During that period many valued friends had passed to their long home , and their places he saw supplied by others , who , he was glad to find , continued to preserve the great principles of the institution . He was much gratified with all he had witnessed that dayand thanked the brethren for his kind tion

, recep . Bro . George Francis theu said he had permission to propose the toast of the evening , " The health of the Prov . Grand Master of Hertfordshire , " and he was sure he was speaking the sentiments of all present in referring to the high estimation in which their presiding officer was held in his province . He would , in few words and homely Euglish , propose the health of the Prov . Grand Master , aud prosperity to the province to which he did so much honour ; long might he continue to preside over it .

The Prov . Grand Master briefly acknowledged the compliment . He said it always afforded him great happiness to bo among them , and he hoped they might all meet again next year . In responding to the toast , " Tho Grand Officers of the Province , " Bro . Francis referred to the visit that they had paid to the Berkhampstead Lodge in April , when , in compliance with the Book of Constitutions , he had held out the hand of fellowship to those brethren , and as Master of the AVatford Lodge , had the pleasure of a return visit . It was the wish of the Prov . Grand Master aud his officers to have opportunities of visiting the other Lodges in course of the year .